I couldn’t get a job in UK until I removed my native name from my CV – Nigerian man

A middle-aged Nigerian man residing in UK, has stated he started getting unimaginable job affords after he eliminated his native identify from his CV.

34-year-old Inein Victor Garrick, who at present works as a Security Inspector at Transport for Wales, stated he started utilizing his center identify Victor after struggling to get a job years after graduating from South Wales College within the UK.

Talking with Mirror UK, he stated; “I by no means appeared to get previous the primary software phases although on paper, I had all the mandatory necessities for no less than an interview. As well as, the few calls I had, the recruiters had a problem in saying my first identify accurately.

I began utilizing Victor as first identify as a result of limitations I confronted while making use of to jobs after college. With feedback like your identify is tough or arduous to pronounce. I at all times felt I used to be on the backfoot and despatched some unconscious bias. The second I modified to my center identify Victor, on my CV, inside per week, I had a number of requires interviews.”

Based on the younger man, quite than name him Inien, individuals select to him Victor as a result of it was simpler to pronounce.

“That was at all times the beginning of the dialog, oh your identify is tough after which asking the place I’m from. However once I obtained to the interview stage, I’d reply once they name out my identify and I’d be requested once more, virtually like ‘are you positive that’s you?,” he stated.

He, nevertheless, feels he was “hiding a part of himself” and has determined to cease going by Victor and return to his Nigerian identify.

Inien stated; “I believe it did actually hit me. Final yr, I virtually felt like I hid part of myself all these years. It wasn’t disgrace per se however I wasn’t my true self. Folks would hear Victor and assume I used to be British or English and I wasn’t highlighting my true id.

I’m pleased with the place I’m from and I believe I hid behind Victor. This opened that door to speak about Nigeria and my cultural heritage, it’s a implausible dialog starter.”