Is your name a bottleneck?

It turns out this beautiful name of yours is being used as a weapon fashioned against you

Author

Oluwaseye Adesina
June 09, 2024

Hello, new local👋

In today’s Newsletter:

  • Is your name working against you?

  • Heatwave warning + other juicy updates

  • Top opportunities of the week

So picture this:

Your parents gave you a beautiful African name they're so proud of. Knowing us Africans, your name most definitely means something related to prosperity, wealth, faith or goodness.

Then you arrive in Canada, and it turns out this beautiful name of yours is being used as a weapon fashioned against you (I’m not laughing. You are).

It’s true. Name Bias is a thing. 

Studies have shown that applicants with names perceived as stereotypically African-American or Asian are less likely to be called back for interviews compared to applicants with white-sounding names with similar qualifications.

A colleague shared her experience with me — a new immigrant who just moved to Toronto from South Africa. She'd applied to over 100 jobs and never got to the interview stage. Stranded, broke, and about to return to her home country, a Canadian friend she met at church suggested she use her English name, Deborah, as her first name.

Guess what? Mthandeni never got a job offer in Canada, but apparently, Deborah did get one in about two months.

What’s the way forward?

Realistically, if you're pressed for time and cash, I'd say use your English name on your resume. However, here are some additional steps to take if you suspect your lack of a job in Canada is due to your name, not your qualifications:

  • Create a Double-Barreled Resume: This is not so ideal but the game is the game right? Consider creating a secondary resume with a more "Canadianized" name (e.g., middle or first name) alongside your African name. This can be used for initial applications but ensure you disclose your full name during the interview process.

  • Join Industry or Immigrant-Focused Professional Organizations: Attend networking events and connect with recruiters who specialize in placing immigrants. This way, you're going in with the support of a third-party advocate.

  • Understand the company culture and norms of the organisation you’re applying to. Some of these organisations don't care about your internalized patriotism. They just want Greg and Emily to apply not Chidinma and Lerato

  • Build a Strong Online Presence: Build a LinkedIn profile that showcases your skills and accomplishments. Include endorsements and recommendations from colleagues or past employers. Consider creating a portfolio website to display your work (if applicable).

  • Track Your Progress: Maintain a record of applications submitted and interview outcomes. Analyze trends and identify areas for improvement.

In all things, stay motivated. You’re in a new country with new rules and laws. You’ll get a hang of things as you go. 

Now tell me, have you ever experienced name bias during a job application process?

INSPIRE ✨

"I am so passionate about paying back and helping people become a better version of themselves because I believe everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves. It gives me joy”

Adebayo Ogunleye, an IT professional from Nigeria, faced job market barriers when he moved to New Brunswick in 2018. Overcoming these challenges, he now serves on key boards and mentors newcomers, helping them find jobs and housing. His dedication to supporting others fuels his passion for making a positive impact in his community.

COMMUNITY CORNER 🔗

Transitioning into Canadian professional life comes with its fair share of surprises. From workplace customs to everyday interactions, the cultural journey is full of eye-opening moments. As people who have navigated the rollercoaster of cultural transitions, we know firsthand how impactful those 'aha' moments can be.

We are eager to learn about your own experiences – the good, the bad, the unexpected, and the downright hilarious! Reach out to us below 👇

LOOK WHO’S HIRING! 💼

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HERE’S WHAT’S UP 🤝

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You definitely know someone else who’ll benefit from this newsletter 😌