Gay jobseekers guide

Stonewall has published a jobseekers guide for the estimated 150,000 gay and lesbian students. As a university careers adviser, I think this is a good step, but in reality, a person's sexuality has no bearing on their ability to do a job. I recognise that for many graduate job seekers, being 'out' in a new job is probably a scary thought, and the employers who are showcased in the guide, are ones that genuinely support gay staff, and I hope that in future years more employers will actively encourage applications from gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered graduates.

But, as a professional, I would also offer this advice - if your sexuality has no bearing on your ability to do the job, don't make an issue of it. If you feel that as a gay graduate, you need support within the workplace to help you to grow in confidence, by all means apply to an organisation that is open and honest, and has a positive view of your sexuality. As to interview tips - the same applies to a gay/lesbian graduate as to any other graduate jobseeker - be prepared, be professional, be honest, and back up your claims with evidence to prove it.

Stonewall publishes guide for gay jobseekers