How Diaspora and Immigrants Navigate Bias Through Name Changes on Resumes.
Do Immigrants Navigate Bias Through Name Changes on Resumes?
Are they Breaking the Mold?
What would they do to fit in?
Would you change your name to an English-sounding one just to land an interview?
If you’ve never thought about it, it’s likely because you don’t have an ethnic or non-English name. For many immigrants and diasporas, the pressure to fit in starts with their resumes. They are often forced to “whiten” their resumes—removing any trace of cultural identity—to navigate biases in the hiring process.
Welcome to the world of resume whitening, where changing your name could be the difference between being called for an interview or being overlooked.
But why? It’s because companies that claim to value diversity still sometimes gravitate toward familiarity—the kind that doesn’t challenge their comfort zones.
And so, people with ethnic names are left with a choice:
• Do you embrace your identity and risk being ignored?
• Or do you conform by changing your name, all to survive in a biased system?
Some even go so far as to legally change their names to sound more “acceptable.”
And honestly, I don’t blame them. It’s survival of the fittest out here, right?
Until next time, this is Breaking the Mold: Diaspora Career Challenges, where we unpack the struggles of fitting in and the strength it takes to stand out.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
1. What Is Resume Whitening?
• Resume whitening is the practice of anglicizing names or removing cultural identifiers to reduce bias during the hiring process.
• Many job seekers, especially immigrants and diasporas, resort to this practice to improve their chances of landing interviews.
2. The Cost of Fitting In:
• Erasing a name or cultural identity can feel like losing a piece of who you are.
• This is especially true when jobseekers feel pressured to conform to workplace norms that don’t value diversity authentically.
3. Diversity & Inclusion: The Irony
• Companies often tout diversity but unintentionally perpetuate biases through hiring practices.
• The pressure to “fit in” highlights how far we still have to go in creating equitable workplaces.
4. A Message for Immigrants and Diasporas
• You’re not here to fit in. You’re here to stand out. Your name, your accent, and your identity are assets, not liabilities.
5. Resources for Job Seekers
• Looking for help to overcome bias and stand out? Check out free career and job search resources at
If you’ve faced challenges like these, you’re not alone. Don’t let the pressure to conform strip away your unique identity. Instead, let it be your strength.
Book me to speak
Sweta Regmi - Top Global Speaker, Career Strategist & Personal Branding Consultant | Teachndo Canada