Should I change my name on the resume?

As a As a Career Coach for new migrants and job seekers recently I heard of a strange and unhappy case wherein a new migrant asked me this. This is the story of Ragini (Name changed)

Dear Mandar,

I had seen a role advertised Consultant in my field and applied for that and I was rejected in a few hours. After a week, I saw the same position re-advertised online, by the same agency. I again applied for this same role, only difference was this time I used an alias English sounding name instead of my name and Lo! I got a call. I don’t understand this! Please advise if I should change my name?

Hi Ragini, I am not sure why recruiters do this yes but some of them work in this way.  This sounds incorrect and improper.  Maybe they felt that just because you had a typical English name you would be a better candidate than one with a different name!?!  Could it be the position required a thorough knowledge of local customs and practices?

I would not recommend you to go for a name change only for this reason.

Firstly, not all recruiters work in this way. It sounds unfair and improper. Some bad recruiters work in this prejudiced way. You are always going to be the same person you were and a name change would not really make a difference in terms of a job search. It’s not going to change your skills, qualifications and experience. Neither would it change your personality or accent. You may get past the CV qualifying stage, but may get stuck in the interview if they are shortlisting you just on the premise of your name. 

It is common knowledge that names that are easier to pronounce have a slight advantage in the job market but no decision is made just on the basis of a name only. You want to get hired as true you, the person you are. In fact, your unique sounding name can help people re-collect and remember you in the long run. If its a real tongue twister maybe you can shorten it, or use just the initials.

Its true, that some jobs need a lot more customer or client interaction and excellent communication skills for which candidates who know the local customers are preferred but this is a temporary situation. After you get some local experience you are also going to be considered as a local.

Unless it is made as a rule, name blind resumes won’t work but the idea does have some merit.

There have been lot of new migrant professionals who have migrated before you. They have successfully assimilated in the economy and found jobs without changing their names? Haven't they?  Wouldn't they have changed their names if this was the only reason that they were not getting jobs? There is always an initial struggle to get into the job market. Name change is not a full proof solution unless its adopted by you for long term. There are different ways to deal with issues.  More than name change, your job search, resume and candidature can be improved by addressing the job criteria more effectively. Career Coaches who specialize in new migrant job search coaching can help you out. They are there for a reason, you just only need to reach out and ask for professional help.