Tattoo's in the workplace?

Question

I know many there are many people who love tattoos, yet many others don't enjoy the sight of them.

I've heard that having visible tattoo's can lessen your chance of getting hired for a job. Is that true? Does that guideline go for small visible tattoos as well? [ex: small wrist tattos below your palm] I have simply considered placing a bandaid over my tattoo during interviews, however covering it with a bandaid, it being on the lower side of my wrist can give off the wrong impression can't it?

Answer 1

i think u should definitely not use the band aid, it will give off a wrong idea. I really think it depends on what you have. I myself have a tattoo on my hand, very small though, and it has not really been a problem for me. If you are thinking of getting one, i think you should get something small that is not offensive to anybody or anything. if you already have one, well i guess it's really too late. But just dont use the band aid thing.

Answer 2

Just wear a big bangle type bracelet or a chunky watch. That way its covered and doesn't give off a bad impression. Lots of places are becoming more accepted of tattoos but there are tons that still consider it to be unprofessional.

Answer 3

It all depends on the job. If you feel that having a visible tattoo might affect you getting a job your best bet would be to wear long sleeve to your interview and also ask if you get hired if tattoos are ok. If not then long sleeves it is. My job does not look down on my tattoos. i work in an office, but when i have meetings with customers or the "Big Wigs" i wear long sleeves.  

Answer 4

I am only speaking from experience when I say this ...

Before I was hired where I'm currently working as an administrative assistant, I went on many interviews. One of the places I interviewed was as a hostess at a beautiful restaraunt. For the 2nd interview, I wore a professional suit which consisted of a dress with a matching blazer. I have a tattoo on my leg which was going to be visibile with the outfit I chose to wear for this interview. 'Til this day, I think I didn't get that job because of my tattoo.

Therefore, if you really feel that you're going to be "discriminated" against because of your body art (I think of it as art), then maybe you should consider what you wear for the interview or just cover it up like you mentioned above.  Also, it really all depends on where your'e being interviewed. There are some offices (like my current one) where the management is laid-back.

Good luck! I hope I helped.

Answer 5

I think it all depends. I work at a school with a pretty strict dress code, and teachers are allowed to show tasteful tattoos.  

Last year, I worked at a school where I could wear jeans, but tattoos were against the rules.

I would definitely cover it in an interview.  Ask about the tattoo policy once you get the job.  

Answer 6

Anything you do can lessen your chance for a job - not kissing butt enough, kissing butt too much, not knowing enough about the job, knowing too much...

To say nothing of other aspects of appearance, such as your ethnic background, how you part your hair, piercings... and many other things, chosen or born with.  Certainly a tattoo can have a negative effect, but that is becoming less & less so and really varies depending on the job.  In some cases, and I don't just mean 'sales associate' at Hot Topic, it can be a plus.  It has been for the programmers and systems folks I've interviewed.

If you do need to cover it up, try to make the coverup look natural.  A watch, long sleeves, maybe Dermablend... something boring looking.  Personally I hate interviews as they tend to be a practice in dishonesty, but it seems the game has to be played.  My real interviews tend to happen after the person is hired, ideally over a pint following the first week of work.  It tends to be far more popular, relaxing and honest than any interview I normally hold.

Answer 7

I run the sales dept of a car dealership (a typically conservative type role) and i have tats that mostly (mostly being the key word) get covered by a shirt with a collar for the one on the side of my neck, and most short sleeved dressier shirts will cover them on my arms/shoulders except when i stretch a bit.

i've only ever heard good comments from customers, never a bad thing... worst thing i've heard described is someone asking for that young guy with the tattoos and piercings.  i think it pays to stick out from the crowd, they remember me for something, and still no negatives attached to it.

i don't know if they knew i had them for my interview at either of the 2 positions i've interviewed for in the last 10 years, but i did wear work appropriate clothing and i took out my ear rings

Answer 8

There are a lot of variables to this one. I myself have several tattoos on both of my arms and was hired on the spot at my current job, and no it's not a McJob either. I guess it depends on the job and who does the hiring.

Answer 9

Tatoos can be a plus or minus depending on the workplace.  Trendy bar or tatoo parlor...plus.  A regular store or school...minus

Most companies where you deal with the public require them to be covered

I think today acceptance of tatoos is pretty good but I'd doubt it will ever "help" get a job