AIBU?
Piercings and tattoos. Would they put you off?
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
BeerTricksPotter · 01/06/2011 12:46
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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.
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
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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!
.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.
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.
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