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  The Society for Consumer Advocates and Mavens

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YOUR FIRST NAME DETERMINES YOUR SUCCESS

Many African-Americans submit their job qualifications and job applications through the mail using their "real" names, African-sounding names, like Latrelle or Tenisha, names given to them at birth by their families. However, many are very surprised when find out they were more likely NOT to be called in for an interview compared to when they submitted the "exact same" job qualifications and job applications using a caucasian-sounding name, like John or Sarah. Job applications using non-African-sounding names were around 20% more likely to get an interview or "call back" compared to those using an African-sounding name! It was not tested but the same may possibly go for Arab-sounding names these days too!

One employer job consultant hired to find job applicants admitted off-camera that many employers do not want employees with African-sounding first names fearing they may not be team players or may come to the job with an "attitude" or a "chip on their shoulder" so to speak.

Supposedly the worst thing you can do is name your child after a "thing" like a brand of clothing or car! Employers may look at this as a form of cultural deprivation and questionable values!

SUPPLEMENTAL SOURCE: ABC-TV 20/20 8/20/04

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