Does weight matter in a job interview applicant?

Question

My preferred respondents are business owners, hiring managers, and employment counselors.

To what extent, and include any gender differences that might exist, does it matter/make a negative impression if an applicant for a position is obese?

You're anonymous; be honest. Thanks for your time.

Answer 1

That depends on what they would have to do. If they are doing something that they can handle without harming themselves or anyone else than tehy can be hired, if not, than it is a risk

Ouch I read over this myself and it looks mean

Answer 2

depending on the job. if the job is physically demanding then yes i would say fitness is a concern. though overall i don't think it should matter

i know people who cant get jobs because of the way they look and nothing can be done about it. Just because a person is obese or overweight it does not mean that they aren't right for that particular job.  

Answer 3

Legally, things like sexual orientation, weight, gender and race are not allowed to be used against you in the hiring process.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to prove that it is being used against you if you are not hired. Also,. a sad fact is that many employers DO look and judge physical appearance. The better looking tend to get the positions much more easier than the not so good looking.

Its not fair, and I have been friends with managers and owners and have heard them joke about applicants appearances after their interviews. Its sad and it sucks , but thats how it is.  

Answer 4

Depends on the type of occupation you are being considered for.

While legally this is a form of discriminatory hiring practise, its difficult to prove.

It will count against you. You wanted the truth, there it is, in the open.

Answer 5

Nicole...it should not matter but I honestly think some employers count it...especially men...think about the kind of job you want as well...some of these stores that target young "pretty" girls would take a bony, two toned hair girl with artificial nails out to there and make up caked on her face and her b*****s pushed up in her throat even though she has no skill set for the position what so ever over a "pleasantly plump" girl with all the right background...not all men or employers will count it though!...

Answer 6

A person's weight is not SUPPOSED to matter by law, however, it is unreasonable to assume that somone who is obese is going to have the same success finding a position as someone who is not.  It's human nature to consider these things when making that type of a decision.  I happen to work in the construction industry, and I can tell you that if I was to have an applicant come in for a Superintendent position that was obese, I would question his likelihood of leaving the construction trailer to walk the jobsite etc.  The same type of scenarios can be applied to different fields.  Also consider that an obese person is likely to incur higher health insurance costs etc. and that this also factors in to a manager's decision.  Many companies across the country are going to great lengths to keep their employees fit and healthy because it saves them money.  People also often draw a direct link between a persons weight and their motivation as well.  Like I said, right wrong or otherwise, this is the real world we are talking about and it is human nature to consider these type of things.

Answer 7

I am part of the HR team @ my office. The honest truth is that it does matter to some people. Issues of health, leads to more days off, inability to keep a fast pace ( depending on the position). I think that males are less prone to hire a woman that is obese, and women tend to look further than the external. Also in consideration is your role w/ the other people. If you are in a position where you will represent the company - you have to take appearance in consideration.  

Answer 8

Yes, I believe so...sometimes I wonder if I had been the right color and size would I get some of the jobs I interviewed for.  I saw a morbidly obese man walk into a temp agency.  He was dressed nicely enough, but he looked to weigh 400-500 lbs.  When he left the office I saw the personnel snicker and shake their heads.  Unfortunately our society judges folks on their apperance; be it on race or size.  I used to be 343 lbs and I remember going on interviews that I was scheduled for and all the sudden had the interviewer tell me there was no interview.  With the job market as competitive as it is something like a few extra pounds can make or break job chances.

Answer 9

It does give you a lesser chance. Shouldn't but it counts. If you were to work in a place were stairs are require, a plump person would end up hurt and not at work. Not good for business. An obese person will be more receptive to breathing problems, irregular heart beat, passing out and a lot of other problems that the employer will see as a lost income for the company.  

Anna del C.

Author of "The Elf and the Princess"

and "Trouble in the Elf City"

Answer 10

no, that is discriminanation