Diversity and Inclusion Resume Samples and Writing Guide

For the past decades, more and more employers have started to recognize the importance of introducing diversity, equity, and inclusion practices into their operations. Just within 2016–2021, employee growth in the sector of was registered at over 60%. 

To secure a DEI job in a workplace that really cares about positive impact, you need a diversity and inclusion resume that shows your strongest sides, skills, and contributions. Let's take a look at how to write one.

This guide will show you: 

• A diversity and inclusion resume example better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write a diversity and inclusion resume that will land you more interviews.
• How to describe your experience on a resume for a diversity and inclusion manager to get any job you want.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a DEI resume.

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Diversity and Inclusion Resume Sample

Follow these simple steps to write a diversity and inclusion specialist resume:

1. Unify the Format of Your Diversity and Inclusion Resume

A diversity and inclusion manager is responsible for promoting and maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within an organization. A good diversity and inclusion resume reflects your expertise and shows how your vision aligns with the organization’s mission.

Any DEI resume starts with proper formatting:

• Map out the necessary resume sections (more on this below).
• Select a font for your resume (anything below 10 pts will be too small), and set equal margins and consistent spacing.
• Create a resume header containing your contact information.
• Go with the reverse-chronological resume format for experience and education.
• Try to keep your resume under one page. (Unless you have 10+ years of experience, a two-page resume will work.) 

Pro Tip: Research other resume formats if you’re writing for a non-average professional scenario—for example, a career change resume or one containing employment gaps. 

2. Take Time With Your Resume Objective or Resume Summary

Crafting a diversity statement for a company requires discretion and diligence. If done wrong, it can very much backfire, according to studies: a message lacking substance and sounding insincere does way more harm than good. 

The same applies to your diversity and inclusion resume summary. The opening statement you create for your resume should represent what you believe in, what you’ve achieved, and what you’d like to bring to the table for the potential future workplace—not just be a placeholder. 

To utilize this important “real estate” of your resume for diversity and inclusion jobs, do the following:

• Write a 3–4 sentence resume summary if you’re an experienced candidate, citing your most prominent accomplishments that match the expectations listed in the job description.
• Create a resume objective if you’re just entering the field, mentioning relevant transferable skills, education and training, volunteer experience, and your motivations. 

Writing an entry-level resume might require a slightly different approach. Check out this guide: 20+ Entry-Level Resume Tips

3. Target Your Diversity and Inclusion Resume Job Descriptions

Here are the job titles commonly found among diversity and inclusion jobs:

• Diversity and Inclusion Manager/Diversity Manager/DEI Manager
• Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
• Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator 
• Director of Diversity and Inclusion 
• VP of Diversity And Inclusion
• Diversity Consultant
• Culture Diversity Inclusion Manager

While the responsibilities vary, the framework for crafting the job descriptions for a diversity and inclusion resume will be similar: 

• Analyze the job ad carefully to identify resume keywords, required skills, potential duties, and any other details that shape what the employer is looking for.
• Brainstorm the professional achievements from your previous jobs that match the above.
• Mention volunteering, apprenticeships, and other unpaid employment if it provided relevant experience (pivotal for entry-level diversity and inclusion jobs).
• Draft your resume bullet points, 2–6 for each job (including a Key Achievement). 
• Start each with an action verb or power word, and focus on your work's measurable impact and numerical value (i.e., results > tasks).

Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to tailor your resume to each position you’re applying for. 

4. Don’t Forget the Education Section 

Many DEI jobs rely on Human Resources, Personnel Management, or Business Administration degrees. No matter the area, it’s recommended to start the education section of your resume with the final (highest) level of studies, going backward (e.g., Masters, then Bachelors). 

To list education on your diversity and inclusion specialist resume, go this way:

• Add the name of your degree and university, location, and dates studied.
• Reference majors and minors, if relevant. 
• Make up for lack of experience (in entry-level candidates or resumes for internships) by listing significant academic successes and projects. 

Creating a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide and use content from Certified Professional Resume Writers to have a resume ready in minutes.

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5. Pick Out the Right Soft and Hard Skills

A peculiar feature of diversity, equity, and inclusion jobs is that they heavily rely on soft skills as opposed to hard skills. Because they are more difficult to measure, they have to be supported by your work experience section and training. 

All in all, the diversity and inclusion skills on a resume should include both crucial soft skills (like an ability to manage uncomfortable topics such as politics or people skills) and job-specific hard skills (software, regulations, and similar). 

Diversity and Inclusion Resume Sample: Skills

• Managing D&I programs and initiatives
• Employee training & education
• Project management
• Event planning
• Knowledge of EEO laws and regulations
• Knowledge of global trends
• Knowledge of ATS software
• Community outreach
• Leadership skills
• Effective communication

Pro Tip: Make sure all parts of your resume work in sync, but don’t repeat one another. For example, your professional statement (i.e., summary or objective) has to be verified by the job descriptions but not use the same ideas and wording. The same applies to professional skills.

6. Add Other Sections Relevant to Diversity and Inclusion Jobs

There are many ways to mention diversity and inclusion on a resume, and one of them is through additional information. 

Here are some ideas for the extra sections of your diversity manager resume: 

• D&I certifications and other credentials
• Side projects that have special significance
• Volunteer and pro bono work
• Language skills

Would you like to get some more general information about resume-writing best practices? Read our guide: How to Make a Great Resume, Step by Step 

7. Write a Complementary Cover Letter

Do you even need a cover letter? You do if: 

• The job ad specifically asks for one.
• You want to strengthen your diversity and inclusion resume by providing more insight into your experience and values. 
• You’d like to introduce yourself to the hiring manager on a more personal level or add some essential details that the resume has no space for.

Here are the things to consider when writing a diversity and inclusion cover letter:

• Keep the cover letter formatting consistent with your resume.
• Begin your cover letter with a statement that gets straight to the point and provides value.
• Share your ideas for what actually works, based on your professional experience, to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace—and how this could be achieved in your new role.
• End your cover letter with a call to action, suggesting the next steps.

Read more: How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Done? Proofread your diversity and inclusion resume, and you’re ready to send.

If you have any additional tips or thoughts about how to make a great diversity and inclusion resume, please share them with us! We’ll be happy to hear from you in the comments below.

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