Is It All in Your Name?

That some employers have a bias toward white job applicants is, unfortunately, hardly news. One study showed candidates with "white" sounding names were fifty percent more likely to be called in for an interview than candidates with "black" sounding names.
But, reports CNN Money, some folks claim there are other forms of bias as well. A name that's hard to pronounce, for example, may cause an employer to move on to the next resume. Or a celebrity-sounding name like, oh, say "Glenn Miller."
In fact, a real Glenn Miller spent four months searching for a job as a senior software engineer. Mr. Miller says his name "changes the tenor" of the interview and he feels he's not taken seriously. He surmounted this celebrity challenge, however, and found a job in fairly short order. Here is the picture he chose to submit to CNN Money:

Since Glenn has joined the ranks of the employed, he can afford to project a wind-blown-in-a-windbreaker look to the internet world.
Next, CNN highlights the plight of 27-year old Colleen Rzucidlo. She's been diligently searching for a public relations position for nine months, so far without success.
"While I certainly can't prove it, I often wonder if my last name hinders me when it comes to the job search process," she said. "Nobody knows how to say it -- that's a turn off. If they can't say my name they are not going to bother reading my résumé."
But, hey, some CNN coverage could be good press for Ms. Rzucidlo, since she's still job-hunting. Alas, here is the picture she submitted to CNN:Umm, Colleen? You're lovely dear, truly lovely, with an enviable figure. But this picture will not do you justice. It is not good "PR" for you.
Your bra is showing through, the shirt is a little dated tight, and the navel silhouette is a bit distracting. In my view, it simply doesn't inspire confidence in your PR savvy.
Fortunately for Colleen and other job seekers, CNN Money has human resources professor Christine Probett on hand to offer her brilliant insight. She says job seekers should focus on things they can control.
"For example, 'PartyDude@BeerU.Com' might project an image of someone who is not too business savvy," she said.
Wow. Who knew?

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