With one in five Americans and nearly half of all Millennials currently sporting ink somewhere on their bodies, it’s reasonable to be concerned about whether or not your totally sick tat will land you in some hot water at your next job interview. Even though the general public is warming up to the idea of expressing yourself with body art, there are still many people that frown upon that anchor on your arm. Luckily, AMI has got your back with some advice on how to know when you should hide your tattoos on a job interview.
Use Your Common Sense
Before you stress about your ink, take a moment to think about the position that you’re applying for. Is it customer-facing? Will you be interacting with high-level team members? Is it in a historically conservative industry like banking, finance, or health care? If so, then definitely cover up your tattoos. On the other hand, if you’re interviewing for a job in a creative or technology-based field, you’re probably fine as there’s a good chance that your interviewer probably has a few tattoos of their own.
Do Your Homework
If you’re still doubtful about whether or not you should show off that quote on your forearm, do a little digging about the company you’re interviewing at. Take a look at the company’s mission statement on their website and browse LinkedIn to get an idea of the kind of people that work there. If words like formal, professional, and traditional are associated with this company, then tattoos are probably a no-go and you should cover up with some long sleeves or a layer of foundation.
Play it Safe
If you still aren’t 100% sure if your tattoos will be well-received, you’re better off just keeping them covered. That is, of course, if your tattoo is somewhere where you can cover it. Another thing to consider is if you want to work in an environment where you have to hide parts of yourself on a daily basis. It’s easy to forget that a job interview is a two-way street. You are interviewing not only to see if you’re the right fit for the company but also to see if the company is the right fit for you. It’s important to work a job where you feel comfortable and confident. If you’re truly concerned about your tattoos being an issue, it might be best to find a position that’s better aligned with who you are.
Tattoos are a wonderful way to express yourself, but it’s understandable to be concerned over how they can affect hiring manager’s impressions of you. The best way to avoid the question of showing your tattoos on a job interview is to make sure you’re applying for positions that match up to your interests, values, and personality, as then you will have a good idea of whether or not showing off your ink is a big deal.
