Does your name affect your job search?

Dear Evil HR Lady,

I’m currently in the job market and am wondering about how professional I’m coming across when I apply for jobs and go on interviews. My given name is, no kidding, Davey Jones (My parents apparently had an “ill” sense of humor when I was born in 1970 — plus my mom was infatuated with Davy Jones — and yes I’ve heard all the jokes about my locker and The Monkees… *sigh*.) I’m in my forties and I am wondering about how professional my name comes across on my resume and correspondence. I obviously can change my name but, I actually really like it and all my friends and family call me by “Davey.” Should I just go with “David,” and when/if any legal paperwork/issues come and tell them that my real name is ‘Davey’? Just curious about this all. Thank you for any advice you can give.

All my best,

Davey

P.S., Feel free to use my real name if you post this online. Doesn’t matter to me as it is my name and I totally embrace it!

To read the answer click here: Does your name affect your job search?

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4 thoughts on “Does your name affect your job search?

  1. If your resume came across my desk, I would probably think, that’s cute! And then read your resume because I was curious what Davey Jones’ resumes looks like. So stick with Davey.

    My real name is one letter off from a famous 1980s actress. I wonder if that has gotten me noticed by hiring managers. It certainly gets commented on often enough in day to day interactions.

  2. You know, I honestly never thought about a name factor when reviewing resume. But if I would see Davy instead of David, I probably would cringe at the name itself. If your resume is strong, your name would not affect my decision to interview you. I probably would ask if it is your full name. Very interesting post. Something to consider.

    1. That inner cringe, though, is likely to color your thoughts about the candidate. Not that you do it on purpose–few people would. But we make snap judgments all the time, without even being aware.

  3. Don’t feel too bad, as more young people becoming the ones making hiring choices, it won’t matter… I have no idea who Davey Jones is.
    Check out Freakanomics for studies on how names, especially ethnic ones can reduce your chances of getting a job.

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