Want a better career? Change your name.
“How does my name affect my career search?”
Numerous studies (see below) prove that your name plays a big part in getting a callback or interview from a potential employer.
Like-for-like, Jane Smith or John Smith’s résumé will always be chosen over José Ramirez or Maggie Zhu’s, in the Western world.
It’s not right.
It’s not fair.
It’s just the way it is.
HOW TO OVERCOME THIS:
If you think your name is affecting your search negatively, choose an anglicised professional name for your résumé and online presence. This is particularly important in the UK, North America, Australia and New Zealand. For other countries, choose the Jane Smith equivalent.
For the record, I’m not saying change your legal name but what I am saying is to consider using a professional name for your résumé and your LinkedIn profile during your search.
Be Joe Ramirez or Joe Ramsay or Maggie Zane or whatever is appropriate or compelling to you. I would, however, recommend that you keep it similar to your actual name.
Heck, I changed my surname from “Sung” to “Struan” during a search (yes, my name was Sam Sung). Take a page from the stars of Hollywood who chose stage names to further their career and probably wouldn’t have “made a name for themselves” if it wasn’t for the fact they literally made a name for themselves.
The same can apply to your career.
Not convinced? Here are some examples:
The above list is actually a screenshot of the draft I typed up on LinkedIn Publishing. Those red dots you’re seeing are not my doing — it’s LinkedIn’s spellcheck flagging up their surnames.
Hilarious, right?
Not really when it comes to your livelihood.
I’m not saying make sure your name passes a spellcheck but the truth is, some hiring managers view your name the same way a spellcheck might — as a red flag.
Using a professional name is about levelling the playing field and getting a fair chance to interview.
Once you’re at the offer stage or in the door of a company you can ask to use your legal name for official purposes or if you feel that your career would benefit from a new professional name, stick with it.
It’s not that all hiring authorities or HR professionals are ignoramuses; it’s often about saving time and unfortunately snap judgements are made about communication skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit when it comes to your name.
Still not convinced? Read the following:
He Dropped One Letter In His Name While Applying For Jobs, And The Responses Rolled In
‘Resume whitening’ doubles callbacks for minority job candidates, study finds
New Study Confirms Depressing Truth About Names And Racial Bias
Have a Foreign-Sounding Name? Change it to Get a Job
How an ethnic-sounding name may affect the job hunt
13 surprising ways your name affects your success
Celebrities Whose Real Names Will Surprise You
Good luck.
Sam
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Sam is a Recruiter, Résumé Writer and Salary Negotiation Coach. He has recruited at executive search firms and led talent acquisition teams for rapidly-growing global tech companies. Visit simplesalarynegotiation.com for a free lesson on how top performers land interviews and negotiate 30–60% more. You can also find him on LinkedIn
