Hi everyone. I wasn't aware of these comments, so I apologize for not following up sooner. Unfortunately, the information I thought I was going to receive was something totally different. However, I do have a copy of a report about ageism. I'm happy to share it with anyone who contacts me, personally. I'll have to send it by email, so if you want a copy, please share your email address. I don't know if it's appropriate to post mine here, so please just reply and send it.

Now, I'd like to comment on several messages. Boris, you are completely right about the buzz words. As far as the issue of ethnicity, sadly it is true, there are biases regarding race, religion, gender, and probably anything and everything else we can think of! I read something in a book by a recruiter that said a reason an applicant may not get hired can be as ridiculous as the hiring manager hates the color blue and you come into the interview in a blue suit! Obviously, there is no possible way to anticipate something like this; however, the phrase "whitening" a resume is actually true.

Often names can give away a person's ethnicity, religion, race, nationality, religion, and even age, as some first names are likely to be viewed as a younger person, or older. For example, who do you picture if you see the name Bertha, or even Jane, Judy, Debbie, Shirley, or Susan? How about Amber, Tiffany, Zoey, or Madison? What about Seymore or Harold? Noah, Lucas, Hunter, or Ethan? Get the idea?

Many names are more stereotypical for certain ethnic groups, religions, and races. Since I don't want to offend anyone, I'm not going to give examples, but I'm sure most of you know what I'm talking about.

I've had a lot of clients who were born and raised in countries other than the US, with names characteristic of their origin.

Since I have an unusual name, I'm probably a bit more cognizant and mindful about not making assumptions and especially ensuring that I pronounce the person's name correctly. I simply ask how it's pronounced. I know how much I hate it when someone desecrates my name, so I can only imagine what it's like for other people.

So, let me give you some examples. The following are the names of genuine people I had as clients. (First; however, I want it understood that I mean no disrespect to any of these individuals. This isn't to insult or offend anyone. I am merely trying to make a point.) Here are just a few... Swamiappan Ambalavana, Ankur Amin, Atul Ankola, Shital Chaudhary, Nickenson Dumercy, Dhaivat Patel, Cosmo Leone, Thy Ly, Nilesh Agarwal, Dharaben Panchal, Pratap Rao, Dipita Shah, Nana "Yaw" Sapon-Amoah.

I never asked or suggested that a client change his/her name. However, since I've learned more about these biases, in the future, depending on the circumstances, I might explain the issues to the clients and let them decide for themselves if they want to use a 'nickname,' etc.

An individual's name is a sensitive subject matter, so using a lot of diplomacy would be the only way to go about.

So, "whitening" a resume involves more than just a person's name. Any reference to race-focused organizations, even schools that are commonly known for particular racial groups would not be mentioned on the resume.

Obviously, if I walked into an interview they are going to know 1.) I am a white female, 2.) certainly way over the age of 22, and so on. The point is you want to try not including anything on a resume that could get you eliminated before you even get a chance.

There are many articles, etc. written on this subject matter. This one I found discusses all these factors. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/17/jobs-search-hiring-racial-discrimination-resume-whitening-callbacks

Remember, I'm only the messenger here. I do not condone these things. We should all be proud of our heritage, cultural diversities, ethnicities, and all the other things that make each of us unique individuals. How boring would the world be if we were all alike??

I don't pretend to know what the answer is. I don't like that we even have to discuss something like this! It's 2020, not 1920. I thought people had evolved a bit more, but obviously some haven't!

Hi Genise! Thanks for sharing. What you learned is correct however; I never heard of "whitening" a Resume. One thing that I do remember from the college that I attended for Career Development mentioned how employer's scan Resumes in an "F" letter pattern. Did your webinar teach about that? Yes, names are a BIG bias with employer's and some of my clients refuse to have their picture put on the new Resume because of it. This happens a lot in the United States more than in other countries. What do you think?

You are 100 % right. I had my share of experiences..

How can a potential employer determine the ethnicity of an applicant, since most do not include a photograph in a resume? I know, sometimes a name can point to a particular ethnicity. Or a person having attended a traditionally black college or a college in another country. But other than that, when you are looking at Joe Smith's resume, you have absolutely no idea about his ethnic background. So what is meant by "whitening" a resume?

In addition to what you said, a lot of resumes are initially reviewed by computer programs who look for buzzwords. So before you apply, read the job description carefully and include as many as possible words from the job description in your resume. It will improve your chances of passing the first round.

I am a Disabled Veteran and recently graduated a local college obtaining my BA in Business I have an extensive background in retail an restuarant management. I am having a hard time finding a job and I feel it is a result of my age. I have applied for many jobs I am more than qualified for but no positive results.

Thanks Genise Caruso Looking forward to learning from what you share

Thank you.