Do Tattoos affect your chances of getting a Job? If you don’t want to read any further, then the short answer is no. It shouldn’t affect your chances of getting a job. Read more to find out when and why it might affect your chances!

Let’s start this off by saying the honest answer to the Question: “Do tattoos affect your chances of getting a job?”. There is no definitive answer. There are infinite numbers of scenarios or variances to take into account.

We now live in a world where tattoos are becoming more and more common. The stigma of tattoos being a rebellious or a social outsider are ending. It is becoming more and more socially acceptable and normal to have tattoos. They are now seen as pieces of art by many.

What is the Tattoo and Where is it Located?

I would think this to be an obvious thing to consider but lets spell it out. The tattoo(s) itself will have a direct effect on someones opinion of your tattoos. For example if you had a Nazi swastika tattooed on your neck. You can bet you will be unemployed for the foreseeable future. Whereas if you had a tattoo symbolic of a loved one for example your children’s name, or a love heart in memory of a relative that passed away. People you meet will be far more accepting and understanding of your tattoos. So before you get a tattoo just because it looks nice. Check out what it means first!

What Company are you applying to?

Firstly, the company you are applying to what is culture like and how diverse is their workforce. Generally if the company has an aging workforce or a culture which is behind the times then perhaps the hiring manager or HR department may not look fondly on tattoos? – this is because they many not have had many interactions with people who have tattoos or grew up at a time where tattoos were seen as rebellious and to mark yourself as different or an outsider.

On the flip side if the company you are applying for has a progressive culture and young workforce then it is likely they would be more accepting of tattoos. – in theory people within this company will have more exposure to tattoos throughout their life and therefore be more comfortable and accepting of them. They may even see tattoos as pieces of art and an expression of one’s beliefs/ values.

What Position are you applying for?

What job industry are you applying to? Dependant on the industry they may or may not be more accepting of tattoos for example the tech industry – you would imagine this would be accepting of tattoos given their workforce would be perceived to becoming younger. The construction industry (building) perhaps tattoos are acceptable here because it is not unheard of to see builders with tattoos on sites in recent years.

Is the job customer facing?

Firstly, do you engage with customers as part of your role. Secondly what time of business is it? Business to business or Business to Consumer? Lastly the customer base, what demographic is you’re the company’s customer base compiled of? Similarly, to what I have mentioned about the company culture, Tattoos may or may not affect your chances of getting a job dependant on the attitude towards tattoos from the customer base.

What level of seniority is the role?

Of Course, the other factors will have bearing on this being relevant too. However, The level of seniority in very general terms will mean the higher the position the less inclined you will be to get the job if you have tattoos. The thought process behind this is should you be applying for a position of CEO or CFO for example the person(s) appointing you for the position are more likely to be older in age and as stated before, they then in theory would be less accepting of tattoos.

Your Skill Level/ Experience/ Qualification.

Like anyone else of course your skill level, experience and qualification will have the most influence on the hiring manager. (Or at least it should!) Be the best person you can be and display your aptitude for the job during the hiring process as well as your personality and if your qualified you should get the job. Just like anyone else….. but bear in mind Tattoos might affect your chances of getting a Job.

So Do Tattoos Affect Your Chances of Getting a Job?

Short answer is no they should but hopefully, our article gave you some food for thought. For more work Related fashion advice check out our lad advice on Office Fashion