Engrish Betta! – New study shows job applicants with English names fair better
May 21st, 2009 | By Kiwi | Category: Feature, WorkplaceIf you go to my “About Me” page you’ll see a rant about me not being able to find an Engineering job after graduation. One of the reasons I had offered was the fact that my real name is too difficult to pronounce. Sure that was a just a speculation… but today a new study by UBC confirmed that.
6,000 mock resume was drafted and posted to online job sites across 20 job categories in the Toronto area. Although the resumes had identical qualifications, ones baring English names such as John Smith had a much higher rate of call backs. That’s 40% higher to be exact.
OUCH! In this tough job market, and given the fact that Canada has such a diverse population of ethinicity how can companies still do this??
Granted, I must agree that it must be embarassing for a manager or hiring executive to struggle with the name when calling a potential hire. So, to make themselves look better.. they just don’t try. So, I think the real conclusion is that people are inately racist, and lazy (or lack real effort). Sure, don’t admit it. You know I’m right though.
I guess if you’re looking for a job still and your names resembles the sounds make when banging pots and pans together, it’s time to think of the next step. Which, I’m just gonna go do right about now. That’s right… a name change.
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