20% of applicants will change their names on resumes to avoid discrimination

By Alyssa Place, This is my expertise
Published 4 Min Read

Someone holding a resume
Adobe Stock

Job applicants have enough to think about when applying, interviewing and eventually securing new employment. But for many prospective employees, the most foundational aspect of their identity could get them eliminated from the hiring process right off the bat. 

According to a survey by hiring software platform Greenhouse, 20% of job applicants feel their name is a “red flag” for recruiters, and they’ve changed it on their resume to sound “less ethnic,” younger or a different gender. Thirty-four percent said they’ve experienced discrimination in the recruiting process due to their ethnicity, age or gender

Alyssa Place
Editor-in-chief

Alyssa Place is the editor-in-chief of Employee Benefit News and has been with the team since 2019. Her work covers mental health, DEI, women at work, financial wellness, retirement and workplace … Read full bio


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