Do you feel that employers genuinely refuse to hire people because they are overweight?? I ask this because my mother and I were just discussing my current job situation, and how hard it is to find work. My mother is *convinced* that I didn't get several jobs that I was well qualified because I am overweight (which I am working on to improve). I wonder if this is really true, since I have seen people who are much more heavier than me who do get jobs.

I feel that I didn't get the jobs because I either a) didn't do well enough on the interview; or b) they picked someone else who was more qualified and/or had more experience. Also what is making my search a little more difficult is the fact that I had tons of experience but no college degree (which I talked about on a different thread).

What are your thoughts on this? Does being overweight really hinder your chances of finding work quicker than someone who is not overweight? I realize that with the economy being so lousy right now that it is an employer's market, and employers can hire or not hire anyone for whatever reason they wish. I'm just wondering if being overweight is really one of them. Your thoughts please.

Being overweight sux edit
[This message was edited Sun Nov 2 19:10:24 PST 2003 by psychodelicide]

psychodelicide said:

i'm also tryin 2 lose some weight(just some freakin 5-10 vanity pounds)but no,i don't think so.try 2 get a job in ur county/city,they neva do that,i no cuz my mom works 4 the sheriff's department.


good luck on the weight tho'.

Hey thanks, you too.

generally...Hell yes being overweight effects your chances of getting a job. I dont care what anyone says. I don't think it's right but it's a fact...especially if a man is in control of hiring..generally speaking.

rdhull said:

Co-Sign

psychodelicide said:

:still remembers that foul Larry-like name...:

It could affect your chances if your confidence is low because of your weight..

it diffently can stop U from being hired...especially if U R applying 4 a stripper job!!!


PEACE N B WiLD!!!

psychodelicide said:

I've seen my friends who are "deathly" overweight (meaning their health is at risk)...but they have went out for jobs..and been hired...its more if U believe in yourself...an employer will pickup on that...go in confident U will get a fair shot...go in "feeling like a fat person" and U will get treated as so...this comes from someone thats seen this coin on both sides

hisroyalbadnessfan8485 said:

I need to use that name more often in the chatroom.

Paisley said:

My mom told me the same thing.

sabaisabai said:

True. I do try to go into the interview with a confident attitude, but some employers seem to be able to pick up on whether that confidence is authentic or not.

4jamiestarr said:

No, I'm not applying for a stripper job. I'm looking for an administrative assistant position.

June19 said:

Aww, thanks, June.

I've read studies that show that appearance--not just weight--affects a lot of things in life, for men and women. According to this study, more attractive people got better jobs, were paid more and were generally seen as nicer, happier people than others (which was not necessarily true, but that's how people looking at pictures in the study sized the attractive people up)

However, I think we all know some overweight or not-so-attractive people who have good jobs, so it's certainly not a rule. Personality, being upbeat and getting along well with others, communicating well--those things all matter a lot, too.

It seems kind of a mean thing for your mom to suggest to you--that you didn't get a job because of your weight. I don't mean to diss her at all, but parents are supposed to be good to their babies, and encourage and love them, not introduce dark imaginings for them to feel badly about.

Keep moving along, my dear! It's just a matter of time before you find the right job. Best wishes!

Thanks for your kind words, AnotherLoverToo, I truly appreciate it. :Hug:

psycho, i'm speakin from a thick sista's point of view.
I totally agree with June 19 when saying it's all about believin in yourself. I'm a little on the heavy side, too, and I too have had an experience with a certain job that I wanted. I found out later on that it wasn't my size that held me back, but my inexperience, as well as my age! And besides, if you're really qualified for the job and really want the job, pray on it. If you're really meant for it, you'll get that job!

Awww, thanks Kiss85. I have a lot of people praying that I get a job right now, so eventually the prayers will get answered. I fully agree with you when you said that if I pray and I get the job, then it's meant to be. I've always been a firm believer in that.

Personally, I have have had a weight problem since a child, (and FINALLY NOW am kickin' it successfully!!!) BUT I have 2 say that when I went out in the work force, I mostly NEVER had an issue with not being hired or discriminated against. Why? Dont REALLY know 4 SURE. I think I had the "enthusiasm" an employer looks 4 to learn ALL about their job description, as well as the "other" attributes I will list 4 y'all out job hunting that are really crucial on ur resume' & interview:

• Always present urself profession- ally.
• Downplay what U might normally wear 4 parties or casual events. Suits say U mean "business". So do solid color tops and pants/skirts.
• Make sure U R well groomed and clean.
• Show enthusiasm 4 the job applied 4.
• Make it known U R more than willing & able 2 learn the job thoroughly.
• State ur experience(s) related 2 the job applied 4 to make it known U are qualified.
• Discuss WHY U want the job honestly, i.e. future career experience, a huge interest in the field, upgrading your living arrangements, traveling, con- nections with other people, etc.
• NEVER say what U HOPE 2 B paid. ALWAYS accept THEIR figure (2 start) until you've been an employee awhile and showed them what a great employee U R.
• Always find something VERY COMPLIMENT- ARY 2 say about the company/work place & that you'd B very happy 2 work 4 such a company...
• Even IF U R feeling like crap that day, force yourself 2 smile & really impress the interviewer with all your "ASSETS" U DO have, thus making that person feel they'd be wise indeed 2 hire U, as well as invest their time & money into training U IF U need it.
• Ask sensible, intelligent questions about the job, with as much upbeat personality U can put forth.
• It's best 2 say U can work ANY hours that they need U 4. U CANT BE PICKY!
• Make sure 2 shake hands with a fairly strong grip which indicates confidence.
• Tell them U can start right away. No matter what party your planning on attending the day they ask U 2 start, THIS JOB is MORE important, so cancel U being there! Theres ALWAYS other parties, but too few jobs, especially ones that are sought after by many. Just remember, U R easiy replaceable even by the most crummy job or a job U R just biding ur time with till U find "something better". SNAP IT UP!

So in my experience, if U apply urself, ur personality & eagerness, & training will usually get U "in". There might B more pointers, but thats all I can come up with off the top of my head. Plus, these days, there is lots less discrimnation due 2 being able 2 initiate law suits...although as with all changes in "the status quo" there will ALWAYS B people that REMAIN doing what they ALWAYS did in the past & they cant get past that. Thats their loss. Look elsewhere. Finding the "cool" employment of your choice is never REAL easy, but it can be done & done often. Just present the "best" of U!

Excellent suggestions, grandebelle, I really appreciate your input. Congrats to you for getting your weight under control, that's great!

Darn typos edit
[This message was edited Sun Nov 2 23:12:24 PST 2003 by psychodelicide]

psychodelicide said:

U R most welcome, psychodelicide. GOOD LUCK 2 U, & thanx. My weight was a "health" issue with ME, but its improving EVERY day with hard work, of course. I feel ones HEALTH & LONGEVITY is the main reason 2 embark on a weight loss journey, bcuz U really shouldnt have a difficult time finding work, a partner, enjoying life, or anything else as a heavier person, IF your health is cool with it. However losing weight DOES change ones life in ALOT of cool "other" ways as well, whether one likes it or not...AGAIN, gather ALL your confidence, assertiveness, self-esteem & GET THAT JOB U WANT! U CAN DO IT! I KNOW!!!

psychodelicide said:

no,don't!
think of the innocent children,who would b scared 4 life just 4 that!

jk,but it would b hilarious tho'

well...i will add to this one as another curvy figure here on the org...tell your mother that i think the conversation...though meant as a help to you...will actually hinder you along the way...

you need to go in and make the impression that there is nothing that you cant handle in life...you are a strong confident woman (who just REALLY likes chocolate cake )...when we are given those type of messages...they replay in our minds at all the wrong times...this will never help you

so heres the deal...when you go out looking for a job...here are my personal tips for ya...see if it helps...

* start by wearing your favorite outfit...dont look too little girl like...be proud of what you are and highlight the areas that look good

* take the extra time on your make-up and hair you will feed good on the inside when you know you look good outside

* while you are getting ready...play the one song that always makes you feel pretty, sexy, and happy...play it over and over...until you start to feel it inside then...its even ok to dance around the room while you get ready...gets the blood going...and makes your mood better...

* on the way there...repeat healthy messages to yourself...i am worthwhile...i am beautiful...i am happy...i am intelligent...i am the best person for this job...and so on, since the mind can only think one thought at a time...you have no chance of becomming stuck with the ...i am too fat, too ugly, too stupid, not qualified rut who needs that shit anyway ???

* walk with your shoulders back...and your head held high...people will notice if you sneak in the door or if you own a room when you enter

** next...as grandebelle said...those are excellent tips for your interview...most everything is in there ... i just thought i would touch on the 'before' interview stage

and when you get the job...

treat yourself to something nice...if even just a hot bubble bath...you have overcome the 'its easier to hide' syndrome...congrats baby

"BEING OVERWEIGHT and LOOKING for WORK"...well, thats commendable!

Always something to discriminate.

justkelley said:

Great advice Kelley

Companies are going to hire folks that present their company well. Unfortunately, sometimes that means passing up the best person for the job. I work in a large corporation and trust me, it happens every day. Just keep your head high and you'll do a great job! Good luck to you ! :Hug:

Paisley said:

I also agree. It's definitely wrong, but this world likes the beautiful people and if you're not one of them, you will have to fight for everything you get.

There are certainly people out there who will refuse to hire you or fire you over something like being overweight.

The next question is would you really want to work for someone that is that superficial in the first place? It's probabbly for the better to not have to be around someone like that.

I've seen my brother, who is very overweight, come back from interviews and basically break down because of the way he was treated. He's a very quiet person, not to mention a grown man, so it really pissed me off to see people treat him like that.

justkelley said:

From "one" lucious babe 2 "another": THESE "before the interview" tips R excellent as well, JustKelly! Getting yourself all psyched up is very important. I LIKE (& ALSO DO THIS) spinning cool BUT very "hot" music 2 get PREPARED and ENERGIZED and think "positive" thoughts all the way 2 the interview...