For employers: What crosses your mind when an applicant has an unusual name?

I once read that studies have shown that resumes written by people with stereotypically "black" names are often passed over in favor of those written by people with stereotypically "white" names. My name is actually Delilah, and since it's so unusual, I was wondering if having it on my resumes and applications would create a negative impression on a prospective employer. What do you think?

For employers: What crosses your mind when an applicant has an unusual name?
When poring over applications, I hardly give the applicant's name a second glance. Here in California, for example, it isn't uncommon to receive applications with Latino names on it. It has never fazed me, except when writing their W-2s: Apparently, in the Latin culture, surname is placed second on all documents. So, for example, instead of Michael J. Fox, their culture would have it written as Michael Fox J.. This has caused great confusion with the payroll dept. but we manage!





At any rate, your name, Delilah, is an "old name", not really that unusual. (It IS Biblical, afterall.) I won't say there aren't the ignorant, bigoted fools out there who DO do as you describe. However, I believe there are more reputable, honest, professional people who measure applicants on what they can do as opposed to what their names are.
Reply:First, I don't think that Delilah is such an unusual name. And it doesn't sound like a "stereotypical black" name. Any company that cares about it's success and reputation within it's community will know that its success comes from the contributions of all of its employees (DIVERSE AND NON-DIVERSE).
Reply:Sorry, Delilah is not that unusual. Are you saying it is a "Black name"? Not sure of that bit, because don't know if you are aware but it is a Hebrew name.


secondly, It would be a poor company to not employ you if you were good at your job. If you were not good at your job you cannot blame it on your name