What am I doing wrong? I'm qualified but always get rejected.?

Question

The positions I'm looking for are in CAD drafting (primary preference) or admin/clerical.
I have 5 yrs experience 2D and 3D drafting in AutoCAD + an additional 4 yrs providing tech support. Extensive computer expertise from upgrading/maintaining my own computers for the past 15 years and 4 yrs experience putting this knowledge to work in my most recent position. Intermediate proficiency in MS Office 2000-2007. Typing 45wpm with 98% accuracy.
My most recent position was as an Administrative Assistant for 4 yrs where I also maintained the computers and provided AutoCAD tech support. Prior to that position I was an Architectural Drafter for 5 years.
I have an Honors Assoc of Applied Science degree, 3.9 GPA majoring in Computer Aided Drafting Technology. Well educated in Mechanical, Architectural, Civil, Structural, Electronics, and Piping drafting.
Anyone have any ideas what the problem is? Do I no longer qualify for drafting positions since I was in a secretarial role for the past 4 years? Is my typing speed way too slow?
In the few interviews I've had I am always professional but friendly, enthusiastic about the job and my accomplishments. The primary problems I have are that I'm severely overweight and because of that I don't have a suit since they are not made in my size. Is the lack of a suit killing all my chances? Getting one custom made isn't an option because I can't afford the $300+ price tag a seamstress would charge. ...so I've been wearing a nice blouse, matching slacks (dark color), and black flats.
Please don't get on my case about my weight. I know it's a problem and I'm busting my **** to get healthier and lose the weight.

Answer 1

My guess would be it is the weight. I used to work for a corporation and was passed over at LEAST 8 times for a promotion. Each time, a new person would come in, and "I" would be responsible for training them, and in time, they would be promoted before me. Once I lost 86-1/2 pounds, I got a DOUBLE-JUMP promotion! I will never forget one of the VPs secretaries (who was a little overweight herself) who pulled me aside and told me my promotion was LONG OVERDUE. I told her I figured it was because of my weight. She said she agreed, but that the company would NEVER admit to it! It seems that some companies prefer to have their "ornaments" sitting at desks and looking good rather than brains to do the job. Overweight people are judged as being fat and lazy by those who don't understand anything about obesity--or don't care. If more people would start CARING about obese people instead of shunning them and judging them, this world would be a MUCH BETTER place for all! Hopefully, you will find a job at a place that respects you and appreciates your skills instead of judging you by your outer appearance. {{{{{BIG HUGS to you!}}}}}

Answer 2

Hi there! I can certainly understand your frustration! For the record, I don't think your typing speed is too slow for a typical administrative position. My best guess would be that you have a couple of factors working against you. The first being that the economy completely stinks (you probably weren't aware of this, right?? :) and there is a ton of competition. Because employers have so many candidates available for every available position they can afford to pick and choose. For example, if the position is for an Admin with a Marketing company, they probably won't just select someone with administrative experience, but they'll hold out for someone with both administrative AND marketing experience. I work in the HR field, and I'm seeing this more and more.



The other problem you're likely running into, is that if you've previously worked extensively with AutoCAD drafting. When you've worked for a long period of time in a particular field, potential employers often assume that you have a strong preference for it, and won't want to take the risk of offering you an administrative position that might not be your first choice. Not to mention the fact that they're likely concerned that the pay rate won't be acceptable for you, and that you're overqualified for the position.



I also understand your concern about the dress for interviews. My husband is a "bigger" guy, and ran into the same concerns when he was interviewing recently. I really think you're fine, though! I think that what you described is completely appropriate for the positions you're applying for!



Long story short, I think it's tough out there, but I think you have a lot going for you too. Just the fact that your most recent position lasted 4 years is a great accomplishment. I see hundreds of resumes every week from people that can't keep a job for more than a few months to a year. I really think your reliability will make a strong statement to employers. I also think it's great that you have variety with your experience, because that will make more options be reasonably available to you. It really sounds to me like you're on the right track, and I absolutely think it's just a matter of time before you see a reward for your efforts. I think with the economy completely blowing, volume of applications will definitely work in your favor. Good luck, and hang in there!!







****Holy cow--65 lbs since March??? Sheesh! My husband started dieting last April (08) and is down 85 lbs. now...it's some serious work, huh?

Answer 3

You are getting rejected because you are FAT. The moment these employers see you they decide not to hire you because in their minds you are a lazy, unhealthy (means you can't be productive or be good at your job), smelly, irresponsible, out-of-control glutton. ..and I side with them. The fat people where I work are GROSS, smelly, lazy, complain constantly about having too much work to do, and are always munching on chips, candy, and sodas.

Considering you are a fat cow I can understand why you're not getting hired. If I were in the employer's shoes I wouldn't hire you either, even if you did dress professionally and had all the right qualifications.

Until you are SKINNY no employer will take you seriously.

Think about it...an employer has 2 candidates and 1 position.

Candidate A: Very qualified and well experienced. Dress professional. FAT.

Candidate B: Not as qualified and some experience. Polished professional. Fit and slender.

Guess which person will get the job? Candidate B. Why? No question about health. If you're not healthy you can't be productive and do a good job.

btw...65 pounds since March is NOTHING! One of the places I used to work there was a lady who lost 150 lbs in the same amount of time.

Answer 4

it is your weight.



i personally find that eating much less to lose weight is only difficult in the first two days....and it becomes easy afterwards as the body gets used to it.