Last week I read a story titled – Can you be CEO when you look like you’re on parole. The article itself is of average quality and is unfortunately typical of the standard of journalism we Australians have become accustomed to in the main stream media…
Anyway, I’ll spare you the details about the lacklustre state of journalism in Australia for a minute, and we can discuss the intricacies of the topic of tattoos in the workplace. I thought this topic was a good one, even if the title of the article is prejudiced and derogatory towards people who adopt tattoos by suggesting that they are on parole.
Beauty with Tattoos – (Source: serenitv)
The Stigma Associated With Tattoos
I’ll start off by saying that I don’t have tattoos, but I have a lot of really close friends who do, and I am sure all of them would be offended by the authors comment that they “look like you’re on parole”.
I know journalists tend to sensationalise titles in an effort to attract readership, but these type of slanderous comments only help to further expand the divide between those with tattoos and those without.
Judging by the 120 comment on the article, it is not just the authors who think that people with tattoos are one step away from a life time prison sentence. After reading through many of the comments, it is clear that there is still very much a prevailing attitude of “us and them” when it comes to tattoos.
Employment Prospects with a Tattoo
I had a discussion with my colleagues at work today surrounding the employment prospects of people with and without tattoos (Note – none of us have tattoos). It was one of those rare intellectually stimulating conversations, where everyone had a strong, yet differing view.
Everyone agreed that people shouldn’t be discriminated against based solely on their appearance, yet we all agreed that this type of behaviour is still common place throughout much of our society. It was suggested to me, that society as a whole isn’t capable of looking past the exterior appearance of someone, no matter how genuine or upstanding that person may be.
Not only do I struggle to believe this, but I also find it to be unacceptable in this day and age. By using that same logic, I could say that women should never have been allowed into the workplace… Obviously this is an extreme example, but it does show that society has made conscious decisions in the past to mitigate against discrimination on selected minority groups, but for some reason there is not the same amount of understanding and tolerance shown in regards to something as simple as tattoos.
What I can conclude regarding employment prospects for people with tattoos, is that no matter what people openly tell you to your face, many people do find tattoos off-putting and will likely mentally penalise you the minute they see a tattoo on your body.
Continue on Page 2 – Working with a Tattoo
It’s too bad tattoo discrimination is still common in many areas of society. Sometimes the problem could be just a few people who don’t like tattoos that could ruin the employment prospects for many others in a community. On a personal level maybe the principle, superintendent, and the rest of the school board all have NO issues working with someone who has a tattoo, however, their hands are kind of tied because if they hire a teacher who has a tattoo on a very visible part of the body then they will get a heavy backlash of criticism from parents, which would jeopardize their own jobs. I can understand the concern for parents that if their children sees an authoritative figure (teacher, police, doctor, heck even the bus driver is an important person when you’re young) have a tattoo then that might influence their decisions to also get one as soon as they’re old enough to, but like you mentioned, may regret it later in life. I think in the end people can just be more accepting of each other
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It all depends on what people are used to. I wonder if in 20 years time people will look back at us today and wonder how such discrimination was ever allowed to happen.
It depends on where you want to work, applying for corporate banking or a children’s amusement park with snake tattoos all over your face is probably going to be complicated. As a CEO I would want a certain image for my company and if the person is an office clerk that will never see a client, I wouldn’t mind hiring him or her. To meet and greet customers, unless I run a tattoo parlor I would go for someone with no or very discreet tattoos. In Guatemala they don’t hire you at all because most tattooed people are from gangs. All hiring forms have a question about it,”normal” tattooed people make sure they don’t show and tick no.
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I fully understand where you are coming from, but it is just because people see being clean skinned as being “normal” (except for the whole gang thing). In my mind someone who is really big and muscular would be considered intimidating and yet I wouldn’t hold it against them if they applied for a job. Society is just more accepting of some forms of expression than others it seems.
That is the prob with tats. They are a fad that lasts forever. When the hippies had long hair; they were able to assimilate to career jobs, with a simple trip to a barber. As popular as tattoos are, there are still only 25% of the population. Even if it were 95%, certain dress standards in certain industries would still eclipse the tattoo fad and tattoo people would be left in the dark for certain job ops.
It’s my understanding that it’s completely legal to use appearance factors like tattoos in hiring decisions in the states. You’re not allowed to discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, etc… but those are not choices that a person makes. Getting a tattoo is a choice.
That said, there are a lot of places you could get a tattoo and your employer would never know…
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You’re right Mrs. Pop. In the US you can discriminate against the way a person looks. As sad as that is they say it’s brand marketing. You’re not an employee your part of the brand so they can hire you based on these factors.
We had to a do a whole thing on this subject for one of my business classes. It just sickened me.
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Did people in your subject question the reasons behind this? Did anyone challenge the status quo?
Interesting.
Is it legal to discriminate against someone based on their religion? If it is then I believe this is a choice a person makes as they are not forced to follow say Christianity or Hinduism. Why is it OK to discriminate against one personal choice, but not another?
In the states you can’t discriminate against a person’s religion. However, there are different rulings on various religious apparel/choices.
Some people questioned it while others seemed to support it. I think the class was about 50/50.
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Thanks for getting back to me, I thought that might be the case regarding religion.
I personally don’t care about tattoos, I really think if you have the personality it shouldn’t matter what choices you’ve made regarding your personal lifestyle (tattoo included). One of my patients is as associate Dean at a university here, he is literally tattooed from head to toe. His face doesn’t have any tattoos but you can see them on his neck and hands (mind you the neck and hand ones are white tattoo which more like branding than ink). I usually only see him during work days when he’s in a full suit/tie but one summer day he came in on a day off in a tshirt and shorts, I was pretty shocked. He is very well educated, articulate and personable; this is why he’s in the position he’s in. I understand why certain companies chose not to hire people with visible tattoos (news anchors etc) not because they necessarily have a problem but because they have to appease so many public people it’s easier to just not hire someone who polarizes the public opinion. They don’t bother me any, I’m much more apt to judge someone on personality…however I recognize this in myself, a huge demographic only judges the book by it’s cover.
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Interesting points Catherine. How is it then that those of us who are sick of the discrimination go about changing the public opinion?
It’s really sad in ANY circumstance to see someone judged by the way they look, and tattoos are no different. I look younger than my age and it’s definitely annoying to have to deal with being judged based on that (I feel I have to “prove myself” more than others). If someone wants to have tattoos, they should be able to do so without being judged. Yes, it’s a bit different than other discrimination because they CHOOSE to have tattoos, but overall they really shouldn’t be discriminated against in any way. Shame on those who think otherwise.
PS You commented on two of my posts today, one went up accidently! I forgot to reschedule it for Tuesday. So I apologize that you read it and commented and then I pulled it…
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I thought it was unusual for your to post 2 in one day. I’m just so keen to comment on your blog that I couldn’t resist.
I feel for you, I used to know someone who looked young for their age and it really worked against them when it came to employment opportunities.I’m lucky in that respect (weird that it’s good to look old) I look about 5-8 years older than I actually am.
I work in a very conservative industry and it would be very hard for us to hire someone with visible tattoos! I wish it wasn’t that way….but it just is.
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I know what you mean, but I refuse to just accept that things will always be that way. If no one decides to buck the trend then it will never change.
I don’t think there is any questions that there’s discrimination. If you have a bunch of tattoos all of your face there is no chance somebody is going to hire you to be the face of the company or to greet people as they come into your store.
It’s unfortunate, but it’s reality (and I’m shocked you don’t think it happens).
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I do think it happens, perhaps you missed the bit where my colleagues and I said that we agree that it does happen.
I want to know why it is any different to someone who decides to dye their hair bright pink, or someone else who wears a huge unkempt beard. Both are choices and both are outside of what is considered “normal” but there is significantly less discrimination towards these people.
I personally really don’t care much about tattoos. I tend to think that if God wanted it on me, then it would be there. My wife has one on the small of her back, and has been trying to talk me into getting one, but I just don’t know. All that said, I really think a lot of it depends on where the person works. Some industries are still fairly conservative (like finance maybe) so it might not be looked to highly on. But, other industries might not be as conservative and be more allowing. It’s unfortunate that the discrimination tends to occur. I personally like to get to know a person somewhat before I make any assumptions, so hopefully I’d do the same thing in this case.
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It is easy to judge someone based only on their appearance. We all do it, it just seems that somethings are judged more harshly than others.
You will have to let me know if you do get a tattoo, I would be interested to see what you get.
I personally have a tattoo (only one for now, but I’ve got another planned) and decided very early one to make sure I could keep it hidden if need be. It is sad that people make judgements on personal appearance, but that’s just the way it is. I don’t know too many people who would want to talk to a loan officer with a facial or neck tattoo.
I know of one person who has been the superintendent of two large school districts where I live who has his arms covered in tattoos (some of which are pertty vulgar). He just always wears long sleeve shirts and suits. Of course you could go up to him and tell him you wanted to get a tattoo and he would be more than happy to illustrate that you really need to think about what you do to youself since it will be there forever!
Does it annoy you though that you are forced by the pressure of society to keep it hidden. As if you have some deep dark secret that you have to be ashamed about?
There is no doubt discrimination against people with tattoos exists and that it limits your employment opportunities. However, I would like to add that there may be exceptions to that statement – depending on an industry you work in. If you’re in entertainment or creative services industry tattoos may not harm your job prospects as much. I only have a small tattoo that isn’t visible, but if I had larger ones they would be hidden under clothing when going in for an interview. After being hired – if they show by some chance, that’s their problem not mine.
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I just don’t like that you have to hide something that is obviously important to you (otherwise you wouldn’t get it permanently put on your body) just because you are worried that it will impact on your ability to “fit in”. I swear, we (society) have come so far in some areas, but still have such a long way to go.
Interesting topic. Tattoos should definitely not limit your job prospects, but the fact of the matter is they will in certain professional fields. But my guess is, most people know that going in. So if you get one, just get it so it can’t be seen with business clothing on. Problem solved. The best case scenario would be if we could look past tattoos and the stereo-typing that follows them (see Colin Kaepernick) but I don’t think society as a whole is there yet.
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A lot of our star athletes in Australia also are starting to sport large tattoos. So I am hoping the tide is starting to turn.
Do a Google image search on Dane Swan, he is one of the more tattooed sports stars over here – http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2012/07/13/1226425/741707-dane-swan.jpg
Wow, Dane has got serious tats. Where are you in Australia? My sister married an Aussie a few years ago and lives outside of Sydney in Manly. Visited a couple years ago, what a beautiful country!
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I’m up in Queensland and you are right on both counts
1) Dane has got serious tats!
2) Australia is a beautiful country, but it is being ruined by poor government and numerous racist bogans. Great place to visit, I wouldn’t recommend living here for foreigners though.
I would never get a tattoo that couldn’t be covered. People will always judge and I wouldn’t want them making false assumptions about me. I would definitely consider getting one!
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What would you consider getting?
Something diving related!
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Sounds interesting. I don’t think too many people would have diving tats.
I don’t have a tattoo and don’t care if anyone else does, but I CAN see how someone who is in a hiring position like a very corporate atmosphere would probably not hire someone who was covered in them visibly, especially if they were dealing with the public and the company’s reputation was at steak. Right or wrong? I don’t know. I’m in an industry where it would probably be OK because I’m in a creative field. Good question!
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I’m glad you liked the thought provoking nature of the question. I just hope things start to change in the future.
In some industries, people will not take you seriously if you aren’t groomed the correct way. Older people come to mind. They were raised in a generation where tattos meant a sailor or a motorcycle gang member. If you need to cater to that type of client, don’t get a tatoo.
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I know this is a generalisation but I personally think that you are right in suggesting that it is mainly the older generation that has the problem with tattooed individuals. So hopefully this type of discrimination will reduce with time.
I know a lady who worked making 6 figures, rode a motorcycle to work some days and had tattoos (not on the face or neck) and she was an excellent leader for a multi-million dollar organization. She was brilliant and people respected her but they knew after work she was a hard ass biker chick who loved to ride. We can judge people all we want and yes there will ALWAYS be that discrimination but it certainly doesn’t change what that persons mind can do for themselves or an organization. We all want to see what we are used to not those that step outside the box to say, this is who I am accept me for that or walk away. It’s a fine line but if it impacts the organizations image or public relations , what their policy is, type of tattoos (are they offensive), do you work directly with customers or not (what is your role). Not everyone with tattoos will be fortunate to land their dream job depending on corporate policy. I’m sure if discrimination did occur this is open to interpretation and the organization would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that an employee with tattoos would tarnish their image. Then again I’m no HR Pro…
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That’s a really good point and I can’t believe I forgot to include that in my post. There has to be legal / HR ramification for companies discriminating against people due to their appearance.
Thanks for your input Mr.CBB
I’ve always wanted a tattoo. but never been fully committed to the idea. I’d never be able to pick one and I too wouldn’t want to spend that kind of money on a tattoo either. So, here I am without one, so I guess I don’t want one that much. Although I do love them.
My wife faces this kind of problem. She teaches Cabin Crew and Aviation Operations at a college and nearly all the girls have tattoos, even though most are under age. A fair few also have visible tattoos, mostly on their hands a la Cheryl Cole. They often ask if the tattoo would hinder their chances of getting a job as Cabin Crew – which it most certainly will. But my wife can’t say that, because they’re on her course, but then she can’t lie so she has to have some awkward conversations.
The stigma still exists unfortunately – I think very little of it, but to some its a huge deal. Shows like Miami Ink etc have done some positive work I think.
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That’s really interesting, I would love to hear what you wife says to people when she has to have one of those conversations. I’ve never really watched Miami ink, but I know it is fairly popular, which further cements my position that tattoos are a big part of lots of peoples lives and they shouldn’t be penalised because of it.
Great post. I think we have an image of what we see as a CEO or executive in our head and when someone doesnt fit that mold we discriminate against them…maybe its we see those type roles as what has been portrayed in movies and tv…
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Thanks Christopher
Whenever I think about tattoos on TV, most people who have them are either sports stars or musicians. That doesn’t preclude them from being other things though.
They don’t bother me too much but I do know that there are people that wouldn’t get hired where I work because of them. I think it depends on the image the company is going to sell. If you don’t fit the image, you don’t get the job. It really is no different than when model looking girls get hired to serve at certain restaurants and not so thin people don’t.
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I think you are completely right in what you say. I just really hate that it’s just accepted as being “the norm”.
There is definitely a perception in everyone’s mind when they see someone completely inked up. Although I believe most people would say they don’t discriminate, I’m not sure if this is true in a job interview.
I guess, my recommendation is to do what you want (get tattoos, or whatever) but there are consequences for whatever you do – even if they aren’t justified. My advice… “just don’t get tattoos on your face and you should be ok”.
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Probably some good advice there Jason. It’s a shame though that we can’t change peoples perceptions.
I agree with a poster above: tattoos are about choice. Therefore, when you get one, you become open to society’s thoughts on that topic. It’s the same for breast implants, skin tightening and other procedures.
As an employer, it isn’t about what I think personally….it’s about my customer. When I was managing $60M dollars I couldn’t hire someone with visible tattoos because society says that someone with a tattoo is a little wild-n-crazy. That might be great in some industries, but in money management people aren’t looking for anything remotely wild-n-crazy.
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I guess it depends on how you look at money management. I take more risks with money than many of my friends and so I wouldn’t mind a change from the standard managed funds we have available in Australia.
I do get your point though, I just think it would be nice if people could look past the ink and that tattooed people were able to prove the doubters wrong. Instead they get eliminated from competition straight up because of a lifestyle choice.
It comes down to what image do you want to project? If your tattoo shows, you are making a statement. If you want a job that mostly requires a certain appearance, you are closing off those jobs to yourself even if it is an injustice. Of course, people should not judge you by your appearance, but they will. It’s human nature. If I were an employer and a person will visible tattoos applied for a job, I’d be interested to know why they got the tattoos, but I wouldn’t ask. I’d like to think that I’d judge the person on the basis of their abilities. But I would wonder. More and more people have tattoos, so it could be just a matter of time for acceptance to come also. Personally, I’d be afraid of the pain and possible infection.
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I think I would struggle with the pain too. It isn’t something I would want to put myself though.
Thanks for commenting
I think people are always judged for how they look (good or bad-it can go both ways). I don’t have any issues with tattoos or piercings, but I suspect if I worked in a corporate environment I might feel differently.
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It all depends on what you are used to. I reckon that if you were in a corporate environment that supported tattoos you wouldn’t even think about it.
I don’t mind tattoos, as my best friend owns a very successful tattoo shop locally and my older brother is covered in them. They both are brilliant and kind-hearted individuals. My brother especially looks a bit rough but actually he is a huge teddy bear! I suppose, due to exposure, tattoos just are not that big of a deal to me—I view them as a form of creative expression and it seems a bit silly to censor that. I do understand why some people may view tattoos, or dreadlocks, or piercings, as vulgar, however. Hmm, it is interesting to ponder why somebody’s outward appearance makes some feel squimish or uneasy without justification..
I would love to hear if your brother feels like he has missed out on opportunities because of his lifestyle choice.
There is a good reason that criminal gangs, NBA players, and prison inmates have tattoos. And a good reason that corporate vice-presidents, real estate salespeople, dentists and airline pilots don’t. People tat up to get a reaction; so don’t cry about it when that reaction is negative. And the simple truth is people with tattoos are more likely to behave and perform differently (mostly worse and anti-social) than cleanskins.
This column and thread seem to focus on ‘discrimination’ and ‘appearance’. Tattoos are a lifestyle choice, and an expression of individuality. The type of personality that wants you to look at them, and think something (intimidating? sexy? cool?). Tattoos are a big ‘tell’ for narcissists, and behavior. If you are hiring (and I am always hiring), I want somebody that is going to be considering the needs of the client, making sales and laying groundwork for future business, and performing well. Not somebody who will come in hungover, bring drama and distraction with their ‘trampstamp’ and ‘barbed wire’ and ‘No Fear’ and knuckle tats. Tattoos (and piercings and dreadlocks and pink hair) are all an attempt to be ‘edgy’. Go ahead be be as edgy and non-conformist as you want, why do you have to tell the world with body art?
The whole purpose of tattoos is to state to the world “I will not conform!” I want to hire, and work with, people who will deliver; not people who feel the need to make the world notice them. There is a certain amount of conformity (showing up on time, delivering results, solving and not creating problems) that come with a good job.
That is my two cents on this. I don’t understand why people put a picture on their arm or back that they wouldn’t hang on their wall. Or why they calf and forearm sleeve, and look like they fell asleep on the Sunday comics. I am not the problem. My attitude is not the problem. Good luck, tattees!
Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed comment Jay.
I appreciate your point of view and even agree that some people with tattoos are likely in criminal gangs or have a narcissistic personality, but that doesn’t mean that they all do. I just believe that people should be judged on their merits / abilities and not their appearance.
Not all tattoos are a statement of nonconformity, some are simply an expression of remembrance to a love one lost, or to a cultural belief. I don’t like to make sweeping generalisations about entire groups of people and peg them all as being the same way – It is never that black or white.
I did however have a good laugh at your Sunday comics quip. I had never thought of it that way before, but you are right that it can look a bit that way sometimes.
Glen, you will note I did not say all people with tats are the same way. It would be nice to judge everyone on merit and performance, but to get into a position where one will get the opportunity to be judged requires that one conform to a certain extent.
Of course I’m not talking about a 9/11 Always Remember tat, or one for a deceased relative. But you already know that. When people where clothes (untied laces, low jeans iwth underwear showing, do-rags, etc.) they are expressing something (an affinity for prison culture). They want you to judge. When a guy shows up with highlights in his hair and plucked eyebrows and an earring, he wants you to make a judgment. People that use their ‘outdoor voices’ and language, are going to be judged. And people that show up on time, are considerate of others, use and write with correct grammar and punctuation, etc. are also going to be noticed and judged.
You may not like to hear this, actually I know you won’t, but heavy people are judged negatively. People with bad breath, people that are sarcastic, don’t respect personal space or common courtesies, Phds who wear their hair in cornrows, etc. The problem is not with the people judging. It is them. They are the problem. First impressions are important; everyone knows this, or you wouldn’t have 16 year-old girls dressing like they are 25, or 45 year-old guys with fake tans and their first Harley.
Talk with someone over the age of 35 with tattoos, and ask if they regret it or would do it again. You would really be surprised how often the tattoo is the result of impulse or peer pressure. This behavior (impulsive or easily influenced) does not make a good employee or performer. In general. Not all. In general. Cheers.
I used to date a guy who had a tattoo that covered most of his arm and since we both worked in the office, he would wear long sleeved shirts to cover it up. Our company dealt with external clients, so I can see from a client’s perspective, how that may have affected their decision making as to whether or not they would want to work with us.
However, my current job is quite a contrast to my previous work environment. I do not work out of an office and it is a harsh environment, that is dominated by males. Many of them wear tattoos that are visible with the uniform we have to wear.
I am not against tattoos, although I find people who have them all over a little excessive. I , myself do not have a tattoo, nor would I ever get one. It’s just not for me.
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There are definitely some industries that are more accepting of tattoos that others. I work in a corporate environment and when I first started I believe tattoos were frowned upon, but thanks to a couple of great workers who had some pretty large tattoos I believe that the culture is changing and people are far more accepting.
Thanks for commenting
I agree that we should not look at the appearance of an individual. I’d say, it is unfair if we’re too judgmental. Tattoo is an art, and art could anywhere of the heart of individual as well.
-Franco
People who have tattoos make bad decisions. I don’t hire people with visible tattoos.
Tattoos I see men and women with neck tattoos and they have phd degrees,smarter than most. No one will hire them because of there looks sad. People need to look past the looks and realize the potential people really have in stead of throwing them under the bus.
While it has become a bit more accepted, I still think it is a good idea that if you are going to get one make sure you are able to hide it work attire. Being an individual is great, but not all companies are cool with you expressing it in such ways.
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I have a lot of tattoos, and I work in finance, so I keep them all covered when I’m at work and I am fine with that. I understand the stigma that comes with having tattoos, and while I am not ashamed of them I have adapted the “when in rome” attitude. I like having my secret, it’s almost like I live a double life: corporate by day and tattooed chic by night.
I recently have come across an issue, I have tattoos on my hands and neck yet a financial institution was willing to hire me because it promotes diversity and enviromental awareness… I took a job at a chemical delivery company do to hours and such and suprisingly in a field where you’d think you wouldn’t be discriminated against im told I should melt a box of crayons on a stove and put it on my arm cause that’s what im gonna look like, and that I should watch out cause I may be terminated by higher ups.