We define body
art as consisting of eyebrow, nose, tongue or lip piercings, visible tattoos
and alternative hairstyles/color.
As stated previously, first impressions go a long way. Most companies
are looking to hire professional individuals. Not that body art makes
a person less professional, but others may get the wrong message. Our
overall recommendation when it comes to body art is to keep it at a minimum.
Research the company that you are interested in. Do they have formal dress
codes? Or, official policies regarding body art? If you are unsure or
cannot find information, here are some basic suggestions:
- Keep jewelry to
the least amount possible
- Limit yourself
to one ring per hand
- Try to limit piercings,
by taking them out or wearing clear spacers
- Wear conservative
(small) earrings
- If tattoos can
be covered, do so, especially if they can be seen as offensive
- Keep hair color
looking natural (black, brunette, blonde, auburn, grey, etc.)
- Hair should be
well trimmed, clean, and neat no matter the style
- If nail polish
is worn, pick non-extreme colors, like clear or light pinks
Comments
made by employers concerning body art (and their policies):
• My company's
policy is nothing over the top. The reality, though, no one wants to see
any of it. Think about the demographic of who most hiring managers are
and I'm sure one will realize that they grew up in a time where tattoos
and piercings were unacceptable. As a hiring manager, I don't want to
see someone else's 'self expression' all over his/her arms, neck, face,
etc.
• As mentioned, they're obviously very acceptable. However, I would
absolutely remove them for ANY encounter with a company you're pursuing.
Again, you do not want to be remembered for your tattoo or piercing. When
I see these things at a career fair, information session, or interview,
I assume that a student is not ready for the real world.
• Although we don't discriminate in our hiring or promotion because
of these items; we do have to point out that some of our clients/customers
may object to them and if they ask them not to wear them we'd have to
pass that request on the employee. Additionally, we ask that professional
staff dress appropriately for our work environment. We have found that
most employees use common sense in this area.
• Tattoos and piercings are fine; however, should not be outwardly
displayed during the interview - takes away from the candidate's credibility.
• We value differences and do not discriminate based on these ways
of expression. As long as they are not inappropriate (swear words, depictions
of violence or nudity), they should not pose much of a problem. Inappropriate
tattoos could represent harassment to others if they are visible, or could
make others uncomfortable in their work environment and we can't allow
that in the workplace. To the extent that they are not inappropriate,
they do not buy you any benefit either, and could be a distraction during
the interview. We would recommend that you try to minimize distraction
and represent yourself based on your experiences and credentials.
• Body art is ok however it cannot be offensive and depending on
the content needs to be concealed.
• While
we don't have a policy that speaks to it, it is highly dependent on the
type of job that the person is applying for. When working with members
of the public/clients/etc, we discourage offensive material.
• We don't care that people have them and don't change our mind
to the negative if once we hire someone that they show up with piercings
or show their tattoos, but for some reason in the interview process you
should refrain from displaying them. First impressions are very important
and some things are more understandable and acceptable once you know them.
• We are in a creative business, and a tasteful amount of body art
would not be a problem. Self-expression is a good thing! That said, an
amount of body art that draws an inordinate amount of attention can be
counter-productive. In an interview, you want the interviewer to focus
on what you are saying or the work you are presenting--not trying to read
your tattoos or count your piercings. It should be noted that the interviewer
is not only hiring you to sit at a desk all day but also to interact with
clients and others in the profession as a firm representative--and if
they feel that clients or other professionals would be troubled by the
amount or content of body art, this could work against you.
• Earrings are fine in the ear, but other facial jewelry must be
removed. Tattoos need to be covered.
• Definitely no body piercings or tattoos which could offend people
(either employees or customers). Anything offensive would not be acceptable.
Engineers need to look professional in all environments.
• No formal policy, but it does not exhibit a professional image.
• Visible piercings other than two at the most on ears (men or women)
strictly unacceptable. Don't even think about tongues, eyebrows, noses,
lips, etc. Visible tattoos unacceptable.
• Will vary depending on how obvious/distracting, from one hiring
manager to the next. Construction tends to be less formal, yet is somewhat
'old school' about guys with earrings, etc.
• No policies. Appropriate clothes should cover your belly.
• Pierced ears (on women) are just fine. Any other piercings or
tattoos are not appropriate for a professional appearance. Pierced
ears and tattoos on men are unprofessional.
• We understand that they are common and just ask that our employees
don't have facial piercings and that tattoos are covered.
• Our company culture is very open and we have no policies regarding
body art and/or piercings.
• Depends on the position in the company and the contact the individual
will have with our clients.
• We don't have any policies that address these issues, we ask our
employees to present themselves in a neat manner.
• Tattoos should be covered, and minimal/reasonable piercings are
acceptable (ear)
• Anyone in the public eye will not display tattoos or body piercings
on the face or hands. Earrings (1 or a pair) is considered acceptable.
• Okay if hidden with clothing
• Earrings only one piercing, no showable body art or body tattoos
that would be offensive (such as nose, tongue)
• They should not be seen.
• Our company does not have a specific policy. However, tattoos
should not be visible and piercings should be at a minimum.
• Tattoos should be covered up, they tend to scare some people.
Piercings only in ears and not too many. This is a personal choice and
candidates need to realize that companies will have policies, so be ready
to comply.
• Other than ear piercing, body art and piercings should be covered
at work.
• Cover them up.
• Fairly liberal, if person will be meeting with clients, a little
more reserved, but would not automatically rule out hiring someone unless
very large piercing/tattoo
• Tattoos should not be visible. Piercings are limited to ears only.
• They should not be distracting to the students or to those that
need to listen and respond. We are not against any of this unless it is
vulgar
• We don't have a policy. But tattoos should not show and piercings
should be limited to ears.
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