Putting my nickname on resume?

[Julie37]

Can I put my nickname, or alias, on my resume instead of my legal name? I'm a fluent English speaker but I was born in China and have an ethnic name so I prefer others to call me by my English name instead. However, my legal name does show on documents such as certifications and transcripts. I also did a search on Google and some people said it was okay since a resume is technically a not legal document, but I would still like to hear your thoughts.

If it's okay, my next question is *When* should I disclose my legal name during the interview? Beginning or towards the end? I guess I just want people to know more about me first before jumping to conclusions, and I do plan on changing my name one day but right now the cost is too much because I would have to go through several processes like the court and publish my name change on a newspaper (CA law).

BTW, I don't have any felonies or charges that I'm trying to hide from employers.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

You need to put your legal name on your resume, but you can include your nickname also. Such as Nickolov (Nick) Smith. It would make it easier for the interviewing process for them to have an easily pronounceable name.