Job Interview Applied With Legal Name [updates on page 2]

[Nygeel]

I'm part of this youth program with the state trying to get folks from 16-25 jobs. Since I'm turning 25 soon, I'm going to be out of this program and need to use it as much as possible while I can (granted, there's only like 2 jobs I'm qualified for that aren't fast food near me). Since I've already sent out 110+applications/resumes I figured I'll apply for this crummy-ish overnight job as a "Quality Assurance Analyst." The big problem with this program is that I had to apply with my legal name, which also meant applying for positions with my legal name...which also means I'm scared about being forced to work as a woman.

So, for folks who were unemployed, and presenting as you identify for a long time...and had to apply for jobs in your legal name due to whatever reasons (Ex: to continue to collect unemployment) what the heck did you do on interviews?

I've been considering showing up being super male, not really shaving so the very little stubble I have can be seen if the room is bright enough and if there are any signs of discomfort about possibly hiring a trans person I'll bail. It's not a position I want, but since I know I have to figure out how to work being transgender into finding jobs. I think if I try a bunch of different tactics I'll eventually be able to find what works for me.

Oh...it should be noted that the reply I got for the position (I guess from a HR type?) was all in comic sans.

[supremecatoverlord]

Not entirely related, but is there a reason you haven't changed your name yet?

All of your posts thus far indicate that you've been in transition for a while and for a lot of people, I know that name change has been one of the first steps they decide to take so they lessen the risk of being outed and possibly mistreated at work.

I'm just curious is all - sad to say though, I've never been in this situation.

[Nygeel]

Not entirely related, but is there a reason you haven't changed your name yet?

All of your posts thus far indicate that you've been in transition for a while and for a lot of people, I know that name change has been one of the first steps they decide to take so they lessen the risk of being outed and possibly mistreated at work.

I'm just curious is all - sad to say though, I've never been in this situation.

My family that I live with isn't accepting, so I've been slow in some parts of transition for their sake...that, combined with being unable to figure out a middle name, not having enough money for the fees, and promising myself I would get out of debt first mix together to make a mess of reasons why I haven't.

[Jamie D]

Nygeel, I'm going to ask a pragmatic question. How important is it to you to have a job and become self-supporting?

[Nygeel]

Nygeel, I'm going to ask a pragmatic question. How important is it to you to have a job and become self-supporting?

Not as important as being able to work as male and feeling comfortable in my work place.
It's moderately important right now, I guess.

[Dominick_81]

Don't you put on your resume your chosen name? I did that and presented as male. Also, before I knew I could put my chosen name down on my resume I had an interview and I just told the woman I was trans and she was cool with. I didn't dress female and I didn't dress super male. I just wore black mens dress pants and a white button up shirt.

[Nygeel]

Don't you put on your resume your chosen name? I did that and presented as male. Also, before I knew I could put my chosen name down on my resume I had an interview and I just told the woman I was trans and she was cool with. I didn't dress female and I didn't dress super male. I just wore black mens dress pants and a white button up shirt.

I usually do but because the position is with this state program I used my legal info.

[Dominick_81]

I usually do but because the position is with this state program I used my legal info.

I see.

My family that I live with isn't accepting, so I've been slow in some parts of transition for their sake...that, combined with being unable to figure out a middle name, not having enough money for the fees, and promising myself I would get out of debt first mix together to make a mess of reasons why I haven't.

I filled out one of those poor people forms, (I forgot what you call it) and was able to change my name for free. You might be able to do that where you live. Also, you don't have to have a middle name. I don't have one, I couldn't think of one at the time.

[Nygeel]

 
I filled out one of those poor people forms, (I forgot what you call it) and was able to change my name for free. You might be able to do that where you live. Also, you don't have to have a middle name. I don't have one, I couldn't think of one at the time.

I just want a middle name because my siblings all have 'em. The form only gets rid of the court fee thinger ($65), the other costs around the change end up being about $200.

[Dominick_81]

I just want a middle name because my siblings all have 'em. The form only gets rid of the court fee thinger ($65), the other costs around the change end up being about $200.

I see.

Really? I guess it's different where we live. I thought if you filled out that form it covers everything, that's how it was for me anyways. But hopefully you can get money coming in soon so you can get your name changed so it will be easier for you when applying for a job.

[Nygeel]

I see.

Really? I guess it's different where we live. I thought if you filled out that form it covers everything, that's how it was for me anyways. But hopefully you can get money coming in soon so you can get your name changed so it will be easier for you when applying for a job.

Yea, legal notice, birth certificate, that sorta thing.

[Nygeel]

If I didn't have a waiver the cost for the name change not including getting other documents and legal notices would be $210.

[Jamie D]

Not as important as being able to work as male and feeling comfortable in my work place.
It's moderately important right now, I guess.

Sounds like you're sort of in a conundrum.  You're 25 years old, living with family that doesn't support your transition, can't afford to move ahead with some of the legal aspects of transition, and can't find a suitable job where you will feel comfortable.

It seems to me something has to give.

[Nygeel]

Sounds like you're sort of in a conundrum.  You're 25 years old, living with family that doesn't support your transition, can't afford to move ahead with some of the legal aspects of transition, and can't find a suitable job where you will feel comfortable.

It seems to me something has to give.

Not like I can move, or if I did have a job right now I could afford to move out as the cost of living is too high here. They don't support it, but it's just one of those things they have been ignoring (well, most of them have) and I'm relatively okay with that. It's not a great situation but I'm more lenient with them than I am with most other folks. In general, I can't find a job that pays. Even if I did have my name changed and everything I don't exactly get seen as male so it's likely stuff would come up at work. My last on the books job I gave them a preferred name (alternative of my last name) and was still bothered about it later on (I let them call me by female pronouns because I needed the cash and wasn't confident in my passing at all).

[Jamie D]

Not like I can move, or if I did have a job right now I could afford to move out as the cost of living is too high here. They don't support it, but it's just one of those things they have been ignoring (well, most of them have) and I'm relatively okay with that. It's not a great situation but I'm more lenient with them than I am with most other folks. In general, I can't find a job that pays. Even if I did have my name changed and everything I don't exactly get seen as male so it's likely stuff would come up at work. My last on the books job I gave them a preferred name (alternative of my last name) and was still bothered about it later on (I let them call me by female pronouns because I needed the cash and wasn't confident in my passing at all).

You are making excuses for not moving forward. You are in a rut and need to get out of it.

As a person who has hired and fired employees, I would suggest you do everything you can to make yourself a quality job candidate.  Perhaps that means more or specialized training.  Perhaps that means taking entry level jobs and advancing after that.  Perhaps that means taking a seasonal job, or part-time job, and working your way into a permanent position.  While you are at home, save the money you would otherwise use on housing.

Are you on Monster.com?  Have you consulted with a professional job placement agency?  Don't set yourself up for failure.  Word to the wise.

[Nygeel]

You are making excuses for not moving forward. You are in a rut and need to get out of it.

As a person who has hired and fired employees, I would suggest you do everything you can to make yourself a quality job candidate.  Perhaps that means more or specialized training.  Perhaps that means taking entry level jobs and advancing after that.  Perhaps that means taking a seasonal job, or part-time job, and working your way into a permanent position.  While you are at home, save the money you would otherwise use on housing.

Are you on Monster.com?  Have you consulted with a professional job placement agency?  Don't set yourself up for failure.  Word to the wise.

I'm fine with entry level positions, I'm fine with seasonal and part time. I do have a college degree, and nearly every place looking for somebody with my degree to do work is looking for an unpaid intern (which I was for a semester).

I've been to 3 job fairs (I think), spoke with two temp agencies and gave them my resume as well as contact information (also gave a bit of background info on skills) haven't heard anything after. I've got a website with a portfolio which also has my resume which I direct people to that are looking to hire for that sort of a position. I know I'm on a few sites...career builder, linkdin, and like I said I've got NYYW certification. I do look at the state job bank, and go to the unemployment office for the things they have. I go on craigslist every few days looking at whatever is posted. I think I've used monster before.

[Jamie D]

I'm fine with entry level positions, I'm fine with seasonal and part time. I do have a college degree, and nearly every place looking for somebody with my degree to do work is looking for an unpaid intern (which I was for a semester).

I've been to 3 job fairs (I think), spoke with two temp agencies and gave them my resume as well as contact information (also gave a bit of background info on skills) haven't heard anything after. I've got a website with a portfolio which also has my resume which I direct people to that are looking to hire for that sort of a position. I know I'm on a few sites...career builder, linkdin, and like I said I've got NYYW certification. I do look at the state job bank, and go to the unemployment office for the things they have. I go on craigslist every few days looking at whatever is posted. I think I've used monster before.

Sounds like you are doing some good things.  My experience is that businesses are not going to come looking for you.  Successful jobs candidates "sell" themselves to potential employers.

I also am a believer in a "qualifications brief" as compared to the traditional resume.  And going to the hiring manager, if possible, rather than HR toadies.

Good luck in your job search.

[Nygeel]

Sounds like you are doing some good things.  My experience is that businesses are not going to come looking for you.  Successful jobs candidates "sell" themselves to potential employers.

I also am a believer in a "qualifications brief" as compared to the traditional resume.  And going to the hiring manager, if possible, rather than HR toadies.

Good luck in your job search.

Oh, I also write up a little intro/cover letter when I send my resume via e-mail (since most positions I'm applying to are through online ads). I include work experience that relates to qualifications, personal interests that are related to the job, etc. With online applications it goes to whoever it goes to, and it's hard to follow up as most of the places I apply to don't give a ton of info on the company name, or contact info (Ex: craigslist just shows an anonymized e-mail address). I have done one interview in this series of unemployment but they didn't know I was trans, just knew I was male. It was a phone interview, and it was 2 months after I applied (which was for a different position, they were offering a contract position). Sadly, I didn't know how to properly price a per diem rate, and I assume I asked for too much as I had sort of guessed how much would be reasonable per hour, and calculated my cost of travel as well as extra time for travel each day. It ended up being like asking for $14/hour, working 5-6 days a week with a total of 55-65 hours a week dedicated to work.

[Jamie D]

With regard to things like per diem and mileage reimbursements, you can always look up the federal/IRS rates for your geographic area.  Many employers use those numbers.

[Nygeel]

With regard to things like per diem and mileage reimbursements, you can always look up the federal/IRS rates for your geographic area.  Many employers use those numbers.

Looking at the chart, it's confusing. It says max lodging by month which ranges from 204-295 with meals and expenses being 71. Am I looking at the right thing?