not quite your normal tat question

I've decided that I really want to get the word music tattooed on my wrist, palm side. It will look really similar to this. I am getting many opinions before I do anything.

http://www.dafont.com/font.php?file=...l&classt=alpha

But my question is this:

To those of you who conduct interviews, specifically teaching interviews, how much of a turn off is a tattoo? Or is it? Why/Why not?

And those of you who have been in that interview situation with tattoos, what do you recommend? What have your experiences been with the interviewers?

I'm going to be a freshman in college this fall, majoring in music ed. I still have 4 years before I job hunt, but mind you, my school has 100% job placement for music ed kids. Let me know what you think!

In all honesty if it is something you really want and you get it relatively small something like that is easily covered by makeup for an interview especially if your sleeves don't rub there. Just make sure it is something that you will be OK with when you are 80.

If you're worried about job prospects than don't get tattooed. We tell every customer that comes in my shop and asks this question the same thing.

My advice to you is to get tattoos if you want them, but get them where they can be covered up with normal clothing. A lot of people are getting tattoos on their necks and hands and even sometimes on their faces. The reality is that there are actually plenty of people who think that tattoos are not appropriate for a business situation or that tattoos make you look like a criminal or low class. If people that think like this are in a position to hire or promote you (and sometimes they will be) you will be affected negatively as far as your earning ability. For those who need to know, I have followed my own advice. I have four tattoos but if I was wearing a T shirt and shorts you wouldn't see them. I expect many will post in disagreement to my opinion about this.

well, if your going for interviews and all that stuff and want a tattoo, then i would suggest getting it in a place that is most of the time covered by your regular clothing... Having a little tattoo saying music on your wrist is not a turn off at all... But having a Tattoo of a naked lady on your forehead is.... lol

even mcdonalds had a no visible tattoo rule,lol,i worked for walmart,and the one on my forearm was no big deal,but now in the job hunt,i wonder how much it is hurting me on finding a job

I would throw you to the bottom of the pile.

It really just depends of how professional of a job you're looking for.

I would go for it, i have both arms almost completely full with the tops of my hand and fingers done and i never had a problem with finding a job. I also have 7/8in ears and snake bite piercings.

Ill throw my 2 cents in, my girlfriend been with her for two years i love her to death. But she has 4 tattoos on her arms that are visisble with a short sleeve shirt and we live in AZ so thats about all we got haha. But she is the best at her job out of 5 other people who have the same title but she has been passed over 3 times I personally think its becuase they do not want to promote someone with tats to a managment position it would affect how people see the company, and this is a call center they dont even see the customers could not even think about how it would affect your job if you had to see your customer on a daily basis. Just my 2 cents hope this helps. Also im not being closed minded i also have tattoos but they are in spots where normal clothing will cover. :D

I have tattos from the wrist up and below my neck, but I invest in long-sleeve shirts. Personally, I think a long sleeve shirt with a tie looks more professional than a short sleeve with a tie anyway, so I really had no problem deciding to get tattoos that cover my arms. I also know two people who wear suits to work everyday but are covered completely below the neck minus the hands.

It all depends on what field you are getting into, and what type of clothes you will be wearing to cover up if need be. A tattoo on the wrist is easily hidden by long sleeves.

i have several tattoos and the back of my neck is completly covered and so far it has not really hurt me when applying for a job.

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Originally Posted by Soterios

I would throw you to the bottom of the pile.

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And this is just one of the reasons society needs to open their eyes.

:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Buttons

And this is just one of the reasons society needs to open their eyes.

:rolleyes:

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I agree with you, however that's how it works. People are generally close minded. Crappy but hey what can you do?

Tattoos are hot. DO it.

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Originally Posted by Buttons

And this is just one of the reasons society needs to open their eyes.

:rolleyes:

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Cry all you want, but it doesn't matter. The interviewers opinion on Tattoos DOES NOT MATTER. What matters is what clients will think. If there is a chance the company will lose money because you have a tattoo, you'll get a pass.

It's the real world kids. We're not in high school anymore.

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Originally Posted by Soterios

Cry all you want, but it doesn't matter. The interviewers opinion on Tattoos DOES NOT MATTER. What matters is what clients will think. If there is a chance the company will lose money because you have a tattoo, you'll get a pass.

It's the real world kids. We're not in high school anymore.

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I'm not crying at all. I just think it's kind of pathetic for people like yourself to put someone at the bottom of the pile because of a tattoo. Just my opinion.

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Originally Posted by Buttons

I'm not crying at all. I just think it's kind of pathetic for people like yourself to put someone at the bottom of the pile because of a tattoo. Just my opinion.

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You need to calm down, stop taking things so personally, and read.

Clearly you've never been in any sort of management situation where you control employment. If you had, you wouldn't even be discussing this. If your customers are uncomfortable, they won't spend money. If they don't spend money, you go out of business. I would venture to say that in a professional atmosphere, the vast majority would rather deal with a clean cut person.

Since I'm apparently, "One of those people", I'll let you in on a secret. I have piercings, and have a session for a tattoo set up for next month. NO WAY! The difference is mine are/will be discrete.

Once again, if I'm doing to hire someone to deal with customers, I'm going to hire the person who will best relate to ALL of them.

Personally I would say go for it.
I myself have a half sleeve on my left arm and a quarter so far on my right forearm and another small piece on my right bicep. The forearm tattoo is rather hard to cover up (However I did start getting tattoos after a year into my job) but anymore I think tattoos are an accepted part of society. I know a lot of straight laced uptight people that have multiple tats that can't easily be covered up and they have had no problem with finding jobs.

I can see the side of if you're applying for a Fortune500 or major company that they may look down on you having your throat or arms done but in this case I would say absolutely go for it. It can be covered with a watch if need be for an interview.

Just remember Mr. Rogers was covered in ink... most people didn't know that's why he wore the long shirts. :)

Hope this helps.

Thanks for all the opinions. You all have valid points.

I'm going to be a band director and teacher, most likely jr. high setting, so my wrists are showing A LOT! And almost no matter what, teaching positions are more conservative. ie- appearance, manner, etc. I would love to have sleeves and piercings galore, but I know it's a dream that will not be realized due to my future profession. That's why I'm settling on something small.

I'm working for a company in downtown chicago right now, and there a lots of visible tattoos. I might just get it done after I have a solid job, but I am also impatient. It frustrates me that tattoos are such a turn off to people, especially since mine is my passion, and small. and with the job market the way it is, I really don't want to be dumped due to a small tat.

It's a risk, so we'll have to see. I'm trying to come up with better places to have it done, but nothing seems to fit, especially since i want to be able to see it and have it be visible if i want. I dunno. Thanks for all your help!

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Originally Posted by dsirkle

The reality is that there are actually plenty of people who think that tattoos are not appropriate for a business situation or that tattoos make you look like a criminal or low class. If people that think like this are in a position to hire or promote you (and sometimes they will be) you will be affected negatively as far as your earning ability.

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The plus side to teaching- salary is a ladder type thing, you can only start so low, and go up from there!:gj:

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Originally Posted by Christina

Thanks for all the opinions. You all have valid points.

I'm going to be a band director and teacher, most likely jr. high setting, so my wrists are showing A LOT! And almost no matter what, teaching positions are more conservative. ie- appearance, manner, etc. I would love to have sleeves and piercings galore, but I know it's a dream that will not be realized due to my future profession. That's why I'm settling on something small.

I'm working for a company in downtown chicago right now, and there a lots of visible tattoos. I might just get it done after I have a solid job, but I am also impatient. It frustrates me that tattoos are such a turn off to people, especially since mine is my passion, and small. and with the job market the way it is, I really don't want to be dumped due to a small tat.

It's a risk, so we'll have to see. I'm trying to come up with better places to have it done, but nothing seems to fit, especially since i want to be able to see it and have it be visible if i want. I dunno. Thanks for all your help!

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You could cover it up with a larger bracelet or a watch that you could get into wearing every day.

However, it could easily affect your job opportunities. Your job is a bit more flexible I think with hiring, but I don't know circumstances. The thing is, if you and another well ranked person were interviewed for the job and your tattoo was noticed, then something that fine of a line could give it to the other person. A strong school system may not want someone with a tattoo in their employment because of the ideas it could give children. Parents could come back saying 'this teacher has a tattoo and now my child wants one', so it would have to be something discrete consistently.

I'm getting one on my ankle, but I don't wear shorts of any kind. I am not too concerned about it, and that will be the only viewable tattoo that I would ever get (which would probably be covered everyday anyway). I'm also considering something on my back/shoulder area, which is discrete.

Remember, folks, she's applying for a teaching job, and I'm sure there's an exception to the rule, but all of the principals I know are pretty straight-laced and uptight and are looking for good, wholesome role models for their students. In THEIR opinion, this does not include teachers with tats or piercings.

In my career, I taught Chemistry and Biology for a few years, and when I set up a habitat for my Pueblan milk to illustrate mimicry, one administrator had an fit, raked me over the coals, demanded that I remove the animal from the classroom, and badmouthed me to the rest of the administration and staff. She told me that if this snake got out and students saw it in the hallway, there would be panic and stampeding, and someone might get hurt.

Luckily, my principal who did not like snakes, still thought it was a worthwile classroom display (and the kids loved to hold that Pueblan girl and watch her eat), so I got to keep it. The next summer at Daytona, I took orders from the rest of the Bio teachers and brought back balls and colubrids for their habitat displays. I still keep in touch, and my ex-coworkers still have their animals, and the kids still love them. They're fascinated.

So, I got off topic to illustrate the mindset that still exists with some administrators, but my advice is...get the tattoo as long as you can cover it when you want to. Plenty of teachers do just that--or they grow their hair AFTER they get hired (men). When your administrators see that you're an excellent teacher, your tat will mean very little. Just make sure it's not in the school district's dress code, because that would be grounds for termination.

Alot of it is location, as well. If you're in a conservative, closed-minded little town (like me!) you might have more problems getting a job.. although my company is not against tattoos and piercings.. so it might just depend on what company you're applying at.
In contrast, we went to Columbus, OH for a tattoo show.. and a few of the local police officers were tattooed! They were doing security at the show, but also showing their stuff. Personally, I love professionally-done, attractive tattoos, and would look at a person having a nice one, as a kindred spirit. If you get someone who's judgemental against tattoos, who does the hiring at a place, you'd be at the bottom of the pile in relation to non-tattooed people, I suppose. If you'd want to work at a place like that, it'd be something that you have to take into account before getting tattooed. If you're apprehensive at all, I would either not get tattooed, or get the tat in a place where you can cover it up, but also expose it if you want, depending on clothing choice.
For some, it might boil down to a choice between career choice, and tattoos. Personally, I value the ability to express myself on my own skin, before I would value taking a job that wouldn't allow this. But it's no offense meant to anyone who does not. This is one of the big reasons why I want to move to Cali; people in my area are very judgemental and quick to see a tattooed person as a derelict of society, unfortunately. By and large, in the parts of Cali that I frequented and want to look into, tattoos were not only permissable; they were pretty common. Having a husband who's a tattoo artist, looking to get into a better shop, it's logical.

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Originally Posted by GenePirate

So, I got off topic to illustrate the mindset that still exists with some administrators, but my advice is...get the tattoo as long as you can cover it when you want to. Plenty of teachers do just that--or they grow their hair AFTER they get hired (men). When your administrators see that you're an excellent teacher, your tat will mean very little. Just make sure it's not in the school district's dress code, because that would be grounds for termination.

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Great point, as well. :)

I would suggest getting it somewhere else, or better yet wait a while before you get it. Like a while, I mean a few years.

ive got 3 tattoos, one of them is big.

they're all invisible unless i want to show them. or i'm in a bathing suit.

I'm waiting until i have a steady job until i start getting anything visible. I don't really have a lot of piercings either (8 but you can only see 6).

I know you said you're impatient, but its a tattoo, it will be waiting for you for as long as it takes :)

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Originally Posted by Soterios

I would throw you to the bottom of the pile.

It really just depends of how professional of a job you're looking for.

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You are entitled to your opinion but why would you throw someone with a tattoo to the bottom of the pile of other applicants? Having a tattoo is in no way, shape or form a reflection of someones personal capabilities. If someone comes in and is polite, intelligent and otherwise seems qualified for a position I could not care less about whether or not they have a tattoo, and cannot understand why anyone would. I have a few tats. None lower then my elbow but that's because I don't want to mess them up at work (getting cut or scratched which is a daily occurrence for me). Not attacking you or anything just trying to understand your reasoning for that comment.

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Originally Posted by DBD

Having a little tattoo saying music on your wrist is not a turn off at all...

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It is to just about 99% of employers, if they see it.

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Originally Posted by Soterios

Cry all you want, but it doesn't matter. The interviewers opinion on Tattoos DOES NOT MATTER. What matters is what clients will think. If there is a chance the company will lose money because you have a tattoo, you'll get a pass.

It's the real world kids. We're not in high school anymore.

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ANd what kind of business are you referring to? I work around multimillionaires on a daily basis and never once has my company lost a client because of mine or my partners tattoos. Hes got full sleeves and legs. I have on many occassions been asked by out "clients" to show them my tattoos, and have also been complimented on them numerous times. And if you are talking about a office type situations what difference does it make since you should be wearing a suit where your arms are covered anyways. I just can't think of a business situations where it would matter. Now keep in mind I am referring to your standard forearm tats. Legs should be covered anyways in a business environment. I often find myself wondering where people get this strange notion that people with tattoos are low class scum. Hey tattoos have been around for thousands of years so get used to it. You should spend your time admiring them not crucifying those who choose to get them.

I look at tats as the same way that I look at facial hair.

If you're a guy looking for a professional job, especially a first professional job, facial hair is generally a no-no in interviews. After you get hired, it's 100% ok to grow out a beard in just about all companies, but pre-hiring it's standard practice to be clean shaven. It's ridiculous and dumb, but that's how male interview protocol works.

If you want to go into teaching, don't get a visable tat now, or until you get hired. Even then, I'd wait a couple years into teaching before getting a visable tat. Then you'll be that cool music prof who got a tat.

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Originally Posted by V1L3 DiaL3cT

Just remember Mr. Rogers was covered in ink... most people didn't know that's why he wore the long shirts. :)

Hope this helps.

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Hate to burst your bubble bu he had no tats. And he was never a sniper in the army. It was some stupid urban myth thing some people made up and it spread all over the place on the internet.

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Originally Posted by sg1trogdor

ANd what kind of business are you referring to? I work around multimillionaires on a daily basis and never once has my company lost a client because of mine or my partners tattoos. Hes got full sleeves and legs. I have on many occassions been asked by out "clients" to show them my tattoos, and have also been complimented on them numerous times. And if you are talking about a office type situations what difference does it make since you should be wearing a suit where your arms are covered anyways. I just can't think of a business situations where it would matter. Now keep in mind I am referring to your standard forearm tats. Legs should be covered anyways in a business environment. I often find myself wondering where people get this strange notion that people with tattoos are low class scum. Hey tattoos have been around for thousands of years so get used to it. You should spend your time admiring them not crucifying those who choose to get them.

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I'll tell you the same thing I told the other guy. Please read my post before berating me with inane comments.

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Originally Posted by Soterios

I'll tell you the same thing I told the other guy. Please read my post before berating me with inane comments.

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Im not trying to argue both of my posts clearly have stated a question. Maybe you should take your own advice and read my posts before berating me. OR are you just another one of those thick headed hypocrites who like to push ideas, and beliefs but when it comes to themselves are perfect in every way and could do no wrong. That's the way you are trying to come off. I really love how you say one thing then 2 posts later you try to change the story because a few people are bothered by your original post. If you personally did not feel a certain way about an issue why would you so blatantly post a reply like you did. This can be over rather quickly all you have to do is answer my 2 simple questions and I will be done.

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Originally Posted by sg1trogdor

Im not trying to argue both of my posts clearly have stated a question. Maybe you should take your own advice and read my posts before berating me. OR are you just another one of those thick headed hypocrites who like to push ideas, and beliefs but when it comes to themselves are perfect in every way and could do no wrong. That's the way you are trying to come off. I really love how you say one thing then 2 posts later you try to change the story because a few people are bothered by your original post. If you personally did not feel a certain way about an issue why would you so blatantly post a reply like you did. This can be over rather quickly all you have to do is answer my 2 simple questions and I will be done.

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You sir must be quite dense. I'll even repost my post for you so you can read it.

The answer to your first question was in two of my posts. So again, take the time to read. Why throw them to the bottom of the pile? See the bold below.

I like your second question, assuming it's asking about with type of job, because it means you skimmed my post, but didn't actually read it. Why type of job if rather irrelevant. I my case, I would be referring to specific retail sales. Feel free to insert most jobs on the market that involve customer interaction, all the way down to make grocery stores.

Last but not least, Mr. Super Slueth. Show me where my story changed in this thread. Show me where I'm a hypocrite. Please.

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Originally Posted by Soterios

You need to calm down, stop taking things so personally, and read.

Clearly you've never been in any sort of management situation where you control employment. If you had, you wouldn't even be discussing this. If your customers are uncomfortable, they won't spend money. If they don't spend money, you go out of business. I would venture to say that in a professional atmosphere, the vast majority would rather deal with a clean cut person.

Since I'm apparently, "One of those people", I'll let you in on a secret. I have piercings, and have a session for a tattoo set up for next month. NO WAY! The difference is mine are/will be discrete.

Once again, if I'm doing to hire someone to deal with customers, I'm going to hire the person who will best relate to ALL of them.

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i have a tattoo that isn't visable in normal clothes because i also had this question in my head. you could get it on the wrist you wear a watch so it would help cover it on interview days.

This is all a lot to think about, and very helpful too. Lots of view points to consider. Thank you all!

BUT, now that we've debated appearance in an interview, let's remember that I'm going to be a band director, waving my arms in front of jr. high or high school kids. Two very different situations, attitudes, feelings, obviously. And I'd also like to note that most kids involved in a music program are not your average high school kids. Just keep that in mind as well.

Thanks to Jen to pointing out conservative vs. liberal areas, which is something I'm also thinking about.

So what about the student/ parent of a student view? I don't want to hear YOUR opinions, but what you actually think the reaction some parents might have.

Discuss, discuss.

It could always be covered by a watch also.

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Originally Posted by Christina

This is all a lot to think about, and very helpful too. Lots of view points to consider. Thank you all!

BUT, now that we've debated appearance in an interview, let's remember that I'm going to be a band director, waving my arms in front of jr. high or high school kids. Two very different situations, attitudes, feelings, obviously. And I'd also like to note that most kids involved in a music program are not your average high school kids. Just keep that in mind as well.

Thanks to Jen to pointing out conservative vs. liberal areas, which is something I'm also thinking about.

So what about the student/ parent of a student view? I don't want to hear YOUR opinions, but what you actually think the reaction some parents might have.

Discuss, discuss.

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You're always going to run into some parents that will freak when they hear their child's music teacher has a tat. If they really were that offended, they could pull the kid from the program. Thankfully, most normal people aren't like that. I think most parents would see it as a dedication to what you're teaching. After all, the word "music" isn't like a full body tattoo of guns or something haha.

Being a former band geek myself, it would be cool to see a normal conductor for a change. Mine was super mean and didn't believe in fun. That's not a good learning environment; having an open-minded teacher is.

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Originally Posted by Soterios

I would throw you to the bottom of the pile.

It really just depends of how professional of a job you're looking for.

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Originally Posted by Soterios

You need to calm down, stop taking things so personally, and read.

Clearly you've never been in any sort of management situation where you control employment. If you had, you wouldn't even be discussing this. If your customers are uncomfortable, they won't spend money. If they don't spend money, you go out of business. I would venture to say that in a professional atmosphere, the vast majority would rather deal with a clean cut person.

Since I'm apparently, "One of those people", I'll let you in on a secret. I have piercings, and have a session for a tattoo set up for next month. NO WAY! The difference is mine are/will be discrete.

Once again, if I'm doing to hire someone to deal with customers, I'm going to hire the person who will best relate to ALL of them.

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There you go just like in my post in your original post you say one thing then several posts later you say another. What a damn conformist. So if you had a company of your own and supposedly are egtting tattoos why would you have such a big chip on your shoulder against them? And as for supposedly answering my questions show me proof that a tattoo would cost you customers. If yo;u would read my posts you would see that it has not affected me in any way and I have throughout my career delt with hundred if not thousands of millionaires. Show me some proof buddy. If you can't show me proof your not worth my time. I want to see studies done showing that a consumer would not shop at a retail store as you soo nicely put it because a freaking cashier or any other employee had a freaking tattoo. Close minded people such as yourself make me sick to my stomach. Yeah yeah yeah mr "I'm getting a tattoo" If you were/are then your would be on the other end of this argument.

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Originally Posted by sg1trogdor

There you go just like in my post in your original post you say one thing then several posts later you say another. What a damn conformist. So if you had a company of your own and supposedly are egtting tattoos why would you have such a big chip on your shoulder against them? And as for supposedly answering my questions show me proof that a tattoo would cost you customers. If yo;u would read my posts you would see that it has not affected me in any way and I have throughout my career delt with hundred if not thousands of millionaires. Show me some proof buddy. If you can't show me proof your not worth my time. I want to see studies done showing that a consumer would not shop at a retail store as you soo nicely put it because a freaking cashier or any other employee had a freaking tattoo. Close minded people such as yourself make me sick to my stomach. Yeah yeah yeah mr "I'm getting a tattoo" If you were/are then your would be on the other end of this argument.

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I gave up when he told me I've probably never been in a management postition. :rofl:

I manage the business I'm at now and also managed a multi-million dollar hydraulic/pneumatic actuator plant. Oh and I'm tattooed from the neck down to my toes!

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Originally Posted by sg1trogdor

There you go just like in my post in your original post you say one thing then several posts later you say another. What a damn conformist. So if you had a company of your own and supposedly are egtting tattoos why would you have such a big chip on your shoulder against them? And as for supposedly answering my questions show me proof that a tattoo would cost you customers. If yo;u would read my posts you would see that it has not affected me in any way and I have throughout my career delt with hundred if not thousands of millionaires. Show me some proof buddy. If you can't show me proof your not worth my time. I want to see studies done showing that a consumer would not shop at a retail store as you soo nicely put it because a freaking cashier or any other employee had a freaking tattoo. Close minded people such as yourself make me sick to my stomach. Yeah yeah yeah mr "I'm getting a tattoo" If you were/are then your would be on the other end of this argument.

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I'm done arguing with you. I think it's funny that you're arguing something entirely different than I am. I never said anything about the character of people with tattoos. My only argument was that people lose job opportunities because of them. You made it personal. You're so red in the face you can't even see that.

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Originally Posted by Soterios

I'm done arguing with you. I think it's funny that you're arguing something entirely different than I am. I never said anything about the character of people with tattoos. My only argument was that people lose job opportunities because of them. You made it personal. You're so red in the face you can't even see that.

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Your right I am taking it personal. It sickens me when people are so quick to judge and I don't think we are arguing different points at all. You didnt start you posts in this thread with people losing opportunities. You stated that "YOU" would "throw them to the bottom of the pile" Why a supposed supporter of people with tattoos would do this has just flabbergasted me. And as for not commenting on someones character you are correct there. But should someones character and ability earn them a fair chance at an unbiased interview just like anyone else. Why would a tattoo make a difference. As I stated before Your argument of "losing clients due to tattoos" is just a Cop out. If someone is hired for a position like that don't you think they would be wearing work appropriate clothing. Your whole argument is just nonsense and nothing more than another narrow minded hypocrite. Prove me wrong or just keep your thoughts to yourself they are NOT welcome.