Foo - Couldn't imagine a less forum appropriate topic...

But here goes nothing. Not really sure who to ask this, and since I assume most of you have jobs, I hope you'll bear with. (also I like you guys the best)

So I'm interviewing for a new position at a new firm. It's a great opportunity for many reasons, not least of which is the 12mi scenic commute. Here's the wrinkle... I have a great deal of tattoos (sleeve, full chest, etc) and work in a professional setting. My current employer is very relaxed about that sort of thing and as long as I cover my ink in front of clients, they don't care what I wear around the office.

I have one interview left, and up to this point I've covered everything every time I've met with them. However, their office is business casual as well... do I have any obligation to tell them I've got 75 hrs of tattoos? I'm concerned they'll be upset if I show up for work in a S/S shirt and shock everyone.

And to answer the inevitable question... this is the first job I've interviewed for in 10 years where I didn't already know the hiring manager, etc before going into the interview process. So for my last couple jobs, they've known about the tattoos before they ever called me in for an interview.

So should I tell in advance, or just show up for work like a big surprise?

I don't have tattoos but the way I work this kind of stuff is to slowly lower their standards for appropriate work attire to the point where I can wear pretty much anything I want. I start off in button down shirts, slacks, maybe even a tie and I slowly whittle away until I can sport a t-shirt and even shorts (though not both at once).

So I guess my answer is: How badly do you want the job?

cover 'em up until you see the culture of the office.....

Maybe continue to wear long sleeves if you get the job until you figure out the environment? If you want the job badly enough to do that. If it feels like it would be ok, go SS, if not continue with the long sleeves.

You'd be crazy to tell them in advance. All it takes is one nervous type to complain and prevent you from being hired. But if you have the job, it takes more than that to fire you.

I would keep them covered personally. Why introduce a possible issue at this point. Let them get to know you first.

mooving to foo.....

When I made the decision to start my sleeve I knew that I was always going to wear long sleeve shirts. It doesn't matter at my current job since I work for the Goverment. However, when it's time to get a real job, I will wear long sleeve shirts even if it is business casual.

Couch

Cover it up. If they find out, they find out, but they cannot fire every tattoed employee.

Cover it up. If they find out, they find out, but they cannot fire every tattoed employee.


you guys are terrible! What about the employer? Show the tattoos,....

what everyone said so far:

keep 'em covered. They're hiring you, not your tattoos. If, later on, you find they are okay with it, fine.

But - You may want to ask yourself if you are ok with working somewhere that is not cool with your tattoos.

what everyone said so far:

keep 'em covered. They're hiring you, not your tattoos. If, later on, you find they are okay with it, fine.


Note to self, strip search all applicants..... :)

Note to self, strip search all applicants..... :)

note to self, do not apply at Airwick Industries.

y'all are really funny. DJFlowe never said they didn't approve of tats or people who have them,
all he asked about is whether to reveal them during his hiring process.

Marty

y'all are really funny. DJFlowe never said they didn't approve of tats or people who have them,
all he asked about is whether to reveal them during his hiring process.

Marty

unless he's interviewing for a porn star position, he should probably stay covered up.

you guys are terrible! What about the employer? Show the tattoos,....

What about the employer? How does a tattoo affect anything? Should I tell them about my birthmark too?

unless he's interviewing for a porn star position, he should probably stay covered up.

so he is applying at Airwick Industries? I wasn't aware and I'm somewhat confused.

What about the employer? How does a tattoo affect anything? Should I tell them about my birthmark too?


If it wasn't an issue or factor, it wouldn't been posed by the OP. Not the same thing.

I do accept ankle tattoos on the ladies.

Note to self, strip search all applicants..... :)

I suppose everyone is entitled to their own here, but my logic has always been:

-I will never be in front of a client or prospect not in a suit
-Nothing is visible when I'm in a suit
-Hence, my tattoos never affect my work.

So it's not really a matter of something that could damage the company, etc... more just a matter of my liking the guy I'm going to be working for, and I don't want him to feel like I "put one over on him."

And L/S shirts in the office isn't a possibility at all times, unless I stop biking to work.

So it's not really a matter of something that could damage the company, etc... more just a matter of my liking the guy I'm going to be working for, and I don't want him to feel like I "put one over on him."

Great answer. He will appreciate the honesty. Better to have a honest employee with tattoos than a dishonest one without.

The job will be yours.

so he is applying at Airwick Industries? I wasn't aware and I'm somewhat confused.

I'm confused too....I thought I had that job, ummm, wrapped up.

I'm confused too....I thought I had that job, ummm, wrapped up.

What have you done for me lately?

What have you done for me lately?

kept the women away so you would have more time to concentrate on business matters.

I suppose everyone is entitled to their own here, but my logic has always been:

-I will never be in front of a client or prospect not in a suit
-Nothing is visible when I'm in a suit
-Hence, my tattoos never affect my work.

So it's not really a matter of something that could damage the company, etc... more just a matter of my liking the guy I'm going to be working for, and I don't want him to feel like I "put one over on him."

And L/S shirts in the office isn't a possibility at all times, unless I stop biking to work.

If your biggest worry is coming in with your bike attire (ie, shorts and short sleeves so that your tatts are visible), I think if the bike and/or bike clothes are ok, the tattoos will be too. You're not working in your jersey and lycra shorts, right? It's only temporary in and out of the building, so when you change into your office clothes, put on things that cover the tattoos. Again, if the corporate culture there reveals itself to be similar to what you have now, you'll be sitting pretty. If not, from your post above you clearly know how to dress appropriately for a professional environment, so no worries. Carry a lightweight LS jersey and tights and put them on outside the building if you have to.

My take on this is that you are not being dishonest by not volunteering info on something that will not need to be obvious in your daily work or affect the quality of your work. You may as well offer info about your religion, sexual preferences and political views - they're all irrelevant. If you had tattoos on your face and part of your job was to meet clients and your were interviewing over the phone, then, yes, you should be up front about it. In this case, unless you not being able to reveal your tattoos in the new office is a deal breaker, I wouldn't waste time worrying about this.

Couldn't imagine a less forum appropriate topic...This is Foo. Inappropriate forum topics is what we thrive on! :thumb:

I can imagine a less forum appropriate topic.

This is Foo. Inappropriate forum topics is what we thrive on! :thumb:

This thread started in commuting though.....:p

I can imagine a less forum appropriate topic.

and we often go there, in Foo. ripstart?

This thread started in commuting though.....:p

Well shiver my chicken mcnuggets, Captain!

This thread started in commuting though.....:p

actually that kinda makes sense, although bringing it here makes sense too. The answers he gets here might not, but still....

eventually it will go to P&R, anyway.

Thanks for posting this thread.

When I write policies for employment, I'll definitely include a firm "no tattoos" clause. That way, when I'm looking for a lame excuse to fire someone...voila.

Thanks for posting this thread.

When I write policies for employment, I'll definitely include a firm "no tattoos" clause. That way, when I'm looking for a lame excuse to fire someone...voila.

Do you really?

what would mr rogers say ?

We need pics to help give answers. :p

Do you really?

Look up at the top of the thread.

Does it still say Foo? ;)

This is why I only got "T-Shirt Tats" when I was younger, work is just that, work, we all know whats appropriate and whats not, specially in a business type setting, hopefully you'll be OK.

Look up at the top of the thread.

Does it still say Foo? ;)

Damn you!!! :P My brain is only half functioning today. I have a lot rolling around in there. :(

What about the employer? How does a tattoo affect anything? Should I tell them about my birthmark too?

Years ago, I got a tattoo of an a**hole, on my a**hole. Figured it'd come in handy, if I ever joined the service or got a police record.

"Uhh, son, do you have any distinguishing markings or tattoos?"
"Well, since you ask...":rolleyes:

You have no obligation to inform them up front. Keep them covered until you have established yourself as a definite asset to the office. Then use you best judgement about wearing short sleeve shirts. I have a kid working for me who has full arm sleeve tatts who kept them under wraps for a year while he built a good work reputation. Now he wears short sleeve shirts and all is good. There are people out there who will have negative preconceived ideas about a tattoo sporting person and this will possibly make them not hire you. Why take the chance? Good luck with it.

Thanks for posting this thread.

When I write policies for employment, I'll definitely include a firm "no tattoos" clause. That way, when I'm looking for a lame excuse to fire someone...voila.

Dang! Never thought that chainring tattoo on my leg could lose me my job. Sure hope you are more explicit in your definition of tattoo.

But here goes nothing. Not really sure who to ask this, and since I assume most of you have jobs, I hope you'll bear with. (also I like you guys the best)

So I'm interviewing for a new position at a new firm. It's a great opportunity for many reasons, not least of which is the 12mi scenic commute. Here's the wrinkle... I have a great deal of tattoos (sleeve, full chest, etc) and work in a professional setting. My current employer is very relaxed about that sort of thing and as long as I cover my ink in front of clients, they don't care what I wear around the office.

I have one interview left, and up to this point I've covered everything every time I've met with them. However, their office is business casual as well... do I have any obligation to tell them I've got 75 hrs of tattoos? I'm concerned they'll be upset if I show up for work in a S/S shirt and shock everyone.

And to answer the inevitable question... this is the first job I've interviewed for in 10 years where I didn't already know the hiring manager, etc before going into the interview process. So for my last couple jobs, they've known about the tattoos before they ever called me in for an interview.

So should I tell in advance, or just show up for work like a big surprise?



These are the consequences of the choices you made.

cover 'em up until you see the culture of the office.....

This.

I suppose everyone is entitled to their own here, but my logic has always been:

-I will never be in front of a client or prospect not in a suit
-Nothing is visible when I'm in a suit
-Hence, my tattoos never affect my work.

So it's not really a matter of something that could damage the company, etc... more just a matter of my liking the guy I'm going to be working for, and I don't want him to feel like I "put one over on him."

And L/S shirts in the office isn't a possibility at all times, unless I stop biking to work.
It is a mistake to presume that logic drives the hiring process. While they'll use matrices, scoring charts, etc to pretend it is, that's just not how human beings work.

Until you know enough about the people there or get the job, it's crazy to needlessly bring up any point of division that is irrelevant to the job. That means stay out of politics, the cats vs. dogs debate, bring up social habits, or anything else that could make someone "uncomfortable." A single idiot who is not representative of the culture there can make a big difference in the hiring process, so it's needless risk.

Keep your tats covered for now and don't think you're pulling one over on them. Think about it demonstrating you know there's a time and a place for everything, and this was not the right time to introduce this issue. After you're hired, if you use any judgment at all, you'll be fine. Seems like practically all the younger people have tats nowadays.

BTW, if you decide to let them know in advance as an honesty thing (and I don't think you need to), just mention you have them and assure them you'll be professional at all times. Whatever you do, don't just draw a line and say "this is how I am" as some posters have suggested. Tats might not be a work issue, but an attitude is. Companies hire people who work well with others and avoid those who try to dominate the environment.

Some people who think they are discriminated because of their appearance are actually eliminating themselves because of their attitude. It's amazing how many are intentionally provocative and then get upset because their plan worked.

"Keep your tats covered for now and don't think you're pulling one over on them. Think about it demonstrating you know there's a time and a place for everything, and this was not the right time to introduce this issue. After you're hired, if you use any judgment at all, you'll be fine. Seems like practically all the younger people have tats nowadays.

BTW, if you decide to let them know in advance as an honesty thing (and I don't think you need to), just mention you have them and assure them you'll be professional at all times. Whatever you do, don't just draw a line and say "this is how I am" as some posters have suggested. Tats might not be a work issue, but an attitude is. Companies hire people who work well with others and avoid those who try to dominate the environment."

I agree with Banerjek, however, I think if you are having doubts about whether or not to keep your personal business to yourself you may be regretting your tattoos. I don't care for tattoos and don't care who is wearing what but after two small ones, they get in the way of how business is conducted and how others are perceived. Depending on the job, I don't think they help being inked puts people ahead in the job market.

It's a simple concept, once explained to me by my father when dealing with various legal matters...

Never offer information not asked for, if the question requires a yes or no answer, that's all you give them, so unless they ask about something specifically don't offer them any info about it.

What about the employer? How does a tattoo affect anything? Should I tell them about my birthmark too?

They should have all the information they need to assess the likelihood that they may be hiring a witch.

I wouldn't display any body art and would make a point of contacting someone in the Personnel Dept. -- not the hiring manager(s) or their HR rep -- to request a copy of the company's employee handbook and / or dress code, probationary periods for new hires and other policies. If you can do it without identifying yourself as someone already involved in the interview process, all the better. But, if not and asked, be honest as to who you are and what you're looking for and be ready to answer any questions as to the nature of your interest, i.e., It's part of my job search research into your firm.

While you could bring up questions regarding dress code, working hours and the like during the interview process, it could violate the concept just volunteered by Marrock:


Never offer information not asked for, if the question requires a yes or no answer, that's all you give them, so unless they ask about something specifically don't offer them any info about it.

Unless you have very special or unique skills that will make you invaluable or essential to the success of a firm such that they have sought you out, the job applicant and interview process by its very nature is designed to eliminate candidates to find the lowest risk / highest potential new hire. Some firms also have a probationary period for new hires off the street that you would want to be mindful of if you get the job and are still unsure of how your tatts will be perceived by your co-workers and employeer... and their view of how they would be perceived by their clients and suppliers. The same could apply to cycling to work.

So, without knowing more about the firm, the nature of its work, etc... (and I'm not suggesting you offer up any information), only you can decide just how in or out-of-step your personal choices will be in your new work environment. So, as others have suggested, do your best to keep the skills and relevant work experience that you can offer to your potential employer at the center of your discussions and steer clear of non-work-related subjects and personal matters that could be give the firm a reason to look for "a better fit" with another candidate.

If you do land the job, keep private things private and focus on the job, particularly if there is a probationary period. Once you figure out what the office norms are and have established yourself as 'part of the team' and really understand how the policies outlined in the Employee Handbook are actually followed, you will be in a better position to decide if you should start revealing a bit more about your non-work related life and how candid you can be with your supervisor.

As someone who's been in a leadership job for over 20 years, I can tell you that I have the upmost respect for the employees who make a point of honoring my open-door / no surprises policies and give me either a heads-up or ask for counsel when matters like this come up or they are unsure of how their actions might be perceived. In most cases I'll give them candid feedback that points out what the policy says and if it's a grey area how I believe it will be perceived based on my experience. Ultimately, unless it's a black and white policy issue, I'll give them enough information to steer them towards what I believe the real options are and then see how they use that counsel. The latter is all part of the employee management and development process and, at least in our firm, your supervisor and managers are your best advocates... unless you're a substandard employee who just ain't gettin' it: those folks that can't work their way through a basic improvement plan get a hunting license, i.e., it's time for you to figure out what you want to do and make a move in that direction.

Last comment: As someone else said, be sure that you will be a good fit in any new job. The hiring process is a two-way street: prospective employees need to be conducting their own interview during the hiring process to eliminate companies that can meet their needs as well. A bad fit is just bad for employers and employees.

Just wear something that covers the tattoos, go for the interview and see where the chips fall. Like another person said, tattoos are irrelevant if they aren't showing. If religion, sexual orientation, etc. are not part of the interview, then the tattoos shouldn't be either.