Applying for jobs

_kayIa

I'm around 5'5 and weigh 196. I'm very overweight and I know I'm not pretty or anything. I just got a bunch of emails back for jobs and I'm supposed to go for interviews, but I'm afraid I won't get the jobs because I don't look a certain way Has anyone else felt this way and what did you do?

_kayIa

bump :ohwell:

_binary_jester_

My guess would be if that would mean you are physically incapable of performing the job then maybe. Otherwise you go in acting like you deserve the job. You have to sell yourself. There nothing worse than having to pull information out of people. How does that convince me you deserve the position?

EmCarroll1990

Honestly, the workplace is an interesting... place. A lot is based on looks whether or not you want to admit it. But go in there with confidence and know that you can rock that job. It'll come across, and I bet you're a pretty girl.

rmdaly

First, dress the best you can for your figure. Accentuate the best parts of your body. Wear makeup to your interviews and get a good harcut.

Then concentrate on why you are qualified for these jobs. Know why you should get the job. Unless you are applying at Hooters, your weight shouldn't affect whether you get a job or not. These employers were obviously interested enough to get back to you with emails so they like what you have. Go in with confidence.

And if you lose a job opportunity because of the way you look, thats not a place I would want to work.

I am willing to bet that you are a lot more attractive than you think you are. While you are working on getting a job, work on improving your self-esteem. There are lots of books out there.

infamousmk

I'm 5'3" and weighed 215 while I was interviewing for jobs. I wore a suit that fit my body, walked and spoke with confidence, and got a very, VERY, (I mean very) good job. It's all about your skills and how you sell yourself.

becoming_a_new_me

I have never had a problem landing a job even when I was at my highest because I just ooze confidence. When a potential employer looks at you, they do form a "first judgement", so try to get the best one you can by dressing nice and complimentary to your body shape. If you wear makeup, have it look nice and fitting to your skin-tone with muted colors. Just enough to make it look like you have great coloring, but not screaming "hooker alert". Style your hair in a stylish look that compliments your face. If you have long hair, pull it back into a nice loose bun, but never a ponytail. Smile, look your interviewer in the eyes...but not in a creepy stalker way. Take your time to think through the question, and ask clarifying questions to ensure that you have the answer correct. Try to avoid ummm, and uhhhhh when asked a question. If you are not sure, then say "hmmm, that is a good question; let me think for a moment before I answer"

Above all though, confidence that you are the perfect fit for this position. In order to have that confidence, thoroughly research the company and have several questions prepared. For example, "I see that last year, the company went through a restructuring that resulted in the loss of 500 jobs. Is there any future restructuring planned that I should be aware of before I start?"

Qarol

If you go in believing that you won't get the job for whatever reason, chances are you might not. Try to go in believing you deserve the job.

Sl1ghtly

Invest in an interview shirt. Something like this should do;



Problem solved!

rml_16

I'm around 5'5 and weigh 196. I'm very overweight and I know I'm not pretty or anything. I just got a bunch of emails back for jobs and I'm supposed to go for interviews, but I'm afraid I won't get the jobs because I don't look a certain way Has anyone else felt this way and what did you do?

First., stop the negative talk. Others never judge us as harshly as we judge ourselves.

All you need to do is make sure you have a flattering, professional interview outfit, make your hair neat and professional and put on some makeup, then go in with confidence and a smile.

candyrayne215

i serve in a resturant and i feel as if if i was slim i could bartend. never seen a fat girl bartending

MaraDiaz

i serve in a resturant and i feel as if if i was slim i could bartend. never seen a fat girl bartending

I have! More than one, and they were darn good at it, too. And made darn good money.

misscristie

I'm around 5'5 and weigh 196. I'm very overweight and I know I'm not pretty or anything. I just got a bunch of emails back for jobs and I'm supposed to go for interviews, but I'm afraid I won't get the jobs because I don't look a certain way Has anyone else felt this way and what did you do?

First., stop the negative talk. Others never judge us as harshly as we judge ourselves.

All you need to do is make sure you have a flattering, professional interview outfit, make your hair neat and professional and put on some makeup, then go in with confidence and a smile.

This

lindalee0315

I wish I could say something that would encourage you and make you feel better about yourself. If you have an outfit you feel great in, wear it. If you don't get one. Don't apologize for who you are...they called you for the interview, so you obviously have skills they need. Chin up, girl!

EmCarroll1990

i serve in a resturant and i feel as if if i was slim i could bartend. never seen a fat girl bartending

My friend's one of the "fat girl bartenders" and boy does she leave happy at the end of the night!

My1985Freckles

I'm around 5'5 and weigh 196. I'm very overweight and I know I'm not pretty or anything. I just got a bunch of emails back for jobs and I'm supposed to go for interviews, but I'm afraid I won't get the jobs because I don't look a certain way Has anyone else felt this way and what did you do?

First., stop the negative talk. Others never judge us as harshly as we judge ourselves.

All you need to do is make sure you have a flattering, professional interview outfit, make your hair neat and professional and put on some makeup, then go in with confidence and a smile.

I agree with this! I'm a tad shorter than you (5'3") and my max weight was a tad higher (201.4). I always wanted to lose a little, but honestly never really felt like I was "fat." Finding out that I was "obese" at those number kinda shocked me because I have obese friends and extended family and well, I am no where close to that.... You need to get a little more self-confidence. At your height/weight you are by no means "morbidly obese." I wouldn't expect your weight to have any weight (pun intended lol) on the outcome of your interview.

rachelleahsmom

These people are absolutely right. Confidence (not arrogance) and well fitting clothes are important. Even if you can't afford to buy something new, make sure what you are wearing is clean and pressed. Make sure you are clean and wear deodorant! Remember that they are interviewing you, but you are also interviewing them. Head up, firm handshake and a genuine smile. And, I hope it goes without staying, leave your mom, your kids and your pets at home. Yes, people I have interviewed have brought all three to the job interview - yikes! Best of luck to you!!

melb2003

I'm very overweight. I would go into an interview always wearing something red (it's proven to reflect confidence of someone since it looks good on practically everyone). I would act myself, I'm very bubbly my nature (my old co-workers called me bubbles), I would have a geniuen conversation with the interviewer while not getting to far off topic. While discussing the position, always think of your skill set you have and find ways to prove your previous experience/education can apply to the tasks that you would perform at the job. If you can't think of something, I emphasized that I was an extremely fast learner (which I am) and I'm eager to learn. I went into an interview in an industry I had NO experience in, never even heard of it, replaced a woman who was doing the job for 34 years, and I got the job. I've been there for a year and a half and I love it.

Good Luck!!! You deserve it...remember that!!

tameko2

If you go in believing that you won't get the job for whatever reason, chances are you might not. Try to go in believing you deserve the job.

^^^

oh_mg

I had the same concern when applying for jobs last summer - I am 5'6" and even though I was about 192-195 at the time, I was down from my highest weight of 345. They can't see that on my CV or in my interview. (Though, to seal the deal, in my "other" section of my CV, I include "half marathon finisher," so they are aware that this big body does incredible things!)

I think carrying yourself with confidence is most important - go in there, show them you're the best candidate for the position!

SwimTheButterfly

Great advice Iddreams. After awhile one gets worn down.

linda1243

Make sure your appearance is neat. Wear an appropriately fitted suit (Not tight and short and not large where it looks sloppy), make sure that your teeth are devoid of any food particles and you have fresh breathe, your face is clean, your hair is neat and fingernails are cleaned.

Unfortunately, when people think of bigger people they tend to think lazy and sloppy. Just try to make sure that nothing in your appearance supports these sterotypes.

elfo

This was THE reason I started my diet. I have a blog about my progress (30 lbs lost so far) here: me-on-dukan.blogspot.com
This is the link to the posting I did about how I felt about interviewing :
http://me-on-dukan.blogspot.com/2012/01/day-5-am.html

This is part of it.. (BTW- I started loosing weight and I landed my dream job).
So where was I? I had gained weight-- last year I managed to loose 20lbs that had slowly come back, so I was now 70 lbs over where I'd like to be. That's like the weight of a 10yr old!!!! Can you imagine??? Imagine- all day long having a 10 year old on your back??? How would you feel at the end of the day, and how eager would you be to go for a run with that monkey on your back?
I was feeling tired all the time. Didn't matter how much sleep I got- I was always tired. I'm currently doing my masters, so I'm not working, and had no real schedule to push me. My boyfriend was working a 12-8pm shift, which didn't help either. I would get up at 11am sometimes even after noon- It's embarrassing to say. So then there was no point for "breakfast" I would have a cup of coffee with maybe a couple of slices of whole wheat toast, and then lunch an hour later, and usually went out for dinner, or had a big meal at home usually accompanied by a couple glasses of wine. So where did this get me??? Last week I had a job interview, not my dream job, but nevertheless a job worth going for. I scheduled my interview at 4:30pm thinking it would give me plenty of time to get ready. I had more than enough time, the problem was, I had NOTHING in the closet appropriate for an interview that fit. This was extremely frustrating. I had been in stretchy yoga pants for way too long
One of my friends was so sweet, in trying to aid in my crisis, and said, "maybe you can dress up the yoga pants with a pair of boots and a nice sweater." Well the more clothes I tried on the worse I felt. Outfit after outfit piling up on the floor as the clock ticked away. I eventually found something, and I rocked the interview. However, I didn't get the job because I was over qualified. What does this mean??? I think on some level-- I won't go for the jobs I'm really qualified for because I don't feel comfortable about the way I look. True, the economy's a mess, but if I was interviewing people - the extra 70lbs would speak louder than the resume. No one gains 70 lbs by being " a go-getter, organized, and having attention to detail"--- a 10 year old just jumped on your scale-- uhmmmm- how did you miss that little detail? I'm harsh I know- but we are always the worst critics to ourselves.


So where am I at NOW??? Less than a week later: I AM "a go-getter, organized and have great attention to detail" a chihuahua just jumped off my scale [I think I was at 7lbs lost then] woooooohoooooo!!! It's not just the weight. I have more energy, I feel motivated, and I'm getting healthier. I know it's only Day 5 and my enthusiasm sounds a bit pre-mature, but it's how I feel! I wouldn't want to go back to what I was feeling the week before for any pasta, potato, or toast. I am happy with what I'm eating, and I don't miss the carbs, the lazyness and especially not the chihuahua that has run off my scale.

My1985Freckles

Make sure your appearance is neat. Wear an appropriately fitted suit (Not tight and short and not large where it looks sloppy), make sure that your teeth are devoid of any food particles and you have fresh breathe, your face is clean, your hair is neat and fingernails are cleaned.

Unfortunately, when people think of bigger people they tend to think lazy and sloppy. Just try to make sure that nothing in your appearance supports these sterotypes.

This! And a tag on to the not tight... If your clothes are too tight it can make you look like a hoochie, or make you look fatter than you actually are. Just because you can squeeze yourself into an outfit two sizes smaller doesn't make you two sizes smaller.

And I second the dress for your body type... I carrry all my weight in my butt and thighs, but if I wear an A-line dress.... Well, I look a gazillion pounds lighter. :-)

mermx

Take on board everything everyone has said!

Do your best, be the best you can be. Do not talk to the interviewer like they are a friend, but imagine they are a friend, be comfortable, but respectful.

Ask questions, when asked.

Ask the interviewer about their opinions of the company and how they enjoy working there, what is their typical day like?

Don`t put yourself down...lots of people are overweight and have jobs xx

Good luck hun x

HOSED49

best advice ever...Sell yourself

I used to do interviews for new police officers...i actually stoppped an interview and told the guy..look, I can tell youre nervous and I believe you are squared away, however right now you arent selling me on any of it...so I;m gonna step outside and come back in...when I get back you better be the greatest car for sale and start selling....
Was a completely differenet interview after that, he laughed, was realxed and showed he could communicate without searching for what I wanted to hear which had delayed his answer...
I walked out of every promotional interview feeling like I bombed it....only to find out I killed it...sell yourself, exude confidence!

Articeluvsmemphis

if you can do the job then what you look like is not as important as how you "act" like you look. meaning be as confident as someone you would consider "pretty"

DisneySkaGirl

I'm a human resources technician, so I spend my whole day looking through applications, reading resumes, and conducting interviews. And while I may not be able to help what my first impression is, your overall interview is what makes my decision on hiring. I would agree with what most everyone has said so far, but just to give you an idea of what bothers me when interviewing:

1) Arrive on time!!! I'm always amazed when people are late, especially without calling! I also don't appreciate having to miss my lunch because someone came 45 mins-1 hour EARLY, I make appointments so I can plan my day (but that's just a peeve of mine).

2) Presentation! I'm not looking for models, I'm looking for peopel who are professional and well groomed. Wear appropriate clothing, if you are wearing makeup make sure its done well, and walk/sit tall an be attentive. It's frustrating to be talking to someone who is slouching, who is fiddling with a purse, or glancing all around rather than looking me in the eyes as they answer a question. Speak clearly! I had a young man come in once with sagging jeans, a hat that hung down so I couldn't see his eyes, slouching so bad his lower back was on the seat of the chair, and I couldn't hardly hear or understand his mumbled answers. This was for a customer service type position, and there was nothing in his demeanor that told me he would be able to serve customers effectively.

3) Manners!!! Walk in and introduce yourself and shake hands, sit and listen attentively to each question. Don't interrupt, make sure they have finished thier question or comment before responding.

4) Be prepared!! If you know a little about the job or company, try to think of what types of questions they'll ask, and think of how you might answer. And try to think of at least one question, hopefully other than pay. Ask what the work environment is like, how easy it is to move up with the company, and if the interviewer is not the person you will work for directly, who the supervisor will be. The idea is to show you are engaged and interested in the position you will be taking.

If you want, you can shoot me a message with any other questions, I'd be delighted to help you

jjnt007

I was out of work for a year. When I went for several interviews I weighed 245. My suggestion is to wear something that makes you feel pretty. One of my daughters college professors always said ladies when you go for an interview always remember to cover the three B's, boobs, belly and butt. lol Good luck.

Chagama

I am a hiring manager, and as long as you dress professionally and interview well it shouldn't be a problem. Not dressing properly is a problem, it sends a message that you don't know what is appropriate, and that will create a bad first impression. But as long as you do that, your appearance and first impression are fine, and once you get past that, it's the quality of the interview. No manager wants to pass up a good candidate. After all, hiring the right team is what makes us look good.

MaryDreamer

It's so wonderful to see such positive and constructive responses! I wish you the very best on your interview!