Any drawback of using fake name as online identity being a software developer?

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

I'm a Android Software Developer by profession, and from many years I'm using a fake name "Max Rockwood" as my online identity everywhere, on Stack Exchange Github, Twitter, LinkedIn etc.

I been working as a freelancer from a while and now I'm looking to work remotely as proper employ and I was thinking if it can create any problems now or in future like having two names?

The reason for fake name is the country I'm from we have our own unique name and I been using Max (as its easy to say and remember and "Max Rockwood" combination is unique) from many years and now I need to apply to jobs.

In my own country I can put my real name and point to my online profiles, it is not an issue, but when applying to remote job in european and other countries which name should I use?

Question 1:

Is there any drawbacks of using fake name as online identity? and which name should I use on my Resume when applying on remote jobs, online Identity one or the real ones?

Question 2:

Should I change my fake name to real ones at all my profiles or its okay to use the one I have? I just don't feel like using my real name online and stick to the one I have.

Pardon me if this question sounds silly but its really important, I will appreciate any profesional advice.

Thanks

manpreet 2 years ago

A lot of people here (and mostly on Stack Overflow) don't have their real names as usernames. The same goes for github, twitter and so on. I put the links to those profiles into my CV so companies can see them, because that's my online identity. I've never heard of a company complaining about that. It's normal as long as you can prove that it's you.

For the real life and interactions with companies in person it's a different story.

While it's perfectly fine to want to stay anonymous online and use a nickname, if you want to deal with a real company, you will have to tell them your real name.

If you have a work contract, that will have to have your actual name because of social security, tax and so on. In some countries you can pick an artist name that goes into your ID, but your legal name is still required for contracts.

Of course you might be able to explain to HR that you prefer to use your moniker and not your real name.

I know someone working at a large, well-known company in Europe who doesn't have his name at his doorbell at home, and who never tells anyone his name. His coworkers in the office don't know it. His friends in that country don't know it. If he goes to hotels, he makes sure no-one oversees or overhears when he checks in, and none of his coworkers but HR know his name. Everyone calls him with the nickname he chose for himself, and that works for him.

As for the CV, you should use your real name. Unless you're an actor or performer probably. But then you wouldn't worry about a github account.

All the online accounts are just places where you show what you can do. If you use the same nickname everywhere, and that nickname is distinct, then it will be easy to find your work. That's good for you and for companies that are interested in you. But that's all they are. Screen names. Login data. You're still you, and for the real world, you need a real name.