by James Reed
Have you got some questions about your career? You’ve come to the right place…
In his monthly column, career coach and Chairman of reed.co.uk, James Reed, shares his expert advice to help you tackle your biggest career concerns.
In this month’s column James talks tattoos…
The question…
Hi James,
I’m a recent graduate looking to take my first steps on the career ladder. I have some good work experience under my belt, have polished up my CV and have a few interviews lined up, but I’m worried that I won’t be able to land a job.
I have a few tattoos and a facial piercing and I’m concerned that they’ll put potential employers off. Should I be worried?
Signed,
Hannah
The answer…
Hi Hannah,
It really comes down to the company culture and the preferences of the hiring manager. Plenty of interviewers won’t bat an eyelid at your tattoos or piercings, but there are still more traditional employers out there who will be turned off.
The extent of your body art should also be factored in. If you only have a few small tattoos that can easily be covered and a single piercing which can be removed, it’s much less likely to be a problem. If you’re heavily tattooed however, or have tattoos in hard to cover places such as your hands or neck, then you’ll be more likely to come up against objections.
You don’t mention the type of jobs you’re applying for, but certain industries are typically more accepting of body modifications than others. If you’re interviewing at a creative company, for instance, you’re less likely to get a negative reaction than you will if you are applying for a more traditional corporate role.
In the tech industry and start-up world in particular, office dress codes are generally much more informal and you might even find that hiring managers have a few tattoos of their own.
It’s a good idea to do some research into the company before your interview and get an idea of what the culture is like. A quick glance at the company website or Instagram account may tell you everything you need to know. Or if you’re really stumped, why not swing by the building one lunch hour and watch people coming and going to get an idea?
If you still have doubts after your research, then it won’t hurt to err on the side of caution and cover up. Opting for a long-sleeved top or swapping your piercing for a clear stud is unlikely to hurt your chances.
Ultimately, if the hiring manager really likes you and you’ve demonstrated that you have the necessary mindset for the job, then they should put bias aside. If they’re not willing to do so, even though you’ve demonstrated you’re right for the role in all other aspects, then you might question whether the company is really the right fit for you.
If you’d like James to answer your career query, tweet your question to @James_A_Reed
