Hey ladies,

I'm struggling!!! I am starting to job hunt. I'm in my 3rd quarter, out of 5, for my Welding program. So I'm starting to apply for jobs. I'm totally lost as to how to apply.

I haven't legally changed my name yet. But I don't want to interview as my old self. Right now I've been addressing myself as Kaylin, but adding in quotes my old name because it's still legal. Am I going about this wrong?

Being a very male dominate field I don't really know how to approach this situation. My therapist suggested I reach out here to get some input for our next meeting. Especially, since y'all are my main support group.

Loves (so much) [emoji182][emoji173][emoji182]


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I am retired, so I don't have experience with this.  However, I would suggest starting on your name change now.  Then by the time you start a job, it will be done and legal.  In the meantime, I see nothing wrong with applying for jobs under your new name.  If you are accepted somewhere, then at that point you may have to tell them your legal name for HR/tax purposes and for verifying references from previous employment.

Putting it in quotes like that may give employers a chance to discriminate against you before you even get a chance for an interview. It's hard enough for anyone to get a job in this economy, especially someone entering a new field.

I'm not far enough along in my transition to feel comfortable being Veronica professionally, and am also looking for a new job. I've been using my birth initials, so at least I don't have to hear my very male birth name any more than I have to. I can live with my initials for now, some women, though not many, go by their initials. I just use my initials on my resume and application, but use my legal name on any legal forms. Haven't found a job yet, but everyone who's called to interview me calls me by initials doing it like that.

When I applied for my recent job online, I signed it with my initial's and only referred to myself by a shortened version of my birth name. For example:

• Sam which could be anything from Sampson to Samantha
• Chris: it could be Christin or Christopher
• Al: could be Alison or Allister

Then when I attended my interview I was in an androgynous outfit with only straight lines (no body hugging or curves) and my hair tied back in a plain ponytail. I did not say I was a male social worker, instead I said I was a social worker. When they said what do we call you I said the shortened version.

When I got the contract sent out to me via an email I signed it without putting in any gender specific titles or honours. I just wrote my DOB, superannuation number and tax number then signed.

I never lied to anyone nor attempted to mislead, instead I allowed them to make their own assumptions. Then when I got the job and HR called to say "you forgot your gender on this form" I just said, "Oh sorry I must of double clicked on one of the box, sorry about that!" Then remained silent and let them select it over the phone based on their own assumption.

After working a few weeks I got an email with copies of all my forms and requests for bank details. At that point I acted casual and merely correct what need fixed with HR over the coming days 1:1 behind closed doors.

I have been there 3 months and no one has said anything rude or asked me anything as I just respond in genderless terms to questions and dress androgynous at all times.

As you have no experience to offer other than schooling I would definitely do everything in male mode. You are absolutely correct that you are entering a very male dominated career. You need every break possible to get into it and gain some experience. I would think getting a job and experience will be a decent challenge as a man and extremely challenging as a woman. You may find getting employed and gaining experience with one firm and switching to another company as a woman later on to be a better route.

You may be fully ready on the inside to be a woman everyday but the world may not be ready for you yet, especially as a inexperienced welder.

I just state things as they are at the time of application. The rest of the information is irrelevant on paper and confusing. Save it for the conversation at the interview.  You don't want to confuse them on the application before you get a chance to meet them. I use female gender, as it's legal. And my male name because it's still my legal name.  Putting stuff on your resume that aren't "legally truthful" will give them ammo to can you. Change it with HR once you change it legally. And you don't want to get checks you can't cash.

Quote from: Harley Quinn on April 06, 2017, 08:26:18 AM
I just state things as they are at the time of application. The rest of the information is irrelevant on paper and confusing. Save it for the conversation at the interview.  You don't want to confuse them on the application before you get a chance to meet them. I use female gender, as it's legal. And my male name because it's still my legal name.  Putting stuff on your resume that aren't "legally truthful" will give them ammo to can you. Change it with HR once you change it legally. And you don't want to get checks you can't cash.

Thanks for this timely advice, Harley!  I've been called for an interview next week with a secretarial office.  Keeping fingers crossed.