Ever Come Out at a Job Interview?

[Eccentric Moe]

Just wondering if anyone has done this before and if so, what kind of responses you got.  Where were you in transition?

I've been interviewing but I want to transition.  I just got emailed today for two more interviews.  I am trying to decide whether or not I should blow them off.  I want to transition asap so I can't really get a new job without coming out as trans.  Thoughts?

[Jayr]

If you're unemployed I doubt transitioning is a good idea unless you have enough money saved up to keep you alive for the next couples months, years even.

I went to an interview and the lady already knew I was trans because a friend that worked there had told her the situation,
so she would understand why I looked one way but my papers said different.

Got hired in the interview, worked the next day.

Come to find she had dated a trans man for years before,
so I think being trans worked in my favor.

But lets be honest, I got EXTREMELY lucky.

[Eccentric Moe]

Thanks for the insight.

I do have enough saved up to float me for some time while transitioning.  I really don't want anything to slow down my transition so this is probably the route to go.  Thanks

[ford]

Honestly it depends on where you're looking to work. Check their policies.

I'm trying to get hired by the US gov, but I'm also just beginning my transition process. I've applied, interviewed, and have a very high chance of getting the job. Now, I had to apply as my 'old' self for obvious legal reasons, plus all my school records, old job records, military records are as old female me.

But the thing is, the US gov has a strict nondiscrimination policy (both for hiring and work) that explicitly includes gender identity. If someone wants to transition in a federal job, they have every right to, including the right to use a chosen name, have proper pronouns used, and have appropriate restroom facilities available. To play it safe, I plan to wait until I've officially gotten the job (fingers crossed), and then I'll let them know. That way I can start work under my new name, people can be made aware of what's going on, and overall I think that will be less weird than if I work there for a few months and THEN start transitioning. It's about as much of a 'fresh start' as I can hope for.

So I guess while I wouldn't let them know at the interview (too risky), if they have a non discrimination policy that includes transgender, I would start transitioning as soon as I was hired.

Having never actually tried this though, I'd love to hear of others who have transitioned on being hired or shortly thereafter.

[TerriT]

I'm currently employed but will likely want to find a new job and I will be bringing it up with any new employer. I want to make sure that any new company is aware that they are hiring me for my brains and are accepting of me for my talents.

[Antonia J]

I've worked in Human Resources Management for 17 years.  I would not bring this up in an interview.  Unless you are fortunate enough to live in a location that protects against gender identity discrimination, the sad reality is that they could deny your employment with no consequence.  If you believe it vital to your employment process for purposes of scheduling time off, I would strongly encourage you to wait until you have an offer of employment (written) in hand.  This does two things: First, it means that they see you as qualified and have formally expressed interest in you. Second, it preserves your right against possible discrimination (if there are laws in your area to protect it). It could potentially create a public relations issue should you decide to pursue that route.

Good luck.  This is a tough topic!