Question:
Job Interviews...
It has been really hard for me to find any kind of work, not only because of my weight, but also because about 4 years ago I did something that caused me to have a record. I'm really up front about it, and don't hold anything back.. and fortunately I just got some call backs (3 in one day) despite my record. Now that i've jumped over the first hurdle.. i'm not sure about the whole weight thing. I'm really self conscious. I know that I am overqualified to say the least for at least 2 of these jobs, but I need something so I can support myself. I am terrified of going to these interviews.. any encouragement would be helpful. I'm particularly interested in people who have gotten jobs despite their weight. How did you handle the interview process? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! — Laydie K. (posted on March 29, 2003)
March 29, 2003
Something my dad said to me years ago (he has been a business owner for
over 40 years)If you look around in the business world, you will notice
that a good majority of the women in business are overweight. The key to
their success has been their attitude and their dress. They dress to
impress and their attitude reflects confidence. My experience with
interviews has been good. I sell them on my intellect and experience.
Maintain a good self confidence and it will shine through to your
prospective employers. Even if you don't feel all that confident... do what
you have to do to convince them that they need you! Your weight should
never be an issue unless the job description has specific physical
requirements that you might not be able to complete. Ie... "must be
able to lift in excess of 50lbs" and you have a bad back. Confidence
in yourself and your capabilities to do the job are a must. If you don't
feel confident it is going to show in your interview and no employer is
going to want to hire somebody who "can't do the job" Good luck!
— daytymer
March 29, 2003
GO IN THERE WITH THE SAME ATTITUDE AS IF YOU WEIGHED 120 LBS, DONT LET YOUR
WEIGHT STOP YOU AND GOOD LUCK!!
— ALLYSON C.
March 29, 2003
not sure what to tell you, other than have confidence in yourself.
What I did was dress nicely, and interview as though I was a regular
joe...I tried to forget my size for that hour. I was nervous, one
interviewer was a petite little thing and the other an average size. I got
the job, and work in an enviroment with one other MO person, 2 older people
and a number of different races, to say we are diverse is an understatement
:-)
Another thing you could do is join a temp agency...they do all of the
prelim work and I have gotten a couple of jobs without interviewing with
the hiring company - just the agency. GOOD LUCK
— Princess D.
March 29, 2003
Look through your closet and find some things that make you feel as good as
possible. If you are not a person who typically wears bold colors then try
to add some bold accent to what you wear. Red really is a power color and
can give you confidence. You indicate these are call backs, so they have
already seen you, so make yourself look the best you can and present a
confident front - even if you are shaking inside.
<p>You have taken the first step in being totally honest about your
past situation and these companies were not scared off. Now, at this
interview unless they bring it up do not mention it. If they ask be honest
but don't focus on it. It is something you have obvioulsy taken
responsibility for and is in the past. Focus on your qualifications for
the job and even if you do not have identical experience, explain how you
might be able to apply something from your work experience to the
particular job. You obviously have marketable skills related to these jobs
or you would not have gotten the 2nd interviews.
<p>The 3 jobs I have had in 26 years of working have all been
obtained at a morbidly or super morbidly obese weight. However, I knew I
had excellent skills to offer and just made these people see that. They
felt it was a coo to get me with my broad area of training and education.
I did the best I could to present a decent looking front and just made it
clear that weight just wasn't an issue for the job I was interviewing. I
never brought up my weight but wowed them with my capabilities. You can do
the same! Good luck and let us know how it goes! Chris
— zoedogcbr
March 29, 2003
The other posters have given excellent advice. I have always been MO but
highly confident in my skills, expertise and business acumen. I owened
several successful businesses and am currently working in the technology
sector at a high level. When I hire I look for the candidate with the best
SKILLS, ATTITUDE, POTENTIAL to GROW with the company vs. visual appearance.
In today's market getting a call back is a TERRIFIC sign they are
intersted in hiring you. Just like one other poster said, many many many
women in manager - CIO level are overweight to MO. I can think of at least
3 of my peers who fit the bill. Hope this helps you and best wishes &
never let 'em see you sweat :) Liz
— Liz B.
March 29, 2003
</P><P ALIGN="left">Put your weight out of your head.
It's not an issue unless you believe it to be. I have been very successful
in my career because I'm very good at what I do. My weight has NEVER been
an issue. I've been working nonstop for nearly 32 years, been MO for 22 of
those years, and last year, got a new job while being super MO and
middle-aged.
</P><P ALIGN="left">I know it's impossible not to be
nervous, but there's no reason to be terrified. You'll do great.
— Kasey
March 29, 2003
I want to thank all of you, for helping me. I've decided that I'm going to
go to these interviews. I'm not going to go in there and look for the
biggest chair either, or pull and tug at my clothes to make sure everything
is okay. I'm going to get dressed go out, and get a job. And if I don't get
these, then I wont stop trying. I just got my approval letter today, and I
told myself after I get my surgery I will stop hiding behing my weight.
Welp I have decided that i'm going to stop today, i'm not going to wait.
Thanks all, I'll post on Tues. to let you know how it goes!
— Laydie K.
March 29, 2003
CONFIDENCE- You must have confidence. Most employees look at your ability
to do the job- If you hold you head up high,act like you have confidence in
yourself, and smile- they will look past the weight. Believe in yourself
and they will beleive in you. Good Luck
— Jan S.
March 30, 2003
The best advice ANYONE has ever given me about interv iewing for a job,
came from a friend who used to work for a headhunting firm in Denver. She
told me that the best thing you can do in an interview is, "Ask the
interviewer to give you the job."!! She suggested using phrases like,
"When can I start?" or "I would really like to work for
you." I tried it, and I got my current job, which I LOVE and have
been at for 3 years. Sha said that most employers are impressed with the
enthusiasm this projects, and it also projects a great deal of confidence.
You Go Girl!!
— Sue C.
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