Your Job Postings Might Be Turning Away Great Candidates — Here's How
We've all seen them. The job ads promise a "fast-paced environment" in search of a "rockstar" ready to "hit the ground running." Beyond the eye-rolling corporate clichés, new research suggests this kind of language may actually be doing real damage — specifically by discouraging people with disabilities from ever hitting "apply."
What the Research Found
A study led by psychology researcher Melissa D. Pike at the University of Guelph examined nearly 1,900 job postings from the U.S. and Canada. The findings were striking: over 84% of listings contained language that could be considered ableist — phrases like "blind spots," "jump in with both feet," or "getting a leg up." Most of it is unintentional, but harmful nonetheless.
Meanwhile, only 19% of postings included equal employment opportunity language, and just 9% mentioned disability accommodations at all.
When researchers tested how this language actually affects job seekers, the pattern was clear. Ableist phrasing made candidates — both with and without disabilities — feel less inclined to apply. Inclusive language had the opposite effect.
Why This Is a Business Problem, Not Just an Ethics Problem
About 16% of the global population lives with a disability, and most people will experience one at some point in their lives. That's a significant talent pool that ableist job ads are quietly pushing away.
Diverse candidates are diverse in every other way too — in skills, creativity, and potential. When your language signals that someone might not belong before they've even introduced themselves, you're not being selective. You're just being shortsighted.
There's also a reputational dimension. In an era when workers increasingly care about company culture, ableist language in a job posting sends a signal that extends well beyond the hiring process.
The Fix Is Simpler Than You Think
Pike puts it plainly: "Ableism is really ingrained in a lot of the words we use without us realizing it." The solution isn't a complete overhaul — it's just a little more intentionality. Read your postings with fresh eyes. Describe what the job actually requires. Mention that accommodations are available.
As a bonus? Ditching the corporate jargon tends to make your postings more human, more direct, and frankly more appealing to everyone.