Tattoo's, Piercings and Employment

Linda_D_2

AP007 wrote: »

Why do people think its only alt people who have tattoos though

Tattoos are far more associated with chavs.

Personally I'm very pro tattoos especially as it helped secure me my job. I'm tattoo free and the other main candidate for the job had tattoos. I was later told that being tattoo free helped sway the decision in my favour. Thank goodness for tattoos and I hope many more get them! It really gives us non tattooed an advantage in the jobs world.

Cherry_Bomb

Linda_D wrote: »

Tattoos are far more associated with chavs.

Personally I'm very pro tattoos especially as it helped secure me my job. I'm tattoo free and the other main candidate for the job had tattoos. I was later told that being tattoo free helped sway the decision in my favour. Thank goodness for tattoos and I hope many more get them! It really gives us non tattooed an advantage in the jobs world.

I'd feel quite offended if I was told the only reason I got a job was because the other candidate had tattoos and I didn't. I'd prefer to be hired because my skills were more what they wanted or I was better qualified etc but hey whatever makes you feel good about yourself

busiscoming2

It doesn't really bother me being served by a tattooed or pierced person.

Whether I'd feel as un-bothered if it was my GP or dentist looking like that, I'm not so sure.

Linda_D_2

Cherry_Bomb wrote: »

I'd feel quite offended if I was told the only reason I got a job was because the other candidate had tattoos and I didn't. I'd prefer to be hired because my skills were more what they wanted or I was better qualified etc but hey whatever makes you feel good about yourself

No I didn't get the job just because I don't have any tattooes but in these days of huge unemployment where many qualified people can't find any work, companies will often be faced with many suitable candidates for that one job. Anything that can give you the edge is a good thing especially as many companies look down on tattooed employees.

nimbo

bluenoseam wrote: »

I personally as a customer have nothing against it, however there's a growing trend amongst employers to be very against it! With that being said I do find it somewhat odd that HMV have been in the news a couple of months back for refusing employment to people based on appearance (no visible tattoos or long hair for example) - a place where you figure it would be a little more "liberal".

If I were to get a tattoo though it would strictly be one which could be covered up, the chances are most employers WILL have a slightly negative opinion & older customers may be put off as well.

My local HMV has a really funky looking indie guy work there... it must be town specific...

having said that I've worked for Monsoon where the manager was a bit finicky about visible tattoos, whereas the accessorize manager down the road not so much...

when I worked for the NHS it was specifically written in the dress code, no visible tattoos, and piercings had to be limited to one each ear.... but also technically even as reception staff i was only allowed to wear a simple wedding band, and had to be bear below the elbow as I entered clinical settings....

it depensd what kind of job you may want to go for... independent clothing shops will love them, whereas shops like M&S are less likely to like them... unless you have REAL job security in the current market it may be worth sticking to the rules extolled into me before my first tattoo - you should be able to cover them for weddings and funerals (my family are religious and although I'm not I wouldn't want to offend my ancient Aunts)...

mark260311

inmypocketnottheirs

Personally I wouldn't employ anyone with facial piercings or visible tattoos.

heartbreak_star

Employers, riddle me this...

You work in, say, a solicitor's office, and have two people show up for interview, for a job you desperately need to fill, with identical qualifications.

One is unkempt and a bit slovenly, with a brusque attitude and not very endearing. They've showed up to the interview 10 mins late and dressed in a tshirt, jeans and trainers, but with no tattoos and natural hair.

The other is smartly dressed in a pressed suit with a tiny bit of tattoo ink peeking above the collar and out of their cuffs. Their long blue hair is neatly tied back in a plait, and their nose and lip studs are discreet but present. They are well-spoken and charming.

Which do you choose?

HBS x

coinxoperated

What an interesting set of replies!!

Do you think there's a difference in personality between the 'types' of people that dress in certain ways?

For example, a peroxide haired oranged skinned fake chav with a big ol' butterfly on the base of her back would push me away, almost instinctively. My experience of these types of people, chavs, had never been particularly positive.

If I met a girl with blue hair, a big 'ol set of artistic tattooed wings down her back and her cheeks pierced, I would instinctively feel warmer towards her.

How odd!

I also instinctively read XxxMessedUpxxX posts on other threads I read, as I not only can relate to her style, gothic and alternative (tattoos, piercings - not 'fashion') people just tend to be able to communicate better, seem to have a higher level of overall intelligence and I also find them interesting.

I'm afraid, regardless of tattoos or look, AP007 lost any chance of respect or real recognition from me around 4 months ago when I first started using these forums. He loves stirring and twisting people's words.

On that note... I'm off to dye my hair pillar box red! Haha!

heartbreak_star

Awh, not lilac?

I agree there's a massive distinction between tattoo types. Chavvy ones, military ones, artistic ones, etc.

I'd far rather see someone with blue or pink hair than bleached blonde, orange and wearing too much makeup in any situation.

EDIT: FWIW, I have 8 tattoos, wear a lot of black and have vivid red hair. You can see one of the tats if I don't wear a high-backed top, and two more if my top rides up at the front (e.g. stretching to reach something). I work in a scientific role, and while not immediately customer-facing, I deal with high-powered customers from time to time. None of then have ever had an issue with me

HBS x