Struck out with the job I had an interview for the week before last. That was a bummer, would have been a good job.

Fortunately I had an application in at another place and had an interview with them today. I felt calm and confident, and I think the previous job interview gave me a good test run to improve how I can sell myself in the interview process. It's a good sign that I was more concerned about making a good overall impression than worrying about whether they realised I was trans (and I don't think they did). One of the people I had down as a referee has contacted me to tell me she has already been contacted by them so that is a very good sign I hope!! Apparently they thought I was great... hopefully that translates into a job offer before Xmas!

It's exciting and a bit nerve wracking.

I never mentioned that I was trans in the interview, not that it is in any way relevant to the job. So now I wonder what I do if I get the job. Do I out myself straight up or not? I think they will be an accepting workplace but I guess I'd like to know them a bit more beforehand, it just seems a bit weird to not say anything and then six months later "oh by the way..." I never talk about it much at my current workplace, but everyone knew and I wasn't about to hide it, being trans is part of who I am after all. But I know everyone where I am now and felt very safe and protected... I guess I'm suddenly feeling a tad vulnerable. Eeep.

How well I know that feeling. At the uni, pretty much the whole staff and faculty knew; I had no way to escape that knowledge, but it was comforting in a way because I didn't have to pretend I wasn't trans. When I started looking for other jobs, I was terrified. Needlessly, as it turned out.

I forgot--what is your legal status? Do you have to out yourself at all?

I don't think so but my birth certificate says M until I have the op and I guess they'll want a copy of that for my personnel file. 

Arch,

We do not have to put forward our gender or sexuality, and if either is used against us it is against the Law and we can sue.

Not that really helps as you can always find a reason not to employ someone.

But generally a place like Sydney, where Grace is, is very gender/sexulaity accepting. Most of Australia is very accepting.

Sadly to a level that our USA members can generally only dream of.

Quote from: Ms Grace on December 22, 2014, 04:58:52 AM
I don't think so but my birth certificate says M until I have the op and I guess they'll want a copy of that for my personnel file. 

I show them my passport, and you can get a letter from your guy saying you are female.

I can also give you an MP in NSW who will support you.

Australian passports show identified gender, don't they? Do I need a letter for that?

Congrats on the new job interview... good luck moving forward 

Can't comment on legal gender ID etc... but reading this thread closely 

L Katy

Good luck! I hope you get the job!

congrats on moving forward. Tricky situation Ms Grace.

Quote from: Cindy on December 22, 2014, 05:01:46 AM
Arch,

We do not have to put forward our gender or sexuality, and if either is used against us it is against the Law and we can sue.

Not that really helps as you can always find a reason not to employ someone.

But generally a place like Sydney, where Grace is, is very gender/sexulaity accepting. Most of Australia is very accepting.

Sadly to a level that our USA members can generally only dream of.

The USA is a very big and diverse place. Some places are extremely backwards but others are light years ahead.

I have gotten nothing but support up here in New York/New Jersey.

LGBT is not only accepted, but celebrated here. People who try to rain on our parade are quickly drowned out.

It is important to remember that we are 50 states, not just one country. But we are getting a big push federally as well.

Quote from: Ms Grace on December 22, 2014, 04:43:56 AM
Struck out with the job I had an interview for the week before last. That was a bummer, would have been a good job.

Fortunately I had an application in at another place and had an interview with them today. I felt calm and confident, and I think the previous job interview gave me a good test run to improve how I can sell myself in the interview process. It's a good sign that I was more concerned about making a good overall impression than worrying about whether they realised I was trans (and I don't think they did). One of the people I had down as a referee has contacted me to tell me she has already been contacted by them so that is a very good sign I hope!! Apparently they thought I was great... hopefully that translates into a job offer before Xmas!

It's exciting and a bit nerve wracking.

I never mentioned that I was trans in the interview, not that it is in any way relevant to the job. So now I wonder what I do if I get the job. Do I out myself straight up or not? I think they will be an accepting workplace but I guess I'd like to know them a bit more beforehand, it just seems a bit weird to not say anything and then six months later "oh by the way..." I never talk about it much at my current workplace, but everyone knew and I wasn't about to hide it, being trans is part of who I am after all. But I know everyone where I am now and felt very safe and protected... I guess I'm suddenly feeling a tad vulnerable. Eeep.

Really tough call.

If I had to look for another job and I was FT I would simply present myself as female.

Employers here do not need your birth certificate. Just a driver license and social security card is required for employment verification. There are a few exceptions such as jobs that require US citizenship or security clearance.

However I was asked if I was known by any other names in a background check form... so that would "out" me. However it would remain confidential in HR's files.

Quote from: Ms Grace on December 22, 2014, 05:06:02 AM
Australian passports show identified gender, don't they? Do I need a letter for that?

You just need a doctor's letter stating you are receiving appropriate treatment and your name change document.  My GP has the letter template on their system ready to go. Very easy.  Passport website has all the requirements.  Once you have the F on your passport, it is a very reliable photo ID.  I have changed a bit from the passport photo (FFS) and get asked every time I go across borders!  I have used my passport and name change document to change details with banks etc.  Driver licence will do the same once it arrives.  Both should be OK with employers but I have been asked for my birth cert in the past - not an issue until now.  Mine is NZ and I think I can change it without GRS. Just haven't got there yet.

Drivers licence change had the same requirements plus they wanted to see my passport (in Vic, NSW may be different). 

Emma

Quote from: ImagineKate on December 22, 2014, 08:51:10 AMHowever I was asked if I was known by any other names in a background check form... so that would "out" me. However it would remain confidential in HR's files.

Sometimes, depending on how long ago* or how old you were** when the name change occurred, they may not actually need to know your former name in your case. If you want to avoid outing yourself unless absolutely necessary you can ask someone in HR if you need to disclose a former name that was changed (x number of years ago or when you were y years old) without mentioning the details of the name change.

*For criminal record checks that go back only a certain number of years they don't usually care about names used before then (you may still have to disclose it to check other relevant records that are under the name if you have any).
**If your name was changed before you were old enough to have work/school/criminal/credit/etc. records under it then likewise they usually don't care about it (this mainly applies to our child/teen transitioners).

Good luck, Grace! I've always had good success job hunting, though my longest effort at it took four months and came after a company I was at closed its doors. I imagine it must be especially nerve wracking now the first time after transitioning, and especially with all documentation not yet in order.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you land a position somewhere that you can thrive!