Using a pen name in your job search

In this episode we look at whether you can use a pen name while job hunting. On the whole it is acceptable, and companies generally understand why a candidate might want to. You can go through every stage of the hiring process under an assumed name, right up to the point where you have to hand over documents for onboarding and payroll.

In some cases a company will ask for your documents, such as a Green Card or work authorisation, and you can simply tell them you have been using a pen name and give them your real details. Some candidates use a maiden name or a relative's surname instead.

If you do pick a pen name, stick with it for a while — though you can always go back to your real name if that feels right. Our own view is that pen names cost you time, and we would rather you concentrated on your professional strengths and built your real name into a brand.

Everyone runs their job search differently and uses different approaches. If you feel a pen name or several profiles will help you, that is your call. What matters is being comfortable and doing what suits you while you look.