The Trouble with Headhunters

[Guest ashleynikole]

So I've been living full-time since November when I changed my name and hence changed my email address to match said new name. Since I own my domains, I was about to keep my old emails up and forwarding to my new accounts.

The problem I've run into is that for almost 10 years, I have had my resume and my job history propagated through hundreds of technical recruiter databases across the country. I receive at least 2-3 job opportunities a day all addressed to my old name and email account. I am not really sure how to appropriately guide people to my new information without flat out saying that things have changed and please update your records.

Has anyone else ever dealt with this? How did you kindly guide them to your new information?

God Bless

Ashley

[Carolyn Marie]

It's a difficult situation, Ashley, for sure. I haven't been involved in job searches, but I did transition at work and had a large number of professional contacts. So I bit the bullet and sent everyone in my address book a message about my transition.

Since these headhunters and agencies are not yet your clients or colleagues, I wouldn't go that far. But I see no way around letting them know about your name change, either directly or by an automatic message redirecting them to your new e-mail address. if they have questions or issues, they can ask. If they aren't comfortable with the idea, then you don't want them hunting on your behalf, anyway. Best of luck to you.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie