Quote:
Originally Posted by if.if
I find the paragraph about having an Italian surname quite funny. It doesn't help me. Getting an agency to even acknowledge a job application is a total waste of time.
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In addition to outright discrimination, there's also the (recruiter's) fear of not being able to pronounce someone's name. Incredible as it may seem many people are fearful of this, they feel embarrassed that they cannot pronounce a name.
I used to have a neighbour who couldn't pronounce my wife's first name. It's not like it's difficult to pronounce, but it's a Gaelic name and it's just not common here in Australia. I made the mistake of correcting my neighbour once (not in front of my wife) and from then on I am quite sure my neighbour avoided my wife. Whenever they did come into contact my neighbour visibly blushed with embarrassment. Fortunately they moved!
But imagine if my neighbour was in recruitment, she's going through a pile of CVs and there's one or two names she can't pronounce but there's a bunchy of other applicants who look suitable for the job anyway - guess who won't get called for an interview?
I'm not trying to make excuses for this, I am just trying to explain how human nature comes into play.
Personally if I'm not sure how to pronounce someone's name I just ask them. I have yet to meet anyone who is offended.
