Ask an HR Pro: How Do I Write an Equal Opportunity Employer Statement?

According to iHire’s 2023 State of Online Recruiting Report, only 21.5% of employers include an equal opportunity employer (EOE) statement or DEI information on their job postings. Additionally, that number is down 27.6% year-over-year. While EOE statements (also called equal employment opportunity or EEO statements) are not required for every company, they are a good way to show that your organization values diversity, thus attracting a wider pool of candidates.

EEO statements don’t have to be complex, but if you’ve never written one it can seem intimidating. In this Ask an HR Pro, we talk with Lisa Shuster, iHire’s Chief People Officer, about how to write an EEO statement you can include in your job postings.

What Is an EEO Statement?

Before you get to writing, you should understand what an equal opportunity employer statement is, and who is required to have them.

“An EEO statement in a job ad is a short declaration, usually near the end of the ad, where you let job seekers know you follow the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s policies on diversity and inclusion in the workplace,” Shuster said.

In the U.S., the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws that make it illegal for companies to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee for a variety of reasons (race, sex, origin, age, etc.). Every company with more than 15 employees is legally obligated to follow those regulations, but not every company needs an EEO statement.

“Only federal contractors or subcontractors are required to have an EEO statement in job postings,” Shuster continued. “But, even if you’re not required to have one, including it tells prospective employees that you are dedicated to fair hiring practices.”

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How to Write an EEO Statement

If you’re unsure how to write an EEO statement, Shuster has good news: there’s no set-in-stone formula you need to follow.

“EEO statements can be short and sweet, or they can be longer,” Shuster explained. “There are some general points you’ll want to hit, but for the most part, you can write an EEO statement on a job posting however you like. Regardless of how you write it, it signals that your company wants diversity and that you are an inclusive employer.”

So, what are those general points to include then? Shuster gave these categories:

Non-Discrimination Assurance: Make it clear that your company does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected characteristic. That includes race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more.
Scope of Application: Specify that the EEO policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, and benefits and compensation.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Emphasize your organization’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
Legal Compliance: Mention that your company abides by federal, state, and local laws governing EEO in employment.
Accessibility: State that your organization is committed to making the application process accessible to individuals with disabilities and provide a point of contact for accommodation requests.

“You don’t have to go in depth on all of those points,” Shuster said. “In fact, many employers opt to simply include a variation of ‘We are an Equal Opportunity Employer’ as their statement. That’s fine, but including more details will better demonstrate your commitment."

Shuster said you should also make sure your EEO statement is written in your company’s brand voice to help it sound sincere and not like you’re just checking off the boxes. Keep reading to see some sample EEO statements for inspiration.

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Sample EEO Statements for Job Postings

Use the following EEO statements from real companies to give you an idea of how to write your own. We’ve included a general statement template at the end to help.

iHire’s EEO Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

DEI Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our clients and communities. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, people of all ages, and veterans to apply. We are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

U.S. Federal Government EEO Statement:

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Google’s EEO Statement:

At Google, we don’t just accept difference - we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products and our community. Google is an equal opportunity employer. Employment at Google is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Google does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.

It is Google's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. The Company's EEO policy, as well as its affirmative action obligations, includes the full & complete support of the Company, including its Chief Executive Officer. Because it's just the right thing to do. We hope you think so, too.

Meta’s EEO Statement:

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. We may use your information to maintain the safety and security of Meta, its employees, and others as required or permitted by law. You may view Meta's Pay Transparency Policy, Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law notice, and Notice to Applicants for Employment and Employees by clicking on their corresponding links. Additionally, Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment. You may view Meta's Notice Regarding Automated Employment Decision Tools here.

Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at accommodations-ext@fb.com.

General Sample:

[Your company] is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

[Your Company] believes that diversity and inclusion among our employees is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Employment at [Your Company] is based on merit, competence, and qualifications, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities for training and advancement for all employees. [Your Company] is also committed to making our application process accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

To get more insights into today’s talent acquisition trends, download iHire’s 2023 State of Online Recruiting Report. And for more answers to your HR questions, check out our library of Ask an HR Pro articles in our Employer Resource Center.