Is it because I’m fat?

[Creeeture]

Been job searching for almost 13 years. I’ve had the odd temp job and one proper job that didn’t work out but never had a proper job since. I get interviews weekly. Always get rejected or no reply at all. I’m on benefits and have been for years.

Only thing I can think of is that I’m obese. I’m 5ft 7in and 19 stone. I can’t think what else could be wrong with me?? I have qualifications to level 2 and some admin experience from temp jobs.
Im applying for admin and retail.

I very much doubt its the main reason. Studies show, kind of, that larger people can be treated less favourably. However, alot of those studies have fairly poor data behind them.

However, your being out of the work place for most of the 13 years, plus just short term jobs dotted about will definitely be contributing more. How recent are you rest recent qualifications?

Who has looked over your CV for you? Anyone?

On its own I doubt it but when put together with not working for 13 years I guess it might not make the best first impression? How do you think you come across in interviews? There must be other underlying reasons as to why you haven't worked in over decade other than blaming employers by saying their rejection is linked to your weight?

I think honestly lack of experience and long term unemployment is probably more the cause, I’m sorry

Have you done anything to supplement your cv? Like volunteering? Also how do you explain the long term unemployed gap?

@dipdye

You do need to be fit to do retail, let's face it.

Just because you're fat doesn't mean you are unfit.

Equally your assertion is bullshit - I weigh more than the OP and my weight has never been an issue in completing my retail job.

I wouldn't think it would be down to your weight.

Are there any community schemes that could help you gain more skills? Do a short course that could improve your chances. Are there any local enterprise boards running training? They can help with improving your interview skills too

Hi OP,
In your position I would try to get pretty much any job (as long as it's an honest days work of course). If other people might find it sounds boring/unattractive don't worry about it. So (without meaning to offend anyone) let's say packing in a factory. I think it is much easier to get a job when you have one as you have current work to talk about at interview/proof of a work ethic and a current work reference. Once you are in work (pretty much any work) after a few months you can start applying for the jobs you want (say school admin or whatever) and I think you will have much more success.

People on here are saying you "haven't worked for 13 years" or whatever without further information are creating their own backstory and employers will too. If you were a stay at home parent put that on your CV to explain the gap. Lots of experience/ skills used being a parent. If you were a carer put "caring responsibilities" for those dates. You could put "homemaker" in any situation rather than share that you couldn't find work. ...and if you were asked at interview why you didn't work for that period say mysteriously "I haven't needed to work for that period but it's time I got back into it/I do need to return to the workplace now" giving vibes of private wealth haha.

In short you might find it hard to go straight into the job you want but compromise a little and you'll get there.

I suspect it will be that 13 year gap - do they ask what you have been doing in this time?

Try gaining some new qualifications or skills at a local college or online (Future Learn\OU Learn). It shows you are actively working on skills and progression.

If you can volunteer somewhere and get used to working with other people, develop communications skills etc. It will help with your confidence as well.

Must be... have a nice brew and piece of cake, it'll make it feel better.

Unfortunately there will be people with level 3 qualifications at least and work experience, I don't think its your weight, can you do some volunteering or/and get some higher level qualifications? Good luck.

It’ll be the huge number of years you’ve not worked at all. Nothing to do with your body shape. You’ll seem like an inexperienced project and a risk to take on. I’d look at getting any old job, refreshing qualifications and working back to where you want to be.

I think it’s more likely to be a combination of your confidence being affected by your weight and the long gap in your cv. I am a bit overweight and it hasn’t set me back at all in my career. The most successful woman I know (properly high flying; CEO) is size 24. Daily I see successful women who are plainly over a dress size 16 gainfully employed in the workplace.

But being overweight can certainly knock confidence. So can being out of the work place for so long.

I do think it takes a bit more effort to look properly well groomed if one is overweight. The way clothes fit makes more of a difference. That will improve interview performance. And if I were you I’d take any chance to fill in those CV gaps. Targeted voluntary work with an eye to what you might want to do might be worth considering too.

People on here are saying you "haven't worked for 13 years" or whatever without further information are creating their own backstory and employers will too. If you were a stay at home parent put that on your CV to explain the gap. Lots of experience/ skills used being a parent

Whilst explaining the gaps with what you were doing is good advice, do not put “Being a parent” and then state all the skills involved which qualify you for the professional role. I’ve seen it done on CVs, and interviewers rarely view it well - “I can multitask because I’m used to a really busy day getting the toddler dressed whilst also getting ready for the school run ad the dog escapes out the garden gate” is not going to get you points.

I'm not denying the existence of size discrimination, but I've never worked anywhere that didn't have overweight people there.

can you do some volunteering? This shows initiative, it would make you so appealing to an employer.

If the only thing you can think of that's stopping you getting a job is your weight then you are either oozing in confidence (ie not considering there might be other factors at play) or you're just using that as an excuse.

Have you had feedback from any of the jobs?

When did you get your qualifications? Could these be a bit out of date?

How are you spending your time when you are not applying for jobs or attending interviews?

Have you had help in making cvs and applying for jobs?

It is probably down to lack of experience and having to explain a 13 year gap on your CV.

^This. Fairly obvious

Kindly, your weight is far less likely to be the issue than the fact you have fairly low level qualifications and a very spotty work history. That said, most of the lines of work open to you are going to be fairly physically oriented, and an employer could have somewhat legitimate concerns that you would struggle with, e.g., the 20-30k steps a day an Amazon warehouse worker can rack up.

I think your options are:

1. return to college to improve or refresh your qualifications or look at apprenticeships
2. look at care work - always crying out for staff
3. volunteer - eg working behind the counter in a charity shop would show good retail experience and give you a recent reference.

It's your lack of experience that's the problem.

Maybe try doing some volunteering to build up experience and get a recent reference. Or do some training.

Definitely try and get some career advice.

Just because you're fat doesn't mean you are unfit.

I agree you can be slim but unfit. But I don't think you can be fit AND significantly overweight.

How do you explain what you have been doing with those 13 years gap?

Well I'm 19.5 stone at 5'4 and I've always got every job I've interviewed for.

Honestly I think interview formats have changed a lot in the past ten years. I would recommend looking into the STAR - method. It makes sense but I found it a big change in mindset as opposed to when the interview was "tell us about you" where they are trying to see do you fit the team. Have a chat with temp agency, friends about what are the key skills employers are looking for.

So in my industry there is a bit of a move to exposure to Project management practice and digital administration support e.g. professional facebook pages etc. I hope you get something soon.

@AlbertBridge

Just because you're fat doesn't mean you are unfit.

I agree you can be slim but unfit. But I don't think you can be fit AND significantly overweight.

19 Stone without any other underlying conditions shouldn't overly struggle on retail. I've been much heavier and done lots of jobs working on my feet all day, retail, waitressing etc.

I agree with the suggestion of volunteering. It will look good on your cv and show willingness to work. Also use this time to study.

@Sloughsabigplace that's horrible I'm so sorry you went through that.

Op i think it is more the experience. I think sometimes more people than we admit have got theihob through knowing someone. I am NOT saying they don't deserve their job etc. But i think a lot of people end up getting a job through having a contact or acquaintance that knows about the vacancy if that makes sense. Possibly as if they are also working for the same company they can potentially give hints and tips for thr interview etc. Sorry for my ramble i just wanted to wish you all the best x