Would You Briefly Mention Your Weight Loss During A Job Interview?
Losing weight in a healthy manner requires perseverance, patience, discipline, and planning, which are also important attributes for professional success.
Hence, would you casually mention a huge weight (more than 30 pounds) during a job interview? If so, how wold you go about mentioning it?
Personally, no, I would not mention it. I don't think the qualities you mentioned are what most interviewers would be hearing.... they would more likely be thinking "fat fat fat." Besides, to me it does not come across as professional to talk about your weight loss during a job interview.
No, unless as stated elsewhere it is relevant to the job.
Weight isn't in a protected class yet, but discussions about weight could be perceived to be creating a hostile work environment -- even though this is just an interview.
While it's a source of great pride for you -- as it should be -- it might also be a very touchy subject for the interviewer.
No, but not because I think they'd be thinking "fat fat fat". I just think it would come off as awkward, out of place, and too personal because it's not relevant. Unless, of course, you were applying for a job at a gym or as a personal fitness isntructor.
Only if it were to be a personal trainer / fitness instructor / diet coach, and even then, only if asked.
I am saying this as someone who writes professional resumes for a living. Getting too personal is a job opportunity killer.
Actually, I did mention my weight loss in my interview for my current job. The person I interviewed with knew me from a previous project we were on together. When I was on that project, I weighed quite a bit more and I was smoking 2 packs of cigs a day. I spoke about it in the context of being much healthier now than I was then.
I don't think I would mention it if I were interviewing with someone whom I didn't already know.
Last edited by Garnet2727; 01-05-2013 at 04:31 PM.
I actually have it on my resume. It's near the bottom, but under an accomplishments section. Sometimes it comes up on interviews, sometimes it doesn't. When asked about an obstacle I've overcome I always reference my weight loss and it turns the interview to something I'm familiar about (because people inevitably ask a million and one questions about it).
I can't say it's the thing that landed me a job, but it certainly something that's made me stand out.
If I was asked about a significant personal accomplishment or about a personal challenge/triumph, I would tell them. Other than that, I would keep it professional.
No, but not because I think they'd be thinking "fat fat fat". I just think it would come off as awkward, out of place, and too personal because it's not relevant. Unless, of course, you were applying for a job at a gym or as a personal fitness isntructor.
I agree. I think weight loss could actually be considered a liability, as so many people regain weight, and they would probably prefer a candidate without any health issues at all (insurance policies, etc.). I think you should be proud and there's no reason to think you'd regain but that is a thought interviewers may have.
I know it's common for interviewers to ask you to describe an obstacle you overcame but it would be so much better if you could prepare to discuss a professional situation.
Most potential employers ask what your hobbies are or say, "tell me more about yourself" and you could always throw that in. I plan to make it known that fitness and running are my passion (among other things) if asked during an interview.
Would You Briefly Mention Your Weight Loss During A Job Interview?
