What’s in a Name?

CNN reports on whether your name affects your odds in getting a job.  Interestingly enough, it doesn’t just focus on African American sounding names (though I hate even describing some of the names we name our children as African American), it also delves into perceptions based on Hispanic surnames (would-be employers assuming they speak Spanish or questioning their immigration status) and difficult to pronounce names as well.

Though it is CLEARLY illegal to use someone’s name as a part of the decision-making process, it doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.

CNN notes:

…résumés with white-sounding names have a 50% greater chance of receiving a callback when compared to those with African American names, according to a study performed for the National Bureau of Economic Research by the University of Chicago’s Marianne Bertrand and Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sendhil Mullaina.

Many job seekers agree. Nakores Sameita, 26, believes her ethnic-sounding name works against her. The former credit analyst for Chrysler was laid off in June and recently decided to go back to school for a masters in finance because her job search has been fruitless.

Hiring managers often question her immigration status, Sameita said. “I’ve had a couple of interviews and the first thing they mention is my name and ask me where I’m from,” says the Kansas City resident, originally from Kenya. “Even though I’m a citizen it puts me at a disadvantage,” she said.

Parents: Does this play into your decision process when naming your child?  How they will be perceived in school or the job market?

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