Body art painful for job seekers

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Body art painful for job seekers
By Michelle Dynes
WyomingNews.com


CHEYENNE -- Tattoos and piercings may hurt the job prospects for potential employees with body art.

A job seeker's qualifications and skills are what secure a new position, but experience could be overshadowed by visible signs of self-expression. Employers also worry that new hires may not always conceal the ink or remove the body jewelry.

"I've heard job seekers who have a lot of tattoos make the comments that they're unemployable because of the decisions they made when they were younger," said Andrea Hixon, manager of the Cheyenne Workforce Center.

Nearly 40 percent of adults ages 18 to 40 have a tattoo, while nearly 30 percent of the age group has a non-earlobe piercing, according to the Pew Research Center's "Generation Next" survey. Hixon said some employers have relaxed workplace policies for young professionals, while others remain firm about who represents a business and who deals with customers face-to-face.

She added that her advice is simple: Research a company's culture before the interview. Cover visible art, even if it means wearing long-sleeved shirts in the summer. And remove lip rings and tongue piercings when meeting with potential employers.

A tough job market means that competition is high. Inked and pierced job seekers could be sidelined, even when they hold a college degree or a strong resume. Other employees are asked to maintain a professional appearance while on the job, said Yvonne Arellano-Jacoby, a workforce specialist at the center.

"It's either you take (a piercing) out or you don't have a job," she added.

It's also a policy that isn't limited by industry, affecting jobs in the information technology sector as well as construction. Tattooed job applicants do have difficulties finding employment, said Josh Hunter, an artist with Bad Ass Tattoo in Cheyenne. And when they do find work, it's often more of a temporary position than a career-oriented job.

"I probably would have thought twice about (chest, neck and face tattoos) if I wasn't a tattoo artist," he added.

Bud Pierson, an artist at Skibo's Tattoo, said he won't do tattoos that could interfere with future employment. He also discourages customers from finding someone else to complete artwork that can't be covered. Roughly 10 percent of his clients are interested in a hand, neck or face tattoo, and there are always a few individuals who won't be discouraged.

Pierson said it has nothing to do with age or a clash of generational values. The 60-year-old tattoo artist regrets his decision to ink both his hands in 1971. He also decided not to hire a talented artist because of face tattoos that could have made customers uncomfortable.

"It can be a deterrent -- even in the tattoo industry," he added. "As an employer, you have the right to tell someone how they will or will not appear. If (a tattoo) is privately placed, it's not going to be a problem. If it's on the hands, neck or face, you're limiting yourself."

Who's tattooed, and who's pierced?

36 -- Percentage of 18- to 25-year-olds who have or have had a tattoo

40 -- Percentage of 26- to 40-year-olds who have or have had a tattoo

10 -- Percentage of 41- to 64-year-olds who have or have had a tattoo

30 -- Percentage of 18- to 25-year-olds who have a non-earlobe piercing

22 -- Percentage of 26- to 40-year-olds who have a non-earlobe piercing

6 -- Percentage of 41- to 64-year-olds who have a non-earlobe piercing