Vote for The Less Weird Gender-Neutral Name

usherer on 16/12/2017 - 12:12
Last edited 17/12/2017 - 10:32 by 1 other user

I'm applying for jobs in editing, and have come to see that my Asian name would be an obstacle, despite having over ten years of experience in it (albeit having worked in international/British/American organisations, having worked in the UK before, and using English for work all my life).

I used to go by a nickname at my workplace, and see that it's no longer sufficient to do so. My research shows that male, Anglo Saxon names tend to have greater success to get past the first stage, so I am looking for a gender-neutral first name to do that.

I have shortlisted some names and hope you can help identify, using the lens of an Anglo Saxon recruiter, the most ideal one(s), the one that would made you go (in the first 10 secs), "Here is a name I have a soft spot for, belongs to someone who has a good command of the language, and I really want to have a look at their resume".

My preference is for 'Alexi' but I see that some people view it as Russian/Greek, which I have no problem with. However the point of my exercise is, I don't want problems from recruiters and HR.

I am also researching how to modify my last name (Ong).

Thanks!

Poll Options

  • 32
    Alexi
  • 224
    Alexandra
Education & Work

Comments

        • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 18:42

          @dp1: The 'White Australia' policy had entry restrictions on non-Europeans entering Australia, so as to maintain the white, British character of the country. I doubt you are actually referring to an official policy to explicity restrict non-whites into certain areas of Birmingham.

          And to @UFO too: Not to mention the other policies like: how Indigenous children continued to be stolen from their families through to 1970 - whereas before 1962, all Commonwealth citizens could enter and stay in the UK without restrictions. By 1972, holders of work permits, or people with parents or grandparents born in the UK could gain entry.

          Australia and Britain were at very different points in their development.

          And yes, I'm aware that London is an anomaly, but like I said, the Aussie Skilled Migration Scheme didn't happen last year. It's been around for years and is meant to be a response to the supply and demand of jobs. It's ridiculous to moan the lack of skills, then complain that candidates do not have local experience. And I think this is an issue of recent times - apparently the engineers association have spent years trying to remove engineering from the skills shortage list, to no avail. And I am aware that migrants from, say, five to ten years ago, had no trouble seeking employment.

        • MementoMori on 18/12/2017 - 20:48

          @usherer: FWIW the census identified over 200 different nationalities living in Australia. We are extremely multi cultural.

    • anastasiastarz on 17/12/2017 - 21:15

      Oooh I was under the impression that an indigenous name would make things easier, since they seem to have a special spot to fill that quota? You know how they always ask if you tick that box.

      • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 10:29
        +1

        Interestingly, in the study I quoted below, for which the results are summed up in this blog article (https://economics.com.au/2009/06/17/discrimination-study/), "Indigenous applicants seem to face less discrimination at the interview stage than Chinese or Middle Eastern applicants. To get the same number of interviews as an applicant with an Anglo-Saxon name, a Chinese applicant must submit 68% more applications,.. an Indigenous applicant must submit 35% more applications."

        I was wondering what might happen if that box didn't exist for the Indigenous. As another commentator noted, they believed that Chinese, with their high levels of income (not me!) and education, they didn't expect discrimination against them. It'd be interesting to see in the absence of affirmative action to protect against racism, what outcomes may be for Indigenous people.

        • anastasiastarz on 18/12/2017 - 18:15
          +1

          When they check that box they do check btw. I think they get gov funding if they fill that quota for "diversity".

          Interesting I was denied a job (casually) because they said they already have enough asian girls… Even though I pointed out I'm only 25% asian…

        • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 18:25
          +1

          @anastasiastarz: What does that even mean? Couldn't they have offered you a job based on your merits???

        • anastasiastarz on 18/12/2017 - 21:50

          @usherer: No. They wanted more white boys, white girls, asian boys and if they're desperate to fill the quota, asian girls.

          The later would have been great, I got the interview because my name. Admittedly it's one of those jobs where you were favoured if you were their type (white). Not modeling, but close cousins.

        • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 21:55

          @anastasiastarz: So you couldn't fall into the 'white girls' category? Try the Asian countries. They would love to have you.

        • anastasiastarz on 18/12/2017 - 22:14

          @usherer: Not white enough… Ah but then I wouldn't be thin enough in asia :P

  • shiny1 on 17/12/2017 - 00:08
    +3

    Alex or Alexandra. Alexi is less common and not the option to go for imo

  • belongsinforums on 17/12/2017 - 00:49
    +1

    So are you going to legally change your name? Alex is a good choice.

  • edwardcr on 17/12/2017 - 01:53

    An Anglo-Saxon name with French influence and added class?

    Alex D'Ong.

    • payton on 17/12/2017 - 17:55

      funnily enough, 'The Dong' is a very successful person

  • champ21 on 17/12/2017 - 04:04
    +2

    I have an asian background and a very asian name. Ive kept my name on resumes and it hasnt stopped me getting a job or offers. I see it as more as a matter of principle more then anything else. I always try to pronounce everyones name as it should be not shorten or say it different because its easier.

    Honestly i dont see a problem with maylee ong it sounds fine and shouldnt be a problem.

    • usherer on 17/12/2017 - 08:25
      +6

      In case anyone is keen, below is a list of the research that is out there, and it’s certainly not exhaustive. In the forum discussions and others, commentators who hire admit that a name that might be unpronounceable would put them off picking the resume.
      While I’m not saying all resumes with ethnic names will be chucked out, name discrimination is systematic and widespread. And while I may not have zero callback, perhaps I can increase my chances substantially from one callback to five callbacks—which will give me a higher success rate of landing one position. In this tight job market, changing the name makes it one less obstacle I need to deal with.
      Also, what job function are you doing, which sector are you, who are your main stakeholders/ clientele? I imagine an ethnic name for real estate agents, research assistants, IT support officers etc would be completely fine. My desired job function is as an editor.
      I’ve stuck with my name in London, but if the reality here is different, I need to adjust to that, as reluctant as I am, because pride has never paid for food on the table.

      Studies
      http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-0084.2011.…
      We find significant differences in callback rates: ethnic minority candidates would need to apply for more jobs in order to receive the same number of interviews. These differences vary systematically across ethnic groups.

      Anecdotal evidence
      See Paige’s experience above.

      https://jezebel.com/5822293/man-takes-fake-white-name-to-tes…
      • A Sudanese-Australian man was having trouble getting a job interview. So he sent out applications under a fake, white-sounding name — and callbacks started rolling in.

      http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2245054
      • Same resume', same experience and qual's, same girl applying for same type of job in same city (Perth) and guess what? Several replies, a few interviews and two job offers.

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/181652
      • My stepson had a Maori surname. Same as you Enchipher, he would get rejection after rejection. Changed his surname to mine which is English sounding and things changed for him within 6 weeks. I can understand your reluctance to change your name but this may be a viable option. Good luck.

      • I used to work with a fellow who found that changing his last name from "Wong" to "white" got him substantially more replies

      • An Engineering graduate from one of the top four universities in Sydney with a looooong name. Same story as I refused to change my name. Then did a social experiment by applying for the same job with my original name and shortened English sounding name. Surprisingly the shorter name helped, not saying it's racism, but unfair. Now that I have got more experience, happy to use my full name. Government jobs are a bit better when it comes to equality.

      http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2474334
      • first thing he looks at is the name, if its non English sounding it goes directly in the bin / deleted without even looking at anything else on the resume.

      • I recall at one of the big 4 banks I used to supply temps for, Asian names were always rejected by the manger of 1 major centre whilst those who had western names would be taken.

      • [Deactivated] on 17/12/2017 - 11:57
        +1

        A female Australian name will bring you the most success in Australia rather than a male Anglo name. If you don't know what common Australian female names used here are then simply ask the Aussies directly rather than dictating to them which names are probably going to be most successful with your overseas research. Remember, it's you that has to change to fit into Australia not Australians that need to change to fit into Australia. Good luck.

      • Baghern on 18/12/2017 - 16:28
        +1

        There is research world wide regarding this, but in the US and England actual Chinese names was positive in some scenarios

        • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 18:43

          Oh, do you have any more information on that?

        • MementoMori on 19/12/2017 - 21:29

          @usherer: Yes, in the US both East Asians (inc. Indians) out earn their white counterparts. I wouldn't be surprised if it's the same here too, or will be in the next 5-10 years. Think of all the IT, Engineers, doctors, etc etc… No doubt different in this creative profession you are in.

          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ethnic_groups_in_the_U…

  • [Deactivated] on 17/12/2017 - 05:59
    +3

    Change your last name to OMG, first name would not matter much after that.

  • blackorange on 17/12/2017 - 08:44
    +2

    I'm Chinese and was give an English name when we moved to Australia though my first name was very easy to pronounce. My parents' rationale was that it would make me "fit in" better, though in my head I still refer to myself as my original name.
    I hear what you're saying about changing your name to increase your prospects for work, but some of the other points raised here are also valid
    - Do you really want to work for a place that picks people based on their perceived ethnicity?
    - They will find out you are Asian as soon as you attend the interview so the inherent biases/ racist tendencies, if they exist, will be there anyway
    - If I were you I wouldn't go for anything odd, since your goal is to sound as neutral white as possible, don't go for extensions or mods of your name. I knew a guy at uni who changed his surname from Tong to Tongson (to be close to Thompson?) and he was stuck with years of questions

    • usherer on 17/12/2017 - 09:01
      +1

      • Do you really want to work for a place that picks people based on their perceived ethnicity?
        There are so many possibilities. What if one HR person, confronted by 200 emails, was just trying to get their job done as soon as possible, in a company that is otherwise egalitarian and progressive? What if that HR person just tried to go through 20 emails, of which 10 were from overseas and seeking sponsorship?
        Or what if it's only HR that's not like the rest of the organisation?

      • They will find out you are Asian as soon as you attend the interview so the inherent biases/ racist tendencies, if they exist, will be there anyway
        At least I get through the first round. Perhaps I have enough experience and expertise to convince them to give me a try?

      • Tongson - that sounds like 'Tungsten". Changing the surname at the same time as the first name is a little too drastic for me. I won't do that..for now.

    • idonotknowwhy on 17/12/2017 - 09:09
      +4

      I have to agree with these points. If they're racist, you'll end up with a short interview and be rejected anyway.
      There are lots of places which hire based on your interview performance and personality.

      My wife used to go by a western name when talking to Aussies. I convinced her to just use her ethnic name, and she's been very successful in many workspaces and hasn't perceived any more racism.

      Just make sure the standard of the English on your resume is very high.

      ps. The only time I've been tempted to favor a candidate based on their name, was when one of them had the same name as me lol.

      • usherer on 17/12/2017 - 09:19

        If I'm spending at least eight hours on my Key Selection Criteria, I don't mind adding a preferred name so that my efforts wouldn't be binned within 30 seconds. Getting one toe into any office is still preferable to wondering if my name had been a reason why i haven't got any callback over the last two months.

        May I know what was/is her job function?

        RE: favouring candidates because of names - I've read of a similar case in Whirlpool where a commentator said his boss offered a job to someone who shares the same surname. Your anecdote, and that one, reminds me of how recruitment is a very human process: it is subjected to all our foibles and follies…an additional reason why I need to change my name.

  • FatBlanket on 17/12/2017 - 09:18
    +5

    In my field i suffer the opposite problem, everyone is Asian and indian, where as I am Caucasian. I've been thinking of changing my name to Tikka Masala, but I'd probably get called a racist.

    • StarvingOat on 17/12/2017 - 10:19
      +3

      lol wtf

    • payton on 17/12/2017 - 16:16
      +2

      Tikka Chance on that one

  • felipe1982 on 17/12/2017 - 09:24
    +3

    Be yourself. The right employer will value as you really are and hire you.

    If you get hired by racists they may not like you tried to trick them.

    I'm not seeing long term wins for you. No peace of mind. No honour of your heritage. No respect of the unique character and point of view that you have. Be yourself. If others don't like it: (profanity) them.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/12/2017 - 09:30

      Honour of your heritage? It's very common for names to be changed in the other direction in non-colonial Asian countries. Basically every landed ex-pat in China does it without any allegation of forgetting their heritage.

  • brawndo on 17/12/2017 - 10:03
    +2

    Stick to your real name. Take other measures to increase your chances of an interview such as..

    • Following up with a call to check on the status of the application and blowing them away with your awesome communication skills.

    • Placing a strong emphasis on your editing achievements and experience in your CV.

    • Keeping a blog or something similar that demonstrates your strong command of English.

    Changing your name should be a last resort and should only be done if you really aren't getting replies.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/12/2017 - 10:06
    +1

    Whichever name you choose, you should probably make sure that your LinkedIn profile matches up.

    Recruiters in many industries are likely to have a look for your profile on there if they receive your application and resume.

  • xabiso on 17/12/2017 - 10:21

    If a company has a HR that "discriminates" you because of your name/ethnicity, then it is really not worth it working for them. Workplace culture is built from top down and chances are there will be more barrier to your success later on in your career. I am happily working for one that embraces diversity and believes in its value. But if you really want to change your name to get that interview - Try Alexa, can't go wrong if Amazon uses that for their product.

    • usherer on 17/12/2017 - 10:27

      Actually, how do HR practititoners filter resumes? If they receive 150 for a position, do they peruse every single one?

      • Findo on 18/12/2017 - 19:22

        A mate of mine worked at a boutique corporate advisory shop. He said the senior bankers would sort incoming resumes into two piles randomly, discard a pile and go through one pile only. He chalked it up to fate and good luck.

        • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 19:24

          holy…

  • Cusack on 17/12/2017 - 10:23
    +6

    My hope is that in 10,15 or 20 years time, people will reference this ozbargain link as an example of how ridiculous and immature our society 'was'

    • OzzyOzbourne on 17/12/2017 - 11:02

      One day we might progress, or be replaced by robots, or become extinct.

    • Lockieasy on 17/12/2017 - 11:27

      Yeah Ozbargain sure is an immature place.

      Anyway, I think the OP should change their name to Boobs Magoo.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/12/2017 - 12:17

      Are we all going to learn how to pronounce every single ethnic name we come across in that period? I can assure you that is what most of this is about.

      If it was purely about racism then Australian workplaces wouldn't be as diverse as they are.

      • Cusack on 17/12/2017 - 13:23
        +6

        Are we going to learn to pronounce the name?? YES! WTF kind of question was that? Holy cow! Lol.

  • CharityCase on 17/12/2017 - 10:35
    +1

    My name is Phuc Dat Bich, any chance of getting me a better sounding white name?

  • [Deactivated] on 17/12/2017 - 10:41
    +2

    Jennifer Aniston's real name is Jennifer Anastassakis. How many people think she should have kept it?

    • 42 on 17/12/2017 - 12:19
      +1

      Ironically, her father John Aniston (born Giannis Anastasakis), is famous for playing Victor Kiriakis in Days of Our Lives

  • OzzyOzbourne on 17/12/2017 - 11:01

    You probably wouldn't want to work for the companies that discriminate anyway. So stick with your real name

    • payton on 17/12/2017 - 16:21

      and companies probably wouldn't want to hire progressive snowflakes that cause conflicts and clash of opinions over non work related topics

      • champ21 on 17/12/2017 - 17:35
        +2

        So not wanting to work for someone thats discriminating me because of race or gender is being a snowflake?

        Try posting something that makes sense relevent to the post you're quoting.

        • payton on 17/12/2017 - 17:49

          you just proved the point. Who/how the company hires is not your business. Your business is being good at your job and getting paid.
          Raising a fuss about this, is being a snowflake

        • OzzyOzbourne on 17/12/2017 - 17:53

          @payton: we're not human after all

        • payton on 17/12/2017 - 18:01

          @OzzyOzbourne:
          Takes a 2nd look at Ozzy Osbourne's kids
          hmm you're right on the money

        • champ21 on 17/12/2017 - 19:01

          @payton: no shit sherlock. No ones being a snowflake at a company theyre not even hired at.

        • payton on 17/12/2017 - 19:06

          @champ21:
          read the original post

          You probably wouldn't want to work for the companies that discriminate anyway

          i.e you may be hired but the company isn't that progressive utopia you so dearly wanted

  • Chumly on 17/12/2017 - 11:23

    My grammar and language expression is shocking. But isn't it 10 years of experience and not ten years?

    You generally spell out numbers 1-9. Eg. Three meals a day.

    Anything 10 and above can just be written as the number.

    I am only questioning this because you say you want to be an editor.

    • usherer on 17/12/2017 - 11:59
      +9

      You're right - most style guides would use the numerals, instead of spelling it out.

      Do remember though, I'm here as an OP, not an editor.

      For what it's worth: in life, I usually do not like making judgements on others, even more so when it comes to language. Being pedantic about grammar, especially in online forums, detracts from the experience of engaging in an exchange of opinions, and assessing the innate worth of an opinion.

  • payton on 17/12/2017 - 16:23
    +1

    Stay with gender specific names, you'll fit better.
    Just go with your real name, else the panel will wonder why did you have to mislead them over your origins

  • greatlamp on 17/12/2017 - 16:32
    +2

    People know you as Lee, so you want to say your name is Alexi ?

    Seems quite convoluted

    I would put down Leigh, it is as anglo as you can get (never seen it used beyond English people) and sounds just like Lee

  • plmko on 17/12/2017 - 17:26

    OP boasts about all these international work experiences….but any Australian work experience? Yeah there's the problem.

    It's not the name, no one really cares here.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/12/2017 - 20:01

    Considering Asians broadly have higher incomes and higher levels of education and I've never seen a claim of higher levels of unemployment in Australia, then I don't really see there being any benefit. I get that if your name if Abcde Ong then not putting that on a resume because it looks stupid is demonstrably beneficial (studies on exactly that have been done and shown a significant increase in job call backs with a more common name, in particular Anglocized ones). I just doubt that you need to whitewash your name in Australia these days. Would love to read the evidence that suggests that you do though. I see your claims about discrimination but I'd love to see the current evidence. The SBS articles you linked provide the claim as well, but no stats or evidence, only vague anecdote. I agree the 'local experience' thing is a bit silly, in some fields.

    If it is a big deal, I'd just go with Lee. It's a white name also. Alternatively May is also a white name. Your name is already two white names. Why create confusion with your referees which is more likely to screw up your job chances than any perceived negative effect of being Maylee Ong.

    On a completely random suggestion though, I have a friend named Michelle Ong, which I think has a nice ring to it.

    • usherer on 17/12/2017 - 20:04
      +1

      A bit busy now, will reply later. Here's the link to one study in Australia: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-0084.2011….

      • [Deactivated] on 17/12/2017 - 20:06

        Much appreciated. I found it hard to find stats for Australia. Seems better studied in the USA but despite our similarities its hard to draw parallels for things like this.

    • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 10:35

      I'm back.
      "The SBS articles you linked provide the claim as well, but no stats or evidence, only vague anecdote." - Some post-constructivist (?) lecturers have impressed upon me that data doesn't speak to all experiences, and that every lived experience revealed through anecdotes is just as important. That has changed my view about quantitative vs qualitative data.

      Maylee Ong is just an example. My real name is close to these: Ma Yun, Luo Zhixiang, Zhang Ziyi: hard to shorten, distinctively Chinese.

      In case you couldn't access the paper last night, here's a summary from one of the researchers: https://economics.com.au/2009/06/17/discrimination-study/

  • yummycoot on 18/12/2017 - 00:12

    never thought I would see someone on ozbargain that I know in real life. I was in your Professional Skills topic in first semester 2017. Your video was great, your group had such a great project.

    Alexi is fine or you can go with Alex. Its such a shame really that we still have to deal with these kinds of issues.

    • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 00:16

      You're mistakened. I've finished my studies a while ago. I'm sure your classmate would much appreciate your kind comments 😊

      • yummycoot on 18/12/2017 - 01:47

        is your last name tiong?

        • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 10:35

          No.

  • SlickMick on 18/12/2017 - 00:21
    +1

    Just don't go with Michael. I've found recruiters are anti that one too.

    • freakatronic on 18/12/2017 - 11:34

      Dang. I'm Michael with a Chinese surname which, it seems, is the double whammy.

  • Untameable on 18/12/2017 - 00:40
    -3

    You’re way over thinking it. Nobody in HR cares about your name and if they did you wouldn’t want to work there because they’re racist.

    • freakatronic on 18/12/2017 - 08:43
      +1

      Yyyyeeeeaaah it'd be great if that was true. Or if it was as easy as dismissing a potential job with "I wouldn't wanna work there anyway lol."

    • Untameable on 18/12/2017 - 13:36

      I was being supportive - I don’t believe HR will reject certain names and that those that do would be a minority of really awful places where if you got in the experience would be equally bad.

      I don’t know why that was downvoted so harshly.

      • Baghern on 18/12/2017 - 16:37
        +1

        Because there are so many studies that says otherwise.

        I doubt there are many intentional racists out there, its mostly lazy stereotyping. If you get the interview its all good. Getting the interview is shown to be difficult though. Having said that most recruiting is done by an agency not the employer

  • John on 18/12/2017 - 01:02
    +1

    Your surname is fine. I am jealous, I have a unique surname that I grew tired spelling it out. Not to mention my first and second name. Always wanted to change name but the hassles i have to go through to do it now seems like too much… but maybe one day.. maybe

    PS: John is not my real name obviously

  • bragains on 18/12/2017 - 01:25

    Change it to Thai La Ong. Guaranteed to be a hit with the HR peeps in Sydney.

  • freakatronic on 18/12/2017 - 08:41
    +2

    I feel you Usherer. I have the misfortune of having a Chinese surname. Despite qualifications, experience and looking white, I hear back from 1% of applications. I also have considered applying under a whitey's surname to get around it.

    • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 10:37
      +1

      And you have an English name?

      You mention you look white. In my research around whitewashing resumes, I have come across anecdotes where the applicants include their own photos, and that helped improve callback.

      Does this mean your mom is white? If so, you could easily use your mom's last name, no?

      • freakatronic on 18/12/2017 - 11:25

        I could, but then if I got the job and submit my real name to payroll, they'd immediately know I'd applied under a fake name.

        • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 11:27
          +1

          Read the comments above. One person linked to a document showing it's not illegal to use a preferred name. I have a problem changing my surname, but if you could easily use your mom's surname, that's much better. But I know what you mean, it's a huge hassle to explain why the last name is different.

        • freakatronic on 18/12/2017 - 11:30

          @usherer: That's very good to know. I do believe I'll be applying to any future opportunities as Mr. Salinger (maternal surname, sounds classy like the author of 'Catcher In The Rye'.)

        • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 11:35

          @freakatronic: It does sound very elegant! All the best. Guess we won't be seeing you around here for a while as you'll be busy replying to all those job interview requests.

        • freakatronic on 18/12/2017 - 11:42

          @usherer: Can I just give a cynical lol to that and disappear all the same?

        • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 11:43
          +1

          @freakatronic: Sure, Mr Salinger

        • freakatronic on 18/12/2017 - 11:46

          @usherer: …so classy…

  • frostman on 18/12/2017 - 09:15

    If the company 'recruiter' is racist and short-listing certain people, even a nickname change wont help,

  • kaio on 18/12/2017 - 09:18
    +1

    Based on my experience as Asian with non-Asian name, I had gotten more phone calls from recruiters. In fact, you still have to pass the voice conversation and later in-person interviews which there is nowhere to hide still.

    Changing name in QLD has to read this: https://www.qld.gov.au/law/births-deaths-marriages-and-divor…

    The most hassle thing is getting your birth cert with translation, which you may need to explain to your traditional Asian parent why are you giving up your ancestor's surname… :P

    • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 10:39

      You changed both first and last names legally? I'm hoping I won't have to get to that stage :( Congrats on having better job opportunities though.

  • lint on 18/12/2017 - 09:54

    Why would you want to modify your last name? Don't deny your heritage!

  • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2017 - 10:40
    +2

    In Hong Kong I knew a Moon, a Piano, a Uranus and a Rainbow. No one bats an eyelid there. But I guess when in Rome do as the Roman’s do. I used to hate my Chinese name but now I like it. I see your point but it’s shitty to have to use a fake name.

    • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 10:42

      haha! The name culture in HK/China has fascinated overseas Chinese for a long time!
      Uranus though…that's just so wrong on a number of levels.

    • kaio on 18/12/2017 - 15:34
      +1

      I have ex-colleagues in Hong Kong named themselves Devil, Ginger, Super.

  • blitz on 18/12/2017 - 10:44

    Bonus: using Paul Simon's "Call Me Al" for your answering machine. 🔥🔥🔥

  • spriggan43 on 18/12/2017 - 10:45
    +1

    One of my daughters names is Alexia, we just call her Alex, only use her full name when she is in trouble. 😀

  • DarthAntz on 18/12/2017 - 10:55
    +1

    Have you done the research on successful asian names for employment in western culture? I have worked with many foreigners who have done this successfully, so i think you are on the right track. Mostly indians who give themselves australian cricketers names like Shane and Brett. Pretty smart.

    your surname is 3 letters, so dont change it. You're going to be giving them your real name for tax purposes anyway, but on your cover letters and resume use your 'borrowed' name for market appeal (as you suggest/success indicates).

    It has to be a name that you can easily pronounce, and if its a name of someone famous or a cartoon character, you'll be even more on the money.

    My suggestion is Lena (Lena Dunham), Leela (turanga leela) or Lara (lara croft). The higher the appeal to you, the better.

    • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 11:03

      That is very clever indeed.

      "if its a name of someone famous or a cartoon character" - Well, I used to like Donald Duck.

      I'll have a look here today: https://www.theguardian.com/au

      • DarthAntz on 18/12/2017 - 11:09
        +1

        and dont worry about the gender neutral name, some places want a ratio, and if you've worked in a place with a poor ratio of male to female employees, you'll probably want a place with a good ratio too. Just get your appeal on point.

        And let us know your success!

  • sbot on 18/12/2017 - 11:21
    +1

    My middle name is Lee (I'm white with a European first name, and a surname that people often find kind of unplaceable) and I once had a university tutor express disappointment because 'aw, I thought you'd be Asian.'

    So yeah, Lee is a nice, gender neutral and (apparently) pretty ethnically ambiguous name, imho. I'd probably go by it personally if I ever wanted to seem more masculine in a job application, but I'm biased because it's already part of my name.

    That being said, if you're leaning to Alex I would just go with Alex and not worry about backing it up with a longer Alexandra/Alexi/etc. I have a shortened first name with a longer full version (similar to Alex/Alexandra) and nobody ever asks for the 'full' version unless it's for some official paperwork and people even seem surprised sometimes that I even have a longer version.

    • Peon on 18/12/2017 - 21:36
      +2

      'aw, I thought you'd be Asian.'

      Like Donna Chang…

      • sbot on 19/12/2017 - 17:51

        Had to look that one up. It was a weird comment to receive for sure.

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