Preparing for an Interview When You Have Tattoos & Piercings
Freelance writer Jocasta Morrison explains how you can prepare for an interview when you have tattoos & piercings....
"With one in three people in the UK having at least one tattoo, it’s clear that getting inked is quite popular across the country. However, tattoos and even piercings can be quite controversial, as many people — and companies — have different views on what’s appropriate for the workplace. This is especially true for those in the healthcare field, leaving many to wonder how to go about handling tattoos and piercings when going for an interview. Whether you’re looking into getting some body art done before seeking out a new job or you already have a few tattoos with an interview lined up, here’s what you need to know in order to have a successful interview.
“Freelance writer Jocasta Morrison explains how you can prepare for an interview when you have tattoos & piercings“
Do your research
Going to an interview is all about making a great first impression, which is partly attributed to how you present yourself. You may be wondering if your tattoos and piercings could potentially prevent you from getting hired. While some research finds that having visible body art has no effect on employability, it still may be worth your time to do your research beforehand on the company and how they operate. For example, if the employer seems more traditional and professional in terms of their values and how they dress for everyday work, you may want to consider covering your tattoo and taking your piercings out beforehand — until you can gain more knowledge on whether or not these things are allowed.
Depending on the position you’re interviewing for, and your potential day to day responsibilities (such as how often you’ll be communicating with patients or clients), showcasing your tattoos and piercings may or may not be a great idea. For instance, if you’re interviewing for the position of a primary care physician or nurse, you may be faced with a dress code that doesn’t allow for any tattoos or piercings (generally other than the ears) to be visibly worn. On the other hand, if you’re interviewing for a healthcare position that involves working over the phone, tattoos and piercings may be perfectly acceptable.
Covering up
While there are many great reasons for getting inked, covering yours up for an interview might allow you to be more comfortable knowing that your artwork isn’t attracting any attention. Luckily, there are several different ways to hide tattoos effectively, including using makeup, jewelry, or clothing — such as covering one on your wrist with a watch or an arm tattoo with a long-sleeve blouse. If you are thinking about getting inked before you begin job seeking, thinking about where you want it to be placed on your body beforehand can make covering up much easier and far less stressful for those moments when you need to. For instance, instead of getting one on the inside of your wrist, opting for your shoulder can allow it to be covered by most shirts while at work.
Managing your piercings
When it comes to managing your piercings in situations where you may not wish to wear them in an interview, you have a couple of options to consider. Perhaps the most obvious option, you can take the piercing out temporarily. However, this may be an issue if it’s a new piercing since it can close up if you forget to put it back in. As a solution, you can use clear plastic retainers, which are essentially clear jewelry that keeps your piercing intact but isn’t clearly visible. If you don’t wish to go this route, however, considering taking your piercings out permanently is another direct approach that may be helpful for some who don't like the retainer approach.
Tattoos and piercings are popular forms of self-expression, though they can often be controversial topics in the workplace. Luckily, there are several ways to handle the issue, from covering your tattoos to removing piercings, or even by considering a less visible placement for future artwork."
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