How are the perceptions of someone coming into an interview well spoken, qualifications surpass expectations, delivers on all fronts, but is tatted on both arms/wrists/forearms?
First impressions are key, but would a hiring person/persons choose someone else who is perceived as more "clean cut" given everything else is equal?
I have a few upcoming interviews and can easily hide with a long sleeve dress shirt, but I'm unsure on how to handle if/when hired and I wear a short sleeve.
The jobs in question aren't exactly high end. They're intermediate positions where I will be doing clerical/data entry and at times, provide customer support.
The notion of not being hired b/c of misconceptions is absurd, but doesn't make it not real.
_____________________________________ No need to get my mental status cold stressin
1. "It depends on the region/industry." In response to Reply # 0
Nobody is going to give a shit in the West Coast tech scene for example.
If you're nervous you could probably cover up for the interview. That way you can check the place out and figure out if they are going to be petty enough to judge you over something like that.
like nopayne said, maybe cover up what you can for the interview. first impressions always matter. tattoos are more common now thought so it shouldnt really keep you from getting most jobs. you might run into one or two companies that arent with it but their loss.
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79560 posts
Mon Jun-03-19 08:35 PM
3. "Are they shitty looking tattoos? " In response to Reply # 0
I think we are at a point where it doesn’t matter as long as you are qualified.
Now if it’s some stuffy shit where you are meeting stuffy people it could be a problem.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
4. "You should be fine. Look professional during the interview..." In response to Reply # 0
and cover up what you can. The only time it would matter is if you work in a very conservative industry AND regularly do client facing work. I personally work in the accounting industry leading a team of consultants who go to firms all over the country (which can be very conservative depending on location) and in our case we still haven’t had any qualms with hiring people with tats.
The only time I’ve heard something like that even brought up is when we are interviewing an internal candidate who has more than just tats and has visible body modifications (for example we might have tech staff from development who haven’t been customer facing and have facial body mods but are now applying for a consultant role.)
7. "I'm in tech, and I don't pay attention to that stuff at all" In response to Reply # 0
Only about what can they do, and how well would we would work together and get along (easy for me, since I'm an introvert). This field is a bit more liberal tho. Last person we hired has blue & green hair right now. A few dudes in other departments have sleeves, ride bicycles to work, have hipster beards, etc. A lot depends on the company culture too.
8. "I'm old school in that all of my tats are hidden..." In response to Reply # 0 Tue Jun-04-19 08:54 AM by Creole
with the exception of the Roman numerals I have on my left wrist.
I've got seven of them. I still believe the industry sort of dictates what's "acceptable." However, once hired and depending n the nature of interactions, I suggest to keep them hidden when you can.
My team meets with a bunch of execs, leaders, and senior management types. These folks are sort of traditional (mainly government right now). So, I keep the tats to myself is how I feel. In a more modern office though, I've been more easily swayed to allow my arm tats to show when wearing short sleeves.
All that to say... Just be cautious of the overall environment and make the best decision from there.
Edit:
"The jobs in question aren't exactly high end. They're intermediate positions where I will be doing clerical/data entry and at times, provide customer support."
Remember that you could encounter many different people in a role like this one. And those people could help take you to another level if and WHEN you make the right impression (RESULTS; not ass-kissing) per se. I'd still say to hide them until you get a lay of the land.
9. "I work in public health (state government)" In response to Reply # 0
Specifically in HIV/STI. In California.
As an interviewer, I’ve never penalized anyone for tattoos, style of dress, etc. And even if it came down to two highly qualified candidates—one clean-cut and another looking like Lil Xan—tattoos/style wouldn’t even come into consideration. Same thing with perceptions of someone already in the job.
We’re a unique bunch, tho. Strong LGBTQ presence. Communities of color represented. Educated.
But it’s still an office/biz atmosphere here. And nowadays tattoos/style don’t matter like they used to.
12. "One of the main reasons I left my last position" In response to Reply # 0
We were short staffed by two people, and had just let someone else go. Went through all the resumes and found a few candidates that looked perfect on paper (this was for a small call center). Brought 4 people in for interviews, and the first guy absolutely smashed it. I go to shake his hand and almost offer him the job on the spot, but his sleeve rose up a little bit and the center manager caught hint of some ink right above dudes wrist.
After I walked him out I go to the CL to say "okay, lets go ahead and get the letter together" he goes "did you see his arm? It must be a full sleeve or something...geez...too bad". I was like "you DO realize this is a call center, where no one is ever going to see him, right?" but the CL couldnt get past that. Thats bs...especially in that type of work environment.
But reading the responses here, and the various industries displayed, I'm confident they can look past the tattoos. Letting my resume/wordplay in the interview process, and eventual work, shine.
Thank you all.
_____________________________________ No need to get my mental status cold stressin
20. "I met a dude that got a corp job with a face tat almost 10 yrs ago" In response to Reply # 0
He said he wore concealer for a little while after he got the job but then eventually revealed it and didn't hear a word. He was still new to the job so who knows how that all went long term.
Short of a face tat though, I think most companies are generally tolerant of discrete and/or concealable tattoos.
23. "I laughed the FUCK out loud at this notion" In response to Reply # 22
seriously...
"uh, Mr. Herna-" "It's FERNANDEZ FOOL!" "right... we're gonna have to, well based on your performance, although being OUTSTANDING, hasn't been up to par with- "par??? BITCH you think i'm gonna putt putt my way through this bitch?? play your way through and end up HANDICAPPED!" *throws up signs...though NEVER ordering hot coffee or a danish* "Yes sir, I'll go on break now. Would you like another?" "Yeah, gimme your sandwich"
_____________________________________ No need to get my mental status cold stressin
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