Weight may influence hiring decision

As we used to say when I was in college debate, “Significant silence.” I am sure that I paused no longer than 20 seconds, but the lull in the conversation caused my friend to say, “I think I know the answer.”

Those 20 seconds seemed an eternity as I remembered a few incidents from the past.

When I was acting in Hollywood I was even more conscious of weight than I am now. I knew that film added 10 pounds and video 20. I went on a massive diet and lost more than 20 pounds. Soon after this dramatic loss, I got an interview with a commercial agent. I went in feeling very confident. What I heard was, “You either need to gain 20 pounds or lose 20 pounds.” I didn’t think either was an option.

As a corporate recruiter, I interacted with all levels of management in my job. In one position, I interfaced with 40 different managers. One stands out, but in a negative way. I had submitted three candidates to him to interview. After the interviews, I went to his office to debrief. On two candidates I heard the usual: “She doesn’t have the exact background I am seeking. He kept interrupting me in the interview.” Then, the coup de grace: “She’s too fat.” I was speechless. I finally stuttered, “What did you think of her qualifications?” He responded, “Oh, she’s qualified enough, but we have an image to uphold with this company and she doesn’t fit it.”

The bitter truth is that companies do discriminate on the basis of size. I wish it were otherwise, but it isn’t. It is a reality that I have observed many times. Consciously or subconsciously, being overweight is viewed as a weakness at best or a liability at worst. With rising costs of health coverage, some employers may view someone who is overweight in terms of extra costs due to such conditions as diabetes and knee problems.

It is against the law to discriminate on the basis of weight if someone can physically perform the tasks required, but there is nothing we can do about what is going on in the head of a potential employer. Their prejudices will still be there no matter what the law states.

A study completed at Western Michigan University ‘s Haworth College of Business by Mark Roehling, Ph.D., showed that weight discrimination is much more prevalent in the workplace than either race or gender discrimination. His studies also found that women are much more discriminated against than men for their weight.

So, what do you do if you are overweight and on a job search? Don’t panic.

I remember the day I was cast in a small part on “Cheers.” I was on the top of the world. The filming was to be in four days. I actually thought I could get off 15 pounds in four days. I decided I would swim and walk two miles a day. I bounded out of the house to walk off the extra weight, tripped on the curb and fell on both knees. Not only did I not lose the 15 pounds, I was unable to exercise at all and showed up on the set with two huge bandages on my knees! My panic resulted in a worse situation than a few extra pounds.

It took a long while to put it on. It won’t come off in a week. We all know that we should weigh less, exercise more, lower our cholesterol, take the burden off the heart, etc. ad nauseum. But the stresses of a job search often make this even more difficult.

I propose that the overweight job seeker take three important steps:

• If you wish to lose weight, great! Just understand that you are not going to lose it in a few days. Concentrate instead on health in terms of what you are eating, and exercise and sleep. Your alert and energetic attitude will impress potential employers.

• Buy a few interview outfits, which fit perfectly to the size you are today! Years ago, there wasn’t much variety for overweight people. Navy blue was the prevalent color and suits looked fairly shapeless. Today, the variety in color, style and quality is endless. Unfortunately, many of those who are overweight wear clothes that are one or two sizes ago. The clothes are tight, ill-fitting and look awkward. Wear clothes that fit!

• Maximize all your good qualities: beautiful skin, hair, make-up, hands, polished shoes, neat accessories, etc. Make sure that your grooming is perfect and up to date. Since you are, unfortunately, being judged to a higher standard, you have to be a “10” in every other area.

When I was in my 30s and the casting director told me I had to lose 20 pounds or gain 20, I believed him. I did not pursue commercial acting because I thought he was right in his evaluation of me. He was wrong. I see people of all sizes in commercials.

What I failed to realize was that he was just one person. I let a stranger dictate how I saw myself in the mirror.

We can look at the facts and we can move on. Moving on is more productive!

Sinara Stull O’Donnell is a professional speaker and writer through Springfield-based SinaraSpeaks. She is the author of “Be The Star Of Your Life: Are You Ready For Your Close-Up?”