job interview tomorrow

[skakid]

I have an interview tomorrow and my name isn't legally changed yet. My resume has my preferred name on it, but I wasn't out at my last job. I'm worried that they'll ask for references (some of which are from my last job) or that I won't pass. Anyone been in this situation or have any ideas on how to explain being trans to someone you don't know?

[FTMDiaries]

I'd recommend not bringing up your trans status at first interview. And if they do ask for references, say that you'll be more than happy to provide them at the second interview. That'll give you some time to contact your previous employer and let them know that you're changing your name so they might get requests for references in your new name. Is there some way that you can ask for written references in your preferred name, so that you can supply them on request for future interviews?

My own policy is to disclose my trans status (and my disability) only at the point when a job offer is made, but before I accept it. If you are offered the job, you can speak to the relevant person at that point to disclose your status & ask them to keep it private, whilst reassuring them that it won't affect your ability to do your job.

Good luck with your interview.

[Jack_M]

Well you have to tell them because it's not your legal name and they'll need your legal name if you're to be hired there (for payments and taxes).  Also because you're not out to references.  You're just going to have to be to the point and tell them, but I'd wait until the very, very end of the interview or interview process.  Sell yourself first so that they know you're worth it.  If you tell them straight up from the beginning, they'll maybe judge you from the start and it'll affect how they legitimately feel about you as a potential employee.

My 2 cents:

To be honest, and I know it sucks, I think for someone in your situation (I'm in the same boat), it's better to avoid this whole pre-process and apply with legal name.  You have to watch because legally you haven't changed your name so you're essentially lying in applying and even that alone could go against you.  If you don't want to give away your gender, however, it's PERFECTLY acceptable to use initials in applications and resumes. 

I decided to just apply for jobs right now in my current legal name and then when I get a job and sign a contract, that's when I head to HR and say, "Oh by the way..."

It might be something to consider if you don't end up getting this job and apply for another and your name isn't legally changed.  Unfortunately, people tend to be more accepting of assuming someone is a butch lesbian than trans.  I don't change anything about me going to the interview.  I still wear male clothing (although I don't interview in a suit because that's unheard of in my industry), and had my binder and short hair, I was just the old name.  However, once you sign a contract, you're often protected by certain employment laws (look them up where you are) which often means they can't fire you if you come out at work, or you at least have a case if they try to.  For me, I couldn't change my name because I'm waiting for a permit.  Now I have that permit, I'm starting the process next week.  If I get this job, hopefully it'll be either in process or already changed.  Either way I'll be informing them...as soon as I sign the contract .

[wanderingamoeba]

It's true: unfortunately, your legal name will have to be given at some point for tax/payment purposes.

I actually just got a new job, and have been incredibly lucky in this particular process. My resume had both my legal and taken names on it, and they've unfailingly used my taken name rather than my given name (aside from one person in HR, who's been onboard just fine since someone explained that yes, they were talking about the same person). When it came to references...I'm not out, but have been using my taken name at the job I'm leaving. For references from previous jobs, I just explained that I went by my legal name when I worked there and so they would know me as [legal name] not [taken name]. I haven't offered explanations as for why I changed my name, just that it's different now. I know not everyone gets so lucky, or has the opportunity to be selective in where they're applying in order to increase the chances of that luck happening. But at least I can say that places of employment that are cool with name ambiguity DO exist. (This new employer has been so effortlessly good about things that I'm actually considering a discussion about gender neutral pronouns with my supervisors once I start.)

I wish you all the best of luck. Job hunting is one of the absolute worst, most discouraging things about adulthood.

[Kreuzfidel]

I have an interview tomorrow and my name isn't legally changed yet. My resume has my preferred name on it, but I wasn't out at my last job. I'm worried that they'll ask for references (some of which are from my last job) or that I won't pass. Anyone been in this situation or have any ideas on how to explain being trans to someone you don't know?

I had my name change when I went to my first post-transitioning interview - but I was still listed "female" on the official documents.  On my application, I didn't include my former name (it didn't ask for it) and I just listed references anyway.  I put my gender as "male", and on interview day - no questions about my past came up other than things about tasks I had done in certain roles or about what kind of work I had done/wanted to do.

My supervisors (the guys who interviewed me) never guessed I was FAAB - they hired me.  The only time I had to disclose my trans status was when a lady from the HR department needed to see my visa papers (in my former name and gender).  No questions asked.

[skakid]

Thanks for the responses guys, the interview went fine and I'm working a trial shift next weekend. They didn't ask for my references or ID so I didn't tell them I was trans and I guess I passed cause they didn't call me she or anything.