Tone, values and inclusivity
AI drafts tend towards a generic corporate voice and can carry stereotypes from their training data. Your review should look for three things.
Inclusive language checklist
| Look for | Examples to avoid | Better |
|---|---|---|
| Gendered terms | “chairman”, “manpower”, “he/she” | “chair”, “workforce”, “they” |
| Gender-coded adjectives | “dominant”, “aggressive”, “competitive”, “ninja” | Describe the actual behaviour: “sets clear priorities”, “negotiates effectively” |
| Age-coded phrases | “digital native”, “recent graduate”, “young and energetic”, “mature” | State the skill: “comfortable learning new software” |
| Ableist wording | “must be able to stand all day” when not essential; “crazy busy” | State essential duties precisely; note that accommodations are available |
| Unnecessary barriers | Degree or “10 years’ experience” when not needed; “native English speaker” | “Equivalent experience”; “fluent in English” |
| Vague culture language | “culture fit”, “work hard, play hard” | Name specific values and behaviours |
| Idioms and local references | “hit the ground running”, “knock it out of the park” | Plain statements |
The idea that wording affects who applies has research behind it. A widely cited 2011 study by Gaucher, Friesen and Kay found that job advertisements using more masculine-coded wording were less appealing to women. A free tool based on that study, the Gender Decoder, checks a posting for coded words. Treat it as one input; it does not cover age, disability or other dimensions.
Reflecting values Values come across through specifics, not slogans. If Brightwater values safety, the onboarding guide shows it by putting safety training on day one and naming who to tell about a hazard. Instruct the model accordingly: “Show our value of safety through concrete actions in the schedule. Do not use the word ‘passionate’ or describe us as a family.”
Checking the model’s own assumptions
- Does the draft assume a particular country’s laws, holidays or benefits?
- Do examples and names reflect a narrow group?
- Does it assume a traditional family structure, or that everyone drives, drinks alcohol at social events, or celebrates the same holidays?
- Does it assume everyone works at a desk?
Jot down key ideas in your own words. Saves automatically.