Job Discussion Forums

Haruka · Joined: 23 Aug 2012 Posts: 38 Location: California

Okay, I tried searching to see if anyone had posted this kind of question already, but didn't find anything. I am in process of trying to get a teaching job in Japan (of course) and have had a nagging question pinging around in my brain for a while. Does being fat hinder your chances of being hired?

As you have probably guessed, I'm fat. According to my August physical, I am healthy, though, and I have prior teaching experience and a Preliminary Teaching Credential. So, as a fat job-seeker, am I wasting my time?

ZennoSaji · Joined: 02 Feb 2010 Posts: 87 Location: Mito, Ibaraki

I'm plus size, too, and I've gotten to the seminar stage of Interac. What's more, the guy doing the demo lessons in Interac's videos is on the hefty side, as well. :3 I think we're ok, but this is my first try.

funkyging · Joined: 06 Jan 2011 Posts: 45

I'm classed as overweight and im working in a JHS. on problems during interview, same as the guy before me, my boss is on the hefty side aswell

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Face it. Compared to most Japanese, many/most of us foreigners are huge. It's all relative.

Without knowing your true size (and no, I'm NOT asking you to divulge), it's a little hard to make judgments here. I'd say many/most employers judge us on the basis of credentials and chemistry/personality. I know quite a few large women who have been here a while and were not small when they arrived. Key words are "a while", as in 10-20 years.

Put on a smile and charm them.

Haruka · Joined: 23 Aug 2012 Posts: 38 Location: California

Sounds good. Thanks, everybody! I was just curious. I hadn't seen anything online that said fat people would have a hard time getting hired and figured if it were a problem, someone would have complained about it.

kathrynoh · Joined: 16 Jul 2009 Posts: 64

I guess it's something they aren't going to tell you if you don't get the job.

The only thing I'd suggest is that if you want to work with kids, especially young kids, you give the impression that you have loads of energy and you are flexible enough (physically) get down on the floor and play games with them.

southofreality · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 579 Location: Tokyo

Have seen plenty of big boys and girls teaching as ALTs and in eikaiwas... Energy and a positive attitude are two most important factors.

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

Pitarou · Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Posts: 1116 Location: Narita, Japan

I've met a few big women working in the eikaiwa / ALT industry, including some in senior positions. I've never been close to any of them but, FWIW, I've never heard them complain about their size affecting their career.