Do you think that overweight people are discriminated against during the hiring process?

Answer 1

Absolutely! People tend to believe that overweight people are lazy and unproductive, and this leads to false assumptions and discrimination during the hiring process. Every freakin' group except fat people is protected these days by outcries of "racism" or "sexism" or whatever, but there is no protection for those of thick girth.

Answer 2

Yes, but it is disguised as you are "over qualified" or "under qualified." The best way to address this is to make them want your talents and experience before they meet you. There's a saying: You can lose the job in the first 10 seconds of the interview, but you can get it back in the next 30 minutes." Have your job search tools top notch--great cover letter, resume and application. Make no errors and include accomplishments and recognitions. Qualify and quantify your talents and experience. Practice answering interview questions. Be ready. Smile and have a positive attitude. Also, go to a shop specializing in larger sizes and get a seasoned professional to help you select two outfits for your job search that are most attractice on your frame. Good luck.

Answer 3

Obviously, I'm bucking the trend here. I'm overweight (wearing size 18 or 20 these days), have been most of my working life, and have never had trouble getting a job or getting promoted. One of my sister is my size or a bit bigger. She's also never had a hard time getting a job.

Granted it probably depends on what kind of job you're applying for, just how heavy you are, etc and who is doing to hiring. Thin people (gee, maybe like those answering here?) sometimes have stereotypes.

Answer 4

I think it does happen especially in smaller companies and entry level jobs where the applicant pool is large and physical exertion is more of a factor.

However I am 30% over my target weight and I always get a job really easily. Factors of why this is true for me are: great resume, strong cover letter tailored to the position, 10 years experience in my field with no resume gaps or job hopping, strong confident presentation of my skills and accomplishments, and very well groomed and professional appearance and demeanor.

Also I exude energy in my resume and interviews which probably overcomes any thought of my being "lazy" which is quite untrue so that is a good thing!

You can do it, good luck!

Answer 5

I used to be very overweight, and have now lost a lot of weight. I noticed that I am treated very differently by lots of people in my new more normal size versus the other.

I think many people have bias against overweight people, and feel I was passed by for job opportunities because of my weight.

Answer 6

Yes I do, but that doesn't mean that if you are qualified that you shouldn't be given a position based on weight. By the way...Many people have actual medical conditions that cause them to gain weight or make weight loss difficult. Examples... Thyroid issues, hormone issues, certain medications, etc. Not all overweight people choose to be overweight and that doesn't make them less valuable as an employee.

Answer 7

Yes. If two applicants have the same credentials, then the healthier person will be hired. They won't admit it, but there is a strong stigma against the overweight. I'm not saying this is right, but this is what typically happens.

Answer 8

Yes I am 100% positive that they are I've been working at a college and I have just recently came back to work here in a different position and one of the bosses was telling me about this "huge girl" who overheard her talking about this position and wanted to apply and she wouldn't even give her a chance the boss said she wouldn't get up to help people all night...
although when i accepted the job i automatically got it so since i worked here b4 no one would have had a chance..really

Answer 9

i think that really depends on who is doing the interview.

I am a pretty big boy and I have had some pretty decent interviews lately. Coca Cola, Weston Bakeries and have been employed in sales for Pepsi and Italpasta.

I think that the right attitude, qualifications and a bit of luck out weight a persons size (no pun intended).

Answer 10

I would assume that that would depend on what the job is. That hasn't been my personal experience, in fact I've worked in my part-time jobs with a lot of overweight people.