Should You Use Your Full Legal Name On Resume?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Though

you should include your legal name on your for official reasons

, including the name you wish to be called is customary in the hiring process. So long as you use appropriate and preferred methods for doing so, putting a nickname on your resume is an easy edit to make!

Do I have to put my legal name on a job application?

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.)

Do you have to use your legal name on a job application?

A resume is not a legal document, so

it is acceptable to use your preferred name

. Your legal name should be used for , on social security documents, and on insurance forms. If you have taken steps to legally change your name, then you may use your new legal name for these purposes.

Can I use my middle name on job applications?


There is nothing wrong with including your middle initial

, so if that's what you prefer to do, it's perfectly fine. But if you chose to leave it out, that's fine too. So with a resume, it's a matter of personal choice and best judgment as to how to list your name.

What do I put under my name on a resume?


A resume headline

is a concise description located just below your name and above your resume summary. It quickly communicates who you are as a candidate and, when written effectively, grabs the attention of hiring managers. Headlines are an important addition to your resume.

How do you write a full name with a nickname?

Usually,

a nickname is placed directly after the official first name

, and is surrounded by quotation marks, to distinguish it from the components of the real name. Dwayne ‘The Rock' Johnson. Elvis ‘The King' Presley. Roy ‘The Big O' Orbison.

Should I put my middle name on a resume?

“If you have a common name,

consider including your middle initial on your resume

and online professional profiles to differentiate yourself from the competition,” she says. … Then use this name consistently, be it on LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.

Should I put my middle name when asked for full name?

The Social Security Administration does not consider a middle name or suffix as part of an individual's legal name. But many other legal sources say a full legal name includes middle name. In general, it's probably

best to include your middle name if the form asks for full legal name

.

Should I use my middle name professionally?

After a while, it started being a bit of a joke, but it isn't a bad idea to use your middle initial professionally because

middle name initials enhance evaluations of intellectual performance

according to a research study in the European Journal of Social Psychology.

What's a strong resume title?

A good resume title often includes your

target job title

, your key skills, your qualifications, and/or your years of experience. You can also include your awards, industry, or specializations.

How do you write short and engaging pitch about yourself on a resume?

  1. I am able to handle multiple tasks on a daily basis.
  2. I use a creative approach to problem solve.
  3. I am a dependable person who is great at time management.
  4. I am always energetic and eager to learn new skills.
  5. I have experience working as part of a team and individually.

What is a profile title?

The profile title is formatted as a brief sentence. The title is a

professional name or title

, followed by a desired job target and the number of years of experience in the specific field, according to Monster Career Advice.

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.

What are nicknames called?

A nickname, also moniker is

a substitute for the proper name of a familiar person, place or thing

. Commonly used to express affection, a form of endearment

Can you use a different name without legally changing it?

In California

you can legally change your gender with or without a name change

. In this case, you do not need a court order unless you want one.

Should I use my full name in my email address?

Good Practices: When job searching use an email address that includes your full name, first name / last name, initials, or a minor variation. If you have a common name or are finding it challenging to create a new email address, try

adding a middle name, middle initial or random number

.

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.