Quote from: Isabelle on September 04, 2013, 03:10:12 PM
What's wrong with just being honest? If anyone asks anything just smile and say you're medically transitioning. How long do you think you can hide it anyway?

I can hide until they see me in something that isn't a suit. I put it on: I become a guy. I take it off: I'm a girl again. But really seriously not very long and I'm not sure they don't know already. Certainly not more then a couple more months, and that is if I really butch it up. You're right though I should be honest but I just need this job so bad. If they don't know, I'll prolly wait 6 weeks (that's two issues) and then come out. But i don't know how long I can present as male as it will be a real setback. I really like being full time and detest the thought of going back.

You're better off going normally. And don't wear a suit, for Heaven's sake. On most guys, even, it's bad taste, and unless it's precisely an economist's or politician's job, it comes off as "just too much". Imagine on you.

I've looked for work a lot in the past, back when I was still trying to be a guy or hide the fact that I'm not really one. They were utter failures. Because it was a physical impossibility for me to appear competent or confident when I hated how I looked so much. I'm not saying you're gonna be as complexed as I was, but I would bet that it's going to show somehow.

Really, if you pass well enough, you can just simply not talk about being trans, and look like a girl, and no matter how masculine the name, they won't have a problem. My old name is never ever used for a girl, and it has no close or far female version, yet several people took me for a girl, some saying "oh, I didn't know that name existed for girls." Some people had "Gender: M" in my file and just thought someone had made a mistake basing themself on the name. And mind you, I didn't (and still don't) have any breasts and all that happened before I came out to the general public. I was just dressing androgynous-ish as a result of my decision to try to be as happy as I could until I can transition properly.

I don't see why you can't just go there full girl mode (with some well-applied make-up to add to the picture) and letting them believe away. If they ask anything about your gender, just laugh a little. They'll stop asking, 'cause then they'll feel rude asking something that was taken as a joke since the answer was supposedly so obvious.

Seriously, if being trans can in any way reduce your chances to get the job... you probably shouldn't want the job.

Quote from: Joanna Dark on September 04, 2013, 12:28:33 PM
...I saw the one woman who was interviewing me stare at my chest when I leaned over. But she could have wrote it off as the shirt bunching up. But then again by looking at my face and my hair style and overall build, maybe she didn't.

You are thinking too much.   

I was in a similar position at my job.  I was still able to camouflage my shape, in boy mode -- I thought.  But my partner, who works in the same place, told me that she and most of the other women already knew.  And it sounds like that woman interviewing you also knew.  I bet the word is going around, but...

You are in good shape, though, no matter what.  You got the second interview, the edit test.  So the word is going around, and they still want you in for the edit test.  <-- look at it that way.

After that, you get the phone call, "How soon can you start?"  YAY!

That being the case, you could

• just be up front at the edit test -- wear another suit and then take it off to be comfy, then edit like the editing maniac you truly are;  or
• be up front after the edit test, if the boss or HR or other supervisor wants to chat about starting work etc.  Wear that suit and take it off on the way into their office, and just be frank.  City of Brotherly Love having a municipal code on gender, just let them know what your situation is.  Sounds like they'll be able to handle it.
• OR, when they call you to offer the job, discuss it openly.

I think you could have been open to start with, as Shantel said, but you can also be open now.  In general, I think you have to be open about it.

For me, it became very difficult, as I got larger on top, and I was binding!  YOUCH.  But as things worked out, my boss was great and comfortable with me in transition at work.  It was incredible to dress for comfort at last.  I hope you get to the same stage, Joanna!

Congrats Joanna.  Now that you have the job, I would feel more comfortable about presenting as you.  Just let the people in charge know after starting and establishing yourself in the position.   It may seem deceptive to tell after the fact, but it's probably the best scenario.  Hiring Managers may question whether someone transitioning would fit into their plans.  For example, they may assume you will be going for a few surgeries that year.  Well, that takes time and they may need someone to work a hectic schedule.  They may have certain delusions about hormones and think you will be emotional/mental issues to address.  All of these things could make them judge you before you get in.  Same thing with an interview.  If you tell them at that point, they may start to focus on your personal life rather than your qualifications.  That's not what anyone wants for an interview.  So I think you did the right thing. 

Quote from: A on September 04, 2013, 06:41:14 PM
You're better off going normally. And don't wear a suit, for Heaven's sake. On most guys, even, it's bad taste, and unless it's precisely an economist's or politician's job, it comes off as "just too much". Imagine on you.

I've looked for work a lot in the past, back when I was still trying to be a guy or hide the fact that I'm not really one. They were utter failures. Because it was a physical impossibility for me to appear competent or confident when I hated how I looked so much. I'm not saying you're gonna be as complexed as I was, but I would bet that it's going to show somehow.

Really, if you pass well enough, you can just simply not talk about being trans, and look like a girl, and no matter how masculine the name, they won't have a problem. My old name is never ever used for a girl, and it has no close or far female version, yet several people took me for a girl, some saying "oh, I didn't know that name existed for girls." Some people had "Gender: M" in my file and just thought someone had made a mistake basing themself on the name. And mind you, I didn't (and still don't) have any breasts and all that happened before I came out to the general public. I was just dressing androgynous-ish as a result of my decision to try to be as happy as I could until I can transition properly.

I don't see why you can't just go there full girl mode (with some well-applied make-up to add to the picture) and letting them believe away. If they ask anything about your gender, just laugh a little. They'll stop asking, 'cause then they'll feel rude asking something that was taken as a joke since the answer was supposedly so obvious.

Seriously, if being trans can in any way reduce your chances to get the job... you probably shouldn't want the job.

Suits are a good idea in the right position.  It may be overkill at times, but it helps maintain a professional image.  I would say a suit is appropriate for an editorial job with a magazine.

P.S.  Politics is much more casual than one may expect.  You should see what most campaign staffers wear on a daily basis.  Outside of media events and important public rallies, attire is fairly informal; though they earn it when you factor in the insane hours that are required.  Having said that, things are more formal in government offices, but a suit isn't always necessary. 

Quote from: learningtolive on September 05, 2013, 01:08:35 PM
...they may assume you will be going for a few surgeries that year.  Well, that takes time and they may need someone to work a hectic schedule.

Let's hope they are not such tools of discrimination.  I am guessing that would be illegal.

Quote from: learningtolive on September 05, 2013, 01:08:35 PM
...They may have certain delusions about hormones...

Oh, good gravy!  That would be ludicrous discrimination, too.  Didn't you read her description of the company?  They're not exactly an NFL training center, filled with clueless macho types! They sound like they'll be quite reasonable and gracious, no matter when Joanna decides to fill them in on the situation.

The sooner, the better.  That is something I have learned.  The sooner you can act as if you are truly proud of your shape, the healthier your brainwaves will be. 

So, Joanna, whenever you decide, I am for you!!

And I hope those folks up there hire you aboard, so you can start blazing new trails in publishing greatness!!! 

Quote from: learningtolive on September 05, 2013, 01:08:35 PM
Congrats Joanna.  Now that you have the job, I would feel more comfortable about presenting as you.  Just let the people in charge know after starting and establishing yourself in the position.   It may seem deceptive to tell after the fact, but it's probably the best scenario.  Hiring Managers may question whether someone transitioning would fit into their plans.  For example, they may assume you will be going for a few surgeries that year.

Get out of my head Molly. I'm calling you Molly now jk lol LTL. But how did you know I got the job! Because they just told me at 4:16 p.m. Or as I call it the day where it again became possible for me to get SRS and move in with my BF. But even if that doesn't happen I realized the other day that some boys really like me so it I don't have to worry about being alone anymore.

But I just can't believe it. I have not had full-time employment since August 2011. Since then my life has been a nightmare of epic proportions until I took charge, took my mom's advice and did what needed to be done. She wasn't aware that meant changing sex but now I am rambling. I'm just so freaking happy. I don't have to worry about grad school, I'm 30 and I love being a journalist that was just kinda because my career was dead.

So this year, I not only beat a heroin habit, I also transitioned, got a boyfriend, came out to my family, and now resurrected my comatose career. So, I know people say hormones are not magick, but they are pretty darn close in my case. They transformed my entire life. I can't believe this is happening! This is literally my dream job as it is the same as my old job. And I loved that job. I loveloveloved it. But I especially liked working with my old boss as a team and hated when she left even though I got a raise. But now I will be working with another woman in the same way, doing the same thing: putting together a woman's magazine. it's just me and her.

Happy dance for Joanna! 

Congrats Joanna,
Terrific news for you and also no doubt very encouraging for a lot of other people here. Way to go!
Donna

All the stress from last week is now gone. Congratulations

Now go get them and do yourself proud!

LOL so happy for our Joanna! I knew it was going to happen as you began to describe the job, the environment and the woman, it was your job from the get go just waiting for you to show up. Way to go hon!

Quote from: Joanna Dark on September 05, 2013, 09:20:22 PM
Get out of my head Molly. I'm calling you Molly now jk lol LTL. But how did you know I got the job! Because they just told me at 4:16 p.m. Or as I call it the day where it again became possible for me to get SRS and move in with my BF. But even if that doesn't happen I realized the other day that some boys really like me so it I don't have to worry about being alone anymore.

But I just can't believe it. I have not had full-time employment since August 2011. Since then my life has been a nightmare of epic proportions until I took charge, took my mom's advice and did what needed to be done. She wasn't aware that meant changing sex but now I am rambling. I'm just so freaking happy. I don't have to worry about grad school, I'm 30 and I love being a journalist that was just kinda because my career was dead.

So this year, I not only beat a heroin habit, I also transitioned, got a boyfriend, came out to my family, and now resurrected my comatose career. So, I know people say hormones are not magick, but they are pretty darn close in my case. They transformed my entire life. I can't believe this is happening! This is literally my dream job as it is the same as my old job. And I loved that job. I loveloveloved it. But I especially liked working with my old boss as a team and hated when she left even though I got a raise. But now I will be working with another woman in the same way, doing the same thing: putting together a woman's magazine. it's just me and her.

How did I know?  Because I'm just awesome like that!

Congrats, I'm really happy everything worked out.   It sounds like everything is falling into place. 

Congratulations.  I think the entire group of forum members were behind you.  I know I was saying a prayer.  All the best!

Quote from: Christine167 on September 05, 2013, 09:37:08 PM
Happy dance for Joanna! 

Yep, one of those. Definitely one of those.