Houston, we have a problem. Or do we? See, I like tattoos. I don’t have one, but that’s because I can’t figure out what to get and/or where to place it. Not because I hate tattoos. In fact, I admire folks who have them. That being said, it’s been my experience that HR hates tattoos and I’ve been giving this a lot of thought lately. Here’s the definitive guide to how HR pros interact with tattoos.
HR generally looks for four criteria before making a snap judgment regarding your tattoo.
- Size of tattoo. Did you go with the quarter size lucky charm or the softball sized lucky charm? Size is important… let’s put that argument to bed. (Damn, I crack myself up.) Size of your tattoo speaks directly to your judgment. What were you thinking at that particular moment? Was your decision making impaired by the amount of tequila shots, etc? They will assume so if you have a life-sized basketball tattoo on your forearm. Moreover, and especially given today’s tattoo removal technology, if you still have that life-sized basketball tattoo on your forearm – that speaks volumes about your judgment. Not just at the time of tattoo inception but continued poor judgment. Anyone can make a bad decision, but only morons live daily with them plastered on their forearm.
- Placement of tattoo. So you went with the Greek goddess. I totally get that… she’s hot and important in Greek lore. I get that. How did you make the decision on where to place her on your less than perfect human form? That’s what HR is going to judge you on. Somewhere secret behind clothes OR on your wrist or neck. What that tells HR about you is how willing you are to comply with the rules. Don’t get me wrong… sometimes HR wants to hire a renegade. But more often than not, if they can “see” your tattoos, they have already secretly written you off as a future problem employee. Visible = problem.
- Symbolism of tattoo. The “what” is important! Did you go with Jesus or Lucifer? Did you go with pagan symbolism or Cherokee (assuming you are) symbolism? If HR can see your tattoos you might already be in hot water, but your ability to tell a story about your art speaks volumes. Getting a baby Jesus on your ankle in South Beach after an all-nighter “just cause” tells a story about you. Getting inked up with the birth date of your dearly departed Na Na tells yet another story. Assuming HR can identify your artwork, be on the ready to tell a compelling story as to why you chose your artwork. Heavy emphasis on compelling.
- Quantities of tattoos. I think most HR pros would forgive one tattoo. Maybe even two. But 16 tattoos, I think not. HR will judge on the number of tattoos you have as they think more tattoos equal addictive personality. Yep, they will liken your taste in ink to someone who uses heroin. Seems kind of crazy, but it’s as true as the day is long. Even the most hard core HR pro will “forgive” an indiscretion but more than five tattoos is NOT an indiscretion. It’s an addiction. Obligatory Charter message… if you don’t get help at Charter please get help somewhere. That just never gets old.
All four points above are important by themselves, but in combination they can either be compelling or career ending. Think: the eight softball sized devils on both forearms vs. the eight penny sized renditions of your grandparents and great grandparents over your heart. 8 tattoos… HR thinks of that person differently. Are you criminal or hopeless romantic?
I’ll leave you with these questions… either consciously or subconsciously; do you judge folks with tattoos? What does tattoo acceptance (or lack thereof) say about your company culture? Lastly, what about HR pros who have tattoos, what does that say about them and/or the organization they represent?
Guess I’m screwed … I’m in HR and have tattoos (lots) though none are visible. Wonder what that says about me to me????
Let’s see, 4 and counting…..
I guess I can kiss those consulting gigs bye bye..LOL
I am nonjudgmental about them myself. All 4 of mine have meaning to me of course. But, I have had a mixed bag of reactions when HR professionals “notice” my tats.
One recent experience was at a conference when a very bold HR person asked me how old I was when I got my wrist one….when I replied this past summer, she almost shuddered right there in front of me. She did ask me what my mother said.
I am 47, I think I am out of the “I have to get permission” stage.
I have also received, “that’s cool” as a reaction but those are usually my HR students and not my colleagues.
Just thinking where to put my next one now…
I myself have been in HR and Recruiting for 18 years and have 3 tattoos. They are however in places where no one will ever see them unless I take off my clothes (now that’s an interview I want to go on!). But seriously I don’t have a problem with tattoos but I do think that the decision to place large visable tattoos on your body can be life and career changing. For better or worse we live in the world we live in and employers will judge someone who has large and visable tattoos.
This was a great post and very timely as I am trying to convince a female friend of mine, who has large tattoos, to have them removed. This person is going back to school and plans a career in healthcare. I’ve been trying to convince her that by having large visable tattoos she is not only making it more difficult to find a job but also grow a career.
Thank you for this great and timely post!
I have either three tattoos or six, depending on whether or not you think the ink on my right arm is one connected piece or three separate tattoos. Pretty much everyone who works with me on a regular basis knows that I’m inked, and have likely seen a bit of ink on my arms when I wear short-sleeved shirts (which I do during the summer months). A lot of the women in my office have tattoos on their arms and/or ankles, and these have been visible at the office as well.
I think (or maybe I just hope) that the stigma around tattoos is changing. Tattoos can be crass and vulgar, sure. But they can also be lovely to look at. When attending a conference last year, I joined my Chief Human Resources Officer and a number of colleagues (many of whom were above me on the org chart) for dinner. I wore a short sleeved shirt, and when someone noticed my tattoos, all insisted that they see my entire arm – and when I complied (what can I say; I’m not an exhibitionist, but I am proud of my art), what followed was nothing but compliments and thoughtful queries (around why I chose the skeleton key, what the kanji symbol meant, etc.). The most common comment was “I just can’t believe *you* have tattoos!” – which is interesting data. Perhaps folks are still better off not letting one’s tattoo be part of a professional first impression.
Obviously, tattoos that contain profanity, shocking images, nudity, etc. might not be appropriate for the office. But I believe the problem should be about content, not form (i.e., the fact that it’s a tattoo shouldn’t be any worse than someone displaying profanity or nudity in their screen saver).
PS … I’m seriously considering getting a little more ink over the Presidents’ Day weekend. When someone tells you that tattooing is addictive … believe them.
No tattoos here but I have thought about them but like you have not found any really compelling artwork that would truly represent who I am.
I am a bit of a renegade on this one as I think tattoo lovers are also in many cases extroverts and innovative bar the few drug heads and drunkards who make bad choices not only in tattoos but in life. So I would be very supportive of hiring or recommending tatoo splattered candidates if they have every other quality the employer requires. Otherwise it is discrimination and theres way too much hate and that out there already. So long live tattoos!!!!!
Tattoos for me are part of my culture and heritage too. Being passed over for a job I’m qualified for because I have body art and making assumptions about my character is on par with passing me over for a job I’m qualified for because I’m mixed race, or because of my gender. (Both of which have happened – perhaps not-so-ironically)
I’m heavily tattooed, too – I’ve a full sleeve – have 2 graduate degrees and work in a highly visible role within a government organization (they make videos with me in them). I think the reality is that how we perceive tattoos has changed and for the better. Much of what you’ve pointed out is actually about being smart about tattoos and finding a good artist, as opposed to what makes an acceptable tattoo from an HR standpoint.
Tattoo placement is most important of all – I’ve nothing on my hands, neck or face – which is the proper amount of impulse control. The work I have is very well done – because I took the time and effort to find great artists.
An organization that won’t hire me because I’m tattooed is losing out on my skills, training, experience and talent because they’re too short-sighted to see what really matters. Discrimination based on the colour(s) of my skin is discrimination, period. I wouldn’t work for an organization that wouldn’t hire me because of my skin anymore than I’d work for the Klan.
Great post! I used to think body art told me a lot about a person. My last employer was against employees having visible tats. The company I work for now embraces tats and diversity. I have sat on interview panels where the person interviewing has a full sleeve tat along with different symbols on each finger. Yet the passion they had for the company, their knowledge, and articulate communication style shined above the ink. I do think it depends on the industry you are in. I hope we are getting better as a society that we are not so quick to judge based on appearance and more on a person’s skill set and abilities. I can dress a scrub in a Brooks Brother’s suit, Johnson and Murphy shoes, and type them a beautiful resume. Underneath all of that they are still a scrub.
I work in HR and personally have no body art. There were a few times when I yearned for a tattoo, but never could commit to a design or the cost and, now, don’t see the point. In addition, it’s become super trendy with my generation and younger, and I tend to run the opposite way of most trends (seems I’m more of a non-conformist for not having one!) Many of my friends (probably, most) have ink somewhere on their body, and I don’t have a problem with it on a personal level. However…judgment of a person is ALWAYS changed when tattoos are “discovered.” That’s not to say it has to be in a bad way, but much like Eric points out (“I just can’t believe *you* have tattoos!”), perceptions are altered, especially when taking into account the content and location. My opinion is, if you decide to have a giant dragon etched into your chest, you’re personal expression is of the utmost importance to you, and at your heart, you think of yourself as a “rule breaker.” Now, this is not necessarily a detriment, if you’re looking for that characteristic in a job candidate (perhaps, for an artistic position). But, really, how often is that the case? We generally want people thinking outside the box, but they, for one, need to actually be able to recognize where and why the box is. I’m a diversity advocate and would never be behind a “No tattoos” policy for many of the reasons Bowen mentions, but if you’re in a professional position, I do think that they should be in places that can be covered. Why? Because it distracts and detracts. In that situation, I only want to know about your tattoos, because I’ve come to know YOU. And let’s be honest, sometimes they are just downright tacky (Exhibit A, rapper Eve)!
While I don’t have any tattoos or plan to get any (no piercings either) I feel that is just my own very personal choice. I do often enjoy seeing some of the more artistic tattoos and do not think whether a person has them really tells me a lot about their ability to do their work.
Some professions in which artful tattoos might actually be a positive sign:
Any role that honours artistic talent. Hairstylist, graphic designer, web designer, architect, interior decorator, illustrator etc……
I know doctors, nurses, lawyers, police officers, paramedics, teachers, HR pros, psychologists, childcare workers etc. That have tattoos-when they are realy good at their job the body art is irrelevant. If we dismiss someones competency because *we* have a negative bias about their tattoo then the problem is not their body art – it is us.
Just got my kids names tattooed on each hand, my (HR) wife tried to talk me out of it but I went for it. Ready for what ever happens, boss saw them and said “I don’t know what I am doing to my body.” Uh, yes I do.
I have one visible tattoo on right forearm; Celtic Cross Cover-Up with Celtic band around my arm. I was in Accounting and now in Sales. I have three others that cannot be seen.
But I do have to agree, that as a Professional, one has to “comply” with Employer Handbook, if they have one. I also agree with Natasha; 01.17.2012 at 4:31 pm, “Because it distracts and detracts.”
It is difficult enough to get a job in this economy, so why put another roadblock in your own way ? I believe, Cover it up in the interview and offer stage, then wait to see what the “corporate culture” is before divulging your artwork. Thanks.
I am a teacher, and when I discuss tats with my students, I implore them to 1)make it classic, tasteful, and something that will still make sense when they are fifty, 2)locate it somewhere that can be covered without dressing oddly, and 3) if the tattoo parlor is not clean and the artist is not clean and sober, wait and get it elsewhere another day. Glad to hear that my advice is in concert with the business world. I would add here that the HR view of piercings is probably very similar to this as well. (Yes, you can take a piecing out….unless you gauge it. Yuck.)
I”ve got tats that noone usually sees, but I typically do have different hair colours… right now it’s blue. But I’ve been blonde, white, checkerboard red, Safety orange, purple, & copper this past 12 months.
Often times people do dismiss you on first look due to the colour. It’s a fact that you have to accept and understand. As a professional, I understand that others will view me un-professionally upon first look because of hair colour. Luckily, my primary interactions are phone & net, so I don’t have to be concerned about this on a regular basis, but I also know to “clean up” before any particularly important events.
I accept responsibility for my choice to have different coloured hair and acknowledge that it may cause some blocks or hurdles that I may not otherwise have.
Great post, and very interesting discussion. Seems to me the issue is broader than tattoos, piercings, hair color, etc. and goes to our stereotypes in general. I’ve gotten far more reactions about my level of education and the fact that I have chosen not to have children than I have on my 3 tattoos (1 visible in short sleeves, 1 visible in knee-length skirt, and 1 not visible in clothing). Based on my experience, a married woman in her 30s with a Ph.D. in a STEM field and no children (who drives an old Jeep and prefers flip flops to Louboutins) is one of the most unsettling things on the planet. We end up talking about the fact that I “speak like a normal person, not a Ph.D.”, how “wonderful” it is that I’m in a non-traditional field for women, and then they give me a referral to the fertility doctor their sister-in-law’s niece’s friend saw. My tattoos don’t even make it into the conversation!
Great Post– perception is reality- for career decisions, there are 4 good points in your post.
Side note- a co-worker of mine was working with their teenage kids about piercing and tats, and brought out their wedding album and dressed in the clothes of that decade they saved in the closet- – their kids rolled on the floor when they saw them and their pics-… side burns, hair styles, polyester blue leisure suits and all styles of the clothes on the people…the point was- all that can change easily- and it has-all gone out- so choose wisely- as tattoos are harder to change..it worked, they decided not to pierce or tat…;)
I want to write an article for this blog just so I can get a cool avatar like that
This is why they need to make sure people understand that corporate culture is a dynamic culture like anything else and needs to be treated as such. Discriminating someone for body art prohibits companies from putting the most qualified people in the job seat.
Its easy to throw the word “professionalism” around just because you don’t agree with how someone looks.
Try to observe people on home much value they add to the company instead of getting your own personal emotions involved.
Good advice.
Unfortunately, we do live in a society that still makes snap judgments. I do think we are moving towards a more tolerant, less judgmental society.
I also think it depends on the business you are in. My favorite client was a business that designed & manufactured body art components. Anything from earrings to pieces that were for piercings in the most private of areas. It was almost a requirement that workers have some sort of tattoo or body art. Loved working with them.
In other news: How do you think Heidi Klum is feeling about that Seal tattoo? Dad’s best advice, “Three of the greatest regrets a man can have are buying a convertible, a boat or a tattoo with a girl’s name.” It only took me the first two to realize the importance of the third.
I love this topic and always find it interesting to see what other HR professionals think and feel on it. I am an HR Manager and have been in HR for about 7 years. I have 3 tattoos and counting… I also have piercings (although they are subtle) my tattoos are not large but they are in areas that they can be seen by others. I have had a lot of compliments on the ones that show from many many professionals and with that of course the looks of disapproval. With the tattoos and piercings I also like to put fun colours in my hair every so often (purple is my go to). It’s fun and it’s personal.
I’ve never had any real issues in my professional or personal life because of the choices I’ve made in regards to tattoos, piercings, etc and for me I think thats a sign of people starting to accept that tattoos, etc are a big part of our society now. And just because you have one, or many doesn’t mean your aren’t smart, or professional, it just means you like tattoos or piercings or colours in your hair.
Great posts everyone! This topic always gets a lot of conversation.
I try to think of the whole tattoo/body piercing/hair color issue as not one of “stifling someone’s individuality” but instead of trying to manage first impressions. As a business owner and HR professional, I don’t give a hoot about someone’s need to be creative in the way they look…but I do give a bit HOOT about what my/our customers think when they walk in the door. If I’m running a “cool, hip, and trendy” place where my customers are likely to have some body “art” and/or be very open to looking at the “art of others” – great…those piercings, that big fat tat on the neck, etc. are welcome in my place! But if the majority of my/our customers are not likely to have body “art” or are likely to be confused, weary or worse, pass judgement on those who do…and I depend on these customers for my business, I have the obligation to manage those impressions. Therefore, I must insist that the “art” is kept under wraps during working hours. Does this make me overly conservative? Boring? Out of touch? Perhaps…but I’m ok with that.
Nice post William and such a interesting topic!
I can’t forgive that fugly tattoo on your ankle.
Thinking about the tincup logo for my next tattoo. I would never hire anyone with less than six tattoos…shows a lack of commitment.
-joe
@ Joe G – what about 6 half completed tattoos? What does that say about a candidates ability to see projects through to completion?
Tattoos are rad. To quote Futurama: “people are only interested in art if it’s tattooed on fat guys at the Louvre”
That girl with DRAKE tattooed on her forehead might have a hard time finding a client facing role though, unless she grew out her bangs…
Anyone in HR who believes they have the ability to assess personality from the presence, number, size, etc. of tattoos is the same person who believes they know how great a person is just by reading their resume. This is the same person who also goes through relationships the way Lindsey Lohan goes through prosecutors.
It’s far easier to label than it is to find out what’s really in a person and adds to the lore of one’s personal biases. And just to hammer home a point, biases aren’t built upon facts – only one’s personal fiction.
While I might like that tattoo on your ankle, unlike Laurie, “forgiveness” has nothing to do with you living with it…
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