How Do I Express a Name Change?

by Maggie
(MI)

i am recently married. All of my job experience is in my maiden name. How do I explain this on a resume? If I just put may new name on the resume and they check employment records, I won't appear. I'm lost. What do I do?

ANSWER: Hi Maggie... I think the best approach is just to say it. On your resume, under your name at the top, I think I'd include a second line that says something like "Maggie Maidenname, 1980 to 10/2008). Then, I would also explain the name change in your cover letter. If you don't think that will be sufficient, you could also contact your past employers to alert them that they may get inquiries under your new name.

To your success,
Kathi