Inappropriate Job Interview

Today, August 23rd, I went for a job interview in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. The company told me over the phone that they help unions administer their benefits plans. I hoped that that was the case.

So this morning I put on my suit, drove all the way down to Blue Bell, and arrived at... an insurance company.  My heart sank a little.  I suspected that this would be a pyramid scheme... or "multi-level marketing."

I didn't have to wait long for my first interview.  The person doing so was a younger guy- maybe in his late twenties or early thirties.  He said he was a manager.  We went into a small room, and he asked me the usual questions.  Some of the questions were variations on the usual questions, but were easily answered.  That is, until the final question.

He looked at me and said "So how long has it been?

I looked back and said "How long has it been since what?"

He said "Well, you're... Transgender."

I paused a moment.  I almost left.

I said "Yes, I am.  I didn't expect to be questioned about this.  I have been living as my true self for almost 3 years, and I'm a little uncomfortable that I'm being asked about it."

He said "Well you look very nice."  I thanked him.

Post- Interview Selfie

The interview process was in three stages.  After I finished with this manager, he led me into a larger meeting room.  I was one of eleven people in that room, and old one of only three women.  There was music playing in the room- dance music- and it was rather loud.  There was also a camera array mounted centrally on the ceiling.  This part of the process would be us filling out a couple pieces of paper, and then listening to two different people describe the job to us.  After that, we would turn in those papers.  We were told that only three of us would be called for the third interview, which would be the next day.  Those three would then be interviewed by a "hiring manager."  An offer would or would not be made at that time.

The first person was older; perhaps my age.  He was well tanned, and had two earrings.  He said he had just come off vacation, and he used a lot of sports metaphors as he spoke.  He made it clear what his politics were by the statements he made.  He thought that, despite all the indicators, the economy was still going down the tubes, and he left no doubt as to who was to blame. He told us the history of the company, and about what the job entailed.  We would go to the provided Union members' homes, sit down with them, and sell them supplemental insurance.  He then introduced another person.  This woman has been with the company for 9 years, and was a "regional manager."

Her job was to explain the "compensation structure."  When I saw that, my heart sank.  It was a pyramid scheme (or "multi-level marketing.")   You're expected to sign at least four policies per week.  After six months, you would then start training others, and you'll get a piece of their action, and so on and so on.  Oh, and since this was selling insurance, we would need to be licensed.  The company would help with that process, but would only pay for part of it.  So, if called back, the applicant would have to bring $75 with them to cover the licensing.

During the presentations, two of the people left.  I thought about leaving, but I wanted to hear everything they had to say.  I tried to keep an open mind.  In the end, the woman again repeated that only three of us would be chosen, and called somewhere between three and five o'clock that day.

After the interview, I drove home change clothes, and then went to pick up my roomie and bestie Linda to go into the city.  We needed to pick up our prescriptions at the Mazzoni Center.  On the way back, at approximately 4 o'clock, the expected phone call came. Well, I didn't exactly expect it- I hoped for it.

At the Mazzoni Center

The person offered me the third interview the next morning.  I was very polite and businesslike on the phone. I thanked them for their time and for the presentation.  I then told them I had to refuse their offer, and that I would tell them why.

I told them that the first person I spoke to brought up that I am transgender, and that it made me very uncomfortable.  I also told her that, in some states, it is illegal to mention my gender identity.  I then said that I don't want to work for a company that feels uncomfortable with me, and where I would feel uncomfortable, so therefore I could not accept the next interview.

The woman on the other on the other end of the line apologized profusely, stammered a bit, and asked if I was sure.  I said I was, and then we concluded the call.

I can't say I'm surprised that the first person brought up my Gender Identity: after all it was my first real interview as a Woman, and I'm not exactly passable.

Is this what I am to expect from now on?

I need to find a job with a living wage, and so far I have been turned down, usually before even being interviewed.  That includes a job as a Transgender Advocate.  I really thought I had a chance for an interview there, but... nope.  Not good enough.  I guess they wanted "young and passable."

I don't know where to proceed from here.  I have people looking at my resume to see if there are faults in it.  I don't know, but in any case I must say that I am more than a little discouraged about what happened today.  I'm glad that my bestie Linda was there to help assuage of the pain of it.

I also spoke to Wife.  She was a little upset as well, and not a bit surprised.

I guess that's the lot of a Transgender person, especially a Transgender woman, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Maybe someday that will change.  I hope so.

I may even find a job before then, but I'm not holding my breath.

Be well.