Regardless of why you’ve changed your name, a name change mid-career comes with a whole new set of complications beyond updating driver’s licenses and credit cards. For example, you will need to plan on how you’ll list it on your resume and job applications. Here’s how to handle a name change on your resume, with options for what to list, and examples.
Do You Have to Include Both Names on Your Resume?
Why not just slap your new name on your CV and go about your merry way? Well, for one thing, personal branding is important in this day and age, and even if you’ve decided to tweak yours by altering your legal name, you want your accomplishments to follow you. Beyond that, it’s important that your resume matches your employment history so that hiring managers and the people who conduct your background check can easily track you from Point A to Point B and know that you are who you say you are. So how should you list a name change on your resume? Here are a few options, which work for resumes, cover letters, and job applications, plus an example of a resume including both a current and a former name.
Options for Mentioning a Name Change on a Resume
When your name has changed, due to marriage, divorce, or another reason, there are several options for including the change on your resume. You can list both names on your resume. Either put your former name in parentheses or list both names, with your previous name in a smaller font: Nancy (Smith) SimmondsFirst (Maiden) Last or Nancy Simmondsformerly Nancy Smith In the resume example below, the job seeker has put her former last name in parentheses.
Resume Example With a Name Change
This is an example of a resume with a name change. Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).
Mention It to the Employer
Don’t worry about an employer having difficulty checking your references or your work history because of an announcement of a name change. You can let the prospective employer know that there are employment records in your former name. BOUTIQUE SALES MANAGER Creating top-notch clothing boutique stores through solid management Respected Sales Manager with 10+ years’ experience in managing staff, payroll, scheduling, creating sales reports, overseeing inventory, and maintaining a clientele book seeks a position with a top boutique. Key skills include: ● Integrating New Register Functions ● Training and Overseeing Sales Staffs ● Placing Orders and Restocking ● Designing Boutique Windows ● Merchandising High-Ticket Items ● Handling Receiving of Weekly Merchandise PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Panorama Specialty Boutique, White Plains, NYASSISTANT MANAGER (February 2018 – Present)Manage payroll and scheduling, create reports, handle inventory and emails, maintain clientele book records, place orders to restock merchandise and handle receiving of products. Notable accomplishments: ● Extensive work with visual standards and merchandising high-ticket items. ● Designed over 25 boutique store-front windows, helping to double sales over two years. BLOOMINGDALE’S, White Plains, NYSALES ASSOCIATE (June 2012 – February 2018)Set up trunk shows and attended monthly clinics for new incoming fashion lines. Notable Accomplishments: ● Collaborated with tailors and seamstresses to arrange fittings and ensure customer satisfaction. ● Oversaw and provided feedback on new sale associates’ private shopping appointments. EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS RAMPO COLLEGE, Arlington, VABachelor of Arts in English (Minor: Business; 3.75 GPA; Honor Roll Every Semester), 2012 Certifications Certified Sales Associate (CSA) • Member, National Retail Sales Federation (NRSF) Technology Skills Microsoft Office Suite, Including Excel • Proficient in Cash Register Software, including Nextar
Be Consistent
Consistency is key when presenting any materials for a job application. It’s not uncommon now for married women to have a number of different names, depending on the situation and the circumstances. Take, for example, a married writer with a byline, a legal name, and a birth name. Although she should be prepared to provide a list of all three variations to her prospective employer to assist in verifying her identity and background, her application materials should reflect a single, consistent name—to go with the single, consistent message she’s hoping to convey as part of her personal branding strategy. Otherwise, you run the risk of looking like you’ve changed your name in order to hide from creditors or the law, instead of getting married, ditching a hated surname, or even just adopting a chosen name that sounds more like the person you feel yourself to be.
