I am 33 years old and working as a receptionist. I have been trying to land a job as an administrative assistant but haven't had any good luck getting hired. I am starting to wonder if me being overweight is my problem not getting hired. I weigh 255 and I am 5'6 tall. I am a very good hardworking person. I know I need to lose weight for my health but should it affect me in my job hunting?
2007-06-25 07:21:55 · 20 answers · asked by sanantoniotxchic 1 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
It shouldn't help with your job hunting as plenty of companies are more concerned with your qualifications.
However, it wouldn't hurt for you to get in better shape. You'd have more confidence and would feel better, too.
2007-06-25 07:26:00 · answer #1 · answered by Bobbie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your weight should not affect your ability to do the job: any chance you can work up the ladder in the company you already work for? If so, start asking for additional responsiblities: scheduling trips for those who travel for their jobs, preparing reports, etc. You will get noticed: and be sure the person at the department head knows you are doing the work so the credit does not go to someone else. If that is not an option, start looking into jobs you would like to pursue and even if you are overweight: be positive, show self confidence and sincerity. The best job recommendation you can have is staying with one company for a long time. It shows you are dedicated. Good luck!
2007-06-25 07:29:00 · answer #2 · answered by cgminime 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, discrimination based on weight is unlawful in most states. However, unless you have some evidence that it is your weight, then you will have a hard time. You'd have to see people less qualified than you getting hired for the same job, without a legitimate business reason (which may include the fact that they felt you did not interview well, did not have the people skills they wanted, or whatever). They are tough cases.
Why not just lose the weight? Don't you want to anyway?
2007-06-25 07:26:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It shouldn't make any difference, but the realistic answer is that it does. Overweight people don't make as good an iimpression on interviewers. It shouldn't be that way, but it is.
As for whether you should lose weight to get hired? No. You should lose weight for your own well being and good health. If it helps you in landing the kind of job you want, that's a great bonus. But you should be doing it for yourself, not for any external person.
2007-06-25 07:31:05 · answer #4 · answered by old lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm about as fat as you are, and I'm afraid the answer to that is "yes"! It is a bit understandable, with desk placements,
the distance to open file drawers, and chair space. It might be better to try for a job in a grocers office, or in a grocery store while loosing weight--percentage off foods such as weight watchers or south beach diet! (Good luck, I think smiling happy people are the best, no matter what their size!)
2007-06-25 07:30:02 · answer #5 · answered by V B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it would be nice for your health.. but you dont have to! You will find the job you want.. the world is just filled with ignorant people! it just shows that you are better than them! it shouldnt affect you in job hunting, i know of plenty of offices that i go to that have bigger ladies.. the people who wont hire you are missing out on a great person!
2007-06-25 07:27:11 · answer #6 · answered by Andy Terror 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sucks, but people respond better to thinner people than heavier people. Unfair though that is, you would increase your chances of landing that perfect job if you lost a few pounds. I wish the world wasn't that way, but it pretty much is. I speak from experience because I recently lost 60 lbs for health reasons and have noticed a distinct change in peoples' attitudes toward me.
2007-06-25 07:25:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It shouldnt effect you getting a job, but the world is pretty messed up. The world is cruel and it seems like you have to look like a super model to get anywhere. Find out if thats the reason and if it is you can sue for discrimination. good luck
2007-06-25 07:27:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, lose weight so you can feel better about yourself and be more comfortable. (And yes, health reasons too).
As for job searching...maybe bring out your personality more?? In your resume, at interviews, etc. Be charismatic and show lots of ambition with a can-do attitude.
2007-06-25 07:26:37 · answer #9 · answered by Tri-State Pleasure Parties 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It shouldn't affect your job hunt, but still...people are shallow.
I think you should lose the weight for yourself. You'll feel better, and that may come across in your interveiws. Good luck!
2007-06-25 07:25:19 · answer #10 · answered by mury902 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋