Applying for jobs -- Which name do I use?

[Tango]

I'm looking for new work and I'm wondering if it's advisable to use my new name, which I would prefer, or to use my dead name because I'm still Pre-T and I do not remotely pass. I would hope to work somewhere that people would be accepting of who I am, but I understand that that isn't always going to be possible. Some jobs I'm applying for would be remote, so there's a good chance no one would even see me except for Zoom meetings or the like. Does anyone have advice here? If I present male on my resume but an employer calls me and I sound like a woman, I'm concerned it would prevent them from considering me. I guess that's always a possibility, but I'm nervous about how to proceed.

[VickySGV]

You are in the U.S.  you say.  Until you have made a legal name change through your local courts and changed your name with Social Security, you are stuck with your name given at birth (dead name) as far as the employer goes.  If your new employer is Trans Affirming (a wonderful thought) then they may let you use your self name on badges, and have your supervisor use the pronouns and workspace naming by your co-workers match it.  Some employers will let you use a "nickname" on site ID cards or nametags that the public will see.  Once your name is changed with Social Security via a court order then and only then can you have that name on your official employment records.  Good luck.

[Tango]

8 hours ago, VickySGV said:

You are in the U.S.  you say.  Until you have made a legal name change through your local courts and changed your name with Social Security, you are stuck with your name given at birth (dead name) as far as the employer goes.  If your new employer is Trans Affirming (a wonderful thought) then they may let you use your self name on badges, and have your supervisor use the pronouns and workspace naming by your co-workers match it.  Some employers will let you use a "nickname" on site ID cards or nametags that the public will see.  Once your name is changed with Social Security via a court order then and only then can you have that name on your official employment records.  Good luck.

Good points and good information. Thanks a bunch! I'll keep this in mind while I apply around.

[Lexi C]

Hey

Vicky right.I went through it. Plus, its pain in the neck trying to explain it H.R.

I finally legally change my last yr. 

If your still uncomfortable about presenting I recommend you use yr DN until you feel comfortable. 

However, You need to express to HR or whoever, that you're in the process of TG so they don't freak out.

Good Luck

 

[missyjo]

Tango 

I've been very lucky n recently started a part time job at a gender affirming diversity n inclusive women's clothing store. I asked manager before I applied. she checked with HR n they suggested I need apply under real name so they can have a social n birthdate to go with it, but everything else is under missy name. even in computer I sign in n out..my last name remained but I've included missy last name too..so I go by her full name everyday for all things..n they apologize that my check may include my real last  name...working on bank account n card with missy name now

 

good luck dear 

 

hugs

[gemmalouise]

America is so different, we can even change our names "by usage" but doing that often doesn't work because we need to prove it with documentation.  I have no copies left of my deed poll documents so would now find it hard to prove my old name.  Anyway this isn't about me I was just surprised.

 

So its been a few months is there any news on how these stories are panning out?

[missyjo]

well in America each state has different rules on changing your name legally..but I've not changed mine, but many businesses are trying to be transgender sensitive and allowing your true name, so I'm taking advantage of that trend...sign the first few contracts with both names n soon missy will have a credit history n well  be a real girl..giggles 

hugs