has a tattoo or piercing ever worked against you?

Student Lounge College Life
41

<p>Here are some studies on how people (such as employers) perceive people with tattoos. In many ways, perceptions of people with tattoos matter more than the characteristics of people with tattoos, though the are certainly related.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>[People</a> with tattoos are perceived to be less credible than those without - National cognitive science | Examiner.com](<a href=“Examiner is back - Examiner.com”>Examiner is back - Examiner.com)</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>[Emerald</a> | Managing Service Quality | Consumer perceptions of visible tattoos on service personnel](<a href=“http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1858666&show=html]Emerald”>http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1858666&show=html)</p>

42

<p>why do people even ****ing care, let’s accept the fact that nobody in this thread is going to change their mind</p>

43

<p>^Maybe because people like debating and defending their views?</p>

<p>If we only debated issues on which most people are willing to change their minds, then we wouldn’t debate any issues!</p>

44

<p>No. I had an internship at the hospital where my tattoo was fully displayed, though it can easily be covered if I ever need it to be.</p>

45

<p>

</p>

<p>Man, I hate when people say this. If you don’t understand why people would want to debate or don’t want to participate in the debate, then don’t. I would have thought this to be a simple concept.</p>

46

<p>Hey guys, transfers has some studies for you to read. It proves that you should act like a totally average person as often as possible. How ****ing shocking. People like it if you prove you’re as stupid as they are. Welcome to humanity.</p>

47

<p>@transfers- do you just like to ignore the holes in the studies? Or do you just not talk to people who disagree with you? Because I am very confused. Rather than “debating” what people have said, you just post studies. Not even very good studies. I think if you want to “debate” then you should respond to what people have said.</p>

48

<p>If people get them somewhere they can’t hide them i bet alot of companies wouldn’t hire you. And there’s a diference between the guys who get one tattoo and the ones who have them all over where they can be seen. I think they usually look stupid, but some people get cool ones. Usually i think they are in a biker gang or at least kind of strange. They usually say stuff like “Like look dude its my artwork”, or whatever they say to think they are cool for doing it. But if some dude is in the army and he gets one of like the troop he’s in cause everyone else does its different.</p>

49

<p>And i forgot about piercing. They are the same way. Like if some chick gets just one hole in each ear its ok, but when they get like a row of them and their nose, lip, and tounge all pieced it looks ummmm…different.</p>

50

<p>I have three tattoos and I still got into Princeton…</p>

51

<p>Some of you clearly don’t know anything about tattoos… If you get a meaningless tattoo then that was a mistake because you’ll probably get sick of it in a couple of years. </p>

<p>I have 6 tats and they all have a meaning. I didn’t go to a tat store and chose a tattoo. I designed all of my tats and they’re all important to me. So whoever says only stupid people get tats is the stupid one. 3 of my professors asked me to design tats for them. Also I know at least 2 professors who have visible tats. </p>

<p>But I get you… You’re too scared to do anything in this life so when someone else does something all you can do is talk and make excuses… (Not intended to anyone personally, just to those who say tats are stupid.)</p>

52

<p>@Transfers, </p>

<p>As a student at one of the nations top CS programs, I will probably make more money in my first 10 years of working than you will ever dream of in your lifetime. However, I have considered getting tattoos.</p>

53

<p>What about dreadlocks?</p>

54

<p>^Dreadlocks are associated with stoner culture, which generally makes an unprofessional impression.<br>
My cousins are in the Air Force and they both have pierced noses. They wear flesh colored studs when they’re on duty, and whatever they want off.<br>
I think as long as the tattoo is either tasteful/meaningful or can’t be seen when in professional dress, then it should be fine with most employers.<br>
I personally would never get one as they’re just not something I believe in. However, several of my friends and acquaintances have them and so far they’ve all been pretty successful at the things they’ve attempted.</p>

55

<p>

</p>

<p>Parent here (sorry to barge in, but the OP asked for employer perspective).</p>

<p>If you have a visible tat, you will not be hired at the company I work for. Period. Ditto for piercings in the nose, lip, tongue, eyebrow, gauges, and dreds. You may think it’s stupid or narrow-minded but the fact is, you’re not calling the shots about hiring at my company. My boss is, and no matter how qualified you are, you won’t get the job.</p>

<p>Before you make any irreversible decisions about your body, you need to think about your future bosses’ viewpoint. Image is important in the workplace. Bosses want to present an image of their company or department that says “We’re serious, we’re professional, we’re capable, we’re reliable, we’re steady.” To many bosses, body decoration says “I’m impulsive, I’m frivolous, I’m not too bright, I’m a druggie, I’m cheap, I have poor judgment.” Even if they don’t personally think this, they have to consider customers or colleagues who will. </p>

<p>Also keep in mind, your future boss will be older than you, perhaps much older, and tats and piercings just are not acceptable to many older people. You may disagree, but it’s a fact that you’re going to run into when you begin your job search. And again, it’s their opinion that counts, not yours.</p>

<p>So if you must have a non-traditional piercing, go for the belly button. If you must have a tat, put it someplace that will never show on the job. Otherwise, you are limiting your options and that’s really not smart in this economy.</p>

56

<p>Maybe another way to look at it is a tattoo is a personal statement. When you represent an organization, that statement may not reflect what the owners wish to convey. That doesn’t mean everyone has to dress or look the same, but if that personal statement is like a billboard, it’s hard to ignore. Just as a lawyer wouldn’t show up in court with a punk haircut and party clothes, a professional needs to dress in a professional manner, as well. Seeing ink splashed all over someone’s chest, for instance, just doesn’t convey a serious image, in the eyes of many, if not most, people.</p>

57

<p>

</p>

<p>I understand that. And if you DO get a visible tat, you should know the risks you’re taking. However, I do think this mindset is changing and it is becoming more and more common to be hired with visible tats because it is simply becoming more accepted by society.</p>

58

<p>You’re right, romanigypsyeyes, it is more acceptable than it was 20 years ago. In 20 years from now, it will be yet more acceptable. But you all will be looking for jobs in 2 or 3 years. In the job market that current college students will face, it’s a barrier to employment at many companies. I just hate to see young people hurting their chances for reasons that have nothing to do with their qualifications. :(</p>

59

<p>^ Right, and I get that. I’m just looking to the far future. More like when my kids are looking for jobs and my generation is running things. </p>

<p>And you’re right- it sucks that people are judged for how they look (this pertains to anything, not just tats) rather than their qualifications.</p>

60

<p>I got an intimate piercing. Although he liked it, my bf wasn’t happy that I had let a stranger to do it to me.</p>