Job interview - out or not?

[Padma]

I've just been offered a job interview next week (and annoyingly, it's the day after an electrolysis/laser appointment, so I'll have to rearrange that so I can shave for the interview!)

I'm still very much male in appearance, since although I wear women's clothes exclusively these days, they're not feminine (jeans, stripy tops etc.). I'm wondering whether I should mention my transition at all in the interview or not?

It's an office admin job with phone contact with the public, so appearance isn't an issue, or shouldn't be, so long as I'm presentable.

What are your thoughts?

[Gadgett]

personally,
I wouldn't bring it up. But then I don't think there is anything wrong with me. It's one of those things where don't bring it up unless it becomes an issue.

Just make sure to be respectful however of the companies policies. It's a pain to adhere to the males standard if your MTF or vice versa and  remember there is a difference between your professional side and personal.

~Gadg

[bethw]

Hi Padma;
congratulations on the interview. I wish you all of the luck in the world. If it were me I would dress the way you normally dress and see how it plays out. If you sense that they are accepting I would then bring the subject up. You can always ask to see an employee handbook to see if they have a ploicy in place. That would tell you a lot.
Hope this helps.
Good luck and many hugs sis.
Beth

[Padma]

Thanks - I've realised I'm going to have to go for smart casual as I don't have much formal wear at all - and no shoes that aren't red at the moment! The Vans are probably smartest .

[Pippa]

I am at that difficult phase.  Being unemployed for the last nine months has meant the ability to live as a woman 24/7 and I am desperate to transition fully.  However, I am only starting out on the road to transition (my initial gender clinic appointment is in January).  I have a job interview on Friday.  At the moment, the job is a 12 month contract, which would suit me but it is in a pretty macho area and I would have to present as male.

I have had a hard time of it at work over the last couple of years and become incredibly dissolutioned with my profession.  I desperately want to do something new, and that is without the complications of transition.  Luckily, I do have some money tucked away so I am not destitute but I would prefer to use that money to start my own business rather than use it to live off.

I think employment is probably the hardest thing to achieve in transition.  Despite equality laws, we are still seen by many as either strange or mad and they will find ways to exclude us.   It's a case of standing up for ourselves and not letting the buggers get us down.

[angelfaced]

well my experience was always present as the gender  your license and social says. after you get the job, then come out as trans. I worked as a waitress during transiiton and started working there as a guy. the last couple months were really hard cuz noone that looked at me thought boy, so when i walked up to customers they were always suprised, haha.

[Princess of Hearts]

Good luck with your interview P.    On a personal note I am simply incapable of being away from home 11-12 hours a day.   I think that I have agoraphobia because I can stay in the house for as much as  a week at a time and when I do go out I want to return home the very second I start to feel tired and stressed.   

[Padma]

I'm still male on everything official for the moment. So if I get this job, I'll visit their HR department and talk it through with them once I'm on board. Then I can change things together, with a letter from my doctor - NI details, tax office, etc. But I'm definitely going to be out (wherever I eventually get work) as transitioning. I'll takes things as they come in the interview.

[Queen Erika]

I just had a job interview, I wore all female clothes but they were pretty understated. Collared green shirt, blazer jacket, loose-ish white jeans. I won't be able to even get into the Trans Klinic here for 4-5 months (and they haven't called back to put me on the waiting list after I called them twice  ) so... no hormones or anything for a long while. Should be alright though, I'm moving away from my transphobic mom in a couple weeks, I won't have to fully come out to her for a good while since I won't be anywhere near her.

I expect to come out essentially when I start transition and have an actual therapist so I can get a proper note, etc.

[V M]

Wishing you all the best for your interview Padma    I think you're a rather bright individual and would wager that you've already decided...
Let us know how it goes 

Best of luck

Hugs

- Virginia

[badkitty]

how far along in transition are you now? 

[Cindy]

Hi Hon,

As someone who conducts such interviews, I would suggest you present well dressed and tidy and clean.  For this sort of job, OK I know I'm a bit special, but I wouldn't care about your gender. It is a communication job so empathise those skills. I would go as far an say you act as a 'counsellor' on a web site with people of diverse sexual backgrounds and are very good and comfortable at it. Don't 'push' it but don't back away. Be you.

OK as a TG person I'm very accepting but I also want the best for the job.  Since you have a unique 'talent' in understanding diverse people use it.

Good luck

Cindy

[bethw]

Excellent advice Cindy. As usual.
Hugs
Beth