So currently I work as a software engineer under boy mode(didn't come out to them). I haven't changed my name legally yet. So I was wondering how to I apply to a new job as a girl regarding resume, application letter, the interview, and even the application? I know if I need to use my current job ad reference, I will need to tell HR.

Thank you.

Honestly I wouldn't lie about a thing. But I would present to the interview as female and let them figure out if they want to hire me.

software is supposed to be a good job with freethinking people so they will be more interested in your credits than your transition.

I'd send a letter with the job application and at top put your name as male initial, female middle, and surname so the first impression they get is you are some female who prefers to use her middle name and make sure the first thing they read is your qualifications and experience and then toss in at the end that you are in transition and will be using the female name.
Point out that if they need to contact HR for references please use male name and not mention transition.

If you're confident in passing you can turn up for interview as the new you and try to show them how good you'd be for their company.

Honey, in your avatar you look fabulous, so I would definitely go as female and use a female name you plan to use when you transition. Don't tell them straight away that you are transitioning. Bring that into the conversation when you have to show your qualifications which, I guess, are in your male name.

They will be more impressed if they have interviewed you as female. Only you know if you can pull it off. On looks alone I would say you can. How's your voice? Is it feminine enough?

If you get the job, then get your name legally changed and get your driving licence, passport and your qualifications etc changed into your new female name.

I wish you the best of luck

Hugs
Caroline
x

Thanks you all for the inputs.

Currently I work for a military related place so its kind of sketchy for me to just say "Hey, I'm a girl!" lol. So I figure its better to just look for another job. I'm thinking to put my legal name down for the resume and stuff. If I ever get an interview call, I'm thinking about disclosing it then (before the interview day). Not quite sure if thats a good idea, but the way I figure if they cancel it, then that job wasn't for me. 

Quote from: BrokenCode on July 06, 2012, 12:09:38 AM
Thanks you all for the inputs.

Currently I work for a military related place so its kind of sketchy for me to just say "Hey, I'm a girl!" lol. So I figure its better to just look for another job. I'm thinking to put my legal name down for the resume and stuff. If I ever get an interview call, I'm thinking about disclosing it then (before the interview day). Not quite sure if thats a good idea, but the way I figure if they cancel it, then that job wasn't for me.

I think it's a better idea to use your female name.  Since you're planning to live as a woman, you don't want to go through the whole 'coming out' at your new job.  But if they ask you at your interview, (not sure about the law in your country) then you can answer, honestly

I know someone who was working as a classroom warfare tutor for US army who decided to transition and after having a chat with commanding officer to sort things out turned up on the Monday as a pretty woman and had no trouble at all.

I just changed over from male to female one day too so it can be done.

Quote from: lilacwoman on July 06, 2012, 01:53:44 AM
I just changed over from male to female one day too so it can be done.

I did too... I certainly made of an appearance wearing exactly what I wanted 

Figure by navrasa, on Flickr

To be honest I would go by your female name and then put your male name in the aliases part or as a note for when they call your refences.  Otherwise I wouldn't mention it.  Ive only ever had my status brought up in am interview once and I turned that job down.  It is unprofessional for them to ask Imo. 

Quote from: opheliaxen on July 07, 2012, 01:29:52 AM
To be honest I would go by your female name and then put your male name in the aliases part or as a note for when they call your refences.  Otherwise I wouldn't mention it.  Ive only ever had my status brought up in am interview once and I turned that job down.  It is unprofessional for them to ask Imo.

In Australia that is illegal and would allow you to seek punitive damages or if you didn't get the job for it to be re-advertised and you would by law have to be an accepted candidate for interview. Not sure about the USA.

I interview many people for jobs and in all of the cases I have been on we seek the best person for the job, irrespective of religion, age, gender, sex or marital status.  There are some jobs that require particular physical features such as heavy lifting, typing etc and we can ask people to demonstrate their ability to perform the required duties at the required level but this has to be in the job specifications.

Yeah unfortunately in most us States you can be fired for being gay or not hired because of that.  Let alone trans.  Still most hr departments are smart enough not to tempt litigation if they can help it and just want the best person for the job.

Really though you don't want to work for someone for whom its an issue so it kind of balances out that way.

Make sure you fill in your legal name on the application and resume. If you feel you can't do that and be comfortable, then get your name changed legally. If you don't use your legal identity, you won't get hired. And, you may get into legal trouble. Most companies do check these things these days.  Oh... you should also change your identity on your SSA account as well before you go apply for a job. When they pull your record, you'll want them to see the correct name.

Good luck to you!

Cindi