Would you acknowledge having the same last name?

Peppermint-Velvet

I’m applying for what might be my dream second role that fits perfectly around my current role. In a massive coincidence, the person listed to contact on the job ad has the same last name as me.

It might not seem like a big deal, but I have a very, very uncommon last name and have always been told basically anyone else in Australia with our last name is very likely related to us. I don’t recognise the first name as anyone I’ve met in the extended family.

Would you acknowledge this coincidence in a cover letter? I don’t want to make it seem like I’d be hinting toward it being somehow in my favour or something but it almost seems odd to just ignore… “dear Mr xyzabc, my name is (first name) xyzabc…”

PuddingPlease

I’d ignore it, I’m sure the person will note that you share the same surname but I can’t really seen any point in you pointing it out. It’s also possible that the person who reads your application won’t be the person you have been directed to address it to, especially if it’s a large organisation.

bookoholic

Probably not; I think it could sound like you’re trying to trade off the connection even if you’re not. If you get through to an interview, the person or their colleagues might ask about your unusual surname and if/how you’re connected, but I wouldn’t bring it up unless they do.

LadySybilVimes

Yes, agree. Chat about it at an interview if they bring it up. Otherwise not.

wannabefree

I wouldn’t put it in a cover letter but its a good ice breaker kind of thing for the interview, they might even raise it themselves.

RichardParker

I wouldn’t - but what I’ve always done is ring to ’check that the application went through and whether they have any queries". That will usually spark a conversation - so it may come up then, and increase your chances of getting an interview.

The pastor at the local Church has the same surname as me - I thought he’d find that really interesting and want to talk to me about it, but, no. Awkward.

Peppermint-Velvet

Thanks for replies, my gut feeling was leaning towards not mentioning anything but honestly, the whole thing kind of threw me for a while! I had to keep checking to make sure that it really was the same spelling and not my brain ‘auto translating’ a similar name / arrangement of letters at first.

RichardParker

Be funny if you were related. Hopefully they’re nice!