If you ve got a nickname, you might wonder whether you can use it in the documents you prepare for a job search, such as your resume. While there aren t laws or guidelines when it comes to picking a name for your resume and other documentation, there are some tips that can be very helpful to consider. If you ve got questions about whether and how to use a nickname, here are a few tips
You Don’t Have to List Your Legal Name
Most people think that they have to list their legal name when creating their resume and cover letter, or sending in a job application. This is not true. If you ve got a name that you d rather use professionally, you re certainly able to use it. For examples, say you ve got a name that s difficult to pronounce; you might shorten it, or spell it more phonetically to make pronunciation easy.
For example, if your name is Theophilus, there’s nothing wrong with using the nickname Theo for your first name. And if you have a unique last name that may be challenging for some to pronounce, like Nguyen, you might add the phonetic spelling (nuhWEN) so that the person contacting you won’t be more concerned with how to pronounce your name than offering you an interview.
Be Consistent with Your Name Choice
Whatever name you decide to go with, it’s important that you use it consistently throughout your career (unless you get married or choose the legally change your entire name). As your name becomes a more and more important part of your profession, you ll want it to develop and become more and more important and linked to your reputation.
This means if you choose to go with a nickname that sounds nothing like your legal name (i.e. if you go by your middle name), it’s good to stick with it so people will always know they’re talking about the same person. The same rules apply for email address, voicemail messages, file names and social media profiles.
Feel Comfortable with Your Decision
The name that you choose to use during your job search and beyond should be one that you feel comfortable with. If you use a name you don t answer to, you might inadvertently create an embarrassing situation when your employer or someone else calls you by it and you forget to answer. If your name is Elizabeth but since birth you’ve been called Lizzy, by all means you can use it. If you want to include both names, you can try Elizabeth (Lizzy) Brown. According to exports, though, completely changing your name for a job search isn t a great idea. You need to be traceable for background checks, so if you’ve suddenly changed your entire name (legally), it’s good to note your previous name as you make the transition.
It’s good to know that you can use more than your legal name while in pursuit of a job, as well as in your career. You won t have any issues as long as you use the same name consistently, and as long as the name is professional.
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