Is anyone elses weight keeping them from getting jobs?

calvert6183

Hi everyone. I live in Austin and for the most part everyone here is skinny or in shape which is good but here is the problem. I have friends here cant seem to get jobs because it seems that they wont hire people who are alittle over weight. The reason it seems that way is so many employers who post on sites for employment ask for a full body pic before the interview.. Its really common.

I also know situations where a friend works a place and they try to get them hired and they wont hire them even though they have years of experience and then hire a skinny chick with no experience. Its also common here that places say they only will hire girls and not guys,

The reason Im posting this is because I care about people and they are great people who are clean cut and professional. When they get turned down based on a pic or the interview gets cancelled when they see them, it really hurts them. This just seems illegal and wrong, it is in my home state. Discrimination is wrong and shouldnt happen, has anyone else had this happen to you or someone you know?

Also before anyone else says something not cool, yes these people are willing to take any job and have tried at places like fast food, customer service, restaurants, and cleaning to make money. They all have degrees and are swalling thier pride and still cant get one. I even say a place saying you must send a pic and be attractive to be a busser. Really? At first I thought my friends were exaggerating but I see too.

m60kaf

I think there are always two sides to a story.

I guess while it appears and is wrong. I see America from a slightly different viewpoint not being an American.

You live in a litigious blame culture society and while what the employers are doing isn't good (if indeed that is what they are doing) it is probably more to protect themselves financially from future issues they feel are more likely to happen with a larger and therefore potentially less fit person.

I've been to Texas and have to say I was quite surprised how fit most people there seem to be - big in a good way definitely.

It doesn't fix the stereotyping but I guess the answer is to get fit.

ironanimal

I think there's a certain amount of discrimination over it, for sure. In my last job, I was never allowed to progress up to management because I was deemed not to be in good enough shape (working as a pool lifeguard) despite my rescue times being faster than most and being a more senior member of the center. The guy who ended up progressing instead of me could hardly speak English, had been in the job 6 months and wasn't even a very good swimmer.

I notice it at shopping centres and the like too - most storefront staff are quite 'pretty' people, male or female, at least here in London.

Lynn_SD

Should be illegal but then companies are allowed to require that job applicants not be unemployed! Ads say "Do not apply if you are unemployed". My friend an RN has been looking for work for 2 years, she is not overweight but left her old position to move with her husband to other county. I didn't believe her at first when she told me that the want ads said not to apply if you were unemployed, but then I heard they were trying to pass a bill in Congress to make it illegal but currently it wasn't!!!

There HAVE been studies done showing that overweight people have more trouble getting jobs.

calvert6183

I can understand maybe sales but a busser, seriously and jobs that dont deal with the public? Ive seen it, its on Craigslist and other job sites. Getting fit isnt as easy for some. Ive been in shape and heavy and I will say that you are def treated differently when heavy. Its wrong but I know its life but whats weird is they are open about it here.

Yeah, the unemployed thing is weird too, I see that alot too. As business director, I was told I couldnt hire people who were unemployed too. In fact, if they ever were unemployed for over a month within the past 7 years, we were not allowed to hire them ether. The logic of it doesnt make sense. It should be about the quality of the applicant.

thebigcb

Being a non american, everything over there seems to be on looks. Look at your presidents for god sake. If someone isn't pleasing on the eye, no votes.

Austin as in Austin Texas? Is that not one of the fattest cities in the world?

calvert6183

Being a non american, everything over there seems to be on looks. Look at your presidents for god sake. If someone isn't pleasing on the eye, no votes.

Austin as in Austin Texas? Is that not one of the fattest cities in the world?

Presidents do have to look decent but its mostly money that gets them there and having a great team to back him up. It is about looks here, look at the tv and music. No, Austin Texas ranks in the top 10 healthiest cities in the US. Austin is alot like Seattle and some parts of California to me.

TEZofAllTrades

Well I haven't really put it to the test but i think it's true, if not because I'll get judged for being overweight, then because the fear of that happening is affecting my confidence to apply for the jobs I really want and probably would in those interviews too.

It's one of the last forms of discrimination to not be made illegal in one way or another.

Umeboshi

Move to Michigan. Weight discrimination in the workplace is illegal here, as it should be everywhere.

thebalanceline

That's crazy! I have Austin on my radar as a potential move, but that's terrible. -1 for Austin.

calvert6183

That's crazy! I have Austin on my radar as a potential move, but that's terrible. -1 for Austin.

Austin is great in many ways. Its clean, nice, great economy, and alot to do here. Its just these silly managers who only hire certain types of people. if you are fit and being a woman, girl, you will do well here. Whats funny is most of these characters are not even in shape themselves. Im sorry for posting this, it just makes me mad that people do that crap.

Araucaria29

I just can't believe people are required to send in their full body picture with their job applications in Austin.
I thought that was illegal!

Here in Quebec, Canada. It is discouraged to include a photo, any personal information such as age and marital status in order to avoid possible discrimination based on that kind of information.

I've heard that in other countries it is standard pratice to include age, marital status, etc. Having lived here almost all my life, I would find it insulting to be required to do so, unless the type of job calls for that.

btanton27

i have to say that i have never had trouble finding a job, its just that they might not of been a high paying job at the time. although at my current job it did line up in an odd way that at the same time i started losing weight that the office manager retired and i got a promotion to her job. now that im 60lbs lighter im making more money then i have in several years... dont know if this is a coincedence or not :noway:

calvert6183

I just can't believe people are required to send in their full body picture with their job applications in Austin.
I thought that was illegal!

Here in Quebec, Canada. It is discouraged to include a photo, any personal information such as age and marital status in order to avoid possible discrimination based on that kind of information.

I've heard that in other countries it is standard pratice to include age, marital status, etc. Having lived here almost all my life, I would find it insulting to be required to do so, unless the type of job calls for that.

Its true, I have fit friends who work in bars and restaurants and their places do it.

SamanthaD23

Wow, the Laws in this country just wouldn't let employers get anywhere NEAR what you're describing; there'd be war!

That's amazing and grossly unfair. What does the Law say there?

ironanimal

Wow, the Laws in this country just wouldn't let employers get anywhere NEAR what you're describing; there'd be war!

That's amazing and grossly unfair. What does the Law say there?

Looks count for a lot in London. I was also rejected by HMPS and the London Fire Brigade for being a white male - England is by no means squeaky clean.

thebalanceline

That's crazy! I have Austin on my radar as a potential move, but that's terrible. -1 for Austin.

Austin is great in many ways. Its clean, nice, great economy, and alot to do here. Its just these silly managers who only hire certain types of people. if you are fit and being a woman, girl, you will do well here. Whats funny is most of these characters are not even in shape themselves. Im sorry for posting this, it just makes me mad that people do that crap.

It would make me mad, too! I run half-marathons and know a lot about nutrition. But I also have a curvy figure and need to lose weight myself. Being a nurse, I know it's important to practice what you preach. But it would be terrible if they hired nurses on looks alone. It would be promoting the stereotype of the "sexy nurse." Pshhh. Like that's going to go very far. lol

m60kaf

Wow, the Laws in this country just wouldn't let employers get anywhere NEAR what you're describing; there'd be war!

That's amazing and grossly unfair. What does the Law say there?

Looks count for a lot in London. I was also rejected by HMPS and the London Fire Brigade for being a white male - England is by no means squeaky clean.

positive discrimination, a whole different argument there

ironanimal

Wow, the Laws in this country just wouldn't let employers get anywhere NEAR what you're describing; there'd be war!

That's amazing and grossly unfair. What does the Law say there?

Looks count for a lot in London. I was also rejected by HMPS and the London Fire Brigade for being a white male - England is by no means squeaky clean.

positive discrimination, a whole different argument there

Perhaps, but also a factor I can't control. My point is England can't be viewed as some kind of 'better place' in regards to employment discrimination.

Sepheara

in japan

http://www.japancast.net/2008/06/japan-begins-to-regulate-waist-size/

"
Everyone I know thinks of Japanese people as being healthy and slim. Their traditional diet contains a lot of fish and vegetables. But Japan’s government is worried about people becoming overweight. In fact they are so concerned about it, they’ve enacted a law requiring people from the age of 40 to 74 to undergo measurements.

"

ironanimal

in japan

http://www.japancast.net/2008/06/japan-begins-to-regulate-waist-size/

"
Everyone I know thinks of Japanese people as being healthy and slim. Their traditional diet contains a lot of fish and vegetables. But Japan’s government is worried about people becoming overweight. In fact they are so concerned about it, they’ve enacted a law requiring people from the age of 40 to 74 to undergo measurements.

"

I'm sure people will think this is terribly oppressive and an infringement on their self-control, but I think that's a great idea. Pro-active measures to prevent a health epidemic? Awesome.

cloud2011

I am pretty sure employment law says it's illegal to ask for full body or other pictures for the job unless it's a bona fide qualification (actor, etc).

FYI, I used to work at a major software company, and my friend in HR told me recruiters would mark applications when the applicant was overweight or fat. This was 20 years ago, so it's not new. Wrong but happens.

stackhead

Lets be honest if you get an interview most interviewers will be judging on appearance, and that includes being overweight. However having to send in photos with an application is crazy in my books - unless you work in promotions or something where looks are important...

The Japan thing though - awesome they are taking steps to avoid obesity, but maybe going too far?

calvert6183

in japan

http://www.japancast.net/2008/06/japan-begins-to-regulate-waist-size/

"
Everyone I know thinks of Japanese people as being healthy and slim. Their traditional diet contains a lot of fish and vegetables. But Japan’s government is worried about people becoming overweight. In fact they are so concerned about it, they’ve enacted a law requiring people from the age of 40 to 74 to undergo measurements.

"

In Japan, thats crazy. I guess here they are worried too. I saw a thing on the Austin local news where they are working on passing a law that requires restaurants to make children's meal to be less favorable and more bland so in theory they will eat less and not get over weight. In America, they destroyed McDonalds when it comes to taste. Weird thing is, they made McDonalds change everything and now their food is so bland compared to before and Americans are more overweight than before. It just seems the focus is on weight instead of health. They make it seem like the only way to be healthy is to be skinny.

@cloud2011 They did that at my old place too. Its so messed up.

Hmrjmr1

You are overlooking a key issue here, Overweight folks, like smokers have more health issues, use more sick leave, and are more injury prone on the job. It is probably more about economics. If overweight folks were cheaper to employ they would all want them.

Flixie00

Two years ago I was unemployed looking for a job in financial services in Central London. I would get interviews for jobs I was over qualified for, but never job offers. In hindsight I think the fact I was obese, middle aged & female did not help me, although it is worth pointing out the market as a whole was deflated at that point in time. Some poeple perceive overweight people as lazy, and although the discrimination is not overt, it is still there. Eventually I did find a suitable role, but it was initially at a lower salary than I had been used to.

calvert6183

You are overlooking a key issue here, Overweight folks, like smokers have more health issues, use more sick leave, and are more injury prone on the job. It is probably more about economics. If overweight folks were cheaper to employ they would all want them.

So do single moms, people with disabilities, elderly, and people who beat cancer so does that mean people shouldnt hire them either? I would think people who text in their interviews, people who do drugs or drink alot, and people with unstable job history are more costly. It should be about qualifications and work history, not appearance. Just because someone is like 30lbs overweight doenst mean they are unhealthy. There are many factors that are involved in ones health, not just by their belt size.

cramernh

Right now there is a work-related inquiry going on against "Mary Lou's Coffee Shop" for discrimination and their highly questionable hiring practices - they only hire young, extremely thin and very attractive girls 18-25 types... http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1061133900
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20220524coffee_house_chain_bitter_over_federal_witch_hunt_marylous_hit_with_discrimination_inquiry_1/

The problem was later disclosed that there are previous applicants who filed a complaint with the EOCC siting that they were not given the opportunity for a position, they had extensive employment-related experience and they were older women...not as model-ish as their staff, but lets face it, one would be justified in feeling they didnt look like the mold they are striving for.

Its a rigorous and difficult path to prove discrimination.

Hell, I live in New Hampshire - they can get away with not hiring you, get away with firing you and letting you go... its hard to prove unjustifiable actions here...

Hmrjmr1

You are overlooking a key issue here, Overweight folks, like smokers have more health issues, use more sick leave, and are more injury prone on the job. It is probably more about economics. If overweight folks were cheaper to employ they would all want them.

So do single moms, people with disabilities, elderly, and people who beat cancer so does that mean people shouldnt hire them either? I would think people who text in their interviews, people who do drugs or drink alot, and people with unstable job history are more costly. It should be about qualifications and work history, not appearance. Just because someone is like 30lbs overweight doenst mean they are unhealthy. There are many factors that are involved in ones health, not just by their belt size.

I never said they shouldn't hire them just stating the facts, and I would contend that the others you mentioned above more than likely have problems finding work as well. I.m over 55 and I know the issues. Just stating the facts.

lewench

My weight is not keeping me from a job but is about to kicked me kicked me out if I don't loose it.

Try being in the military and be overweight. Talk about wanting everyone to look like Barbie and Ken!!!

I broke my back and had a three level spinal fusion. During the time I have been down (2 1/5 years) I definitely packed on some weight but do you think they care? NO! I had to go do a waist only measurement PT test 3 weeks before I went in for surgery when I could barely walk and was having bladder issue when I stood up. Not like I was exercising during that time.... Then another waist only measurement PT test 5 months after surgery which was two weeks after I got rid of my walker. I have failed two more PT tests since I am still not able to do any hi-impact cardio exercises.

I have recently put my self on a severe weight loss plan that includes walking 30-40 minutes a day and a caloric intake of around 500-600 which has turned me into a total cranky *kitten* at work. BUT its working, I have loss 8 lbs in the last week. The civilian dietitian that I am working with to make sure I am getting enough nutrients is happy with my progress and so is my Commander.

The walking has given me more energy and watching the weight on the scale go down is getting by confidence back.

marshallexi

Is it actually illegal anywhere? In the UK for employment law we abide by the Equality Act 2010 which is there to harmonise discrimination law across 'protected characteristics' (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/ civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex, sexual orientation), so not hiring someone because they're overweight is not illegal (as would not hiring them because they smoked or supported Chelsea).

Personally, the only reason my weight held me back was because I was low of confidence, I assumed people were judging me for the way I looked and therefore didn't make the right first impression.

Stop giving a toss what everyone else thinks and be happy with yourself, that will make an incredible first impression.