RESUME ADVICE

Resume Preferred Name

Home > 
Blog > 
Resume Preferred Name
Pub: 4/19/2023
Upd: 10/21/2024
1 min read
Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file. PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Privacy guaranteed

Yes, a preferred name can be used on a resume instead of a legal name. It is a common practice for transgender and non-binary individuals, as well as for people who go by a different name than their legal name for other reasons. It is important to note that when applying for a job, the individual may be required to provide legal documentation, such as a driver's license or passport, that shows their legal name.

In your resume, it is best to have a consistent name and avoid any discrepancies in the name used on your resume and any legal documents.

Here's an example of a resume header with a preferred name

Jane Smith (preferred name: Jackie)
Software Developer
555-555-5555
jackie.smith@email.com
Seattle, WA
RIGHT

The "name" field contains the preferred name (Jackie) along with the legal name (Jane Smith) in parentheses, this way you can be clear with the employer with the name you want to be called and also providing your legal name that may be required.

Also, it's worth noting that having a consistent professional identity across platforms (e.g LinkedIn, Email) makes it easier for employers to find you, as well as ensuring that the name you use in your resume match the one on your professional online presence.

Make your move!
Your resume is an extension of yourself.
Make one that's truly you.
Rate my article:
Resume Preferred Name
Average: 4.87 / 5.00
(286 people already rated it)
Volen Vulkov
Volen Vulkov is a resume expert and the co-founder of Enhancv. He has written more than 500 resume guides and deep-dive articles on how to create your resume and cover letter, that inspire job applicants to make a resume to be proud of. His work has been featured in Forbes, Zendesk, HubSpot, and Business Insider, and cited by top universities and educational institutions, like Thunderbird School of Management, Rochester University, University of Miami, and Udemy. Volen applies his deep knowledge and practical experience to write about career changes, development, and how to stand out in the job application process.
Linkedin Logo
Resume Guides
Continue Reading
Check more recommended readings to get the job of your dreams.