If you’ve got a nickname, you might wonder whether you can use it in the documents you prepare for a job search, such as your resume. While there aren’t laws or guidelines when it comes to picking a name for your resume and other documentation, there are some tips that can be very helpful to consider. Before deciding whether or not to use a nickname, consider the following

You Don’t Have to List Your Legal Name

Most people think that they have to list their legal name when creating their resume and cover letter, or sending in a job application. This is not true. You can actually use the name that you would like to be known by professionally. For examples, say you’ve got a name that’s difficult to pronounce; you might shorten it, or spell it more phonetically to make pronunciation easy.

For example, if your name is Theophilus, there’s nothing wrong with using the nickname Theo for your first name. And if you have a unique last name that may be challenging for some to pronounce, like Nguyen, you might add the phonetic spelling (nuhWEN) so that the person contacting you won’t be more concerned with how to pronounce your name than offering you an interview.

Be Consistent with Your Name Choice

Whatever name you decide to go with, it’s important that you use it consistently throughout your career (unless you get married or choose the legally change your entire name). As your name becomes a more and more important part of your profession, you’ll want it to develop and become more and more important and linked to your reputation.

This means if you choose to go with a nickname that sounds nothing like your legal name (i.e. if you go by your middle name), it’s good to stick with it so people will always know they’re talking about the same person. The same rules apply for email address, voicemail messages, file names and social media profiles.

Feel Comfortable with Your Decision

The name that you choose to use during your job search and beyond should be one that you feel comfortable with. If you use a name you don’t answer to, you might inadvertently create an embarrassing situation when your employer or someone else calls you by it and you forget to answer. If your name is Elizabeth but since birth you’ve been called Lizzy, by all means you can use it. Use a form like Elizabeth (Lizzy) Brown to include both names. The only thing that experts suggest is that you don’t completely change your name for your job search. You need to be traceable for background checks, so if you’ve suddenly changed your entire name (legally), it’s good to note your previous name as you make the transition.

It’s good to know that you can use more than your legal name while in pursuit of job, as well as in your career. As long as you’re consistent with the name you list, you won’t have any issues.