I've graduated college and begin the job hunting process. I've had several interviews, but no call backs for jobs. A friend of mine told me that it's because I've been providing false information by applying and submitting my resume with my preferred (soon-to-be-legal) name, and that it throws a flag when potential employers try a background check on me.

Would it be a good idea to write a letter to the people interviewing me [I have an interview on Wednesday] explaining my situation and giving my legal name/SSN/birthday/whatever else is needed for a background check? If I do that, would I also be able to request the letter be destroyed or sealed in order to keep my birth name and gender under wraps?

I don't feel comfortable applying with my birth name, considering the fact that the people calling to schedule interviews would then hear my obviously male voice [yay for 6+ months on T!] over the phone and then see me at the interview.

Can you not get a name change done and have your ssn updated?

If you can't you will need to tell them I think. Even if they hired you without you telling them your birth name, the SSA will give a no match discrepancy and threaten to fine the employer if the name doesn't match when they check each year. This happened to me before a few months ago because I kept putting off the ssa name change and I have been with the same company for 7 years.

Quote from: JenniL on June 24, 2013, 06:04:41 AM
Can you not get a name change done and have your ssn updated?

If you can't you will need to tell them I think. Even if they hired you without you telling them your birth name, the SSA will give a no match discrepancy and threaten to fine the employer if the name doesn't match when they check each year. This happened to me before a few months ago because I kept putting off the ssa name change and I have been with the same company for 7 years.

I can, I just haven't had a chance to because of so much going on. I have all of my paperwork done, and it needs to be printed and brought in (which I'm having trouble with because my apartment building is still without power after some pretty severe storms on Friday).

I'm thinking of simply biting the bullet and writing a letter, but I'm not sure what I should do regarding future job applications.

The job market is tough ... I know I have been looking for a job for six months.   Most times companies don't run background checks on folks unless they are going to hire them & which case you have to sign a form saying you are allowing to do a background check.  So, I wouldn't think that is the issue. I have a name change and have changed it for social security -- the form for a background check asks for other names known by ... which I am luck because I have a gender neutral birth name

Well with employment right now it really is an employer's market. You are more than likely getting passed over for more experienced candidates. Also use your birth name. If they do run background checks and you're using a different name that what is on your social security card it will throw up red flags.You can alwasy disclose the name you would rather be called if hired.

When you eventually get hired somewhere, they will want to see your SSA card and other id, so you'll still need to explain your name.

I'm currently looking for a job, using my male name as I want to use my pervious work experience to my advantage... although it won't be a huge one, and I never want to work in Retail again anyway! Having referances & experience is quite important though, especially with the number of unemployed in the UK right now.

I was at the jobcentre today and people were looking at me funny, I still present mostly as male but with girly colours, painted nails and light foundation but I know they look at me and think "what's that?!"... 

It's harder to get a job, although some people are ok with it - the lady who is my advisor was lovely & the interview guy the other day too. I think it all depends on the individual.