Job Interview! To disclose or not to disclose...

[HarryP]

Hi guys

This is mainly a question for any of you who had a job interview pre-T, but after legally changing your name.

Basically, I have a job interview this Thursday.  (Yay! But also a bit scary...)  Should I tell them that I'm trans? And if so, any ideas how? (The job is for a classroom assistant role in a school for special needs children, by the way.) I know I don't have to tell them I'm trans, and I can hide my previous names on the CRB check if they want me for the job, but I'm also aware that I don't look or sound like a 23 year old man and they might ask questions themselves anyway... On the other hand, I could wait till I find out if I've got the job, and then tell them, but they might consider that dishonest...

Anyone else been in a similar situation?

Harry x

[Tad]

If you pass, and feel comfortable not disclosing... I'd go ahead and go that way. Though if they are checking references - they might come across someone who lets slip what you have done.   And if word gets out.. parents might freak out! there's a sexual pervert running around with our children - lets burn em at the stake!

best of luck, if it was me I wouldn't disclose. I'm facing the same dilemna atm, because my only references are people that aren't going to refer to me as male when checked.

[MaxAloysius]

Hey, a month ago I got a new job with my legally changed male name. But I'm pre-T and don't stand a chance of passing. I just joked about my parents having a weird name choice. I figure when I get on T and am starting to show signs, I'll tell them, but until then there's no reason why I should.

[LordKAT]

Working in a school or with children often includes an extensive background check and asks you to reveal all names used in the past. Your SSN will do that anyway if they run a credit check, and some do.

[Greg]

Working in a school or with children often includes an extensive background check and asks you to reveal all names used in the past. Your SSN will do that anyway if they run a credit check, and some do.

I the UK the background check (CRB) employs people specifically to deal with trans clients. As I understand it they put the document together using your former and current names but only your current name is visible to the employer.

I don't think it really matters that you don't look 23, some people just look youthful. If you do tell them prior to them offering the job and they reject you, maybe you'll wonder if it was because you told them. Schools generally have good equal opportunities policies nowadays, especially in a school with SEN children. In this case, school employees (inc. teachers) shouldn't be a problem, I'd be more worried about overracting/protective parents.

[Marcelo Caetano]

I just had one job interview till now. I'm still pre-T and I still didn't change my name, so...
I didn't tell anything in the interview, I thought about saying but I just didn't find the right opportunity.
So...I got the job! yay! But on my first day, I told them I'd like to be called by my male name, and they were OK with that.
But I was really lucky 'cause the job was for a Human Rights Organization, so they appreciate all 'kinds' of people.
I had no problems working there, but I guess I just found the perfect work place!

[LordKAT]

I had no problems working there, but I guess I just found the perfect work place!

One of the keys to happiness.

[HarryP]

Thanks for all your replies guys. I passed really well today (wearing a suit and a new haircut helped) but in the end I did tell them, but only because I had to... 

Apparently the school is big on swimming lessons as a confidence booster and physio help to the disabled children, and they need the staff to participate.  They asked me if I would have a problem with that, so I decided to tell them - well, I'm trans, so I would need a private place to change and be allowed to wear a rash vest.  If they want me for the job, I'd have to fill in a medical questionnaire anyway, so I thought it was better to be honest at that point.  So, they know, and were very understanding about it.  I hope my honesty won't lose me the chance of getting the job, but hey - I am more than just trans, so hopefully they will see it like that too. 

Harry x