8 Tips to Navigate the Job Hunt as a Transgender Woman

We won’t pretend it’s an easy time to be applying for jobs as a trans person right now. In fact, it's fair to say you're job hunting in a moment of extreme contradiction, with the sharp rise in anti-trans legislation, rhetoric, and workplace discrimination that’s impossible to ignore.

A 2024 McKinsey report confirmed what many trans women already know firsthand: Trans adults are twice as likely to be unemployed, even though they're just as likely to hold a college degree as cis folks. The report also shows that when trans folks do find jobs, they’re often underpaid and under-promoted.

So, is it harder for trans people to get jobs? Unfortunately, yes. Does it have anything to do with your value or your potential? Absolutely not. You are capable, qualified, and fully deserving of a job that respects your expertise and your identity. 

This article isn’t just about finding work. It’s about claiming space and building the career you deserve. Let’s talk strategy for finding a job as a trans woman.

Finding a company that actually walks the walk

The term “trans-friendly jobs” gets tossed around a lot—but how do you spot the real thing?

1. Start with a trusted trans job board

First of all, you are entitled to apply to any job you want. But you can also skip the LinkedIn scroll spiral and take a more assertive approach when heading to places built for you:

• Trans Employment Program (TEP): Coaching, employer advocacy, and a trans-affirming network

• TransWork: A career connection program for trans and gender-nonconforming folks

• Trans Can Work: They pair job seekers with inclusive employers actively working to create safe spaces

These platforms screen employers and offer tailored support to candidates so you’re not in this alone.

2. Do a vibe check on the company

“Trans-friendly jobs” should mean more than a rainbow logo in June. When you're looking for jobs for trans women, go deeper:

• Do they list gender identity in their nondiscrimination policy?

• Are healthcare benefits explicitly trans-inclusive?

• Do they have ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) for LGBTQ+ folks?

• Are there visible trans employees in leadership—or any trans employees?

Look for this info in company diversity reports, on their careers page, or even on sites like Glassdoor, where current and former employees speak up.

Polishing your application materials (without compromising who you are)

Found a job posting you're interested in? Here's what to do next.

3. Use your preferred name—period

A common question is, “Can I put my preferred name on my job application?” Yes, absolutely. It’s your name. Use it on your resume, cover letter, email address—everywhere. 

Your job materials should reflect who you are now. If you’re concerned about background checks or references that might show your legal name, a simple note like: “Preferred Name: Avery James | Legal Name: [X] for HR purposes only” can do the trick. Plus, background checks always provide space to list alternate names or aliases, so you will have an opportunity to share that if necessary.

What about pronouns? 

Including your pronouns (e.g., she/her) on your resume or LinkedIn profile isn’t required, but it can be affirming—and it lets you take control of how you’re addressed. If you feel safe doing so, go for it.

Read this next: 6 Ways to Convey Your Gender Pronoun on Job Applications

4. Don’t let “diversity forms” trip you up

You might see optional forms during the application asking about gender identity. If you’re wondering whether to disclose, here’s the deal: You don’t have to, and your job application shouldn’t center around your identity anyway. 

“There may be more advantages for trans individuals to be stealth about their gender identity,” says Rachel Hulstein-Lowe, a licensed therapist and clinical social worker who specializes in gender diversity. “In many, if not most employment environments, an individual’s gender identity is irrelevant to the job and should be considered private information.”

This isn’t about secrecy—it’s about focus. Your gender isn’t the point. Your skills and qualifications are.

Interviewing like the boss you are

5. Prepare for questions you shouldn’t be asked

You might get hit with inappropriate questions like “What’s your real name?” (Yes, really. People still do this.) If you experience discrimination of any form, you can choose to correct the interviewer, redirect the question, or end the interview. 

If you choose to redirect, a simple and confident, “That’s not related to the role—can we talk more about how I’d approach this team’s goals?” is professional and sets a boundary.

“I would add that if this behavior happens to the trans individual as a job candidate, it doesn’t bode well for the treatment they would receive as an employee,” Hulstein-Lowe says. 

6. Focus on what you bring to the table

Remind yourself: You’re not just “applying for jobs as a trans person.” You’re applying as a creative, resilient, experienced professional. Center your talents and accomplishments, not your identity.

If you get the vibe that a company is overly focused on “how inclusive” they are toward you, that can be a red flag. You don’t want to be their token. You want to be respected for your work.

Thriving at work once you get the offer

Congratulations on landing your new job! Finding a job as a trans woman in a conservative industry is something to be celebrated, so make sure you make these moves to bring others to the top with you.

7. Check the policies—then check the culture

Even companies with solid HR policies can fall short in practice. Once hired, see if people respect your pronouns, if you’re being included in real opportunities, and whether your ideas are taken seriously. If something feels off, you’re allowed to speak up—or make a plan to pivot elsewhere.

8. Connect with other trans professionals

If your company has an LGBTQ+ employee group, join it. If it doesn’t, look outside—online communities, alumni groups, trans mentoring programs. “That way, if something happens that is discriminatory, harassing, or bullying in nature, you'll have someone who can advocate with and for you,” Hulstein-Lowe says. Talking to people who’ve been there can make a big difference when you’re navigating microaggressions or advocating for change.

You belong in every room

Let’s get one thing straight: The problem is never that you’re trans. The problem is the systemic bias that exists against trans folks. You shouldn’t have to justify your identity to get a job—and you don’t have to.

So whether you're looking for trans friendly jobs or trying to get promoted where you already are, know that you deserve a career that respects your identity, values your talent, and pays you what you're worth. The job market isn’t always fair, but your presence in it is powerful—and necessary. You’re not just looking for a job. You’re building your future. And you’ve got this.

Read this next: How to Thrive as a Transgender Person in the Workplace