Name on resume/cover letter?

[secondlook]

I don't know that my employer is anti-trans, but I know that management is right-of-center. I don't believe they'd be foolish enough to fire me once I reveal that I am transitioning, but I also can't see how I can have any future in a company that is never going to be comfortable with me. So I'm going to apply to some LGBT-friendly companies now, in the hopes that I can find a welcoming work environment. Most of my waking hours are spent at work, after all!

 

My question is, do I use my current professional name on my application materials, even knowing these are LGBT-friendly jobs I'm applying for, or do I use my soon-to-be-real-name? All of my work history is publicly available under the old name. I'm applying for the kinds of jobs where employers are going to look me up, and if they can't find me, that's a problem.

 

I had one idea, which is to offhandedly mention that I'm transitioning in the cover letter, not making a big deal of it, and then sign at the bottom with my old name, followed by "(aka Michelle)." Or is that too weird and convoluted?

[Jackie C.]

A lot of that depends on where you live. Some states have protections for trans people (mine does not). Some cities might also have specific ordinances to prevent discrimination (again, none of that here). In the rest of the US, it's totally OK to discriminate against us in jobs, housing, etc...

 

Personally, I'd wait until the interview instead of putting it on my resume. A sort of, "Hey, my legal name is X, but I'd prefer if you called me Michelle. I'm trans and will be transitioning on the job."

 

Hugs!

[ShawnaLeigh]

I believe you need to use what ever your legal name and designation are on record.  More so for payroll, taxes, retirement saving, etc.  It would be perfectly fine to include your chosen name as long as it is explained as well.  You don’t want to appear like your hiding anything either.  
jmo

[secondlook]

Excellent advice all around, exactly why I came here! Thank you.

[MiraM]

I posted doe a new position in the company I work for. I transitioned on the job, but have not legally changed my name yet. In the system it still has my legal name doe payroll,  etc.  I dont know if the management of my location has even said anything about my transition to the corporate office. when I submitted my posting,  all also included a letter from my psychologist stating that I present as a gender and use a name that is not consistent with what is listed on my legal identification. Something like that may work for you.

[Jackie C.]

Your birth name needs to be on your corporate paperwork for social security and tax purposes. Just part of my conversation with the nice woman at the social security office. There's no reason people can't call you by your preferred name day to day though. Yay for government paperwork.

 

Hugs!

[Jani]

Since you are just beginning this journey (from what I've read in your intro) this may be a bit premature to address your chosen name.  While it may definitely behoove you to apply to companies that embrace gender diversity I would hold off any notifications for now. 

[Alexxiss]

There’s no requirement to disclose that you will be transitioning. It’s not your hiring manager’s business, nor the lady at the front desk, nor the owner. When you are ready to transition you may do so in states with protections for trans people. There’s a misconception that you’re doing your employer or future employer or hopeful employer wrong by “hiding” your trans status and future transition plans. It doesn’t matter legally or morally. You don’t owe any corporate or private or public institution of alerting them to your plans. Your transition is irrelevant and distracting to the point of the interview. You are consuming the company’s time during an interview. Keep the focus on your qualifications, personality and technical abilities and general competency to fill a need and turn that company a profit.

[Heather42]

I would use your legal name because of taxes and payroll etc. If you want on your resume beneath your legal name you can have an entry perfered name. Beyond that you are not obligated to explain why etc if you don't want to. Usually the employer will figure it out without explaining.