Job interview after a long time but obese

[euphoria1040]

Hi everyone I was wondering if I would be unreasonable to ask for a hand hold . I am morbidly obese and at the moment a stay at home mum. My children are growing up and I have been on the look out for a part time job. I've now got an interview and quite frankly I'm terrified but mainly because of my weight. I have very low self esteem depression and anxiety which began following a divorce many years ago. I know I could easily do the job but I can't focus on any thing other than the fact I'm huge and I think the interviewer is going to take one look at me and laugh me out the building . I'm trying to find interview clothes and nothing is making me feel any better. I know getting a job will give me some self respect and confidence to break this vicious circle of self loathing . Would being overweight put you off employing someone . Ps I am addressing the weight but can't shift a few stone by the weekend ! Thanks all

I couldn't care less what someone looked like when I was interviewing them (aside from the fact I'd want to see that they were taking it seriously and making an effort). I've hired people via phone interviews before and had a total shock when I met them in person (not what I imagined, not for any sinister reason), but it never changed my decision.
If you are hired (or not) based on your body shape - or indeed anything aside from your ability to do the job - then it's probably not a place you'd want to work for anyway!
Good luck!

Where the clothes are concerned, I know what you mean about wanting to dress right. I would suggest marks and spencer for some smart clothes in a plus size. If it was me I would go for a dress with a suit type jacket, if you are able, I would try and wear a shoe with a bit of a heel and tights.

Do you have a linked in page with your photo up? Or a picture on your facebook profile? If you do, they will have googled/searched you so know you are bigger already.

I thought like you last week, I had in interview on Monday, and thought what if I don't get it because I'm bigger than I was at my last interview. I started on Tuesday this week. I'm a 5,1" size 18/20.

Check simply be for clothes, their stuff is more fashionable, or yours, but I don't rate them that much.

Where the clothes are concerned, I know what you mean about wanting to dress right. I would suggest marks and spencer for some smart clothes in a plus size. If it was me I would go for a dress with a suit type jacket, if you are able, I would try and wear a shoe with a bit of a heel and tights

Check out snag tights for tights.

I'm very overweight too, doing something about it through SW has helped me. I've only lost 1 1/2 stone but feel different already. Also navy is your friend, it goes with everything, is smart but can be casual too and is flattering also easy to wear in the summer.

Good luck & go for it.

If an employer would disqualify you for the way you look, then it's an employer you wouldn't want to work for. Good luck on the interview, be yourself, be confident and if you're well prepared, then you'll shine!

Wear black and people aren’t allowed to discriminate anymore. But maybe this embarrassment is a signal to do something about it? If you don’t wanna be obse then don’t.

It's never stopped me from getting a job and I would never consider it an issue in employing someone. Do try to find something to wear which helps you to feel confident, though - some nice jewellery maybe? Killer shoes? That will make a big difference to how you feel and therefore how you come across in the interview. Good luck!

Well done for getting the interview OP.

Main thing is to be mentally prepared for the interview do your prep on the company and what you can bring to the role. Know your strengths and weakness (everyone has weaknesses but don't overshare those if asked).

Be well groomed: hair, nails, shoes etc but a bit understated. Remember to breathe fully to slow down your heart rate and promote calmness and smile.

As far as clothing is concerned- on the smart side but understated. I've usually gone into interviews in a smart dress or dress and jacket combination and low heeled shoes. Minimal makeup.

Unsure when your interview is but if you've time look online eg Evans, Marisota, JD Williams and M&S Plus Sizes go up to around size 32 if you need it. I've only had a quick google so do check. Go for clean lines and maybe up a size if necessary for comfort.

If this interview doesn't work out don't put it down to your size. We all get knocked backs occasionally - use it as practice for your next one. And ask for feedback if you don't make it so you know what to work on next time: I've found that's helped me in the past.

You can do this!

Good luck 🍀

The best hire on my team is morbidly obese. She's fab because she is hard working, positive and a great team player. Her size is entirely irrelevant.

Before you go into the interview, spend 3 mins in the loo standing up straight with your hands on your hips. It's called the power pose and it honestly works.

And yes, as previous poster said, do your research, lots of eye contact and smile.

Good luck. I really hope you get the job.

Good luck!

Good luck! You are important, not your size.

Well done on the interview!

I appreciate you might find it a bit of a scary thought but how about booking a personal shopper appointment to help you find an outfit? Be upfront as you have here, you're not sure how to dress the best for your size and you have an interview! They will have people of ALL shapes and sizes coming in for exactly these reasons.

Good luck!

OR - get yourself over to Style and Beauty, give folk your measurements and they will delight in getting their teeth into you (metaphorically speaking of course !!!)

Size doesn't matter OP. I have a good job and I'm a bit of a chubbins. First impressions do matter, however.

Make sure you are well turned out though. I know you are unhappy with your size, but good clothes that fit well will make you look a million dollars and give you a ton of confidence. Take your time to select something that hits at the right length and smooths any bits you're self conscious about and you will feel great. Go for a dark colour but accessorise with a bright necklace or scarf to OOZE confidence. You will need smart shoes too, and only a low heel so you can walk briskly with your head held high,. as it should be because you got this interview!

If you can, get your hair trimmed, your nails polished (neutral colour) and be nicely made up. Not over the top, just look well turned out.

As others have said, smile and offer a nice firm handshake with a "pleased to meet you". Then try to relax, and remember, most interviewers find interviewing as nerve-wracking as us interviewees!

GOOD LUCK OP! Come back and tell us how it goes!

Good Luck! Why not spend £20 on having your hair washed and blow dried on the day before/morning of interview. That always makes me feel good. Your question must be - is this company what I want?

And I second the poster who said try Exante if you want to lose weight. Its a fab springboard to weight loss/healthier you. And the facebook group is very motivational.

You won't be judged by your looks, you will be judged by your attitude. If you are friendly, enthusiastic, and can do the job, then you will be fine.

You will see how you get on with the interview panel, but don't forget that they will likely see half a dozen or a lot more candidates.

Some people have concerns about obese member of staff because of health issue and therefore reliability. They can't legally, and won't, ask you about your health, but you can snick in how reliable you are in the interview,
how you regularly (meaning always) attend this and that, or volunteer or whatever is on your cv.

Congratulations on getting an interview - these days that's really not easy as competition is really fierce. You're doing brilliantly!

I agree about asking the Style and Beauty board give you some tips if you're not sure what to wear - they are great over there. If funds allow I agree treat yourself to a haircut or nails done (if appropriate for the role you are going for - I know medical roles don't permit nail varnish etc).

Wishing you the very best of luck.

Congratulations on the interview! Your weight doesn't matter, any employer who judged you based on your weight wouldn't be one you would want to work for. Whether you get the job or not, you should be hugely proud of yourself to applying, getting the interview and facing the anxiety it has caused. It seems to me that you are determined to lose the weight, get a job and take control of your life. As an employer, that is exactly the type of person I would love to have on my team.

As for practical advice, choose clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in, make eye contact, smile and really listen to what they are asking. I think your natural determination will shine through. Good Luck!!

Absolutely agree with those saying size will not matter (with any decent interviewer) but presentation and confidence will.

Unfortunately interviews formats tend to bias towards more overtly confident types - so more introvert candidates or those who struggle with self-esteem will do poorly where you are supposed to blow your own trumpet and highlight your contribution. If you're used "oh it's nothing really" it can be hard to provide the evidence the interviewer needs.

You can't lose the physical weight between now and interview but you can try to lose some of your mental weight.

You CAN do the job and you ARE good enough - whether you get the job or not. This interview is not a test of you as a person. It is a strange exercise in informed guess-work for the company recruiting: "Who do we think is most likely to be the best fit for the job" . The person who "passes" the interview might well end up being shit at the actual job!

Best of luck and well done for showing your family you are prepared to push yourself.

I'm a size 22/24 and simplybe is fab for interview/office clothes, their Meghan trousers are really smart i have a few pairs in different colours, dorothy Perkins curve is also very good.
I also have low self esteem but I've learned to fake it. I recommend getting a blowdry, eyebrows and nails done if you can afford it as if you feel good it will come across that way.
In fact the last interview i had the slim interviewer asked me at the end where i got my top she loved it, i floated out the room!!
Please don't think your size should hold you back, fake that confidence!

My highest paid colleague is the largest by a large amount. I just need her to be effective in role! Size doesn’t matter. I’m also in a ‘showy’ industry fwiw.

I’m 18 stone a size 20 and have been out of work for 14 years. My confidence is in my boots, however...

Tomorrow I go do my second day teaching dance to children. I thought I’d be laughed out of the interview because of my size but my boss saw my experience and expertise and is so far very happy with my work (tbh I applied in a moment of madness not thinking I’d even get an interview and then have been shitting myself ever since but I’m really glad I put myself out there now).

You can’t guarantee that an interviewer will not be prejudice due to your size but you can’t assume that they will be either. Give them and yourself a chance. Most bosses just want someone who can deliver what they need, they don’t care that much about your appearance providing it's appropriate for the job.