Even after 25+ years as a resume writer and coach I still find things that make me chuckle. . .and sometimes cringe. Each day, I provide free resume critiques — some good, some bad, some memorable, some not so memorable. The ones I remember well are the ones where there are notable errors which can eliminate a person’s candidacy instantly. Not just once, but many times, I have reviewed resumes where I am puzzled how people cannot articulate such a simple thing as their name. Now I am acutely aware that culture has a huge part to play in this story I am about to unfold, but let’s use the name Raj Kuppoor as an example.
Your Name On LinkedIn
On the resume, the name reads Raj Kuppoor. But when I search on LinkedIn, which is the standard process used by career decision makers including HR professionals and executive recruiters, I cannot locate this person. How come? Well, he has altered his name on LinkedIn to R. Kuppoor. After a phone call to confirm his name, and upon further research, I discover a third name that appears on his LinkedIn URL address. This time it is Rohit Raj Kuppoor. What goes through my mind if I was hiring this person? He cannot understand the protocol that goes into searches and the rationale for keeping the name consistent throughout. After a conversation with Raj, or was it Rohit, he became aware of the error and the confusion it could cause. So now, all is well.
The Message Your Sending
What is the message here? Ensure that your name is the same across all your marketing and sales collateral and online profiles. This should include your resume, cover letter, business cards, biography, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter profiles, and your personal website. Don’t lose out on an opportunity just because you make a simple mistake.
