Body art most likely won’t affect job opportunities

With the continued economy downturn, job-seekers want to stand out for the right reasons. They want to grab the employer's interest and gain the chance to prove their talents in an interview. With the increased competition among job candidates, what might hinder their chances? Could tattoos and body piercings be seen as an obstacle to getting a job? Will it make candidates stick out for the wrong reasons?

John A. Challenger, chief executive officer for outplacement agency Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., says that most employers would probably not eliminate a candidate based on whether he or she has a body piercing or a tattoo. Body art has become a lot more ordinary and common these days; therefore, an employer may be eliminating a large amount of qualified job-seekers if he or she rejects those exhibiting body art.

"Employers' anti-tattoo stance probably softened considerably during the labor shortages of the late 1990s," says Challenger. "Today, even in this tight job market, most companies are not going to view tattoos too harshly. One reason is that with everyone from soccer moms to MIT computer science graduates sporting tattoos, preconceptions about tattooed individuals are no longer valid. Secondly, and more importantly, companies have a vested interested in hiring the most qualified candidate."

It seems that body art stretches across the generations. According to a 2010 Pew Research Center report, 38 percent of Millennials (ages 18 to 29) sport tattoos, while 32 percent of Gen Xers (ages 30 to 45) have tattoos. And a number of Millennials (30 percent) don't feel the need to conceal their body art; they have them on display for public viewing.

"There are definitely certain industries where more conservative standards of appearance persist," says Challenger. "We may never see visible tattoos on bankers, lawyers, accountants or the clergy. However, areas such as advertising, marketing, sales and technology are more inclined to be progressive and more accepting of new fashion and lifestyle trends."

Challenger offers tips and guidance when it comes to interview/job searching concerns:

n Tattoos: If a tattoo is distasteful, please cover it up during the interview and when you start working. Otherwise, it should be OK to display the body art -- unless you know that the employer doesn't approve of tattoos.

n Piercings: A lot of body piercings could be a distraction to the interviewer. Please take out lip and tongue rings; you want the interviewer to be able to understand your responses. You also don't want to set off metal detectors if the office has high security measures.

n Cell phones: There is no reason to have a cell phone out or turned on during an interview. Turn the phone off and put it in a purse or briefcase. Even the vibrate mode can be distracting to the interviewer.

n Portable music players: Don't bring your iPod to the office. If you have your ear buds in all day, it may seem like you aren't doing your daily assignments.

n Work attire. Be sure to dress appropriately. Please dress yourself professionally. It is better to be dressed up rather than dressed casually in a professional workplace setting.

"The best way to determine if body art is acceptable is by asking someone, preferably not the person you are to meet," adds Challenger. "However, if you know someone else at the company or if you have established rapport with a secretary or receptionist, you can ask that person."

For more information and tips, visit the website www.challengergray.com.