Cubicle Coach: Job interview help -- 'disarm and cover up'

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  Posted by YinYangYo Tue Jun 3, 2008 12:16pm PDT

  tats and piercings don't make you who you are. but the choice to get them and display them do. I used to take them out and then i asked myself if i really wanted to work somewhere where i'd have to hide pieces of myself. i decided i didnt want to have any part of a office culture that decided to judge me negatively b/c i got a slew of earrings and a few tats. the only way to change things is to stop pandering to the messed up ideal. trust me you can get a good paying job you like w/o taking anything out or covering anything up. you're gonna to spend 8+ hours a day wherever you decide to work make sure you're as comfortable with their policy as possible. conformity just reinforces a bumm system.

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  Posted by RitaF Tue Jun 3, 2008 12:49pm PDT

  I think they have become a lot less taboo. I also have multiple piercings and a few visible tattoos. One happens to be on my wrist and it's really difficult to hide. Employers understand (for the most part) that you can't change that you have something permanent inked onto you. As long as you're the best candidate for the job, they can overlook the ink and metal. But it just makes your job that much more difficult because to a certain degree, these are seen as a sign that you are not professional or responsible.

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  Posted by Inky Tue Jun 3, 2008 5:09pm PDT

  I think anyone with half a brain KNOWS that first impressions matter, especially in a job interview. I took out my lip ring, flipped my septum ring up, wore long sleeves to cover the sleeves of tattoos and a high collar to hide the implants. (I even dyed the purple out of my hair.) A year later, I'm in the same job, and loving it. So I can't wear my jewelry at work. So I can't have technicolour hair anymore. It was worth it. Completely worth it. I'm still me without having my jewelry and ink showing at work. I didn't lose any piece of myself by putting on a suit. But I DID get one hell of a salary with a wonderful company and some excellent experience.

  If you want a GOOD job, you have to conform to the corporate ideal.

  If you're happy making a buck above minimum wage, schlepping coffee to idiots, or asking if people would like to upgrade their long distance, then by all means, let it all hang out.

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  Posted by Joy Wed Jun 4, 2008 9:53am PDT

  I agree w/Inky. Granted, you made the decision when you got inked and pierced where you wanted them. To be upset about the lack of employment due to that decision has nothing to do w/the employer; it falls back on you. First impressions are first impressions; you either make it or not.

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