I'm part of this youth program with the state trying to get folks from 16-25 jobs. Since I'm turning 25 soon, I'm going to be out of this program and need to use it as much as possible while I can (granted, there's only like 2 jobs I'm qualified for that aren't fast food near me). Since I've already sent out 110+applications/resumes I figured I'll apply for this crummy-ish overnight job as a "Quality Assurance Analyst." The big problem with this program is that I had to apply with my legal name, which also meant applying for positions with my legal name...which also means I'm scared about being forced to work as a woman.
So, for folks who were unemployed, and presenting as you identify for a long time...and had to apply for jobs in your legal name due to whatever reasons (Ex: to continue to collect unemployment) what the heck did you do on interviews?
I've been considering showing up being super male, not really shaving so the very little stubble I have can be seen if the room is bright enough and if there are any signs of discomfort about possibly hiring a trans person I'll bail. It's not a position I want, but since I know I have to figure out how to work being transgender into finding jobs. I think if I try a bunch of different tactics I'll eventually be able to find what works for me.
Oh...it should be noted that the reply I got for the position (I guess from a HR type?) was all in comic sans.
Not entirely related, but is there a reason you haven't changed your name yet?
All of your posts thus far indicate that you've been in transition for a while and for a lot of people, I know that name change has been one of the first steps they decide to take so they lessen the risk of being outed and possibly mistreated at work.
I'm just curious is all - sad to say though, I've never been in this situation.
Quote from: JasonRX on June 04, 2012, 01:15:45 PM
Not entirely related, but is there a reason you haven't changed your name yet?
All of your posts thus far indicate that you've been in transition for a while and for a lot of people, I know that name change has been one of the first steps they decide to take so they lessen the risk of being outed and possibly mistreated at work.
I'm just curious is all - sad to say though, I've never been in this situation.
My family that I live with isn't accepting, so I've been slow in some parts of transition for their sake...that, combined with being unable to figure out a middle name, not having enough money for the fees, and promising myself I would get out of debt first mix together to make a mess of reasons why I haven't.
Nygeel, I'm going to ask a pragmatic question. How important is it to you to have a job and become self-supporting?
Quote from: Jamie D on June 04, 2012, 01:21:47 PM
Nygeel, I'm going to ask a pragmatic question. How important is it to you to have a job and become self-supporting?
Not as important as being able to work as male and feeling comfortable in my work place.
It's moderately important right now, I guess.
Don't you put on your resume your chosen name? I did that and presented as male. Also, before I knew I could put my chosen name down on my resume I had an interview and I just told the woman I was trans and she was cool with. I didn't dress female and I didn't dress super male. I just wore black mens dress pants and a white button up shirt.
Quote from: Dominick_81 on June 04, 2012, 01:27:10 PM
Don't you put on your resume your chosen name? I did that and presented as male. Also, before I knew I could put my chosen name down on my resume I had an interview and I just told the woman I was trans and she was cool with. I didn't dress female and I didn't dress super male. I just wore black mens dress pants and a white button up shirt.
I usually do but because the position is with this state program I used my legal info.
Quote from: Nygeel on June 04, 2012, 01:30:14 PM
I usually do but because the position is with this state program I used my legal info.
I see.
Quote from: Nygeel on June 04, 2012, 01:18:36 PM
My family that I live with isn't accepting, so I've been slow in some parts of transition for their sake...that, combined with being unable to figure out a middle name, not having enough money for the fees, and promising myself I would get out of debt first mix together to make a mess of reasons why I haven't.
I filled out one of those poor people forms, (I forgot what you call it) and was able to change my name for free. You might be able to do that where you live. Also, you don't have to have a middle name. I don't have one, I couldn't think of one at the time.
Quote from: Dominick_81 on June 04, 2012, 01:35:06 PM
I filled out one of those poor people forms, (I forgot what you call it) and was able to change my name for free. You might be able to do that where you live. Also, you don't have to have a middle name. I don't have one, I couldn't think of one at the time.
I just want a middle name because my siblings all have 'em. The form only gets rid of the court fee thinger ($65), the other costs around the change end up being about $200.
Quote from: Nygeel on June 04, 2012, 01:37:03 PM
I just want a middle name because my siblings all have 'em. The form only gets rid of the court fee thinger ($65), the other costs around the change end up being about $200.
I see.
Really? I guess it's different where we live. I thought if you filled out that form it covers everything, that's how it was for me anyways. But hopefully you can get money coming in soon so you can get your name changed so it will be easier for you when applying for a job.
Quote from: Dominick_81 on June 04, 2012, 01:44:35 PM
I see.
Really? I guess it's different where we live. I thought if you filled out that form it covers everything, that's how it was for me anyways. But hopefully you can get money coming in soon so you can get your name changed so it will be easier for you when applying for a job.
Yea, legal notice, birth certificate, that sorta thing.
If I didn't have a waiver the cost for the name change not including getting other documents and legal notices would be $210.
Quote from: Nygeel on June 04, 2012, 01:25:55 PM
Not as important as being able to work as male and feeling comfortable in my work place.
It's moderately important right now, I guess.
Sounds like you're sort of in a conundrum. You're 25 years old, living with family that doesn't support your transition, can't afford to move ahead with some of the legal aspects of transition, and can't find a suitable job where you will feel comfortable.
It seems to me something has to give.
Quote from: Jamie D on June 04, 2012, 02:02:49 PM
Sounds like you're sort of in a conundrum. You're 25 years old, living with family that doesn't support your transition, can't afford to move ahead with some of the legal aspects of transition, and can't find a suitable job where you will feel comfortable.
It seems to me something has to give.
Not like I can move, or if I did have a job right now I could afford to move out as the cost of living is too high here. They don't support it, but it's just one of those things they have been ignoring (well, most of them have) and I'm relatively okay with that. It's not a great situation but I'm more lenient with them than I am with most other folks. In general, I can't find a job that pays. Even if I did have my name changed and everything I don't exactly get seen as male so it's likely stuff would come up at work. My last on the books job I gave them a preferred name (alternative of my last name) and was still bothered about it later on (I let them call me by female pronouns because I needed the cash and wasn't confident in my passing at all).
Quote from: Nygeel on June 04, 2012, 02:08:49 PM
Not like I can move, or if I did have a job right now I could afford to move out as the cost of living is too high here. They don't support it, but it's just one of those things they have been ignoring (well, most of them have) and I'm relatively okay with that. It's not a great situation but I'm more lenient with them than I am with most other folks. In general, I can't find a job that pays. Even if I did have my name changed and everything I don't exactly get seen as male so it's likely stuff would come up at work. My last on the books job I gave them a preferred name (alternative of my last name) and was still bothered about it later on (I let them call me by female pronouns because I needed the cash and wasn't confident in my passing at all).
You are making excuses for not moving forward. You are in a rut and need to get out of it.
As a person who has hired and fired employees, I would suggest you do everything you can to make yourself a quality job candidate. Perhaps that means more or specialized training. Perhaps that means taking entry level jobs and advancing after that. Perhaps that means taking a seasonal job, or part-time job, and working your way into a permanent position. While you are at home, save the money you would otherwise use on housing.
Are you on Monster.com? Have you consulted with a professional job placement agency? Don't set yourself up for failure. Word to the wise.
Quote from: Jamie D on June 04, 2012, 02:32:38 PM
You are making excuses for not moving forward. You are in a rut and need to get out of it.
As a person who has hired and fired employees, I would suggest you do everything you can to make yourself a quality job candidate. Perhaps that means more or specialized training. Perhaps that means taking entry level jobs and advancing after that. Perhaps that means taking a seasonal job, or part-time job, and working your way into a permanent position. While you are at home, save the money you would otherwise use on housing.
Are you on Monster.com? Have you consulted with a professional job placement agency? Don't set yourself up for failure. Word to the wise.
I'm fine with entry level positions, I'm fine with seasonal and part time. I do have a college degree, and nearly every place looking for somebody with my degree to do work is looking for an unpaid intern (which I was for a semester).
I've been to 3 job fairs (I think), spoke with two temp agencies and gave them my resume as well as contact information (also gave a bit of background info on skills) haven't heard anything after. I've got a website with a portfolio which also has my resume which I direct people to that are looking to hire for that sort of a position. I know I'm on a few sites...career builder, linkdin, and like I said I've got NYYW certification. I do look at the state job bank, and go to the unemployment office for the things they have. I go on craigslist every few days looking at whatever is posted. I think I've used monster before.
Quote from: Nygeel on June 04, 2012, 02:43:40 PM
I'm fine with entry level positions, I'm fine with seasonal and part time. I do have a college degree, and nearly every place looking for somebody with my degree to do work is looking for an unpaid intern (which I was for a semester).
I've been to 3 job fairs (I think), spoke with two temp agencies and gave them my resume as well as contact information (also gave a bit of background info on skills) haven't heard anything after. I've got a website with a portfolio which also has my resume which I direct people to that are looking to hire for that sort of a position. I know I'm on a few sites...career builder, linkdin, and like I said I've got NYYW certification. I do look at the state job bank, and go to the unemployment office for the things they have. I go on craigslist every few days looking at whatever is posted. I think I've used monster before.
Sounds like you are doing some good things. My experience is that businesses are not going to come looking for you. Successful jobs candidates "sell" themselves to potential employers.
I also am a believer in a "qualifications brief" as compared to the traditional resume. And going to the hiring manager, if possible, rather than HR toadies.
Good luck in your job search.
Quote from: Jamie D on June 04, 2012, 02:55:27 PM
Sounds like you are doing some good things. My experience is that businesses are not going to come looking for you. Successful jobs candidates "sell" themselves to potential employers.
I also am a believer in a "qualifications brief" as compared to the traditional resume. And going to the hiring manager, if possible, rather than HR toadies.
Good luck in your job search.
Oh, I also write up a little intro/cover letter when I send my resume via e-mail (since most positions I'm applying to are through online ads). I include work experience that relates to qualifications, personal interests that are related to the job, etc. With online applications it goes to whoever it goes to, and it's hard to follow up as most of the places I apply to don't give a ton of info on the company name, or contact info (Ex: craigslist just shows an anonymized e-mail address). I have done one interview in this series of unemployment but they didn't know I was trans, just knew I was male. It was a phone interview, and it was 2 months after I applied (which was for a different position, they were offering a contract position). Sadly, I didn't know how to properly price a per diem rate, and I assume I asked for too much as I had sort of guessed how much would be reasonable per hour, and calculated my cost of travel as well as extra time for travel each day. It ended up being like asking for $14/hour, working 5-6 days a week with a total of 55-65 hours a week dedicated to work.
With regard to things like per diem and mileage reimbursements, you can always look up the federal/IRS rates for your geographic area. Many employers use those numbers.
Quote from: Jamie D on June 04, 2012, 03:42:53 PM
With regard to things like per diem and mileage reimbursements, you can always look up the federal/IRS rates for your geographic area. Many employers use those numbers.
Looking at the chart, it's confusing. It says max lodging by month which ranges from 204-295 with meals and expenses being 71. Am I looking at the right thing?
Quote from: -JR- on June 04, 2012, 03:57:01 PM
I'm sorry but I have to agree with this^^^...I understand that everyone transitions different and there's no right or wrong but I don't see why your name hasn't been changed yet if your trying to live full time as a man...That was my very first priority because I wanted to start working again as male with my chosen name. I can see getting a job being on T, looking male with a female name being very difficult for you (or anyone).
I would go to the interview dressed however your comfortable and then explain what's going on because I'm going to guess they are not expecting a man to come to this interview if you filled out the application with your legal name...I wish you the best, I really do and I hope you can change your legal information to be correct soon so things get much easier for you.
I still don't really look male, or when strangers see me they think female (still).
Quote from: Nygeel on June 04, 2012, 03:51:20 PM
Looking at the chart, it's confusing. It says max lodging by month which ranges from 204-295 with meals and expenses being 71. Am I looking at the right thing?
Nygeel, can you provide a link to what you are reading?
I know that the rates vary from place to place, based on surveys performed by the GSA.
Quote from: Jamie D on June 04, 2012, 04:02:35 PM
Nygeel, can you provide a link to what you are reading?
I know that the rates vary from place to place, based on surveys performed by the GSA.
http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/100120 (http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/100120)
Quote from: Nygeel on June 04, 2012, 04:01:14 PM
I still don't really look male, or when strangers see me they think female (still).
Depending on the type of job for which you are applying, your presentation could be very important. When I say "presentation," I don't mean gender. If you are being interviewed, remember "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Dress like you are ready to start that very day, and would immediately fit in. An androgenous style is usually fairly neutral.
Your resume/brief needs to stand out. I have looked at gazillions of resumes. Most relate the applicant's life experience, leaving me to guess at what that person would bring to the job. A qualification brief, especially one that is eye-catching, is a better vehicle for success.
With apologies to John Kennedy, "Ask not what the company can do you for. Ask what you can do for the company."
Quote from: Jamie D on June 04, 2012, 04:11:50 PM
Depending on the type of job for which you are applying, you presentation could be vary important. When I say "presentation," I don't mean gender. If you are being interviewed, remember "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Dress like you are ready to start that very day, and would immediately fit in. An androgenous style is usually fairly neutral.
Your resume/brief needs to stand out. I have looked at gazillions of resumes. Most relate the applicant's life experience, leaving me to guess at what that person would bring to the job. A qualification brief, especially one that is eye-catching, is a better vehicle for success.
With apologies to John Kennedy, "Ask not what the company can do you for. Ask what you can do for the company."
I intend on wearing my slacks (men's), a button down (men's), tie, loafers, and a herringbone blazer.
Quote from: Nygeel on June 04, 2012, 04:06:35 PM
http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/100120 (http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/100120)
I put in "Los Angeles," CA, for the purpose of the example.
It shows "125" listed in each monthly category, and 71 in "meals and incidental expenses."
The 125 means that the government allows its employees to spend up to $125
per day on housing/hotels and $71
per day on meals, parking, fees, sundries, etc.
The listing shows that the rates have not been adjusted since last October.
Quote from: Jamie D on June 04, 2012, 04:19:27 PM
I put in "Los Angeles," CA, for the purpose of the example.
It shows "125" listed in each monthly category, and 71 in "meals and incidental expenses."
The 125 means that the government allows its employees to spend up to $125 per day on housing/hotels and $71 per day on meals, parking, fees, sundries, etc.
The listing shows that the rates have not been adjusted since last October.
Okay but...that doesn't really explain per diem rates, just costs for maximum lodging and travel type costs.
Quote from: Nygeel on June 04, 2012, 04:21:21 PM
Okay but...that doesn't really explain per diem rates, just costs for maximum lodging and travel type costs.
Have you looked here:
http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/102827 (http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/102827)
Perhaps I am not understanding your question.
Quote from: Jamie D on June 04, 2012, 04:25:13 PM
Have you looked here:
http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/102827 (http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/102827)
Perhaps I am not understanding your question.
The way I understood it they were asking me how much I wanted to get paid per day as opposed how folks are usually paid per hour. It's a contract/1099 position. I asked for $175 a day working 9 hours a day (the ride there and back is an hour each way). I didn't know if this was considered an appropriate rate.
Quote from: Nygeel on June 04, 2012, 04:31:07 PM
The way I understood it they were asking me how much I wanted to get paid per day as opposed how folks are usually paid per hour. It's a contract/1099 position. I asked for $175 a day working 9 hours a day (the ride there and back is an hour each way). I didn't know if this was considered an appropriate rate.
I see. You were going to be working as an independent contractor, right?
That's a little more complicated situation.
When I speak of per diem, that is the amount that the company or agency allows one of its employees to spend while on business away from the office. Some companies use an "actual expenses" basis, and require you to submit expense reports with receipts. Others will place maximum expenditure limits. Some will use the GSA/IRS rates and require no receipts - which is nice, because you can actually make a little money by staying at less expensive places and not using your full meal allowance.
Keep inmind these have potential tax liabilities.
With regard to the 1099 question, as with the "salary" question in interviews, the best course, in my opinion, is to say that you are flexible and to ask probing questions of the interviewer, such as "Do you reimburse mileage, based on the IRS rate schedule?" I am not as familiar with that sort of employment arrangement.
Quote from: Jamie D on June 04, 2012, 05:03:07 PM
I see. You were going to be working as an independent contractor, right?
That's a little more complicated situation.
When I speak of per diem, that is the amount that the company or agency allows one of its employees to spend while on business away from the office. Some companies use an "actual expenses" basis, and require you to submit expense reports with receipts. Others will place maximum expenditure limits. Some will use the GSA/IRS rates and require no receipts - which is nice, because you can actually make a little money by staying at less expensive places and not using your full meal allowance.
Keep inmind these have potential tax liabilities.
With regard to the 1099 question, as with the "salary" question in interviews, the best course, in my opinion, is to say that you are flexible and to ask probing questions of the interviewer, such as "Do you reimburse mileage, based on the IRS rate schedule?" I am not as familiar with that sort of employment arrangement.
That's pretty much it. It would've been a contract where they would be paying a per diem price for my work. I named a price and said I was flexible but the person conducting the interview said it was nowhere near what others were asking. I based it on something my dad said which was since it's only a month I should/could ask for double what I would want per hour if I wanted full employment. Since it was nowhere near the ball park I gave him my lowest offer but said I was flexible. He did understand that I never did per diem pricing and wasn't well versed in what the rates were (which was also probably obvious in my prices).
I ended up showing up as spiffy as could be, although I couldn't find the shoes I wanted to wear. I couldn't find the building because my GPS was directing me to the wrong place and showed up late (despite being very close to the building and lost 10 minutes before my interview). I asked after everything was over for a critique of my interview, asking "how do you think I did?" The response was overall positive. I will find out either tomorrow or Monday what the verdict is. I didn't say anything about being trans and it wasn't brought up at all. Their probationary period is 90 days but they tend to know fairly quickly if a person is not a good fit. I intend on telling them I'm trans if/when they offer me the position after asking if they're an equal opportunity employer in that way. I think I would also ask about the tiny few accommodations I would want (right name on ID tags or first initial with last name for example).
I got the call with the job offer today. I said I would be willing to accept but wanted to know what their anti-discrimination policy was. The person I spoke to said they had a zero tolerance policy but didn't mention gender identity/expression or sexual orientation specifically in what was included so I mentioned being transgender. I asked if it was possible to be called by my preferred name and pronouns...had to explain what a pronoun is.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi99.beon.ru%2Fdobrochan.ru%2Fsrc%2Fjpg%2F1112%2Fpoker-face.jpg&hash=681292eb986cd7e6669036b815ccc986d325e344)
But I asked about things like if I could have an ID card say my preferred name, or just a first initial. I was asked if I was in the process of changing my name and explained how costly it was (turns out the person I was speaking with had her name changed and understood how costly it could be). So, on Monday I'm getting a call back with the answers (She will be meeting with the owners to discuss what I asked about).
The job isn't great, but it's something I can do. It's full time. It's a night shift. It comes with no benefits (401k, paid vacation or sick days, no health insurance) so that's a bummer. I just hope that I can sit it out until something better pops up.
Quote from: Nygeel on June 08, 2012, 06:54:12 PM
I got the call with the job offer today. I said I would be willing to accept but wanted to know what their anti-discrimination policy was. The person I spoke to said they had a zero tolerance policy but didn't mention gender identity/expression or sexual orientation specifically in what was included so I mentioned being transgender. I asked if it was possible to be called by my preferred name and pronouns...had to explain what a pronoun is.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi99.beon.ru%2Fdobrochan.ru%2Fsrc%2Fjpg%2F1112%2Fpoker-face.jpg&hash=681292eb986cd7e6669036b815ccc986d325e344)
But I asked about things like if I could have an ID card say my preferred name, or just a first initial. I was asked if I was in the process of changing my name and explained how costly it was (turns out the person I was speaking with had her name changed and understood how costly it could be). So, on Monday I'm getting a call back with the answers (She will be meeting with the owners to discuss what I asked about).
The job isn't great, but it's something I can do. It's full time. It's a night shift. It comes with no benefits (401k, paid vacation or sick days, no health insurance) so that's a bummer. I just hope that I can sit it out until something better pops up.
Congratulations. Having a good interview is great. Getting a job, any job, in this market is a fine achievement.
Well...my whole thing is that I'm pretty darn good with interviews (once I get them). This is my 11th or 12th interview ever, and of those I didn't get an offer twice. Once was because I really was iffy about one of the points in the position (I hesitated on answering a question about that point), and the other because I had no idea how to negotiate what to get. I've also never been fired from a job.
I did my homework, I read up on the company and what they do. I went on Forbes to look up top questions to ask an interviewer and the list of what not to ask. One of the big ones I remembered asking was "how did this position/opening come about?" It helps give you an idea of if people are quitting vs getting promoted vs company expansion.
Anyways...I'm going to keep looking for a position that better fits what I want to do in my life as a career and hope that would be able to work out but for now, I've got this (although I don't know if I will accept if they say they can't call me by my preferred name and stuff).
Bad news: I got a call back today. I ha asked if they'd have my preferred name on my ID. They said no. I asked if management would call me by my preferred name and pronouns, they said I would have to do it personally (meaning ask people to call me this) and that it all depended on people's personalities. I asked if I was harassed and continuously called the wrong name and pronouns despite politely asking repeatedly not to do that if management or supervisors would reprimand the other person, they said no.
I've been applying with my legal name as well, and since I pass 100 percent of time, it's difficult for me to even GET a job in the town that I live in. I haven't changed my name because I don't have the funds. it's hard enough for me to afford testosterone and food. I would have had the funds by now but my dad switched jobs and I don't have insurance yet, so I have had to pay 80 dollar vials out of my pocket.
I need about 200 bucks to change my name but when I get my school loan excess, that's the first thing I'm going to be doing..
Hopefully you get your name changed soon so you dont have to deal with this in-between bologna any more T_T
Quote from: Hayzer12 on June 11, 2012, 05:45:13 PM
I've been applying with my legal name as well, and since I pass 100 percent of time, it's difficult for me to even GET a job in the town that I live in. I haven't changed my name because I don't have the funds. it's hard enough for me to afford testosterone and food. I would have had the funds by now but my dad switched jobs and I don't have insurance yet, so I have had to pay 80 dollar vials out of my pocket.
I need about 200 bucks to change my name but when I get my school loan excess, that's the first thing I'm going to be doing..
Hopefully you get your name changed soon so you dont have to deal with this in-between bologna any more T_T
Well, I usually apply with my preferred name and rarely get seen as male. It's difficult for folks to get a job here but they do exist. It's just really crummy that I was offered the job and they were not willing to work with me on any of my three or so points.
Quote from: Casey on June 11, 2012, 06:34:59 PM
My response to this is both "aw" and "ugh." This took a little bit more of my faith in people. I really hope that your coworkers and such will be respectful and use your male name. I think, that if you can, the very first thing you should apply your first pay check to is a name change. Then it has to be changed on your name tag, at the very least.
Nope, I declined instead. I heard the person I was on the phone with whispering with an HR person while I was on the phone about how this would all be on me.
HR really dropped the ball there.
Quote from: Andy8715 on June 11, 2012, 08:32:24 PM
HR really dropped the ball there.
HR pooped on my day.