Would clearly visible tattoos hinder my pursuit of a career in forensic science?

Question

Like would hurt my chances of getting a job.

Answer 1

Yes, unfortunately it would.  I am a heavily tattooed female (right full sleeve, one on thigh, one large one on each calf, entire abdomen and lower chest done).  I got a new job in marketing and sales/technical 6 months ago, and I have made sure they do not find out I have tattoos.  Ignore the advice that it only matters in the interview.  People will find a way to fire you for your tattoos if they dislike it, and blame the firing on something "legitimate".  "Well, you're just not fitting in around here".  Where I work I am on probation for the first six months.  During that time they can fire me for whatever reason they want.  Before this, I worked in health care and I covered up the tats.  My strong advice is not to tattoo anything that sticks out of a long sleeved shirt, i.e. your neck, upper chest, arms above wrists.  I have learned to live with long skirts, pants, and long sleeved shirts all year round.  The problem of how to negotiate the company hot-tub party has yet to be resolved...seriously, they're having one in 2 weeks...need a reason to NOT show up in a swim suit...If forensic science is your dream, go after it, and just keep the aforementioned areas clear of tats.  You have lots of other skin to cover. :)

Answer 2

only time it would matter is during the interview. is it so visible you can't hide it under formal shirt/business suit for the interview? if yes then you're screwed for most jobs. consider make-up cover-up (stage make up not grocery store bought kind)

Answer 3

The honest answer is Yes.  However, visible tattoos can hurt you in any position that is typically labeled as ‘conservative.’  It depends on the hiring manager, and the area where the job is located.  The more liberal, the better.  Hide them as much as possible, but your personality and reputation will speak louder than a tattoo ever will.

My Best,

Michael Grant

http://www.yawzer.com

find a career – find an employee

Answer 4

Depends on what the tattoo is, how big it is, where it is on your body, and what job you want.  If you want to be an officer, your tats have to be covered by your uniform.  If you want to work in the lab, it's a little different.  Several of us in my lab have tattoos.  Mine goes around my wrist and most people don't even notice.  I can cover it with a long-sleeved shirt when I go to court, but I don't always.  A couple people in our DNA section have the double helix tattooed on their ankles, and one guy who is ex-military has one (military-related) on the inside of his forearm.  If it's not huge or in poor taste, or on someplace like your neck (people think "gang member" when they see tats on the neck) you should be fine.

Check out this website for pics of scientists and their tattoos: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/c... .  They're not all forensic scientists, but there's some cool stuff on there.