I’m a transmasc person with a v feminine name (somehow including my surname lol). I’ve socially switched to using [name_m]Jasper[/name_m], but I’m not super connected to it and might change that in the future, so it’s kind of a filler name. I also have like, no serious motivation to legally change my name and I’ve always just been disappointed my given name has no obvious masculine nicknames.
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So, I’m applying for jobs in my field right now and I’m not wanting to professionally commit to what feels like a filler name, but I definitely don’t wanna go by my birth name either. So I’m considering using my initials [name_f][/name_f]- LJ.
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[name_m]General[/name_m] thoughts on LJ? It’s not as established of an initial name as like AJ or CJ but does it work?
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Logistical question, do people who go by their initials use their initials on their resumes/coverletters or should they use their full names? I’ve previously typically used a nickname on my resume/coverletter, and it was never an issue, I just use my full name on anything legal/official upon hiring. I’m not in a field where I feel like anyone really cares about formalities or professionalism in that way anyway but idk, are initial names fine for a resume/cover letter?
I think LJ definitely works. If you are introducing yourself in person, [name_f][/name_f] perhaps be ready to explain “I go by my initials [name_f][/name_f]- L, J: LJ,” as I think otherwise people might mentally searching for a name that sounds like Eljay. As you say, it’s less common than AJ and the like.
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I have no particular workplace knowledge to bring to this question, but I feel you should be fine putting initals on a resume and cover letter.
I think LJ works really well and that you should use it on your resume. If you use LinkedIn or whatever, I’d make sure it matches there. As you mention, you can give your full name down the line on the background check or hiring paperwork.
I think LJ totally works! I’ve known an LJ before, along with AJ, CJ, EJ, DJ, TJ… and some even less-expected initial nicknames like LM and AK.
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I think it’s fine to use your initials on a resume/etc, but I’m also not super knowledgable about what’s considered typical or appropriate. If you have any friends who go by nicknames, their middle names, etc, maybe you could ask them what they do? I do know I’ve seen combined versions like “Logan [name_f]Jackie[/name_f] (LJ) Smith” on LinkedIn. I also know a number of people who use “English” names professionally because people unfortunately struggle to spell/pronounce their non-English birth/legal names, and I know at least one friend uses only her “English” name on her resume – so I don’t think you need to put your legal name unless specifically asked for it.
I definitely think LJ works! To be honest, J goes with almost any intial. The only association that comes to mind for LJ is LL Cool J, which is probably showing my age more than anything.
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I would say initials are fine for a CV! I go by a nickname myself and use my full name on forms, but that situation is different because I don’t mind being called either. In your case, if you want to avoid being called a different name, I wouldn’t even put it on the form and would stick with initials. I think you may occasionally get asked what they stand for, but if that is uncomfortable you could still say “I just prefer going by initials”. I doubt it will be an issue of contention!
I think LJ works! I think there was a character named LJ on Prison Break?
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I don’t have any experience with going by initials in a professional environment but I would think it’s okay. You might just have to explain that your initials are what you go by if someone asks but I think due to the popularity of AJ etc it wouldn’t be difficult for people to get!
I think going by your initials is a totally solid option [name_f][/name_f]- it reads clean, professional, and neutral, while still giving you some space if you decide to change names down the line. [name_m]Even[/name_m] if LJ isn’t as common as AJ or CJ, it still feels natural and works well out loud.
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On the logistics side, lots of people use shortened names, nicknames, or initials professionally without issue. You can definitely put “LJ (Last Name)” on your resume and cover letter, and then if/when you’re hired, you can provide your full legal name for the paperwork if needed. That way you don’t have to commit to [name_m]Jasper[/name_m] or your given name in your professional identity. As long as you’re consistent within your application materials, you’re good.
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So yeah [name_f][/name_f]- LJ works! It feels like a solid placeholder that could also totally stand on its own if you end up liking it long-term.
I think LJ works - if someone introduced themselves as LJ, it would be unexpected, but I’d also just think ‘they go by their initials’ and get on with it, if that makes sense.
I think I’d go with what you’d been doing - initials (like a nickname) on the resume, legal name on anything, well, legal.
ETA: one thing I’d just consider is how you might answer if people ask what it stands for - which some people might
I think it’s a great idea, I’ve come across a few LJs in life and pop culture (there’s one in Snowpiercer, admittedly female) so I don’t think it would be difficult for people to understand. And as far as I’m aware you can use whatever version of your name you want on documents for work. The only caveat as other have said is that people will most likely at some point ask what it stands for, so you will have to think of an answer [name_f][/name_f]- doesn’t mean you have to disclose it to colleagues, but HR will likely need to know the full name (they’ll probably need your passport or something) which means it might get around your colleagues depending on the workplace. Friends I know who’ve changed name for similar reasons sometimes get tripped up by things like emails being generated with the ‘official’ version which then reads as the wrong gender to recipients, so just watch out for things like that.
