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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Piercings and tattoos. Would they put you off?

78 replies

katvond · 01/06/2011 12:44

Having a debate with a friend about this, she would not employ anyone with a facial piercing or visible tattoos. I said if they was capable of the job should it really matter?
What's your views MNers

OP posts:

BeerTricksPotter · 01/06/2011 12:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MonstaMunch · 01/06/2011 12:48

depends on the job

customer facing, probably not

usualsuspect · 01/06/2011 12:49

I would ,if they were the best person for the job

kreecherlivesupstairs · 01/06/2011 12:49

Depends on the job and nature of the piercings and tats I suppose. I am not in a position to be employing anyone, but like Beer said, I would go on references and interview.
My DH worked with a teacher who had a couple of ear piercings and a tongue one. A couple of the mums at the school were up in arms about it. He was the best colleague DH ever had.

ThePieSmuggler · 01/06/2011 12:50

I think it very much depends on the job in question. Whilst I wholeheartedly agree with you in that if a person is capable of doing the job then it shouldn't matter, I do feel that people will judge on appearances and formulate an impression of the person/company accordingly. I'm not saying it's right but I think that's the way it is.

Unless of course you're employing them to work in your tattoo/piercing studio, in which case it would help

EssexGurl · 01/06/2011 12:50

I think it does depend on the nature of the job. If it was a client facing role then you do have to think about the image the company is presenting and the clients you have. Young and trendy ad agency would probably be OK whilst behind the counter in a bank serving little old ladies, probably not. There is also the question of whether there is a dress code. Most companies do have these and they can be be quite prescriptive about what is expected. However, if the person were the best for the job then there would need to be a conversation about covering up tattoo's or removing piercings. If it is not client facing, then I would say it should not be an issue.

In the Sunday Times this week, the relative values piece was on Gizzi Erskine. She has a number of tattoos and piercings but obviously covers these for her TV work and it was only reading the article that I knew about them. There is a back story for her that explains these and probably for everyone else with such adornment.

TobyLerone · 01/06/2011 12:50

I don't think it matters at all. I would employ them for any job, if they were qualified and appropriate for that position.

That said, I have several tattoos, one of which is visible if I wear a vest top or something low-cut at the back. And I have a tongue piercing.

I'm an accountant.

nocake · 01/06/2011 12:50

It would depend on the job and the level of tattoos and piercings. If it was a back office job then I probably wouldn't care. If they were dealing with customers and being the public face of my company then it would matter to me.

nijinsky · 01/06/2011 12:51

Off employing someone? Not unless they prevented them from doing the job properly. Off having a relationship with someone - totally. I also must admit to finding the irony that people invariably say they have them to express their individuality when tatoos at least, originated to infer a tribal allegiance.

troisgarcons · 01/06/2011 12:52

Depends on the job.

But yes, ashamed to say, I do judge.... or rather I sterotype.... then usually kick my self for knee jerk reactions. But it does depend on the amount of tattoos and where they are. Hands and face are a big no-no. I don't like them generally. If can see them then they are in the wrong place.

Can't stand that latest fad for the stretching your earlobes. That will be beyond stupid when you are 60+

Piercing dont really bother me. They just look a bit 'sad' on people past 25!

mayorquimby · 01/06/2011 12:53

In principle I'd say "no not at all." being someone who has had piercings int he past and has tattoos. However if in reality I was a business owner and I thought that employing them may negatively effect my livelihood then no. So it would depend on the job entirely. If I was running a pub or retail shop probably not, if I was in charge of a solicitor firm or financial institution then it may influence my decision

Reality · 01/06/2011 12:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

worraliberty · 01/06/2011 12:54

What troisgarcons said

Marne · 01/06/2011 12:55

I think its hard not to judge, i have tatoo's but i'm not silly enough to have them where they are on full view, my brother and my step son have tatoo's on their necks and i think its a very stupid thing to do as it looks horrid and people will judge.

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 01/06/2011 12:56

Yes, I think people make judgements on piercings and tattoos and I think that in job-hunting, your chances of success improve if you can demonstrate your ability to 'fit in' rather than show your 'individuality'.

I personally don't like tattoos or piercings, other than (one) in each ear lobe, but that's just my own preference.

I do wonder though at the marvellous pain thresholds of some of the tattoo-ees who have artwork on their stomachs, shins, necks and so on...

troisgarcons · 01/06/2011 12:57

Also, working in a school, there are kids that come in with them when they are 15 . I know it's illegal - but someone must be doing them. IMHO it's disfigurement.

best convo so far:

do you like my tattoo?

me: what is it?
#tribal
me: what tribe do you belong to

no answer to that!

Marne · 01/06/2011 12:58

I have one on my stomach, i would not reccomend it to anyone and my pain threshold is high .

MonstaMunch · 01/06/2011 12:58

i love the 20 stone women in ASDA in strappy tops with their arms covered in tattoos - very classy

on the other hand, dont suppose they are likely to be looking for a job anyway .....

lol

Original poster

katvond · 01/06/2011 12:58

Some great views here, I don't have piercing but do have tattoos,my only visable one if the one on my foot all the others are hidden. I agree reality they sum up some kind of image and like you had all mine in my 20's. I really started hating them and the price for laser was unreal. So to anyone I would say think before you have one and choose your design wisely. The one on my arm I have since had covered with a buddha and I like it alot.

OP posts:

troisgarcons · 01/06/2011 13:01

I suupose I look at my brother (who has loads on his arms and legs) done nearly 40 years ago when he was in teh services. Fine on taught young skin but they look awful now the elasticity has gone and dare I say, a bit wrinkly!!! They fade as well.

Original poster

katvond · 01/06/2011 13:02

And earrings on men,I just don't like it and can't stand fleash tunnels,our next door neighbour stretched his ear its massive,I did say to him you do know it will never grow back you'll have a 14mm hole in your ear forever. Just shrugged his shoulders and said well I am at college.

OP posts:

Primalscream · 01/06/2011 13:05

I have facial piercings but think tattoos look awful on women -
Wrt employment - it depends on the job.

troisgarcons · 01/06/2011 13:06

tongue studs .....I just get the urge to scream "stop fiddling with it - you're wrecking your tooth enamel"

Gster · 01/06/2011 13:07

If someone had ' kill, kill, kill ' tattoo'd across their forehead I would make a judgement call irrespective of their CV.

If someone had a quality tattoo over all there legs and arms and 30 piercings I would care as long as they did the job well.

Original poster

katvond · 01/06/2011 13:08

Tongue studs to me sound unhygenic to me,all the food getting stuck.

OP posts:

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