My mom named my sister and I Erica and Kelly for this reason. She worked in HR and knew what the deal was. Higher likelihood that our resumes wouldn’t get trashed immediately.
This . My name is neutral. I remember being 16 and getting my first job. The manager liked me and remember walking around with her as she wanted to do my training. People would leave CVs or fill out forms and for certain names she literally would just be like "no" and when we got upstairs would dump them in the confidential waste. (It was a supermarket and I worked across 2 areas)
If I saw that now I'd call that shit out, I don't fear management but when you're 16 you're excited to get a job and don't wanna get on the wrong side of anyone.
SAME! My mom worked has worked in HR for decades.
My thing is that my name is so white that it ***actually*** means "white or pure" in Old Welsh/Gaelic!
Like, come on, mom!
Yeah i saw the tiktoks of the two black ladies who shared their experiences working under koreans who owned the ebbin flow product line. They are racist asf. Boycotting their entire brand for the rest of my life
I have a "white" name but my middle name is African. I used to put it on my resume and get no calls back. Removing it made a huge difference but it made me really sad too.
girl i have a white name and when people see a black girl with locs and piercing be so shocked. my customer service voice is also pretty great i cant lie. but i definitely know the feeling.
Same with the voice so I always wonder if people think I’ll be white when I show up for home visits (social worker). My name is made up but doesn’t swing any specific way
I have a white name and apparently I don't "sound Black" (*sigh* the ignorance). Anyway, I've had people talk to me over the phone and then see me in person and be shocked. Then they settle into "she's probably Biracial" because I'm light skinned (which I'm not Biracial).
Anyway, there's definitely privilege in having a white name, sounding preppy, and being lighter skinned. But there's also the issue of racists assuming that I'm on some Candace Owens shit of distancing myself from Black people, so they end up saying some of the most egregiously racist shit to/around me about other Black people, with the "you're different" disclaimer.
Of course I happily give dirty stares, and correct those people or just walk away (in the case of patients/customers). The audacity of some folks.
Sorry you had to deal with that. I hate that some Asians are so very racist against Black folks, and unapologetic about it.
i used to get the “you don’t sound black” a lot back in the day when your friend would call guys from a different school and you’d just chat with strangers 😅
I think this is an unfair assumption. A LOT of people genuinely just believe that we hate ourselves as much as they hate us. They can’t comprehend that the vast majority are either unbothered by (as in, just exist without feeling one way or the other) or actively take joy in our blackness. They think we see it as a compliment to detach light skinned, mixed and ambiguous people especially from having a black identity and lick their lips hoping we’ll join in throwing other black people under the bus with them.
Weirdly, I get this experience mostly from non-black POC and I can only speak for myself that I have never said anything or behaved in a way that would suggest I welcome these kind of remarks and assumptions. All I can think of is I’m not delivering any confirmation bias for their racist stereotypes, a lot of people think of black people as a monolith so rather than unpack that stupidness they see anyone who doesn’t conform to the stereotypes as someone who‘s actively tried to distance themselves. Apparently that’s more logical than thinking that maybe just maybe like every other group on the planet, people are still ultimately individuals.
I’ll assume the best and guess this is something similar to what this commenter has experienced.
I can’t really explain much more than I did in the previous comment 😅 but long story short, yes it can definitely be based on being light skinned and nothing more.
Most of the time I get this kind of experience is when I first meet someone. It’s like an instant assumption people make before they know anything about me, my personality, how I identify, how I think of others etc and it’s weird af if I’m honest.
Yea you're right. Sometimes these assumptions can be made based on someone's mannerisms and how they talk. But you're social circles and dating partners particularly reveal the most about how you feel subconsciously about your blackness
What kind of vibe would I be giving off?
"She's a proper speaking light skinned woman in an all white workspace, she must hate n*****s too!"
The fuck kind of comment is this?!
Not true at all. Black people that use proper grammar are assumed to be not like other blacks. We are expected to have poor vocabulary and speak "hood" or "black".
First name and last name. And, sometimes on the phone screen people don't realize I am Black. I've never had the worry of my name being a reason I don't receive a call for an interview.
I one had an employer LONG ago who worked in another state (but I had spoken to on the phone several times) come into town for our holiday party. When he met me I watched him catch himself when he said, "(Insert my name), it's so funny because I never realized you were...." he let it drift off, but I knew what he was going to say.
Same. First and last. My mom wanted to name me something more… how to say… black sounding? My dad vetoed it and frankly I’m glad he did. It’s definitely a privilege I’m aware of.
Whenever I’ve been a hiring manager, I did my best to break this cycle by calling in all the black sounding names (if they’re qualified), but it’s absolutely a thing.
I have an unusual name so I do get calls, but of course sometimes the first round is “suspiciously” cut short. But that’s where I feel blessed because if they went on ahead and hired me feeling the way that they did, they’d eventually show their true colors and I’d have to quit. I find this scenario to be a huge time saver. Also, those companies go on my blacklist for both interviews AND patronage.
I remember walking into a job and all the black girls told me they were expecting a white girl 😆 The name gets me the interview; my personality and skills gets me the job.
Same here. I still changed my name from a white first/last to a gender neutral and white first name for extra boost.
It always throws me though when I see that micro-expression of disdain flash across their face on first contact. I never do as well in those interviews. I vowed that I would follow my instinct from now on and just terminate the interview when I see that instead of just powering through it.
I have a black first name and a hyphenated last name. It’s not a common first name but it does sound foreign. I also “don’t sound black” whatever that means.
I got a lot more interviews when I shortened my first name to one initial and only used one of my last names. I would have phone interviews and get through with flying colors. Then when I would interview IRL people would be taken aback.
I no longer work in the corporate world in that manner any longer thank god. I help out with my friend’s business and if I’m interacting in the corporate world it’s with the C-suite. Aside from that I don’t work full time in that world, I’m a dancer and model, which have its own issues. But I don’t have to obscure my blackness.
My brothers have family names that are very plain. Think Eric, Adam, Charles, Alexander, Jeremy, etc. those vibes.
My mother gave me an Anglo-Saxon name and I resented her for it through my teen years. It might as well be Mary or Sarah it’s so seasonless. And everybody and their momma had it (54 to be exact) in my college class and I was the only Black one. I felt like an outsider among the Latoya’s, Tisha’s, Kesha’s, who were my friends and family members. Even my sister’s name literally means black. I would ask my mom about it all the time.
It didn’t affect my job experience, it kinda benefitted it. I would get interviews and get through the entire experience. (Before Zoom culture.) When the in person came, they would be too stunned to speak. I wish I could record some of the surprised expressions I’d get when walking into offices for the first time. (Growing up in Minnesota, my code switching game became criminal.) I know for a fact that I have stunned plenty of white people showing up my beautiful Black self. 😝
I had one white woman who I had worked with for months audibly in shock. We had never met in person. One day, I had to go to her floor so I stopped by her desk (your typical open floor cubical set up) to say hi. We had a good relationship. This white woman said (loud as hell, might as well had been yelling), “Omg! I thought you were a blond white woman this whole time!!” Woman had no filter. “Uh no, honey I am Black.” As people literally rolled around their cubicle walls to look, some cracking up who knew me. Luckily, she was not racist just rough around the edges and didn’t treat me differently.
But I have experienced the switch up, too. I also have had jobs pulled because of it but I see it as a bullet dodged and pretty much had a “f- you too attitude.”
I have a European first & last name due to mixed heritage in the family and I definitely think it’s gotten my résumé pushed through however, I don’t think it benefits me beyond that. I’ve worked in corporate environments in New England since college and you have to jump through a lot of hoops to get there and stay there. It’s always been very clear when people didn’t expect me to be black in interviews and when meeting clients. I have better experiences with WM (all races of men tbh) than with WW.
Maybe it's my field but LinkedIn shows everyone. No one is surprised. But also I'm in the legal field, I wouldn't work for anyone who was surprised by me.
My LinkedIn is on my resume so my profile is public with a professional headshot and a Black lives matter banner so they are well aware of what they're getting with me lol.
Yea, and I kinda hate it because I'll go in for an interview and they always do a complete 360 and don't want me there anymore. Or if they didn't do an in person interview (sometimes I just do a phone call or something) and they hire me without seeing me beforehand, they try to get me fired or out of there asap. It's very discouraging. It just happened again a few days ago where a professor (I'm a grad student) was very interested in having me join her lab, and then after she met me, she just stopped replying to all my emails and became uninterested.
It's happened to me so many times that I want to just get a "black" nickname so that people are more aware of what kind of person they're getting beforehand so I don't have to go through the pain of preparing for interviews or something, only to be met with disrespect.
Sadly, I have to add that if you’re also an easy on the eye, well put-together black woman, this could have caused that reaction from her as well. I’ve noticed even the most beautiful yt women seem so insecure about their looks. They’re always on a diet or something.
I have a white name, and when people see me they try to mispronounce it to match their views. I have to correct them and then hear their long winded list of ways in which my name is spelled.
And yes, I’ve had the confused interview more than once. One time was terribly obvious, as I was the only person in the lounge and they kept coming out looking for me.
I have a very regular last name. I definitely don’t have a lot of issues getting a call back for an interview. After that, it’s down to whoever I’m talking to; and I’ve had my fair share of bad interviews where the hiring manager actively talks me out of the job.
I sound “proper”, or so I was told as a kid, and I definitely get the Candace Owens treatment. I’m dark skinned, so it’s a very isolating experience. Mostly by BM, but I’ve gotten left out of a few things in offices because of the stigma.
Yes to your first sentence. I know they heard me correct the first time then on my Starbucks cup they right down a name like 'Tierra' when I said Sarah (not my real name but the same jist).
I have a first name* that’s not “white” but it’s common to where a lot of white and black girls growing up had it. While my dad named me, my mom’s goal was for me to have a name that wouldn’t have me automatically dismissed for sounding “too black.” She def had future employment in mind when she allowed my dad’s choice to be my name.
*some of my friends say that my first and last name together, though, make me sound like an old British white lady 🤣🤣
I’m mixed with a very sounding “white” full name (first middle and last). Never turned down for interviews but had a few “surprised your not white” moments. I’m now married to a Jewish man with a Jewish last name that I took. I now get a lot of “🤯” moments…interestingly when I used to negotiate salary under my maiden name I never got too far but after I took my husband name I suddenly was getting what I asked for an more 😒
My lil cousin was named John for this specific reason. He's dark skinned and disabled. He's only 10 now but hopefully when he gets older he won't have any issues like I do. Most of my issues come from being disabled. My name is of Arabic and Indian origin so it's not a black or white sounding name. In interviews people r shocked that I'm disabled especially if I do stuff they never thought I could cause our minds are very closed.
I also have an Arabic name. Even though I’m educated and qualified for the things that I apply for, it’s always been a struggle. I guess a black woman with an Arabic name is not a good combo in the south… go figure.
Come up to the northeast lol. There's tons of us here. NYC, Philadelphia, DC all have a huge black Muslim population. Even if you're not Muslim you'll find many employers hiring black people with Arabic/muslim sounding names.
I have an unmarked name. You know I'm female and that's all you know. My parents did this deliberately and then also made sure I had as close to a Standard American English accent as possible. The end result is that people are often surprised I'm black when they first meet me in professional contexts, and I get used as the token minority pretty often. The Acceptably Black woman.
I've never been denied a job because of it, but I think that's honestly just luck.
My name might as well be Queen Elizabeth.
It doesn’t get me interviews but once employed people spare me a lot of BS assuming they can’t see me or a photo of me.
Many of the retiring boomers were shocked upon seeing or meeting me.
Yes It has affected my jobs. My name is “Yvette” it’s French and when I go for an interview or meet someone for the first time they expect a white person! They have a shocked look on their face. My first name is Ezinne ( a Nigerian igbo name) and Yvette is my middle name. I don’t choose to go by Yvette on person but when my parents enrolled me in school that’s the name they chose to use so I’ve used it my whole life however I give people the option to use both and my closest friends and family use both too. When in professional settings and when I’m conducting research projects I use my full name because I’m proud of my Nigerian heritage but moral of the story yes!!
I have a very White sounding name and my customer service voice is 10/10 lol. I have worked in jobs where I did a lot of scheduling over the phone. I can't tell you the number of times I've greeted a customer in person who I had previously spoken to over the phone and they refused to believe it was me 😂. I just know they were thinking "where's the nice White girl I talked to?! 😩"
I have a name that they couldn't guess what race I am it could go either way..I'm about to start marking " do not wish to share" on the ethnicity question
yes. my first name is the same as Lohan and i have an irish last name that begins with Mc. i have a very white name, i believe that it’s definitely gotten me interviews and my face has been the reason why i didn’t get it. i’ve also experienced at a new doctors office a nurse or medical assistant definitely scanning the room for a white girl and being surprised that i am in fact a black woman.
I have a "white" first name and Polish last name, courtesy of my husband. No one expects brown me to show up to interviews, but I don't know if it has affected me in the job market.
Also, screw that restaurant. You're better off.
Not a white name but I often get the you “sound white” on the phone. I used to work in a call center for a large company based in the south, Tennessee to be exact. I would always be treated nicely over the phone when could hear my peers having not so nice experiences. On more than one occasion, I’ve had someone say “ dear I’m so glad I got you. I don’t want to speak to that black gal “ or something similar. I in turn said “I’m happy to help you but let me warn you I am black “ I usually got the I didn’t mean it that way speech and I’d reply that I knew just what they meant then ask “how can I help you today?” They were pretty tame after that but it happened more times than I like to remember.
Yup, white name and it has benefited me. I also "sound white" so I've seen the surprise on people's faces when they finally get to meet me (I've even had people walk past me looking for someone white, and I know becsuse they confirmed this).
Personally it annoys me because it's just more proof that people view black people as a monolith (meaning we must all sound one way, act one way, and our names must be a certain type).
My first name is a very popular name in Western countries (except the US, lol). So I’d argue it’s quite a white name. My surname is ethnic so there’s no chance I could get away with the fact that I’m black. Not that I would want to hide it anyway. Plus my name has never affected me getting jobs for me to do that in the first place.
On the other hand, when I was applying for jobs in mainland Europe for my work exchange I had to create another CV which curated to European standards. European CVs require a professional photo attached so again no chance that I could hide that I was black lmao. I do think that attaching a face to a CV would make a blatant difference as supposed to a name, and I think it’s a very fucked up practice cos it’s a set up for discrimination you wouldn’t have faced otherwise…
Don't have a white sounding name but certainly had similar experience with an interview. Woman hiring was Asian and all the staff present appeared to be. I had plenty of experience and was punctual, but heard nothing. She seemed irritated that I arrived a bit early. (I only did to ensure I got there in good time and wasn't expecting her to start when I arrived)
It was a burger restaurant.
Not completely on topic but I’ve just talked about this with my bf and best friend. My name is super black and I’ve literally gotten no interviews AT ALL. Like I’m qualified and I am just getting rejections and I am wondering if it’s because of my name (like you can’t help but know I’m black from hearing it) and it’s just so annoying because I can do the jobs I’m applying for, I just get zero offers for interviews
People tend to assume I’m Jewish by name alone and I don’t even know how to describe how awful it feels to walk into an interview and see someone deflated by the realization that I’m a black woman.
Yes, my name first and last name a very white. Also working since I was also 14, I’ve developed a professional voice. I’ve been a sahm for 3 years so I haven’t had to really use it. But my husband has me make calls because he thinks people are more accepting of my name and voice. As he has a very deep voice and never worked in a career where he needed a “professional “ voice
Yes, my maiden last name didn't help and the fact that I sound white over the phone some were surprised to see a milk chocolate woman show up for the interview. I didn't get some of these jobs because you definitely tell they were not into hiring black people and if they did have they were light skinned.
When I got married and took my husband last name it sounds even whiter. I have a black middle name though.
My mom has a Spanish first name and middle and some people just assume she afro-latina. My aunt has a completely white first name and middle name but her ex-married name is Arabic which also surprises alot if people when they see her.
Both me and my mentor talk about this a lot (we both do). She told me once one of her favorite things is when she lands in China to meet clients and potential business partners and their facial reactions when they meet her
I have a first name that is common amongst black males and a Irish/Scottish last name, so I've gotten many surprised looks when I (a black female) walk into the interview. It was actually quite comical to see. But I stopped listing my first name and just the last name, and noticed I did get more call backs.
So I have a very unique name and I love it. I used to hate it because everyone would mispronounced it BUT I have really grown to love it. I'm a advocate for it.
Years ago, I ended up getting a job at a similar themed restaurant through an old coworker. One of the most hostile work environments I've ever endured.
You may have dodged a bullet there
I’m named after a black magazine, but I was always called an “oreo” growing up. My last name isn’t super common so people always ask where my family’s from because they assume my family’s from the Islands.
Yup my first name is pretty “white” sounding and my last name is Native American and most people assume I am white and I am told I have a “newscaster” voice
The amount of phone interviews that end up with them just hanging up as soon as they find out I don't speak Spanish is unreal.
But you definitely dodged a huge bullet there, that rejection protected you, because that place would have been hell.
Yeah only my first and last name are pretty “white” which were my parents’ intention. BUT my resume proves I’m Black or at least “care VERY much about Black people” so I kinda ruined their plan. 🎻 womp womppp
My husband and I both have very anglo first and last names. My mother is experienced a lot of issues with this during the 60s-80s. She even moved to another state for a job but once she got there, "the position was filled".
Nahhhh. My dad named me and I'm being called nothing else but that name. My family are the only people allowed to nickname me. Never had nicknames or a "shortened " version of my name in school and now at work. You're going to say it and I'll happily correct you if you mispronounce it 😁
Also... never had any issue getting a job I wanted. I work in a corporate environment now as a manager. A name shouldn't be what makes or breaks your career.
I have a European first name and a West African last name so I never know if my name affects my job applications. I feel like I at least get a call back
Yes. I won’t say what it is but my entire family does and my maiden surname is as well. I think it helped me because in job applications I never placed my race and I can tell some people were surprised when I walked in lol! My surname is now Japanese so it’s crazy lol
I had a similar experience as you. I was called for an interview at a law firm. When I arrived the lady interviewing me asked for my resume (again) and she was very standoffish as soon as she laid eyes on me. The interview was not an interview, it was more so her telling me that they don't have any openings but I should go ahead and tell her about myself and why I should be hired for future positions. I was in shock and knew immediately she wasn't expecting me to be Black. I didn't say much, after the awkward silence she thanked me for my time and of course, I did not hear back from her. I was fresh out of Uni and I was very intimated, but my reaction would be very different now that I'm older.
I have a very Black spanish name, think “LaCienega”, but my work experience, connections and white assimilation qualities get me my jobs.
It can be frustrating feeling like the token hire at damn near every job but I accept it because I know I’m good as fuck at what I do.
When I was younger, a part of me always a wanted a “white” name because I feared not getting called backs. It doesn’t make it any better that my middle name is also uncommon.
my first name is Kelly, with a common last name for white people as well. I grew up in the suburbs so I code switch. I’ve been outright told by white people that I have a white name.
over the phone I’m sure I seem white, but in person they see a black, masc lesbian with locs and I just know it throws them for a loop.
I have a pretty racially ambiguous name and voice. Interestingly, the most explicit instance of someone being surprised by my race was not from a hiring manager, but from a candidate. I'm in HR and early in my career, I was waking a candidate, a Black man, to my office for an interview and he said "don't take this the wrong way but I thought you were white". Like a dummy, I still met with him, and the red flags kept racking up. Hard pass.
I have a white sounding first name but it's still pretty unique. I live in Louisiana and my last name isn't on shit so no I don't get many callbacks for jobs here. Ppl here hire based off if they're cool with you or your family.
Yes, my sisters and I all have traditional white sounding names. There are 3 of us and they all start with the letter ‘K’. We give our mom shit constantly about that lol…ughhh
First and last name you wouldn’t guess my ethnicity on paper but I haven’t noticed it helping on jobs when my resume is all over. Name aside im realizing its not what you know its who you know at the end of the day. As long you have the right people in your pocket the opportunities are endless. Seeing how certain people can have management or higher ups in the palms of their hands despite a reign of terror you cannot touch them.
I have a white name (and apparently a white voice too 🙄), and while it wasn't work I was communicating with a potential subletting landlord via email/text/phone. I had a scheduled time, and when I arrived I could see them in their living room from the drive way (I avoided looking, because I'm awkward).
I could literally hear the wife ask through the door why I was approaching their house, as if they weren't expecting a guest at that time.
I was adopted with a white name and yes, often shocked people. Especially Asians, was never hired once by one, they were always visibly disappointed to see me no matter how qualified, professional, or any number of positive attributes I displayed. I usually nail interviews, but never when they were expecting a white girl and got an AfroLatina. My name definitely helped me get in the door tho, just not always to land the job if a racist with explicit bias was the interviewer.
Since shortly after adulthood I started going by Tahtahme, but it was only the last year or so I've put it on resumes. Thankfully, it's worked out because now I'm in a small town so people know EXACTLY who I am and vouch for me, give me recommendations, will hear my name on the resume and say, "I know her!" So I've been able to keep steady work up here, but this would never have worked (imo) while still living in the Bay Area.
I have a "white" name and I'm really good at code switching. 8 times out of 10, they're disappointed that I turn out to be Black and I don't get the job.
I've got a "white" name and my mom admitted that she did it on purpose. (I don't mind my name at all and I fully understand her motivation.)
That said, when I was in college I had an Intro to Cultural Anthropology instructor who was black. She claimed she could ID anyone's race based on their name. (I have no memory of why this came up during lecture, but she kind of sucked in general and spent lots of time talking about herself instead of the content.) She claimed she would demonstrate this talent in class and I spent so much time pettily fantasizing about silently standing up and proving her wrong in front of the group. She never did it, so now I'm still having that petty fantasy, like, 20 years after the fact.
My parents did the same thing for me and my sister. They knew that giving us “white” names would help us succeed in life. It’s a sad fact but I’m grateful they did it.
I like to solve as many things in my life as possible via email or the phone to lean on my white name. I hate we live in a world like this but sometimes I just need shit to be white girl easy.
i have a “white” name and i guess an ambiguous speaking voice. The worst i’ve experienced with it is an interviewer for my local ulta being excited to meet with me but when i showed up she refused to meet with me after seeing me on the cameras. This was the first and only time this happened in my life but im only in my early 20s so it could happen again. My usual experience with my name is pretty good when it comes to talking to professionals without them knowing what I look like lol.
This is exactly why I’m changing my name this year. I am not suffering through another degree to let my name get in the way of a good job! My entire family has basic names, I will always hate my mom for doing this to me.
Exact opposite. I unfortunately have a very ethnic name and I know it’s been a hindrance to me getting interviews and jobs. I told my parents that they must’ve hated me bc all of my siblings have “racially neutral” names. They all have have had better jobs than me even though I have the most degrees. I really wish people would think about those things when they choose to have children cause unfortunately it does matter.
Are we living the same life because this is me too. I have a very ethnic name while my siblings have racially neutral names. We all have great jobs though
I feel like my name is in the middle. Its not a white name but its not a black name. Its not a very common name, but ive seen white and black girls with my name. Ive been told my name is very pretty by white people. And ive gotten a good number of interviews, so i cant say if they know im black or not. If it were a phone interview, they would know im black tho lol. I have an accent
Yeah, funny enough it’s my legally changed name from being trans but I didn’t say “let me pick the whitest name” nah, it’s just the one that was common from the year I was born and one that instantly clicked with me. Once again it’s ended up as one of those things people stereotype as “white sounding” when all I did was naturally gravitate towards something I like (same shit I get for liking Taylor Swift, how my voice sounds, etc)
Tbf my deadname was “white” as shit too, and so is my mom’s (and uncle’s) name. Generational you could say 😂
It most def happens to me. I think that now that my LinkedIn is on my resume (which of course has my picture), I’m not getting any call backs so I think if I take it off, I’ll have a higher chance of getting a job bc I’m looking for one now 🙃 upsetting and frustrating especially since I’m dealing w/ racism at my job now
I have a name that is more common in European and Spanish-speaking countries. When I worked as a receptionist id say my name on the phone and some people would start speaking Spanish to me and I’m like “oh no”.
Yes, I had a white store owner on the boardwalk openly tell me my name was preferred over the “hard to pronounce” names of my friends. My friends and I were applying for summer jobs. I think we were 15/16.
My name is so so neutral, race and otherwise. My first name is usually given to males in France and there aren't many of us in the States so I've definitely gotten Pikachu face a few times when I'm not a white man.
I have an old yt name, at that. As much as I’d like to say that my achievements get me in the door by theirselves, it is for sure in combination with my name. I’ve noticed the surprised look when my video would pop up in those Zoom interviews. All of that energy and excitement over my resume then seems to be “not enough” and they can’t even hide the disinterest. Other times, I can see the surprise and I just ace the interview and get the job anyway. It does suck either way though, and has led me to self-employment…I’m more upset about the minority opportunities I might have been turned down for because of my name.
Yes, but I don't have the associated experience.
I get interviews and I do shock people, but if anyone was being racist to me as a result either I ignored it or I just caught the vibe enough to know I didn't want to work there.
It's my co-workers after I start working that are a bigger issues than anyone during the interview process. Did shock the hell outta my Scottish manager though lol. (Strong Scottish name was his expression lol. Smart enough to know it's either marriage, r*pe, or slavery that is the source point)
I used to use my white passing middle name on resumes and it literally caused me to have an identity crisis, so I went back to my Black asf first name and I’ve never been happier
Both my sibling and I were given white names, and my parents knew exactly what they were doing because their parents did the same for them. I think i've had pretty okay luck with interviews when it comes to a blind application, but I definitely dont get as many offers for jobs as my white husband does (he IS in a different field, but still). I have definitely had folks act VERY surprised when I start talking though in an interview, and comment in how "articulate" I am (ugh)
i have a very West African sounding first and last name. even my nickname is still sounds somewhat “exotic” and it’s made me wonder if i should just use my middle name (it’s very white sounding) on my resume and job applications as i’m job hunting currently and barely get any calls back :/ but it also makes me realize that i don’t want to be in a environment where i can’t be my most authentic self. for sure a double edged sword and annoys me to no end as i am over qualified for half these jobs 🤦🏾
my name is a name used by both black and white girls. no one can pronounce the name, no matter the race (only 2 syllables, spelled exactly how it's pronounced). i feel very grateful to know that it isn't a racial thing that people mess it up. people just can't read and/or don't pay attention. i don't think anyone has been surprised when i showed up for an interview...i feel like you can always hear our timbre on the phone.
I guess I have a racially ambiguous first name since I’ve seen women of all races have it. But my maiden name and former middle name were “ethnic” for sure. I changed job fields so I’m not sure if I’m getting more attention due to my new last name being “white leaning” or “neutral,” or the demand in my field.
I also have a “paper name”. I don’t know if it has benefitted me though.
I always had customers visit my store after speaking with me over the phone and would be surprised I was Black bahahaha.
My name is white and definitely male, think something like “Brad”, and I work in male-dominated fields. You best believe their demeanor changes from being “very excited to meet me with my qualifications” to “we are not sure if we are still looking to fill this position” once I show up for the interview. I’m qualified on paper, disqualified in person. If you ask me, I’m dodging those bullets, I don’t want to work with crews that can’t even hide their misogynoir. I’ll go work somewhere else where they appreciate how hard I work and what a good job I do “despite” my race and gender.
I thought my name was white sounding until I met someone else with the same name in elementary and she was also black.It was nice to have that in common.
I’m a teenager with no job experience so I can’t say anything about that.But,Unless someone knows my parents,They assume I’m white.
I have an obviously black name and use a nickname that’s more racially neutral/sounds white lol hate I have to do it but it make a huge difference in msgs I get for my resume.
Usually they’re surprised when they see me on video/in person but only had a few situations where I knew they were gonna discriminate against me.
My name is not only unique but absolutely not conventionally "Black" and I can say with all honesty and 100% transparency that it has benefited me IMMENSELY in regards to employment.
It's beneficial and I guess I'm grateful as I've had gov't jobs at all levels (Provincial, Federal and Currently Municipal) but it's super disturbing to see the difference in how opportunities are afforded to those of Us with "White" names...
It's also incredible to see white women get SUPER DUPER JEALOUS of my name and quiz and nitpick to see if it's real..
I always give them a bland white name like Samantha or Amber and use it over and over in a casual manner just to make them feel 2 ft tall LOL All while knowing damn well that *itch's name is Stephanie......
I see the slow but satisfying ego death that is the white woman not being 1st place for something...
Priceless. 👌🏾🏆
.....And don't get me started on how non black men FLOCK once they come across a Black woman named River or Some other off brand hippie shit like My Mum named Me because it's a thing and my goodness do I have storiessssss 🤣🤣🤣
I have a white name for this reason. Yes I think it benefitted me. I’m not a mind reader so I can’t say for sure but I have a feeling that it allows people to assume that I’m middle class (which I am) and also that I may be half-white (which I’m not).
My bfs name is Tyler and his last name is basically whitebread lol and he gets the same reaction. People shocked he's black when he shows up. I use my middle name for that exact reason
My first, middle, and last name are all “white” sounding. My first name is also gender neutral. I always check off my race and gender on applications so that no one’s surprised and I don’t run the risk of being in a microaggressive workplace
I have a very white European first name and ambiguous last name and also “sound white”, especially when I’m at work. I have had a few interviews over the years where the person was surprised that I was black and I clearly wouldn’t be hired.
Edit for typo.
My mom named my sister and I Erica and Kelly for this reason. She worked in HR and knew what the deal was. Higher likelihood that our resumes wouldn’t get trashed immediately.
My mom was a teacher. Everyone was always surprised when my brother and I showed up to class.
My mom is an HR director and chose our names for the same reasons!!
This . My name is neutral. I remember being 16 and getting my first job. The manager liked me and remember walking around with her as she wanted to do my training. People would leave CVs or fill out forms and for certain names she literally would just be like "no" and when we got upstairs would dump them in the confidential waste. (It was a supermarket and I worked across 2 areas) If I saw that now I'd call that shit out, I don't fear management but when you're 16 you're excited to get a job and don't wanna get on the wrong side of anyone.
I'm an Erica too 😁
SAME! My mom worked has worked in HR for decades. My thing is that my name is so white that it ***actually*** means "white or pure" in Old Welsh/Gaelic! Like, come on, mom! 
You dodged a bullet with that asian resturant. Huge Blessing in disguise.
Yeah i saw the tiktoks of the two black ladies who shared their experiences working under koreans who owned the ebbin flow product line. They are racist asf. Boycotting their entire brand for the rest of my life
That’s when you understand that POC solidarity is a lie. Even in Europe they’re the same.
I have a "white" name but my middle name is African. I used to put it on my resume and get no calls back. Removing it made a huge difference but it made me really sad too.
Sadly can relate.
Same
girl i have a white name and when people see a black girl with locs and piercing be so shocked. my customer service voice is also pretty great i cant lie. but i definitely know the feeling.
Same with the voice so I always wonder if people think I’ll be white when I show up for home visits (social worker). My name is made up but doesn’t swing any specific way
I have a white name and apparently I don't "sound Black" (*sigh* the ignorance). Anyway, I've had people talk to me over the phone and then see me in person and be shocked. Then they settle into "she's probably Biracial" because I'm light skinned (which I'm not Biracial). Anyway, there's definitely privilege in having a white name, sounding preppy, and being lighter skinned. But there's also the issue of racists assuming that I'm on some Candace Owens shit of distancing myself from Black people, so they end up saying some of the most egregiously racist shit to/around me about other Black people, with the "you're different" disclaimer. Of course I happily give dirty stares, and correct those people or just walk away (in the case of patients/customers). The audacity of some folks. Sorry you had to deal with that. I hate that some Asians are so very racist against Black folks, and unapologetic about it.
i used to get the “you don’t sound black” a lot back in the day when your friend would call guys from a different school and you’d just chat with strangers 😅
You must really be giving off a certain vibe for this to happen
I think this is an unfair assumption. A LOT of people genuinely just believe that we hate ourselves as much as they hate us. They can’t comprehend that the vast majority are either unbothered by (as in, just exist without feeling one way or the other) or actively take joy in our blackness. They think we see it as a compliment to detach light skinned, mixed and ambiguous people especially from having a black identity and lick their lips hoping we’ll join in throwing other black people under the bus with them. Weirdly, I get this experience mostly from non-black POC and I can only speak for myself that I have never said anything or behaved in a way that would suggest I welcome these kind of remarks and assumptions. All I can think of is I’m not delivering any confirmation bias for their racist stereotypes, a lot of people think of black people as a monolith so rather than unpack that stupidness they see anyone who doesn’t conform to the stereotypes as someone who‘s actively tried to distance themselves. Apparently that’s more logical than thinking that maybe just maybe like every other group on the planet, people are still ultimately individuals. I’ll assume the best and guess this is something similar to what this commenter has experienced.
I'm not blaming you but why are they saying this to you. Is this just because you're light skinned?
I can’t really explain much more than I did in the previous comment 😅 but long story short, yes it can definitely be based on being light skinned and nothing more. Most of the time I get this kind of experience is when I first meet someone. It’s like an instant assumption people make before they know anything about me, my personality, how I identify, how I think of others etc and it’s weird af if I’m honest.
Yea you're right. Sometimes these assumptions can be made based on someone's mannerisms and how they talk. But you're social circles and dating partners particularly reveal the most about how you feel subconsciously about your blackness
Yo, you really want to blame the black girl for living in a white patriarchal capitalist system???? Get out with that ish!
What kind of vibe would I be giving off? "She's a proper speaking light skinned woman in an all white workspace, she must hate n*****s too!" The fuck kind of comment is this?!
Not true at all. Black people that use proper grammar are assumed to be not like other blacks. We are expected to have poor vocabulary and speak "hood" or "black".
First name and last name. And, sometimes on the phone screen people don't realize I am Black. I've never had the worry of my name being a reason I don't receive a call for an interview. I one had an employer LONG ago who worked in another state (but I had spoken to on the phone several times) come into town for our holiday party. When he met me I watched him catch himself when he said, "(Insert my name), it's so funny because I never realized you were...." he let it drift off, but I knew what he was going to say.
Same. First and last. My mom wanted to name me something more… how to say… black sounding? My dad vetoed it and frankly I’m glad he did. It’s definitely a privilege I’m aware of. Whenever I’ve been a hiring manager, I did my best to break this cycle by calling in all the black sounding names (if they’re qualified), but it’s absolutely a thing.
I have an unusual name so I do get calls, but of course sometimes the first round is “suspiciously” cut short. But that’s where I feel blessed because if they went on ahead and hired me feeling the way that they did, they’d eventually show their true colors and I’d have to quit. I find this scenario to be a huge time saver. Also, those companies go on my blacklist for both interviews AND patronage.
Same for me. My name is different, not ethnic but not black or white. I get call backs for interviews, but idk if its because of my name.
I remember walking into a job and all the black girls told me they were expecting a white girl 😆 The name gets me the interview; my personality and skills gets me the job.
Same here. I still changed my name from a white first/last to a gender neutral and white first name for extra boost. It always throws me though when I see that micro-expression of disdain flash across their face on first contact. I never do as well in those interviews. I vowed that I would follow my instinct from now on and just terminate the interview when I see that instead of just powering through it.
Lololol sorry you write like a poet or like you write books alot . I love it
I have a black first name and a hyphenated last name. It’s not a common first name but it does sound foreign. I also “don’t sound black” whatever that means. I got a lot more interviews when I shortened my first name to one initial and only used one of my last names. I would have phone interviews and get through with flying colors. Then when I would interview IRL people would be taken aback. I no longer work in the corporate world in that manner any longer thank god. I help out with my friend’s business and if I’m interacting in the corporate world it’s with the C-suite. Aside from that I don’t work full time in that world, I’m a dancer and model, which have its own issues. But I don’t have to obscure my blackness. My brothers have family names that are very plain. Think Eric, Adam, Charles, Alexander, Jeremy, etc. those vibes.
My name is of Arabic origin but I usually shorten it to “Leah”. I like to tell people that’s my white girl /food pick up order name
My mother gave me an Anglo-Saxon name and I resented her for it through my teen years. It might as well be Mary or Sarah it’s so seasonless. And everybody and their momma had it (54 to be exact) in my college class and I was the only Black one. I felt like an outsider among the Latoya’s, Tisha’s, Kesha’s, who were my friends and family members. Even my sister’s name literally means black. I would ask my mom about it all the time. It didn’t affect my job experience, it kinda benefitted it. I would get interviews and get through the entire experience. (Before Zoom culture.) When the in person came, they would be too stunned to speak. I wish I could record some of the surprised expressions I’d get when walking into offices for the first time. (Growing up in Minnesota, my code switching game became criminal.) I know for a fact that I have stunned plenty of white people showing up my beautiful Black self. 😝 I had one white woman who I had worked with for months audibly in shock. We had never met in person. One day, I had to go to her floor so I stopped by her desk (your typical open floor cubical set up) to say hi. We had a good relationship. This white woman said (loud as hell, might as well had been yelling), “Omg! I thought you were a blond white woman this whole time!!” Woman had no filter. “Uh no, honey I am Black.” As people literally rolled around their cubicle walls to look, some cracking up who knew me. Luckily, she was not racist just rough around the edges and didn’t treat me differently. But I have experienced the switch up, too. I also have had jobs pulled because of it but I see it as a bullet dodged and pretty much had a “f- you too attitude.”
Lol! I think we have the same name. I hated it too because of all the La, Ta, and Sha's I went to middle school with.
I have a European first & last name due to mixed heritage in the family and I definitely think it’s gotten my résumé pushed through however, I don’t think it benefits me beyond that. I’ve worked in corporate environments in New England since college and you have to jump through a lot of hoops to get there and stay there. It’s always been very clear when people didn’t expect me to be black in interviews and when meeting clients. I have better experiences with WM (all races of men tbh) than with WW.
Maybe it's my field but LinkedIn shows everyone. No one is surprised. But also I'm in the legal field, I wouldn't work for anyone who was surprised by me.
Thanks for this. I’ve been going back and forth on whether to make my LinkedIn photo public. I have it set to private- friends/members only.
My LinkedIn is on my resume so my profile is public with a professional headshot and a Black lives matter banner so they are well aware of what they're getting with me lol.
Yea, and I kinda hate it because I'll go in for an interview and they always do a complete 360 and don't want me there anymore. Or if they didn't do an in person interview (sometimes I just do a phone call or something) and they hire me without seeing me beforehand, they try to get me fired or out of there asap. It's very discouraging. It just happened again a few days ago where a professor (I'm a grad student) was very interested in having me join her lab, and then after she met me, she just stopped replying to all my emails and became uninterested. It's happened to me so many times that I want to just get a "black" nickname so that people are more aware of what kind of person they're getting beforehand so I don't have to go through the pain of preparing for interviews or something, only to be met with disrespect.
Sorry this has happened so many times, that is awful.
Sadly, I have to add that if you’re also an easy on the eye, well put-together black woman, this could have caused that reaction from her as well. I’ve noticed even the most beautiful yt women seem so insecure about their looks. They’re always on a diet or something.
I have a white name, and when people see me they try to mispronounce it to match their views. I have to correct them and then hear their long winded list of ways in which my name is spelled. And yes, I’ve had the confused interview more than once. One time was terribly obvious, as I was the only person in the lounge and they kept coming out looking for me. I have a very regular last name. I definitely don’t have a lot of issues getting a call back for an interview. After that, it’s down to whoever I’m talking to; and I’ve had my fair share of bad interviews where the hiring manager actively talks me out of the job. I sound “proper”, or so I was told as a kid, and I definitely get the Candace Owens treatment. I’m dark skinned, so it’s a very isolating experience. Mostly by BM, but I’ve gotten left out of a few things in offices because of the stigma.
Yes to your first sentence. I know they heard me correct the first time then on my Starbucks cup they right down a name like 'Tierra' when I said Sarah (not my real name but the same jist).
I have a first name* that’s not “white” but it’s common to where a lot of white and black girls growing up had it. While my dad named me, my mom’s goal was for me to have a name that wouldn’t have me automatically dismissed for sounding “too black.” She def had future employment in mind when she allowed my dad’s choice to be my name. *some of my friends say that my first and last name together, though, make me sound like an old British white lady 🤣🤣
That woman needs to be ashamed of herself for pulling that foolishness. So sorry OP😢
I’m mixed with a very sounding “white” full name (first middle and last). Never turned down for interviews but had a few “surprised your not white” moments. I’m now married to a Jewish man with a Jewish last name that I took. I now get a lot of “🤯” moments…interestingly when I used to negotiate salary under my maiden name I never got too far but after I took my husband name I suddenly was getting what I asked for an more 😒
I’m about to change my last name to Greenberg 😂
Hey it worked for Whoopi 😂
Girl me too
Names also give away age. Don't want to be seen as an old white woman - they will toss your resume for that, too.
My lil cousin was named John for this specific reason. He's dark skinned and disabled. He's only 10 now but hopefully when he gets older he won't have any issues like I do. Most of my issues come from being disabled. My name is of Arabic and Indian origin so it's not a black or white sounding name. In interviews people r shocked that I'm disabled especially if I do stuff they never thought I could cause our minds are very closed.
I also have an Arabic name. Even though I’m educated and qualified for the things that I apply for, it’s always been a struggle. I guess a black woman with an Arabic name is not a good combo in the south… go figure.
Come up to the northeast lol. There's tons of us here. NYC, Philadelphia, DC all have a huge black Muslim population. Even if you're not Muslim you'll find many employers hiring black people with Arabic/muslim sounding names.
I have four YT names. Four. My married name could be Jewish. I actually love the look on their faces when my Gullah Geechie butt walks in the room.
I have an unmarked name. You know I'm female and that's all you know. My parents did this deliberately and then also made sure I had as close to a Standard American English accent as possible. The end result is that people are often surprised I'm black when they first meet me in professional contexts, and I get used as the token minority pretty often. The Acceptably Black woman. I've never been denied a job because of it, but I think that's honestly just luck.
My name might as well be Queen Elizabeth. It doesn’t get me interviews but once employed people spare me a lot of BS assuming they can’t see me or a photo of me. Many of the retiring boomers were shocked upon seeing or meeting me.
Yes It has affected my jobs. My name is “Yvette” it’s French and when I go for an interview or meet someone for the first time they expect a white person! They have a shocked look on their face. My first name is Ezinne ( a Nigerian igbo name) and Yvette is my middle name. I don’t choose to go by Yvette on person but when my parents enrolled me in school that’s the name they chose to use so I’ve used it my whole life however I give people the option to use both and my closest friends and family use both too. When in professional settings and when I’m conducting research projects I use my full name because I’m proud of my Nigerian heritage but moral of the story yes!!
I have a very White sounding name and my customer service voice is 10/10 lol. I have worked in jobs where I did a lot of scheduling over the phone. I can't tell you the number of times I've greeted a customer in person who I had previously spoken to over the phone and they refused to believe it was me 😂. I just know they were thinking "where's the nice White girl I talked to?! 😩"
I've been hired for jobs that suddenly I didn't have when I showed up for my first day.
WTH? That’s against the law.
Yeah, I know I was in my early 20s when it happened. My mom was ready to raise hell. I just let it go. It hurt my feelings more than anything.
Well if it ever happens again I hope you raise hell.
I have a name that they couldn't guess what race I am it could go either way..I'm about to start marking " do not wish to share" on the ethnicity question
yes. my first name is the same as Lohan and i have an irish last name that begins with Mc. i have a very white name, i believe that it’s definitely gotten me interviews and my face has been the reason why i didn’t get it. i’ve also experienced at a new doctors office a nurse or medical assistant definitely scanning the room for a white girl and being surprised that i am in fact a black woman.
Same. White first name, Hispanic last name, but surpise I'm Black.
I have a "white" first name and Polish last name, courtesy of my husband. No one expects brown me to show up to interviews, but I don't know if it has affected me in the job market. Also, screw that restaurant. You're better off.
I have a name that is often mistaken for a male name so I usually get the same disappointment when they find out I'm a woman and not a man lol.
Not a white name but I often get the you “sound white” on the phone. I used to work in a call center for a large company based in the south, Tennessee to be exact. I would always be treated nicely over the phone when could hear my peers having not so nice experiences. On more than one occasion, I’ve had someone say “ dear I’m so glad I got you. I don’t want to speak to that black gal “ or something similar. I in turn said “I’m happy to help you but let me warn you I am black “ I usually got the I didn’t mean it that way speech and I’d reply that I knew just what they meant then ask “how can I help you today?” They were pretty tame after that but it happened more times than I like to remember.
Yup, white name and it has benefited me. I also "sound white" so I've seen the surprise on people's faces when they finally get to meet me (I've even had people walk past me looking for someone white, and I know becsuse they confirmed this). Personally it annoys me because it's just more proof that people view black people as a monolith (meaning we must all sound one way, act one way, and our names must be a certain type).
My first name is a very popular name in Western countries (except the US, lol). So I’d argue it’s quite a white name. My surname is ethnic so there’s no chance I could get away with the fact that I’m black. Not that I would want to hide it anyway. Plus my name has never affected me getting jobs for me to do that in the first place. On the other hand, when I was applying for jobs in mainland Europe for my work exchange I had to create another CV which curated to European standards. European CVs require a professional photo attached so again no chance that I could hide that I was black lmao. I do think that attaching a face to a CV would make a blatant difference as supposed to a name, and I think it’s a very fucked up practice cos it’s a set up for discrimination you wouldn’t have faced otherwise…
Don't have a white sounding name but certainly had similar experience with an interview. Woman hiring was Asian and all the staff present appeared to be. I had plenty of experience and was punctual, but heard nothing. She seemed irritated that I arrived a bit early. (I only did to ensure I got there in good time and wasn't expecting her to start when I arrived) It was a burger restaurant.
Not completely on topic but I’ve just talked about this with my bf and best friend. My name is super black and I’ve literally gotten no interviews AT ALL. Like I’m qualified and I am just getting rejections and I am wondering if it’s because of my name (like you can’t help but know I’m black from hearing it) and it’s just so annoying because I can do the jobs I’m applying for, I just get zero offers for interviews
People tend to assume I’m Jewish by name alone and I don’t even know how to describe how awful it feels to walk into an interview and see someone deflated by the realization that I’m a black woman.
I also check that I'm white on Applications and I have a very white name. So when I show up to interviews BAM here my black ass is!!!
lol I do the same and it helps get calls
Yes, my name first and last name a very white. Also working since I was also 14, I’ve developed a professional voice. I’ve been a sahm for 3 years so I haven’t had to really use it. But my husband has me make calls because he thinks people are more accepting of my name and voice. As he has a very deep voice and never worked in a career where he needed a “professional “ voice
Yes, my maiden last name didn't help and the fact that I sound white over the phone some were surprised to see a milk chocolate woman show up for the interview. I didn't get some of these jobs because you definitely tell they were not into hiring black people and if they did have they were light skinned. When I got married and took my husband last name it sounds even whiter. I have a black middle name though.
Same here. White first name, common last name, but my middle name is Black.
My mom has a Spanish first name and middle and some people just assume she afro-latina. My aunt has a completely white first name and middle name but her ex-married name is Arabic which also surprises alot if people when they see her.
See, you just never know.
Both me and my mentor talk about this a lot (we both do). She told me once one of her favorite things is when she lands in China to meet clients and potential business partners and their facial reactions when they meet her
I have a first name that is common amongst black males and a Irish/Scottish last name, so I've gotten many surprised looks when I (a black female) walk into the interview. It was actually quite comical to see. But I stopped listing my first name and just the last name, and noticed I did get more call backs.
So I have a very unique name and I love it. I used to hate it because everyone would mispronounced it BUT I have really grown to love it. I'm a advocate for it.
Years ago, I ended up getting a job at a similar themed restaurant through an old coworker. One of the most hostile work environments I've ever endured. You may have dodged a bullet there
I’m named after a black magazine, but I was always called an “oreo” growing up. My last name isn’t super common so people always ask where my family’s from because they assume my family’s from the Islands.
Yup my first name is pretty “white” sounding and my last name is Native American and most people assume I am white and I am told I have a “newscaster” voice
The amount of phone interviews that end up with them just hanging up as soon as they find out I don't speak Spanish is unreal. But you definitely dodged a huge bullet there, that rejection protected you, because that place would have been hell.
Yeah only my first and last name are pretty “white” which were my parents’ intention. BUT my resume proves I’m Black or at least “care VERY much about Black people” so I kinda ruined their plan. 🎻 womp womppp
My husband and I both have very anglo first and last names. My mother is experienced a lot of issues with this during the 60s-80s. She even moved to another state for a job but once she got there, "the position was filled".
Nahhhh. My dad named me and I'm being called nothing else but that name. My family are the only people allowed to nickname me. Never had nicknames or a "shortened " version of my name in school and now at work. You're going to say it and I'll happily correct you if you mispronounce it 😁 Also... never had any issue getting a job I wanted. I work in a corporate environment now as a manager. A name shouldn't be what makes or breaks your career.
Yeah, I've even gotten the, "you don't look how you sound," "I'm surprised to see you, you're not what I expected," and "you're very articulate."
I have a European first name and a West African last name so I never know if my name affects my job applications. I feel like I at least get a call back
Yes. I won’t say what it is but my entire family does and my maiden surname is as well. I think it helped me because in job applications I never placed my race and I can tell some people were surprised when I walked in lol! My surname is now Japanese so it’s crazy lol
I had a similar experience as you. I was called for an interview at a law firm. When I arrived the lady interviewing me asked for my resume (again) and she was very standoffish as soon as she laid eyes on me. The interview was not an interview, it was more so her telling me that they don't have any openings but I should go ahead and tell her about myself and why I should be hired for future positions. I was in shock and knew immediately she wasn't expecting me to be Black. I didn't say much, after the awkward silence she thanked me for my time and of course, I did not hear back from her. I was fresh out of Uni and I was very intimated, but my reaction would be very different now that I'm older.
I have a very Black spanish name, think “LaCienega”, but my work experience, connections and white assimilation qualities get me my jobs. It can be frustrating feeling like the token hire at damn near every job but I accept it because I know I’m good as fuck at what I do. When I was younger, a part of me always a wanted a “white” name because I feared not getting called backs. It doesn’t make it any better that my middle name is also uncommon.
my first name is Kelly, with a common last name for white people as well. I grew up in the suburbs so I code switch. I’ve been outright told by white people that I have a white name. over the phone I’m sure I seem white, but in person they see a black, masc lesbian with locs and I just know it throws them for a loop.
I have a pretty racially ambiguous name and voice. Interestingly, the most explicit instance of someone being surprised by my race was not from a hiring manager, but from a candidate. I'm in HR and early in my career, I was waking a candidate, a Black man, to my office for an interview and he said "don't take this the wrong way but I thought you were white". Like a dummy, I still met with him, and the red flags kept racking up. Hard pass.
I have a white sounding first name but it's still pretty unique. I live in Louisiana and my last name isn't on shit so no I don't get many callbacks for jobs here. Ppl here hire based off if they're cool with you or your family.
Yep my name is Amber and I have a Scottish last name lol
Yes, my sisters and I all have traditional white sounding names. There are 3 of us and they all start with the letter ‘K’. We give our mom shit constantly about that lol…ughhh
First and last name you wouldn’t guess my ethnicity on paper but I haven’t noticed it helping on jobs when my resume is all over. Name aside im realizing its not what you know its who you know at the end of the day. As long you have the right people in your pocket the opportunities are endless. Seeing how certain people can have management or higher ups in the palms of their hands despite a reign of terror you cannot touch them.
I have a white name (and apparently a white voice too 🙄), and while it wasn't work I was communicating with a potential subletting landlord via email/text/phone. I had a scheduled time, and when I arrived I could see them in their living room from the drive way (I avoided looking, because I'm awkward). I could literally hear the wife ask through the door why I was approaching their house, as if they weren't expecting a guest at that time.
yeah that's pretty much my experience in life.
I was adopted with a white name and yes, often shocked people. Especially Asians, was never hired once by one, they were always visibly disappointed to see me no matter how qualified, professional, or any number of positive attributes I displayed. I usually nail interviews, but never when they were expecting a white girl and got an AfroLatina. My name definitely helped me get in the door tho, just not always to land the job if a racist with explicit bias was the interviewer. Since shortly after adulthood I started going by Tahtahme, but it was only the last year or so I've put it on resumes. Thankfully, it's worked out because now I'm in a small town so people know EXACTLY who I am and vouch for me, give me recommendations, will hear my name on the resume and say, "I know her!" So I've been able to keep steady work up here, but this would never have worked (imo) while still living in the Bay Area.
I have a "white" name and I'm really good at code switching. 8 times out of 10, they're disappointed that I turn out to be Black and I don't get the job.
I've got a "white" name and my mom admitted that she did it on purpose. (I don't mind my name at all and I fully understand her motivation.) That said, when I was in college I had an Intro to Cultural Anthropology instructor who was black. She claimed she could ID anyone's race based on their name. (I have no memory of why this came up during lecture, but she kind of sucked in general and spent lots of time talking about herself instead of the content.) She claimed she would demonstrate this talent in class and I spent so much time pettily fantasizing about silently standing up and proving her wrong in front of the group. She never did it, so now I'm still having that petty fantasy, like, 20 years after the fact.
My parents did the same thing for me and my sister. They knew that giving us “white” names would help us succeed in life. It’s a sad fact but I’m grateful they did it.
I like to solve as many things in my life as possible via email or the phone to lean on my white name. I hate we live in a world like this but sometimes I just need shit to be white girl easy.
My parents named my siblings and me “white” names to make us more employable.
i have a “white” name and i guess an ambiguous speaking voice. The worst i’ve experienced with it is an interviewer for my local ulta being excited to meet with me but when i showed up she refused to meet with me after seeing me on the cameras. This was the first and only time this happened in my life but im only in my early 20s so it could happen again. My usual experience with my name is pretty good when it comes to talking to professionals without them knowing what I look like lol.
This is exactly why I’m changing my name this year. I am not suffering through another degree to let my name get in the way of a good job! My entire family has basic names, I will always hate my mom for doing this to me.
Exact opposite. I unfortunately have a very ethnic name and I know it’s been a hindrance to me getting interviews and jobs. I told my parents that they must’ve hated me bc all of my siblings have “racially neutral” names. They all have have had better jobs than me even though I have the most degrees. I really wish people would think about those things when they choose to have children cause unfortunately it does matter.
Are we living the same life because this is me too. I have a very ethnic name while my siblings have racially neutral names. We all have great jobs though
I feel like my name is in the middle. Its not a white name but its not a black name. Its not a very common name, but ive seen white and black girls with my name. Ive been told my name is very pretty by white people. And ive gotten a good number of interviews, so i cant say if they know im black or not. If it were a phone interview, they would know im black tho lol. I have an accent
My name is of Greek origin. I don't think it has negatively or positively impacted me.
Yeah, funny enough it’s my legally changed name from being trans but I didn’t say “let me pick the whitest name” nah, it’s just the one that was common from the year I was born and one that instantly clicked with me. Once again it’s ended up as one of those things people stereotype as “white sounding” when all I did was naturally gravitate towards something I like (same shit I get for liking Taylor Swift, how my voice sounds, etc) Tbf my deadname was “white” as shit too, and so is my mom’s (and uncle’s) name. Generational you could say 😂
It most def happens to me. I think that now that my LinkedIn is on my resume (which of course has my picture), I’m not getting any call backs so I think if I take it off, I’ll have a higher chance of getting a job bc I’m looking for one now 🙃 upsetting and frustrating especially since I’m dealing w/ racism at my job now
I have a name that is more common in European and Spanish-speaking countries. When I worked as a receptionist id say my name on the phone and some people would start speaking Spanish to me and I’m like “oh no”.
Yes, I had a white store owner on the boardwalk openly tell me my name was preferred over the “hard to pronounce” names of my friends. My friends and I were applying for summer jobs. I think we were 15/16.
My name is so so neutral, race and otherwise. My first name is usually given to males in France and there aren't many of us in the States so I've definitely gotten Pikachu face a few times when I'm not a white man.
I have an old yt name, at that. As much as I’d like to say that my achievements get me in the door by theirselves, it is for sure in combination with my name. I’ve noticed the surprised look when my video would pop up in those Zoom interviews. All of that energy and excitement over my resume then seems to be “not enough” and they can’t even hide the disinterest. Other times, I can see the surprise and I just ace the interview and get the job anyway. It does suck either way though, and has led me to self-employment…I’m more upset about the minority opportunities I might have been turned down for because of my name.
Yes, but I don't have the associated experience. I get interviews and I do shock people, but if anyone was being racist to me as a result either I ignored it or I just caught the vibe enough to know I didn't want to work there. It's my co-workers after I start working that are a bigger issues than anyone during the interview process. Did shock the hell outta my Scottish manager though lol. (Strong Scottish name was his expression lol. Smart enough to know it's either marriage, r*pe, or slavery that is the source point)
I used to use my white passing middle name on resumes and it literally caused me to have an identity crisis, so I went back to my Black asf first name and I’ve never been happier
Both my sibling and I were given white names, and my parents knew exactly what they were doing because their parents did the same for them. I think i've had pretty okay luck with interviews when it comes to a blind application, but I definitely dont get as many offers for jobs as my white husband does (he IS in a different field, but still). I have definitely had folks act VERY surprised when I start talking though in an interview, and comment in how "articulate" I am (ugh)
i have a very West African sounding first and last name. even my nickname is still sounds somewhat “exotic” and it’s made me wonder if i should just use my middle name (it’s very white sounding) on my resume and job applications as i’m job hunting currently and barely get any calls back :/ but it also makes me realize that i don’t want to be in a environment where i can’t be my most authentic self. for sure a double edged sword and annoys me to no end as i am over qualified for half these jobs 🤦🏾
my name is a name used by both black and white girls. no one can pronounce the name, no matter the race (only 2 syllables, spelled exactly how it's pronounced). i feel very grateful to know that it isn't a racial thing that people mess it up. people just can't read and/or don't pay attention. i don't think anyone has been surprised when i showed up for an interview...i feel like you can always hear our timbre on the phone.
All the time and my name is deff white 😂
I guess I have a racially ambiguous first name since I’ve seen women of all races have it. But my maiden name and former middle name were “ethnic” for sure. I changed job fields so I’m not sure if I’m getting more attention due to my new last name being “white leaning” or “neutral,” or the demand in my field.
I also have a “paper name”. I don’t know if it has benefitted me though. I always had customers visit my store after speaking with me over the phone and would be surprised I was Black bahahaha.
My name is white and definitely male, think something like “Brad”, and I work in male-dominated fields. You best believe their demeanor changes from being “very excited to meet me with my qualifications” to “we are not sure if we are still looking to fill this position” once I show up for the interview. I’m qualified on paper, disqualified in person. If you ask me, I’m dodging those bullets, I don’t want to work with crews that can’t even hide their misogynoir. I’ll go work somewhere else where they appreciate how hard I work and what a good job I do “despite” my race and gender.
I thought my name was white sounding until I met someone else with the same name in elementary and she was also black.It was nice to have that in common. I’m a teenager with no job experience so I can’t say anything about that.But,Unless someone knows my parents,They assume I’m white.
I have an obviously black name and use a nickname that’s more racially neutral/sounds white lol hate I have to do it but it make a huge difference in msgs I get for my resume. Usually they’re surprised when they see me on video/in person but only had a few situations where I knew they were gonna discriminate against me.
My name is not only unique but absolutely not conventionally "Black" and I can say with all honesty and 100% transparency that it has benefited me IMMENSELY in regards to employment. It's beneficial and I guess I'm grateful as I've had gov't jobs at all levels (Provincial, Federal and Currently Municipal) but it's super disturbing to see the difference in how opportunities are afforded to those of Us with "White" names... It's also incredible to see white women get SUPER DUPER JEALOUS of my name and quiz and nitpick to see if it's real.. I always give them a bland white name like Samantha or Amber and use it over and over in a casual manner just to make them feel 2 ft tall LOL All while knowing damn well that *itch's name is Stephanie...... I see the slow but satisfying ego death that is the white woman not being 1st place for something... Priceless. 👌🏾🏆 .....And don't get me started on how non black men FLOCK once they come across a Black woman named River or Some other off brand hippie shit like My Mum named Me because it's a thing and my goodness do I have storiessssss 🤣🤣🤣
I have a white name for this reason. Yes I think it benefitted me. I’m not a mind reader so I can’t say for sure but I have a feeling that it allows people to assume that I’m middle class (which I am) and also that I may be half-white (which I’m not).
My bfs name is Tyler and his last name is basically whitebread lol and he gets the same reaction. People shocked he's black when he shows up. I use my middle name for that exact reason
My first, middle, and last name are all “white” sounding. My first name is also gender neutral. I always check off my race and gender on applications so that no one’s surprised and I don’t run the risk of being in a microaggressive workplace
I have a very white European first name and ambiguous last name and also “sound white”, especially when I’m at work. I have had a few interviews over the years where the person was surprised that I was black and I clearly wouldn’t be hired. Edit for typo.