Outline

The possible impact of tattoos on your job search

I.

Introduction
A. Problem
B. Purpose

II.

Companys point of view

A. Policy and dress code
B. Surveys
C. Facts

III.

Professional Appearance & Visible Tattoos

A. Reasons
B. Interview

IV.

Discrimination
A. Rights
B. Exceptions

V.

Conclusion

WRITTEN PRESENTATION

I.

The possible impact of tattoos on your job interview

A. Introduction

PROBLEM- That cute little tattoo of a rose just above the curve of
your backside is discreet enough that only you and your honey
knows its there, but if you have tattoos in places that are clearly
visible, you may be heading for a clash with your employer.
Multiples tattoos are becoming much more common in todays
workforce, and employers are taking notice. But are tattoos a turnoff
to potential employers? How tattoos can really cause you an impact
on your job interview?
PURPOSE- The purpose of this presentation is first to answer those
questions and second to show different facts and recommendations
related to the impact of tattoo in the job interview.

B. Companys point of view

POLICY AND DRESS CODE: Despite, or perhaps due to, the history
surrounding tattoos, body modification is discouraged in the modern
workforce. The number of companies that state any official rules in
their dress code is actually very small, at only 16 percent. These
companies are usually found in the service industry, and each
company has different rules. Starbucks for example prohibits any
visible tattoos or facial piercings. In comparison, Wal-Mart does not
allow facial piercings, but does allow inoffensive visible tattoos. In
a complete opposite view, Ford Motor Company allows visible
tattoos and piercings, as long as it is not an issue of employee safety.
This means depend on the companys policy and dress code and
depend on the industry involve.
SURVEYS: In a recent survey by Careerbuilder.com, 31 percent of
Hiring managers said that visible tattoos can have a negative impact
on their decision whether to hire someone. Why? Because the people
who own the business or company are often in the 50- to 70-year-old
crowd. Even when thats not the case, the customer base for a
business may include a substantial number of those who are 40 and
up. If thats an important demographic for a particular workplace,
tattoos can be a liability for getting a job there.
FACTS: In facts some companies that are already tattoo friendly are:
Ikea, Target, Apple, Hot Topic, Border's, Best Buy, Applebee's, As
well as many more... There are currently twelve million Americans

that are unemployed. About one in every four people has at least one
tattoo. That leaves about three million unemployed people at a
greater disadvantage of becoming employed because of their tattoos.
Although there are many successful tattooed people, about 20% of
Americans who are inked are unsatisfied with their tattoos or regret
getting them done.
C. Professional Appearance & Visible Tattoos

REASONS: The policies of the different companies reject visible

tattoos because they believe:
o Tattoos are unprofessional
o Customers view them as a negative attribute and are reluctant to
work face to face with the employee
o They are distracting
o They reflect negative self-worth
o Other employees are uncomfortable being around them

INTERVIEW: In an interview made to Mariana Barreiro, a woman

that Own a Sport Bar in Luquillo, I ask her:
1. Question: Whats your opinion about tattoos?
Answer: Allow People to:
o Be individual
o Express beliefs and religion
o Carry Memories, loved ones, and dreams
o Be artistic and creative
2. Question: How long have you been with those tattoos?
o Answer: I start when I was young, 17 I think with the first one
and I continue till then.
3. Question: Have you been discriminated in some job search or lost
one for it?
o Many Times, they dont tell you thats the reason. But is very
clearly, because you have the qualifications, the experience and
the knowledge, so what more can be. Never lost a job for it
because when a company hire you and you have the tattoos it
means they have a flexible dress code policy and when youre in,
you just have to demonstrate that you have the potential to do the
job and if they see the quality of employer you are, your image is
going to pass to second stage.

4. Question: What is your personal opinion as a hiring manager or

owner of a company?:
o Its notice that society is growing..., it will soon become
impossible to discriminate against this trend. Companies will
have no choice but to hire inked employees. I understand that
tattoos can cause a negative or positive impact on a job search
depend on the industry you looking for work. But in my personal
opinion policies that prohibit tattoos should not reflect value
judgments about tattoos or the people who get them. In fact,
many employers would likely be surprised to find out how many
current employees have tattoos and simply cover them up at
work. So negative assumptions about what tattoos say about the
people who have them are very often misplaced.
5. Discrimination

RIGHTS: You may think a hiring policy against body art is

discriminatory. Its not. Companies have the right to have a dress code
and that dress code may exclude tattoos. You may argue that it makes
sense that a skull and crossbones or a bleeding dagger might bother
people but your butterflies shouldnt offend anyone. Maybe so. But from
a companys point of view, teasing out what is and isnt okay on an
individual basis is just too much trouble. Its far easier to ban them all.
There are no current laws that prohibit discrimination against people
with visible tattoos. These policies are legal as long as they are enforced
evenhandedly across all ages and apply to both sexes. The only
exception in relation to laws would be religious or beliefs related
markings under the 2010 Equality Act, but proof must be provided.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion there are no studies that suggest a person's intelligence or
work ethic is measured by their self-image. There is over one hundred
million people living in the United States with tattoos, many of which
are employed, but many are unemployed as well. Plenty of studies have
been conducted that reflect personal image, with the emphasis on tattoos
and piercings, and a person's success. It is true that it is more likely for a
person to be less successful if they have visible tattoos. This does not
mean a person's education is not justified or that they are less intelligent
or hardworking than their non-tattooed counterparts. But, as Mariana
said in the interview: as society grows, more people are sporting tattoos.
Eventually, employers will have no choice but to hire tattooed

employees. It goes without saying that Tattoo Removal is an option but

not one most people should take.
If you dont have a tattoo, consider whether the risk to your career
potential is worth it. Sure, if youre going into a creative field where
tattoos are widely accepted, it may not matter. But if youre thinking
about work in a more straitlaced profession, you may be significantly
limiting your chances.
If you really must have body art, consider having it done in a place that
can be covered up for work. Some people actually like this option or at
least make it work for them. For some, its like having a secret identity.
For some, their tattoos are part of their private life, not something they
want to share with everyone.
If you do have a tattoo and want a job, consider a companys culture and
dress code before you apply. Dont expect company policy to change just
because you think their attitude about tattoos is irrational. It may be
irrational, but its their call. Dont think that you have something so
special to offer that they will make an exception. However brilliant,
gifted, and creative your tattooed self may be, theres probably someone
equally brilliant, gifted and creative who isnt sporting a fairy on her
ankle or an elaborate design on the arm, just analyzed the situation.