When I was in college, I got it in my head that I had to use my formal name on my resume, despite the fact that no one calls me Allison. I didn’t correct anyone when they called me Allison—it is technically my real name—and before long I felt like I had completely lost my chance to make the correction. It took a good year before my coworker (and now boyfriend, Jeff —don’t call him Jeffrey) finally called me out when he discovered my preferred name via Facebook.
I learned from this, and when it came time to apply to jobs after college, I made a point to establish myself with my preferred name, using "Allie" on my resume. On top of this, as I was filling out paperwork with HR, which must include a full name, I specifically requested that my email address use my nickname to avoid confusion.
I still see some colleagues struggling when their email addresses don’t match the names they actually go by on a daily basis. It’s difficult to go back on a name or email once you’re introduced within a company. Once that announcement goes out with your formal name, don’t expect colleagues to ask if you prefer to go by something else.
You may not think about establishing a preferred name when you’re wrapped up in the job hunt, but take the time to consider it now, and you’ll thank me later. Just make sure you Google the name first.
Photo Source: comicbase
Tim Jahn
Excellent point. Always important to remember your personal brand and keep it consistent.