Racial discrimination and job search
I spoke with a mining industry candidate not too long ago. He asked my opinion on changing his name to something more "westernised" to improve his job search visibility. My answer?
❌ Don't change it. For many reasons.
Statistically speaking, yes, it has been found that applicants who change their foreign-sounding birth name to something more "local friendly" have greater chance of landing interviews and job offers. It's disappointing, (disgusting) and I for one refuse to encourage racial discrimination.
Practically and logically:
🤖 Improving your CV so that it's ATS-friendly is far more important. These systems won't be scanning for names, but rather locations, key words and required skills.
✒️ You won't receive an employment contract until after you've provided documents with your legal/birth name, anyway. If you're coming across a company or hiring manager who are going to discriminate, they still have the opportunity to withhold or retract an offer at this point.
🚀 It may work against you in the long run. Showing up in the world with congruence and integrity can skyrocket your career. Building trust and credibility begins early on. It is not something you can just buy from a course, but can be as simple as displaying your name with pride.
Personally, the best companies I've worked with have employed a diverse range of professionals and blue-collar workers. Research company values, connect with good people, and get involved with the community. You'll soon find out there are many more places you belong, than those who look at you as "different".
For job seekers all over the world, I provide this advice:
Your name isn't the issue. Your country of birth, nationality, colour of your skin, culture, traditions, gender identity, personal expression, relationship status, family size, or anything else that makes you who you are, is not the issue.
💞 Good people will see you, support you, and celebrate your success. Let them see who you are. Show up and share the value that you bring. Destroy judgement with resilience. Brighten dark places with your unique light. Every time that you do, your strength with grow, I promise you.
Your name is not the issue.
