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Original poster

Tattoo's

40 replies

user22222 · 09/02/2021 16:42

Hi

Looking for recruiters thoughts on tattoos?

I'm in a fairly professional job, looking to work my way up over time.

I already have a few, which can all be covered so are no issue, I'd like to end up with around 60-70% of my body done over time.

Would this be an issue for you if I was right for the job?

OP posts:
LApprentiSorcier · 09/02/2021 16:45

It wouldn't bother me. I don't find tattoos aesthetically pleasing, but I don't see that they affect a person's ability in any way - no different from someone interviewing in a suit I wouldn't choose for myself.

LaurieFairyCake · 09/02/2021 16:45

Is it a fairly traditional job or profession?

It would be a problem in teaching if they weren't fully covered at all times - there are other professions where it may be a problem I think

Yellow85 · 09/02/2021 16:49

I also think it depends on the company and their brand. I think it’s less of a thing nowadays as so many have them, with the exception of face or neck tattoos.

AllThatFancyPaintsAsFair · 09/02/2021 16:50

If I could see them it would prejudice me against you as I dont like them but if you can't see them how would I know

I'm not sure how helpful replies from here will be though as posters seem to be a lot more forgiving that I'd expect actual real employers to be

LApprentiSorcier · 09/02/2021 16:52

I'm not sure how helpful replies from here will be though as posters seem to be a lot more forgiving that I'd expect actual real employers to be

I've hired people with obvious tattoos - fairly traditional role but not customer/client facing.

BlokeHereInPeace · 09/02/2021 16:55

It would be for me, sorry. Wrong I know but where I work we need people to be able to meet with people who are sometimes traditional in their outlook and I would predict that any message wouldn't get through. Sorry. It wouldn't bother me personally if you were Lydia the Tattooed Lady but it would bother some of our clients. So, by definition, you wouldn't be right for the job.

KatyaZamolodchikova · 09/02/2021 17:02

I work in HR and have tattoos. Most are covered anyway due to location but I do have one on my calf. If I need to cover it I wear trousers or thick tights (even in summer) but if not I don’t bother. I can’t say most people either notice it or are bothered. But then it’s a fairly simple tat, not controversial and not interesting enough to be a conversation starter!

mootymoo · 09/02/2021 17:04

If they can be covered then a non issue. I wouldn't think visible tattoos are very professional if very obvious (a small butterfly on the ankle wouldn't bother employers even if visible with bare legs/tights but on the face, neck, hands and lower limbs likely to be exposed large tattoos, no

NiceLegsShameAboutTheFace · 09/02/2021 17:08

Would this be an issue for you if I was right for the job?

No but .... it'll be a fucking great issue for a lot of people, especially if you're talking about law, accountancy or similar.

Trust me: been there. Had to toe the line when I was younger (and did), don't have to these days (and don't).

Not fair maybe but that's how it is.

HoldontoOneMoreDay · 09/02/2021 17:11

It actually depends on the tattoos and the role. Ive seen some that I think are a bit on the edge in terms of language and content which would put me off. Words generally are to be avoided, there will always be someone with a reaction to them!

Bagelsandbrie · 09/02/2021 17:11

You need to be able to cover them up if you’re going for traditional/ office jobs. When you have an interview it’s always best to keep anything that might jeopardise your chances covered up - ie piercings, tattoos, very bold hair colours etc. You don’t know whether the person interviewing you is going to have prejudices about those things or not so why lower your chances?

My dh is covered in tattoos apart from his face, neck and hands. He wears a suit to work and works in a senior role and not a single person he meets ever has a clue he has a single tattoo unless he chooses to tell them.

He absolutely loves tattoos, they’re his entire world hobby wise and he plans to get his hands tattooed when he retires and it doesn’t matter anymore.

Obviously it’s very different if it’s a more creative / arty industry but even then you have to be sure you want to work in that industry forever if you have very visible ones and I’m not sure anyone can really bank on that anymore. Peoples lives change all the time.

ClaudiaWankleman · 09/02/2021 17:14

I work in one of the ‘strict’ industries mentioned. Many people have tattoos - I used to see them in the office gym and sometimes through shirts/ when jackets were taken off etc.

They’re generally able to be hidden for work - so nothing that is not covered by normal office clothing. Wrist tattoos and ankles might just sneak out occasionally but generally avoided.

Lots of people have them though (thinking of the senior partner’s lower back tattoo I used to see at yoga). You could easily do 60% of your body and it still be covered by clothing. Just avoid fingers, neck, face etc. and wear cuffed tops and trousers a lot.

PhilCornwall1 · 09/02/2021 17:19

Would this be an issue for you if I was right for the job?

Yes, I wouldn't recruit someone with that amount of tattoos as they would be in client facing positions.

I'm not anti them either, as I have one, but just not visible in a professional setting.

Perpetualheadache · 09/02/2021 17:20

If they're covered then no one needs to know.

FunnyInjury · 09/02/2021 17:29

In all honesty it shouldn't matter but it really does.

Recruitment agencies would be put off putting you up for roles if they had a suitable non-tattood candidate ime. And that's for any job.

Definitely agree that in certain professions it is frowned upon. I cant think.of a single person I come across in a work capacity that has visible tattoos.

I would assume that most accountants, estate agents, lots of hospitality places esp. front of house roles, legal and finance professions....all would most likely decline to offer a job even if you were suitable, if you have visible tattoos.

So depends on your career choices I'd say Smile

Meowtha · 09/02/2021 17:47

I work for one of the "top 100", lots of data/IT/engineering professionals.

Loads of us are tattooed, in our office of over 3000 people (prior to covid wfh) lots of people wore slippers and leggings in the office. I pretty much live in Birkenstock's and either leggings or dungarees. Work don't give a fuck. Depends how progressive the company is.

TitsOot4Xmas · 09/02/2021 18:03

You need to be able to cover them up if you’re going for traditional/ office jobs. When you have an interview it’s always best to keep anything that might jeopardise your chances covered up - ie piercings, tattoos, very bold hair colours etc. You don’t know whether the person interviewing you is going to have prejudices about those things or not so why lower your chances?

We run recruitment training (NHS) and one of the examples is someone with “fuck off” written across their knuckles being interviewed for a hospital porter role.

Managers are told they cannot discriminate on this - they may be the best person for the job and could be told to wear gloves. Were it on the forehead, it may be different.

I have very brightly coloured hair. It’s not stopped me from getting all manner of jobs!

doctorhamster · 09/02/2021 18:11

As others have said it completely depends on what sort of jobs you're applying for. I work in a school and tattoos are definitely not allowed to be visible.

Zarinea · 09/02/2021 18:31

I recruit in stuffy, traditional asset management, and it would be totally fine by me.

addicted2spaniels · 09/02/2021 18:42

I wouldn't hire someone with visible tattoos for a customer facing role, however some of our workshop staff have got them and it's not been an issue.

Pinkblueberry · 09/02/2021 18:45

It would be a problem in teaching if they weren't fully covered at all times - there are other professions where it may be a problem I think

Not at the school I work - unless it’s one that would be inappropriate for children to see. I don’t even have tattoos but know I wouldn’t be keen to work in a place where they would make a fuss about them or give a negative impression. I think recruiters need to give good impressions too - it’s 2021 and being judgemental about tattoos is ridiculous and doesn’t reflect well on them.

KevinSausage · 09/02/2021 19:05

As long as you don't have them on your hands, neck or face you'll most likely be ok.

If you do have any you can't cover it will vary wildly by employer, in the same way bright pink hair would - some will be absolutely fine with it, others wouldn't consider it professional (particularly if working with clients/the public) and wouldn't touch you.

Ultimately it will come down to how conservative the Company Leadership are.

KevinSausage · 09/02/2021 19:07

Oh and it really does also depend on what the tattoos are!

LST · 09/02/2021 19:09

I've never had a problem. I just have mine covered. I have never taken my nose ring out and had plenty of job offers and jobs. No one has ever battered an eye.

ALemonEntryDearWatson · 09/02/2021 19:18

Well, my daughter is a police officer and I was totally horrified when she got her fingers tattooed. I hate tattoos anyway but fingers just about tipped me ofer the edge Grin

Anyway, the police couldn't care less. So it's clearly becoming more and more acceptable everywhere

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