Tattoos and piercings are becoming more widely accepted and less frowned upon. Unfortunately, this does not mean that you should show up to your next job interview baring it for the world to see. Often times, in the workplace, piercings and ink can still have a negative first impression. What should you do about your body art? Follow these tips!
Consider the Company Culture
First, research the industry and company culture. Is it a conservative environment or a more laid-back atmosphere? Some companies promote self-expression while others prefer the highest level of professionalism. Keep in mind that even if the company is favorable towards body art, you may want to stay on the conservative side for an interview if you have numerous piercings and/or tattoos.
Find an Inside Contact
Reaching out to someone you know who works for the company is the best way to know for sure how management feels about tattoos and piercings. If you do not know anyone, scour their website for an employee handbook or look through their ‘About Us’ page for clues. You may even be able to gain insight by scanning through their blog posts.
Err on the Side of Caution
If you are not able to find a clear answer, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and cover up as much as you can. Clothing is effective for hiding tattoos on most parts of the body. Jewelry is great for hard to cover-up areas such as your wrist. A longer hairstyle is a great option for concealing ink on your neck.
Piercings may be a little more difficult as removing them for even short periods can cause the skin to close back up. For instance, it may be difficult to hide a nose ring. Instead, replace the very noticeable ring with a stud. The interviewer may not even notice! That is a win-win!
Get a Read During the Interview
More than likely during the interview you will be able to get an idea of how your tattoos and piercings will be perceived. Take note of employees you may see and meet while touring the facilities. Asking about dress code or company policies can often prompt an interviewer to answer your question without having to reveal that you have ink.
Be Well Informed Before Your Interview
Want to be in the know before your next interview? Salem Solutions will make sure you are well-informed before your big interview. As the leading staffing agency in Florida, our specialists will help you find open positions that fit your skills and goals, fine-tune your resume, and give you tips for your interview. Working closely with companies to fill their staffing needs, means that Salem Solutions already knows what hiring managers are looking for. Browse our open positions today!
