When entering the workforce, your name is the first thing people see and will know you by. It is what you will be addressed as and expected to respond to. This should be something you feel comfortable hearing because in the workplace it will be used frequently. For transgender individuals specifically, knowing which name to use can be intimidating. Using a preferred name as opposed to a legal name can either be received well or cost you a job depending on how inclusive a company is. Thus, knowing when to use which name to use can be a difficult to decide. In terms of determining when it is appropriate to use your legal name versus your preferred name, here are some ways in which you can navigate it.
To begin with, when entering an interview using your preferred name is acceptable. When introducing yourself to your future employer using your preferred name is expected, as that is the name you feel the most comfortable with and what you will be addressed by, should you be hired to work at that company. Additionally, another time in which you can use your preferred name is on your résumé. Using your preferred name in a résumé is acceptable because it Is not a legal document. An example of how to present this is by listing a first initial while having the preferred name following (e.g. K. Lee Smith). Another way to present your preferred name is in quotes such as: Keith “Lee” Smith. Using your preferred name within the workplace is also acceptable such as introducing yourself to fellow coworkers or when wearing a nametag.
In terms of when to use your legal name, you should use your legal name on all legal documents. Documents specifically asking for your legal name are usually for background check purposes to get an accurate screening. Other documents that require your legal name are documents such as social security and insurance forms. Unless you have changed your name legally, using the name you were legally given is necessary in these instances.
Knowing when to use your preferred versus your legal name is a daunting thing but it doesn’t have to be. Using the name you are most comfortable with is all that matters, especially in the place of work. You do not have to use your legal name anywhere outside of legal documents. At the end of the day, it is your personal decision to use the name of your choice that you believe suits your identity to the fullest. If ever there are any concerns about your safety in the workplace, reaching out to an HR representative for any clarifications is always beneficial.
For a more specific resource, the Human Rights Campaign website has a variety of resources surrounding your rights within the workplace. In addition, if you ever want more information regarding career navigation, the Career Center website offer career consulting free to students. For students who want more information on LGBTQ+ resources should visit the LGBTQ+ Affinity Community page found on the Career Center website as well.
