Bias against overweight job applicants: Further explorations of when and why

Abstract

We investigated the impact of job candidate weight (average or overweight) on several job-related ratings following a videotaped mock interview. In ad-dition to weight, we manipulated the race of the applicant, level of job qual-ifications, and type of job (e.g., public or private contact). We also measured the effect of rater race and negative affect on multiple work-relevant ratings. Weight, applicant race, job qualifications, and job type each had a modest but significant impact on ratings of hireability, performance capacity, adapt-ability, and interpersonal skills, in varying combinations. The implications of these results for practice and future research are provided. © 2007 Wiley Pe-riodicals, Inc.