Are they being unreasonable?

[riverwell]

I was just wondering what views or opinions people have regarding being potentially discriminated against at interviews.

I obviously can't prove it, but based on conversations I have had before attending along with my qualifications and experience it doesn't make sense why I never have success in actually being offered a job. Reasons provided are never that I don't have enough experience etc. but that I'm 'not quite right' for them or similar.

I have come to the conclusion that as decisions are pretty much made on first impression as to whether you are going to be employed, it has become quite obvious to me that judgements are incorrectly being made based on the way I look (naturally very slim and it might look like to them like I am unwell). I now feel completely useless and that I will never get a job, but i would be curious to know if anyone has any thoughts or who may have experienced the same kind of issues themselves or as interviewers. I just feel completely trapped from actually getting a job let alone a career based on incorrect assumptions.

[Heels99]

Impossible to say without knowing what jobs you are applying for and what your experience is. You are obviously making it to interview which would suggest your experience is fine. How do you come across at interview? Have you ever done a mock interview and got feedback? I have recruited hundreds of people and never turned anyone down for being too thin or too fat!

[flowery]

Plenty of people have qualifications and experience on paper but perform badly at interviews. Seems strange to assume it's because of how you look tbh, unless your appearance is very "controversial" in some way, like covered in facial tattoos or similar which may put some interviewers off.

If your manner and the answers you give are both excellent, your physical appearance is unlikely to be a problem in the way you are assuming.

[CillaSlack]

I have no problem getting interviews but am always told that I 'just missed out' by one point or whatever. It is very frustrating although obviously I don't know how honest the feedback being given is. I think in my case my age goes against me. Could that be your issue op?

[riverwell]

It's good to know that not everyone recruits based on looks. I am a graduate and have worked in various different sectors (healthcare, university research, visitor attractions), all requiring being able to communicate and interact successfully. I have been applying for receptionist, admin type positions which I would say I would be able to do well. I'm not yet thirty but feel like i've 'missed the boat' as I just can't get the opportunity which I can establish myself in and grow. I like to think things happen for a reason and that all these rejections just mean it wasn't right, but, given the reasons provided when I request for feedback there is never anything specific and just feels they are skirting around the real reason. Btw I don't have anything 'controversial' about how I look (tattoos etc), and don't really get particularly nervous, and always dress smartly and prepare appropriately. Thanks for all your insights. Trying to to think of careers I could have which don't need a face to be successful!

[TweedAddict]

I applied for my job twice, and got turned twice aswell, but then when a 3rd position became available I was given it straight away. I was my dream job and yes it was very disheartening but I got it the end. Maybe you reappoach jobs you've applied for before and seeing what happens.
Good luck

[Permanentlyexhausted]

I certainly don't offer jobs based on how someone looks at interview. I offer them based on which candidate is best suited to our team. If skills, qualifications and experience aren't enough to separate the candidates, it simply comes down to personality at interview. A slightly intangible feeling about who will slot into our team with the most ease. In those cases it is very difficult to give feedback to unsuccessful candidates. On any other day they might just have easily been successful.