I know I've faced weight discrimination when I've gone on interviews. It's tough, but, even though I really need a job, I'd rather not work for an employer that is going to be that shallow, especially if the hiring manager would be someone I would be reporting to.

The way I look at it is, if it's meant to be, nothing will keep you from getting the job. On the other hand, not every hiring manager is going to have the weight bias. Sometimes we just THINK they do. All you can do is be yourself.

I have been on more interviews than I care to think of and I'm very large so I know what you are talking about. You can't let your fear or someone else's stupidity stop you from leading the best life you can. I know it's hard but just remember that you have a great deal to offer. You are not just your size. Tell me is there a specific fear that you have about the process?

Oh man, that reminds me of a particular employer when I worked as an assistant manager for a deli. The owner was looking for a new employee, and he told me to toss applications if someone was overweight. He said it so quickly and left right during a rush, so I didn't have time to respond. He had some other biases, which were really unethical and illegal. If this isn't illegal, it should be.

I didn't do anything to help him. I forwarded applications which were qualified people. In reviewing the apps I covered the name also, hoping that I would reduce my own possible biases, looking at experience and qualifications. That is what people should be looking at. Not age, not gender, not race, not religion (0r lack of it), or weight. Those things won't tell you if the person is qualified for the job.

Actually, the age part has some bearing, as people need to meet the minimium age for employment, and if the place is serving alcohol then the legal age of alcohol consumption must be met. There might be some other such restrictions, but I think you all know what I mean.

There might also be a few cases where there is a reasonable need for some physical fitness, if the job requires a lot of physical strength, like a firefighter or police officer. They take a test at the start of employment, but there is the joke about the police officer and the doughnut shop, so maybe sometimes its not aways up to date. I had a friend who was a state trooper. She always looked very trim and fit, but periodically I would see her going back on a diet, or working out extra hard. Apparently in her unit they really stuck to all the physical fitness standards.

In cases like this, I keep telling myself, "they're lucky to get me" and eventually I find myself believing it and becoming confident.

The biggest fear I have about the interview is that I wont fit in the chair and I will be beyond humiliated by that. I want to cancel the interview so bad...My negativity is telling me don't do it...they won't like you anyway...you won't fit. They'll laugh at you.

I would encourage you do follow through with the interview. Its the best chance to see a different outcome than what you expected. This would show you that your fears are only fears. I am usually very nervous at interviews because I never know what to say.

I'll be really honest here. Last year I had several interviews that led to nothing. I know I'm highly qualified AND I'm good at interviewing. I weighed over 300lbs for these interviews.

Fast forward a year and subtract 100 pounds... I had several interviews, 2 second round interviews and a job offer!

My qualifications and experience didn't change in that year, my body did.

I am not sure what I will do. I most likely will chicken out. This weight is a prison.

Hoping2 loose,
I haven't gone up or down, and had been turned down for a number of interviews that I had. Maybe you had an increase in self confidence in addition to losing weight.

Snickerdoodle,
Please don't chicken out. The way out of prison is to go forward no matter what. I remember reading about a very heavy woman who was afraid to go to the beach because that mean getting into a bathing suit, and changing in the locker room. She avoided the beach for years, meanwhile missing out on the surf and sun.

Finally she just went and was so glad. She didn't notice anyone staring or making fun of her or anything like that, and she finally got to enjoy the beach.

Some people may have judgements, let that be their problem not yours! Meanwhile you have to live your life.

Snickerdoodle,
After some thought, I realize that I don't want to push you. If there is something about the job, or workplace you don't like, you can always cancel the interview. Just because you schedule an interview, it doesn't mean you have to go. Only go if you feel ready, and you feel its the right thing for you. All I am thinking is that if you want the job, you have to have the interview.

i think about this constantly on an interview. the way i'm sitting, the way my clothes are falling, how i may appear sloppy, if i had to walk up steps that i'm short of breath and sweating, and when i stand up to leave the interview adjusting my pants, shirt, etc.

i don't feel it's hurt my chances of getting a job actually, but it just makes the whole process even worse. it's just adding another level of stress to it. i wish i could look like those women in the cute little business suits. i feel like they look way more professional than i ever could.

I went to a job fair and was really self conscious. Not just because of my weight but because it seemed everyone was in their best suits and looked really determined and put together. Then I realized that those were things that I had control over in myself. When I go out again next year to job interviews after school is over, i will make every effort to buy the best suit (for girls) that I can find and I'm actively working on my weight now. I'm also focusing on increasing my skills set. I don't doubt I will get a job, but I do think it might take some time. I'm trying to prepare myself for that.

Go to your interview. But use this experience to change your feelings about yourself, and do what you have to do to lose weight so you can feel more comfortable and confident.

This is the fear that keeps my husband from getting a job. He is nearly disabled due to weight, but wants to work so bad. I think if you still have the ability to go to an interview and have the chance of a job you should try for it. If you never go you will never know what could have been.