Should I Put My Name On My Resume?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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More often than not, the name you choose to put on your should

be casual, approachable, and memorable

–not stuffy and formal, unless that's the persona you carry with you and the one you're most comfortable with. … Nicknames are perfectly acceptable to put on a resume as long as they aren't too informal.

Can you lie about your name on a resume?


It is never a good idea to lie

. It will almost always come back to bite you. Think about it from the point of view of recruiter. They see a resume with a name that is difficult for them to pronounce.

What you should never put on your resume?

  • Too much information.
  • A solid wall of text.
  • Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
  • Inaccuracies about your qualifications or experience.
  • Unnecessary personal information.
  • Your age.
  • Negative comments about a former employer.
  • Details about your hobbies and interests.

Can I go by a different name at work?

In short,

you can use your chosen or preferred name throughout your job search

, as long as you provide your legal name when it comes time for a background check. (If you don't provide current or prior legal names at that point, it can be seen as lying on the application, and grounds for firing.)

Should I put the name I go by on my resume?

Putting a name that you go by

other than your birth name on your resume is totally acceptable

, so long as it's formatted correctly. Though you should include your legal name on your resume for official reasons, including the name you wish to be called is customary in the hiring process.

What size font should my name be on a resume?

Best resume font sizes are:

11-12pt for normal text

, 14-16pt for section titles and headers. The most-used resume formatting order is: Contact information, work experience, skills, and education.

Do employers actually verify education?


Employers can confirm a candidate's diplomas and degrees no matter when they received them

. In some cases, an education background check shows GPA and honors earned. An employer will request this information if it is relevant to the position they are hiring for (such as a higher education teacher).

Can I lie about having a high school diploma?

Can I lie about having a high school diploma? Well, of course,

they can fire you for lying on your application

and/or for not having a high school diploma. Your question is not a legal one, it is a personal one. You can tell them that you lied, etc., the choice is yours to make.

Can I fake a reference?

Are fake references illegal?

Fake references are illegal

– if you're caught. Directly lying is incredibly unethical, and if caught, you could be fired or face legal trouble. Companies rarely sue for lying, but the people you named on your reference list have every right to.

What are hard skills on a resume?

Hard skills are

technical knowledge or training that you have gained through any life experiences

, including your career and education. Some examples of hard skills are things like database management, data analysis, specific job-related skills that you've gained.

What looks good on a CV?

  • First aid training. …
  • Touch-typing. …
  • Database skills. …
  • Other computing skills. …
  • Budgeting experience. …
  • Events experience. …
  • Language skills. …
  • Commercial awareness.

How long should my resume be 2020?

Ideally, a resume should be

one page

—especially for students, new graduates and professionals with one to 10 years of experience.

Can I use a different last name without legally changing it?

Limitations and restrictions. In NSW,

you can only change your name once in a 12-month period and 3 times in your lifetime

. If you change your name or use an additional or other name with the intention of breaking the law in any way, you could face criminal charges.

Can I legally use my nickname?

Yes,

as long as the nickname is sufficient to identify you as party to the contract

, but generally a full legal name is better able to do this. Example: Brian James Smith is more identifiable than BJ Smith.

Can I use my maiden name professionally only?


A woman can continue to use her maiden name both professionally

and personally or use her maiden name for work and her married name for social situations. She can use her husband's last name and drop her maiden name entirely or use it as a middle name.

Should my name be bold on my resume?

Aside from your name, which should be a little bigger, the font size throughout your resume should be

the same size

to ensure readability. Rather than using font size for emphasis throughout your resume, use bolding, italics, and all-caps—sparingly, of course.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.