Uncovered Tattoos and work.
Discussion
Hainey said:
It's a difficult one this with modern society being as it is in the UK. Speaking as an employer I am sympathetic to those who have visible tattoos such as on the hand and neck that are looking for work but the bottom line is I work in a mature industry where the way you project yourself really matters.
I couldn't send someone to one of the Islamic countries I deal with who had 'Mum' on one hand and 'Dad' on the other hand, or some sort of script/writing on their neck. You'd just look like another thuggish Westerner.
Even in the most western of all cultures, the USA, there are attitudes to this possibly because of the gang culture there. I have sat at dinner with clients and had them negatively discuss the server because they had tattoos and this has been reflected in the tip they leave.
I went all through my Royal Navy career without getting 'inked' so I agree with the previous poster about seeing plenty of people regret their choices there and perhaps that influenced me.
Should I be interviewing and I have one candidate with no visible tattoos and one with, sadly the second one isn't going to find themselves on a level playing field.
Exellent post. Hits the spot.I couldn't send someone to one of the Islamic countries I deal with who had 'Mum' on one hand and 'Dad' on the other hand, or some sort of script/writing on their neck. You'd just look like another thuggish Westerner.
Even in the most western of all cultures, the USA, there are attitudes to this possibly because of the gang culture there. I have sat at dinner with clients and had them negatively discuss the server because they had tattoos and this has been reflected in the tip they leave.
I went all through my Royal Navy career without getting 'inked' so I agree with the previous poster about seeing plenty of people regret their choices there and perhaps that influenced me.
Should I be interviewing and I have one candidate with no visible tattoos and one with, sadly the second one isn't going to find themselves on a level playing field.
Edited by WD39 on Saturday 1st October 12:25
Hainey said:
Speaking as an employer I am sympathetic to those who have visible tattoos such as on the hand and neck that are looking for work
Why sympathetic? They made that choice. Everyone knows that, rightly or wrongly, neck and face tats are not viewed well by millions of people. If you choose to ignore that and get one, why do you get sympathy when you don't get jobs you otherwise would have. Serves you right. Wearing a suit and tie doesn't make someone better at a job or a better person that someone in ripped jeans and a t shirt. But if you turn up for an interview for a professional position in ripped jeans and a t shirt, don't whine if you don't get the job, or if someone less able who looked the part does.
This wearing a suit thing is fading for many interviews other than the small old school employers or the highly paid professionals. Noone cares because they worked our a while ago that its work, its not a fashion parade
The sort who'll insist on someone wearing a suit in your average day job (probably still have a company tie option as well) are likely the sort who'll micro manage every aspect of what you do. And you don't really want to work like that, times have moved on
The sort who'll insist on someone wearing a suit in your average day job (probably still have a company tie option as well) are likely the sort who'll micro manage every aspect of what you do. And you don't really want to work like that, times have moved on
andy-xr said:
This wearing a suit thing is fading for many interviews other than the small old school employers or the highly paid professionals. Noone cares because they worked our a while ago that its work, its not a fashion parade
The sort who'll insist on someone wearing a suit in your average day job (probably still have a company tie option as well) are likely the sort who'll micro manage every aspect of what you do. And you don't really want to work like that, times have moved on
That depends on the job you are interviewing for. For most office based jobs candidates would still be best advised to turn up suited for the interview whatever the company dress code thereafter.The sort who'll insist on someone wearing a suit in your average day job (probably still have a company tie option as well) are likely the sort who'll micro manage every aspect of what you do. And you don't really want to work like that, times have moved on
TwigtheWonderkid said:
Why sympathetic? They made that choice. Everyone knows that, rightly or wrongly, neck and face tats are not viewed well by millions of people. If you choose to ignore that and get one, why do you get sympathy when you don't get jobs you otherwise would have.
Further to that - a number of people get neck and face tattoos precisely because mainstream society considers them taboo. That's the idea.andy-xr said:
This wearing a suit thing is fading for many interviews other than the small old school employers or the highly paid professionals. Noone cares because they worked our a while ago that its work, its not a fashion parade
The sort who'll insist on someone wearing a suit in your average day job (probably still have a company tie option as well) are likely the sort who'll micro manage every aspect of what you do. And you don't really want to work like that, times have moved on
If you believe all the research about first impressions then it pays to conform to the expectations of the people who have some influence over your future, particulalry in crunch situations such as interviews. If you feel you are in total control of your own destiny then great. Personally I don't get this attitude of "I don't give t*ss about what other people think about my appearance. It's their problem". All fine and dandy until you find yourself the victim of unreasonable prejudice and you can't do anything about it. The sort who'll insist on someone wearing a suit in your average day job (probably still have a company tie option as well) are likely the sort who'll micro manage every aspect of what you do. And you don't really want to work like that, times have moved on
ChasW said:
If you believe all the research about first impressions then it pays to conform to the expectations of the people who have some influence over your future, particulalry in crunch situations such as interviews. If you feel you are in total control of your own destiny then great. Personally I don't get this attitude of "I don't give t*ss about what other people think about my appearance. It's their problem". All fine and dandy until you find yourself the victim of unreasonable prejudice and you can't do anything about it.
+ 1 so true.just read this from the first page to the last post and surprised with the negative views on Tattoos .... I've had a large (full arm) tattoo most of my working career and never once (that i know of) found that it has impacted on me progressing my career.
I've recently (last 6months) extended the tattoo onto my hand, I've had a lot more people notice my tattoos and it seems to be a conversation starter than gain negative comments. quite a few of them the older generation positively commenting on my "ink" (their word not mine)
current employers have not mentioned the tattoos, apart from one comment from one of the Directors asking if i had extended my previous one as he wasn't sure.
I have weekly interaction with all the Directors and the CEO, and feel they are the sort of people who would say something if it was a problem, so assume they don't actually mind and I haven't noticed them treating me any differently because of it. However from reading this thread i think i might bring the subject up in the yearly review so any negative thoughts are aired and discussed.
It may be down to the industry i am in (construction) where tattoos are commonly seen or just lucky that my Employers view my ability to carry out my job more important than me having visible tattoos that may or may not be an issue for someone else
I've recently (last 6months) extended the tattoo onto my hand, I've had a lot more people notice my tattoos and it seems to be a conversation starter than gain negative comments. quite a few of them the older generation positively commenting on my "ink" (their word not mine)
current employers have not mentioned the tattoos, apart from one comment from one of the Directors asking if i had extended my previous one as he wasn't sure.
I have weekly interaction with all the Directors and the CEO, and feel they are the sort of people who would say something if it was a problem, so assume they don't actually mind and I haven't noticed them treating me any differently because of it. However from reading this thread i think i might bring the subject up in the yearly review so any negative thoughts are aired and discussed.
It may be down to the industry i am in (construction) where tattoos are commonly seen or just lucky that my Employers view my ability to carry out my job more important than me having visible tattoos that may or may not be an issue for someone else
Spud, you mention your industry being construction and that perhaps means a different outlook. I would agree with that.
My previous job before changing industries was that of airline pilot. Not many people are comfortable with the same standard applying to flight deck crew.
My current industry is an old fashioned one as I said, and when old fashioned people are handing out million pounds plus contracts they can afford to be choosy. I can't take the risk of losing that contract because the guy I sent to close it looks 'off image' shall we say.
My previous job before changing industries was that of airline pilot. Not many people are comfortable with the same standard applying to flight deck crew.
My current industry is an old fashioned one as I said, and when old fashioned people are handing out million pounds plus contracts they can afford to be choosy. I can't take the risk of losing that contract because the guy I sent to close it looks 'off image' shall we say.
Hainey said:
Spud, you mention your industry being construction and that perhaps means a different outlook. I would agree with that.
My previous job before changing industries was that of airline pilot. Not many people are comfortable with the same standard applying to flight deck crew.
My current industry is an old fashioned one as I said, and when old fashioned people are handing out million pounds plus contracts they can afford to be choosy. I can't take the risk of losing that contract because the guy I sent to close it looks 'off image' shall we say.
What Industry do you work in? Million pound plus contracts (we are talking several Million for some contracts) are a normal occurrence for the company i work for, some of which i work closely on helping to close out due to the position i have within the company, but I agree it may be down to the industry the work is in and the views within that industry more than value of work.My previous job before changing industries was that of airline pilot. Not many people are comfortable with the same standard applying to flight deck crew.
My current industry is an old fashioned one as I said, and when old fashioned people are handing out million pounds plus contracts they can afford to be choosy. I can't take the risk of losing that contract because the guy I sent to close it looks 'off image' shall we say.
i think each person should judged on their capabilities of doing the particular job than their appearance, however i can see why this isn't the case.
Spud1985 said:
just read this from the first page to the last post and surprised with the negative views on Tattoos .... I've had a large (full arm) tattoo most of my working career and never once (that i know of) found that it has impacted on me progressing my career.
I've recently (last 6months) extended the tattoo onto my hand, I've had a lot more people notice my tattoos and it seems to be a conversation starter than gain negative comments. quite a few of them the older generation positively commenting on my "ink" (their word not mine)
current employers have not mentioned the tattoos, apart from one comment from one of the Directors asking if i had extended my previous one as he wasn't sure.
I have weekly interaction with all the Directors and the CEO, and feel they are the sort of people who would say something if it was a problem, so assume they don't actually mind and I haven't noticed them treating me any differently because of it. However from reading this thread i think i might bring the subject up in the yearly review so any negative thoughts are aired and discussed.
It may be down to the industry i am in (construction) where tattoos are commonly seen or just lucky that my Employers view my ability to carry out my job more important than me having visible tattoos that may or may not be an issue for someone else
As has been said before, it's not comparing like with like. What may be acceptable in construction, or a factory, may not be so acceptable (to others) if you're a teacher, lawyer, MP or priest.I've recently (last 6months) extended the tattoo onto my hand, I've had a lot more people notice my tattoos and it seems to be a conversation starter than gain negative comments. quite a few of them the older generation positively commenting on my "ink" (their word not mine)
current employers have not mentioned the tattoos, apart from one comment from one of the Directors asking if i had extended my previous one as he wasn't sure.
I have weekly interaction with all the Directors and the CEO, and feel they are the sort of people who would say something if it was a problem, so assume they don't actually mind and I haven't noticed them treating me any differently because of it. However from reading this thread i think i might bring the subject up in the yearly review so any negative thoughts are aired and discussed.
It may be down to the industry i am in (construction) where tattoos are commonly seen or just lucky that my Employers view my ability to carry out my job more important than me having visible tattoos that may or may not be an issue for someone else
Spud1985 said:
Hainey said:
Spud, you mention your industry being construction and that perhaps means a different outlook. I would agree with that.
My previous job before changing industries was that of airline pilot. Not many people are comfortable with the same standard applying to flight deck crew.
My current industry is an old fashioned one as I said, and when old fashioned people are handing out million pounds plus contracts they can afford to be choosy. I can't take the risk of losing that contract because the guy I sent to close it looks 'off image' shall we say.
What Industry do you work in? Million pound plus contracts (we are talking several Million for some contracts) are a normal occurrence for the company i work for, some of which i work closely on helping to close out due to the position i have within the company, but I agree it may be down to the industry the work is in and the views within that industry more than value of work.My previous job before changing industries was that of airline pilot. Not many people are comfortable with the same standard applying to flight deck crew.
My current industry is an old fashioned one as I said, and when old fashioned people are handing out million pounds plus contracts they can afford to be choosy. I can't take the risk of losing that contract because the guy I sent to close it looks 'off image' shall we say.
i think each person should judged on their capabilities of doing the particular job than their appearance, however i can see why this isn't the case.
Can I see me sending someone with a full sleeve, a stretcher earing and a neck and hand tattoo to a Lloyd's dinner to represent me?
No, I honestly can't. I want my representative to be remembered for certain qualities and not as 'that guy or girl' who showed up looking like a Cat Von D test piece.
Whilst I admire those who swim against the tide for reasons of personal fulfillment I also have to consider the people in my organisation whom that rep has to win business for so those guys on the tools can pay their mortgage and put shoes on their children's feet.
Hence I'll take the conventional option.
Hainey said:
Spud1985 said:
Hainey said:
Spud, you mention your industry being construction and that perhaps means a different outlook. I would agree with that.
My previous job before changing industries was that of airline pilot. Not many people are comfortable with the same standard applying to flight deck crew.
My current industry is an old fashioned one as I said, and when old fashioned people are handing out million pounds plus contracts they can afford to be choosy. I can't take the risk of losing that contract because the guy I sent to close it looks 'off image' shall we say.
What Industry do you work in? Million pound plus contracts (we are talking several Million for some contracts) are a normal occurrence for the company i work for, some of which i work closely on helping to close out due to the position i have within the company, but I agree it may be down to the industry the work is in and the views within that industry more than value of work.My previous job before changing industries was that of airline pilot. Not many people are comfortable with the same standard applying to flight deck crew.
My current industry is an old fashioned one as I said, and when old fashioned people are handing out million pounds plus contracts they can afford to be choosy. I can't take the risk of losing that contract because the guy I sent to close it looks 'off image' shall we say.
i think each person should judged on their capabilities of doing the particular job than their appearance, however i can see why this isn't the case.
Can I see me sending someone with a full sleeve, a stretcher earing and a neck and hand tattoo to a Lloyd's dinner to represent me?
No, I honestly can't. I want my representative to be remembered for certain qualities and not as 'that guy or girl' who showed up looking like a Cat Von D test piece.
Whilst I admire those who swim against the tide for reasons of personal fulfillment I also have to consider the people in my organisation whom that rep has to win business for so those guys on the tools can pay their mortgage and put shoes on their children's feet.
Hence I'll take the conventional option.
There are very very few jobs where not having a tattoo would affect your chances of employment, but quite a few where it would.
Same goes for wearing a suit (as its been mentioned) to an office interview, its not going to reflect badly but turning up dressed as boy george might.
Its not fair, but its a fact.
Same goes for wearing a suit (as its been mentioned) to an office interview, its not going to reflect badly but turning up dressed as boy george might.
Its not fair, but its a fact.
Robertj21a said:
I'm still wondering what the ladies with lots of prominent tattoos will think of them in years to come when the fashion has long passed.
That's a big problem imo. We all look back at photo's of us from years ago and laugh about our hair style and clothes we wore in those days. Tattoos are more permanent.Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff