Using a nickname on your CV (resume)

[American Shero]

Can I use a nickname on my cv?

I don't mean anything out-of-place like J-Dub or Coco. I mean a nickname that is not a shorten version of a first name like Mike for Michael.

For example, if my name is Gaylord Focker, but I prefer to be called Greg. Is it ok if I put G. Greg Focker or Gaylord (Greg) Focker on my cv?

My first name is horrible, and I prefer not to be called by it. I was thinking about legally changing my name, but my folks got pretty upset about it when I brought it up. 🙁

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[Lindsayvarkula]

I think it depends on what you are using the resume for. In some situations, I think putting a "nickname' is fine but if you want to be really professional, I would just put your birth name.

 

[American Shero]

I think it depends on what you are using the resume for. In some situations, I think putting a "nickname' is fine but if you want to be really professional, I would just put your birth name.

Really? That sucks. I don't understand why it would be a big deal, especially if my nickname is less awkward and more professional than my actual name.

 

[plumhill]

I don't see a problem with having your nickname in parenthesis. When you submit your applications you're going to need to use your full birth name.

 

[SBR249]

I put my nickname (a totally normal English name) in parentheses on my CV alongside my legal birth name. On the other hand, I think my parents went with the first initial followed by preferred name, last name approach (ie G. Greg Focker) on their CVs. I don't think either is a huge deal though I think the latter approach may imply that you have a legal middle name that you use as a preferred name.

 

[gmcguitar4]

I mean..I don't understand why you wouldn't be able to put your nickame instead of the full length of your name. I don't really see it as being unprofessional nor would it factor into a decision for a job. Are they going to ask for your birth certificate no. Will the boss see your full name ever..no. His secretary and the mail department will.

 

[MilkmanAl]

If it's what you go by, I don't see why it'd be an issue.

 

[American Shero]

I don't see a problem with having your nickname in parenthesis. When you submit your applications you're going to need to use your full birth name.

Yeah, I forgot about that.

I put my nickname (a totally normal English name) in parentheses on my CV alongside my legal birth name. On the other hand, I think my parents went with the first initial followed by preferred name, last name approach (ie G. Greg Focker) on their CVs. I don't think either is a huge deal though I think the latter approach may imply that you have a legal middle name that you use as a preferred name.

Yea, now that I think about it, it does. The parentheses would probably be the most accurate way to do it. Are you still called by your legal first name even though your preferred name is right there in parentheses? I've had this happen whenever I email profs. For some reason they don't seem to take notice. It's slightly irritating.

 

[American Shero]

I mean..I don't understand why you wouldn't be able to put your nickame instead of the full length of your name. I don't really see it as being unprofessional nor would it factor into a decision for a job. Are they going to ask for your birth certificate no. Will the boss see your full name ever..no. His secretary and the mail department will.

Good point

If it's what you go by, I don't see why it'd be an issue.

👍

 

[NickNaylor]

It wouldn't be an issue, but at some point I would recommend using your formal name for all professional environments. Like you, I go by a shortened version of my name, but I always use the long version in anything outside of class work and/or e-mails.

 

[LifeTake2]

Can I use a nickname on my cv?

I don't mean anything out-of-place like J-Dub or Coco. I mean a nickname that is not a shorten version of a first name like Mike for Michael.

For example, if my name is Gaylord Focker, but I prefer to be called Greg. Is it ok if I put G. Greg Focker or Gaylord (Greg) Focker on my cv?

My first name is horrible, and I prefer not to be called by it. I was thinking about legally changing my name, but my folks got pretty upset about it when I brought it up. 🙁

Application: Legal name
Medical Degree/License: Legal Name
CV: appropriate nick name is fine

However, do realize that based upon the example if your name is Gaylord that you will have to either change your name, or sign scrips Gaylord not Greg post MD in order for them to be valid

 

[American Shero]

It wouldn't be an issue, but at some point I would recommend using your formal name for all professional environments. Like you, I go by a shortened version of my name, but I always use the long version in anything outside of class work and/or e-mails.

Thats the issue. My formal name is not professional and it's about as ridiculous as "Gaylord". My nickname is not a shorten version of my name, but it is professional. So, I don't really understand why I shouldn't use it in a professional environment.

 

[gmcguitar4]

Thats the issue. My formal name is not professional and it's about as ridiculous as "Gaylord". My nickname is not a shorten version of my name, but it is professional. So, I don't really understand why I shouldn't use it in a professional environment.

Im curius to know it now considering it is "as ridiculous as gaylord."

 

[American Shero]

Application: Legal name
Medical Degree/License: Legal Name
CV: appropriate nick name is fine

However, do realize that based upon the example if your name is Gaylord that you will have to either change your name, or sign scrips Gaylord not Greg post MD in order for them to be valid

👍 Never thought about that. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

 

[American Shero]

Im curius to know it now considering it is "as ridiculous as gaylord."

😳 I'll never tell..

 

[StoicJosher]

Can I use a nickname on my cv?

I don't mean anything out-of-place like J-Dub or Coco. I mean a nickname that is not a shorten version of a first name like Mike for Michael.

For example, if my name is Gaylord Focker, but I prefer to be called Greg. Is it ok if I put G. Greg Focker or Gaylord (Greg) Focker on my cv?

My first name is horrible, and I prefer not to be called by it. I was thinking about legally changing my name, but my folks got pretty upset about it when I brought it up. 🙁

It's your life. If you feel like you can't live with the name, you should change it.



On a side note, anyone heard of Sheila Dikshit and the Australian broadcaster who got fired for laughing as he said the name?

 

[deleted307836]

Application: Legal name
Medical Degree/License: Legal Name
CV: appropriate nick name is fine

However, do realize that based upon the example if your name is Gaylord that you will have to either change your name, or sign scrips Gaylord not Greg post MD in order for them to be valid

Agree with all of the above. OP, I don't think you should feel bad about changing your name if it creates unnecessary headaches for you. Just explain why to your family. When applying for medical licenses and the like you'll probably have to list all previous names you've had though. Also, don't assume people will judge you if your name truly is that bad... people know you didn't choose it.

I know a guy with a horrible first name. He lists it on his resume and then his unrelated nickname in quotes right after it. eg Gaylord "Greg" Johnson

Edit: Parentheses may look more professional than quotes, I'm not sure.

 

[Druggernaut]

It could be worse.

http://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-fanny-*****-37rrw

 

[American Shero]

It's your life. If you feel like you can't live with the name, you should change it.



On a side note, anyone heard of Sheila Dikshit and the Australian broadcaster who got fired for laughing as he said the name?

Yeah, I remember watching that on youtube. Hilarious! I didn't know he was fired though. Awesome.. lol.

Agree with all of the above. OP, I don't think you should feel bad about changing your name if it creates unnecessary headaches for you. Just explain why to your family. When applying for medical licenses and the like you'll probably have to list all previous names you've had though. Also, don't assume people will judge you if your name truly is that bad... people know you didn't choose it.

I know a guy with a horrible first name. He lists it on his resume and then his unrelated nickname in quotes right after it. eg Gaylord "Greg" Johnson

Edit: Parentheses may look more professional than quotes, I'm not sure.

Yeah, my family is a lost cause as far as the name change goes. I kinda like the quotes, but I don't know. I guess I'll ask an advisor or an HR person.

Thanks guys!🙂

 

[American Shero]

It could be worse.

http://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-fanny-*****-37rrw

😱 whoa

 

[235788]

What is your first if you don't mind me asking? PM me. I'm just wondering -- I can't imagine and name that is unprofessional -- except maybe like mercedes or something

 

[Musclemass]

Yeah, my family is a lost cause as far as the name change goes. I kinda like the quotes, but I don't know. I guess I'll ask an advisor or an HR person.

Your "family" doesn't wince when they see or hear your name, you do. No reason you should be unhappy with something that's so easily handled.

If you have a first and middle name and one is ok and one not, turn the one you don't like into an initial and use the other one as your name. Or, change your name legally. If you have only one name, make your nickname your first name and the one you don't like a middle initial, like Gregory G. (for Gaylord) Smith.

If your family can't understand the importance of YOUR feelings about YOUR name, I'm not sure what to say.

 

[StoicJosher]

Your "family" doesn't wince when they see or hear your name, you do. No reason you should be unhappy with something that's so easily handled.

If you have a first and middle name and one is ok and one not, turn the one you don't like into an initial and use the other one as your name. Or, change your name legally. If you have only one name, make your nickname your first name and the one you don't like a middle initial, like Gregory G. (for Gaylord) Smith.

If your family can't understand the importance of YOUR feelings about YOUR name, I'm not sure what to say.

I am going to go out on a limb and say it is probably a cultural thing. That could explain:

1. OP's parents disagreement (they see no cause).
2. Name as ridiculous as Gaylord.
3. The new name is not a shortened version of the old one.

Anyone remember Sukhdeep Singh?

 

[candav]

Or, change your name legally. If you have only one name, make your nickname your first name and the one you don't like a middle initial, like Gregory G. (for Gaylord) Smith.

I did something similar. My birth name is impossible to pronounce (even for me, but I'm not a native speaker), so I legally adopted my English name as my first name, and kept my birth name as a middle name. On all legal documents and Facebook, I list both. Perhaps this would be an acceptable compromise for your parents?

 

[varsityblue]

I recommend using the format First Name "Nickname" Last Name.

 

[American Shero]

I did something similar. My birth name is impossible to pronounce (even for me, but I'm not a native speaker), so I legally adopted my English name as my first name, and kept my birth name as a middle name. On all legal documents and Facebook, I list both. Perhaps this would be an acceptable compromise for your parents?

I liked your idea, so I sent my mom a message stating:

Dear Mother,

I've decided to legally add a name to my full name. I just thought you should know.

Signed,

Your beloved [insert awkward name] 😀


Then she asked: "What are you adding?"

I said: [insert nickname]

Then she said: "I don't agree with that, but whatever."

IS THAT AN OKAY?

 

[scarshapedstar]

Can we at least know the country of origin of the comical name in question? I'm really curious as to how bad it can possibly be.

 

[American Shero]

Can we at least know the country of origin of the comical name in question? I'm really curious as to how bad it can possibly be.

It's not so much a name as it is a word that my parents decided to use as a name.

 

[scarshapedstar]

Bong Chong, I knew it was you!

 

[American Shero]

Bong Chong, I knew it was you!

Whats so weird about Bong Chong? ....LOL.. RACIST 😛

 

[Kentobari]

Can I use a nickname on my cv?

I don't mean anything out-of-place like J-Dub or Coco. I mean a nickname that is not a shorten version of a first name like Mike for Michael.

For example, if my name is Gaylord Focker, but I prefer to be called Greg. Is it ok if I put G. Greg Focker or Gaylord (Greg) Focker on my cv?

My first name is horrible, and I prefer not to be called by it. I was thinking about legally changing my name, but my folks got pretty upset about it when I brought it up. 🙁

I'm using the nickname my villagers gave me during Peace Corps service (Kentobari). It means ***** eater, but unless the admissions rep happens to know this tiny south american indigenous language, noone should be the wiser.

 

[Remedies]

I liked your idea, so I sent my mom a message stating:

Dear Mother,

I've decided to legally add a name to my full name. I just thought you should know.

Signed,

Your beloved [insert awkward name] 😀


Then she asked: "What are you adding?"

I said: [insert nickname]

Then she said: "I don't agree with that, but whatever."

IS THAT AN OKAY?

At this point I would just go for it.

Or just do it anyways, even if they said no. What are they going to do after you change it? Make you change it back? Honestly, as a pre-med and future physician, you are going to have a million other things to worry that either 1. this will become insignificant or 2. will be like that annoying headache you just take tylenol for because you have other things to worry about. TAKE TYLENOL.

 

[American Shero]

I'm using the nickname my villagers gave me during Peace Corps service (Kentobari). It means ***** eater, but unless the admissions rep happens to know this tiny south american indigenous language, noone should be the wiser.

Lol.. If I was on the adcom, I would google it just out of curiousity.

 

[centrigeugle]

Paging Dr George "Stoneface Killa" Simon to ward B, please. Dr George "Stoneface Killa" to ward B.

 

[American Shero]

At this point I would just go for it.

Or just do it anyways, even if they said no. What are they going to do after you change it? Make you change it back? Honestly, as a pre-med and future physician, you are going to have a million other things to worry that either 1. this will become insignificant or 2. will be like that annoying headache you just take tylenol for because you have other things to worry about. TAKE TYLENOL.

👍 Yeah, I know there's nothing they can do. I'm just having a hard time finding a cure for this "Good Daughter Syndrome". 😳

 

[American Shero]

Paging Dr George "Stoneface Killa" Simon to ward B, please. Dr George "Stoneface Killa" to ward B.

 

[Kentobari]

Lol.. If I was on the adcom, I would google it just out of curiousity.

not even the omniscient google speaks emberá..😀