Simplify Your Identity
Keep your name simple
Earlier this month, I attended a coffee chat with a mentor.
I noticed he did something unusual when we ordered coffee.
He gave a different name for his coffee order (usually, you need a name when you order coffee in large shops to ensure they can easily call you out when your order is ready).
He told the shop attendant that his name was "Sam".
I was surprised because I knew that wasn't his first or last name.
I asked why he did that, and he responded.
My name is "Sam" for coffee orders.
As a career mentor, this lesson made sense to me immediately.
I began to reflect on how much time recruiters spend figuring out complex names on candidate's resumes.
Keep It Simple
Keep your identity simple where there is no legal requirement and when you need the other person to get to the point quickly.
Our name is our identity, but you should be aware of the context and environment.
When looking for jobs, you don't have to use your original birthname if it's complex.
For example, my first name is Olabanji, and while my passport and birth certificate show this, I normally go with Banji on my resume.
Why?
I want the recruiter to focus on the main business, which is to shortlist me for an interview without getting distracted.
The goal is to help you get to the point as fast as possible without making the recruiter feel inadequate by trying to pronounce complex names.
No need for unnecessary distractions.
Closing Thoughts
Your name is your identity, but you should keep things simple.
The goal is to help you land an interview, not a name contest.
Keep things simple.
Want To Learn To Land A Data Analyst Role?
Join the next cohort of the Data Analyst Career Accelerator Program.
The Tools I Use
Here are the tools I recommend (affiliates):
Siteground to power my ultra-fast website
Notion to organise my workspace for maximum productivity
Banji Alo
Personal Blog | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube