Maybe, it'll be easier and better if I start looking for a job when I start T? Right now, it's so difficult to get a job. I don't know what job to apply or what name I should use.
This seems to be a classic dilemma for a lot of trans people.
First you have to figure out what jobs you are qualified for and would like to do. I can't remember what your situation is. Are you still in school? And I don't know how your system works; do you need a job to finance your transition? If so, you don't have much choice about waiting till you are on HRT.
You might want to do some research; try to find large companies that have a history of being LGBT-friendly. It's good to do this whether you get a job now or later.
If now, apply using your legal name. If you get an interview and plan to transition on the job, I'm not sure what the best move is. You can get situated and then try to transition, but you might encounter resistance and disrespect. People will have to retrain themselves on your name and your pronoun.
Or you can explain at the interview that you identify as male and prefer to be called by a different name. The interviewer's reaction will give you a good idea of what it would be like to work there and transition there. If you pull it off, you'll get the right name and the right pronoun from the beginning.
I'll be interested to read other replies on this thread.
I always put down my legal name, and then introduce myself as Evan and if they ask explain that I'm trans. I've had responses vary from those who just didn't even think to question that I'm male (even though my ID clearly says female), to those that I have to explain it to them and they smirk through the whole interview. I don't think you can put anything other than your legal name on an application.. the best advice I can give is just be confident, be ready to educate them, and don't take anyone's stupidity personally. T or no T, if your ID still says female and/or your birth name, you'll be outed anyways.
I think it depends on if you can wait that long financially and other ways. You'll need money for T and name change, gender change and so on. Like stated above you will need to show your ID when you fill out all the paperwork for your new job so that will out you. I started T, legally changed my name and gender, had top surgery then got a new job as a male. I was not working the whole time I did the things mentioned. It took me about a year to get all this done and money saved so on. Definitely easier in the end but not an option for everyone.
Myles