Questions About Handling Personal Name Changes or Name Issues

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

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Should I / how can I show that I am known by my middle name?

by Todd
(Detroit, MI, USA)

No thanks to my parents.....I have been known by my middle name all of my life. My "official records" list my full name, but nobody knows me by my first name. Should I list my full name with my middle name in quotes ....does that look a little hokey?

If I abbreviate my first name, employment verification records might not be found. If I do not get this issue understood, some people who I have listed as references might not recognize my name when contacted. Any suggestions?

ANSWER: Hi Todd... This is a unique issue, for sure. On your resume, I would list your full name, but I wouldn't put the middle name in quotes. Then, I think I would explain the name issue in your cover letter, including the fact that references will only recognize you by your middle name. I imagine this won't be the first time this has come up for recruiters.

To your success,
Kathi

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