Tattoos are a common form of expression for many people. Some choose a limited number of tattoos that express something meaningful to them. Others may have one or two they got on a dare or just for fun. For some, tattoos are serious body art, or may be used to cover scars from their past. Regardless of the number of tattoos a person has, or the reasons behind them many people often debate how many, if any are appropriate for the workplace. While freedom of choice and equality are supposed to be trademarks of the workplace, anyone who styles themselves in a more subversive or non-traditional manner, such as multiple piercings, tattoos, or even vibrant hair dyes, most likely realizes that this is not always the case. Frequently hiring managers want candidates to appear as traditional as possible, and that means that whenever possible it is best to limit the display of tattoos during the interview process. A company may not directly say that tattoos were “the reason” for not hiring a candidate, but it may cause them to look harder for other reasons to avoid making an offer. If an offer is extended, visible tattoos may lower potential salaries offered or curtail other benefits.
Tattoos are Common, Why Are They Still Taboo?
Once upon a time there was a general feeling that tattoos were for sailors and rebels, and certainly employers would want you to tow the line. A tattoo, or multiple ones, could show a tendency toward deviance or an inability to follow direction. But that has changed in the last several years. Many people who are in the early days of their careers have tattoos. According to Pew Research Center, nearly 40% of those between 18-29 have at least one display of ink somewhere on their body. When people with these age ranges were surveyed, more than three-quarters replied that they believed tattoos hurt a person’s chance of being hired. Additionally, more than a third of those interviewed indicated that an employee with visible tattoos reflected poorly on the company that they worked for.
If you are a millennial with a tattoo or two or three (or more) it may seem as if you have some room to relax at an interview if you notice the person interviewing you is a bit closer to your age. But this might not necessarily be true. It’s also been shown that a more experienced hiring manager is less likely to judge you for your ink than someone with less experience.
Should You Keep Hiding, Or Come Clean?
If you choose to hide your tattoos during the interview process, you may wonder if it is fair to uncover them once you start the job. Many believe that covering their ink means they need to hide who they are, and with so many hours spent at work, that can be hard to swallow for a lot of people. But it is important to look at the values of your workplace, even if they don’t fully match your own…especially when it comes to self-expression. It is important to look closely at your company’s mission statement and the dress code, particularly if there is specific language regarding tattoos. If you work at a bank or a law office, the company may ask that you cover tattoos during your workday, especially if they are near your face, or if they say words or show symbols that are considered controversial. However, not all companies are conservative when it comes to body art. Many companies with more relaxed dress codes see supporting their employees’ style as an important value to aspire to, as it helps employees ultimately serve customers better.
But reality has a way of breaking through. Since tattoos and piercings are increasingly popular, a company should make their stance clear, especially if their policy actively discourages either in any way. The practice of hiding tattoos is still widely advised, and a job interview is the best place to clarify the policies and assess if the match would be a good fit for both parties.
Consider this: covering tattoos during an interview isn’t just a way to hide; it is a way to shift focus onto your skills and other attributes that make you the right person for the job.  While your skills should come before your appearance and how you present yourself, it is complicated by factors such as opinion, assessment and traditional norms. It is best to assume that your image matters, especially if you want to move through the ranks professionally.
At London Image Institute, we offer courses and training in image consulting as well as services all over the world. We have locations in the UK, in London, In the United States, in Atlanta, GA, and in India and Singapore. To learn more, contact us for more information.
