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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think I shouldn't even bother applying for this job as I'm overweight?

66 replies

UnderSkyofStars · 05/03/2013 23:42

I do weight a lot for my height but people are genuinely shocked when I tell them my weight so I don't think I look my weight (12 stone) - and wear sizes 12/10.

A job has just arisen near me, part-time in a store which sells clothes for running, yoga, tennis etc - they even have exercises classes in the store during the evening. (You can attend for free if you work there too)

I do have sales experiences but I just think even if I did mange to get an interview I'm hardly a size 6/8 which they would probably prefer so my experience is pretty irrelevant.

OP posts:
aldiwhore · 05/03/2013 23:45

YABU not to try, the best dietician I ever had also struggled to be a 6 (she struggled to maintain a 16, but gave great advice AND had masses of empathy).

My gym instructor was a size 14, but she was solid and she was all about health rather than dress size, but real and liked a pint.

I would rather be served by someone who knows what they're talking about but isn't the image of perfection (it would put me off) than someone who IS the image of perfection but doesn't have a clue about anything I need to know about.

That begs the question, could you do the job?

WorraLiberty · 05/03/2013 23:46

Just apply, they can only say no.

And if they do say no, it could be for a whole host of reasons...none of which have anything to do with your weight.

out of interest, are you tall?

StuntGirl · 05/03/2013 23:46

A 12 is hardly ginormous. The lack of confidence would be more likely to cost you the job if you got to interview.

Put it this way, if you don't apply you definitely won't get it. What's the harm in applying?

BestestBrownies · 05/03/2013 23:48

What does your (perfectly normal and healthy sounding) size/weight have to do with it? Surely they want someone fit and healthy-looking representing their brand?

If you like the sound of the job then just go for it.

Original poster
UnderSkyofStars · 05/03/2013 23:49

I'm not sure of my exact height ... probably 5 foot 6. My BMI states I'm overweight.

I think I'm just getting to the point where I'm so fed up of hearing - sorry you weren't successful this time. Gets you down Sad

OP posts:
mumeeee · 05/03/2013 23:50

You say tou wear size 10[12 which is average. So YANU mot to apply for the job vecause you think you are overweight,.

mumeeee · 05/03/2013 23:51

Sory I should have said YABU

SquinkiesRule · 05/03/2013 23:52

Do it, if you have the experience they need you have as much chance as anyone of getting it.

WorraLiberty · 05/03/2013 23:52

I can understand it gets you down...of course it does.

But you have to remember that if for example 15 people went for the same job and they were all size 8/10.

Still only one of them would get the job wouldn't they?

Therefore, don't blame your weight for the lack of jobs available at this time in the UK...there are many reasons why people are unsuccessful in interviews and sometimes it's simply because there were tons of suitable applicants and only one position available.

nancy75 · 05/03/2013 23:57

Apply, listen I am a right lard arse, much bigger than you, I used to be the manager of a very trendy shop where every member of staff had a waist thinner than my leg! Customers don't care what you look like, they just want you to be helpful and know what you are doing.

WorraLiberty · 06/03/2013 00:02

And actually, since when has every person who takes up sport as a hobby been a size 6/8 anyway?

When I go to a shop I just want to pay and get out of there.

If I need advice about the products, I ask questions and expect answers.

At no time has the assistant's weight, sex, age or anything else changed that.

StuntGirl · 06/03/2013 00:10

I'll be honest though, I do know where you're coming from. I've applied for fashion retail jobs and thought "No way will they hire a tubby arse like me". Especially brands who don't even go up to my size, as often staff must wear the companies clothing at work. But I've applied anyway. It's not like they know what I look like from my CV!

HairyHandedTrucker · 06/03/2013 00:25

I wouldn't personally, am also on the rotund side. I'd probably feel uncomfortable even if I got hired tbh

HairyHandedTrucker · 06/03/2013 00:27

oh you're a size 10? missed that bit... since when is that heavy Shock

MarcelineTheVampireQueen · 06/03/2013 00:31

Jesus god be with the days I was your size, I would give my left tit to be your size again...get a bit if confidence in you missy, you are a slim healthy weight. Send your cv!

WorraLiberty · 06/03/2013 00:38

My friend is 5ft 6" and around the same weight as the OP but she is a size 14/16.

But she is a very confident woman and I know for a fact she wouldn't think twice at going for this job if it was what she wanted.

Therefore I don't think weight is an issue...more lack of confidence I think.

Original poster
UnderSkyofStars · 06/03/2013 00:56

Therefore, don't blame your weight for the lack of jobs available at this time in the UK

Confused I'm not.

I don't think or one second that I didn't get the other jobs I applied for because of my weight,

I'm saying that this store very much promotes a healthy and active lifestyle and being overweight doesn't really promote that.

OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 06/03/2013 01:02

Yes but you're still blaming your weight for not wanting to apply for the job are you not?

Just apply and if you don't get the job, you don't get the job.

But the reason you might not get it, shouldn't necessarily be blamed on your weight...but on all the other reasons like high unemployment if that makes sense?

Eastpoint · 06/03/2013 06:29

We have a branch of a very similar sounding shop v close to us & their assistants are all different sizes. I don't think they worry about the sizes of their staff, in fact they probably sell more clothes as people won't feel they have to look a certain way to shop there.

Do you have retail experience & are you passionate about well-being? Those are the important things. Good luck.

Glittertwins · 06/03/2013 06:33

I would love to be that weight being the same height as you. I might be a bit overweight (I know how much I have put back on) but I am also very fit, probably more so than average. Go for it!

Snog · 06/03/2013 06:37

Are you in the US?
I would expect that for this height and weight you would be a size 14 or 16 not a 10 to 12?
Do you exercise regularly?

TotallyEggFlipped · 06/03/2013 06:44

YABU
Apply! What's the worst that could happen?
Size 10/12 is healthy and maybe they'd rather have someone who looks like they have the energy and enthusiasm to exercise than a scrawny person who looks worn out and doesn't look like they have the energy work out. It's more about your 'energy' than your size.

Pagwatch · 06/03/2013 07:01

I was wondering if you are in the US too.

I am 5ft 5 and weigh around 9 1/2 stone. I am around a size 10/12.

Anyway. I think your OP is about giving up. I think you are questioning why you keep getting knocked back and that is sad and hard, really hard to fight.
But I think to make assumptions about why they might reject you as a reason not to apply is unreasonable. At my gym the staff are a mix of sizes because they want to attract a range of people and just having very slim staff would be intimidating.
They will be way more interested in your enthusiasm and your ability to connect with their clients which, if you are seeing the business as unwelcoming, you are hardly likely to do.
Why don't you go along and take a class. Two birds with one stone.

LadyPessaryPam · 06/03/2013 07:43

The OP is quoting US sizes I think, UK 10/12 = US 14/16 ish.

tallwivglasses · 06/03/2013 08:09

Tell them you've recently lost two stone. They'll love you as a living example of what a healthy lifestyle can do for you!

Seriously, you'll be fine. Clients don't want to be served by perfect people. I remember being served by an absolutely stunning waitress once. It put me right off my meal Smile