The popularity of tattoos and piercings continues to grow at drastic rates. The increase is causing Human Resources to change dress code policies and become more open to seeing tattoos in the workplace.
At one point in time tattoos and piercings were not listed in employee handbooks. Now because of the major increase tattoos have been implemented. When the trend began the policies were along the lines of no tattoos. Others gave some flexibility and said nothing visible. Back then these companies were few and far between. Now tattoos and piercings have grown on some companies. Others have limitations, while the minority still says no.
The main reason for their no's is 1. they are not professional 2. the negative stigma of being associated with criminal activity and 3. they are distracting and will cause disruptions.
When one is putting together their resume and portfolio their first thought isn’t ‘will my tattoos be accepted?’ It is when the candidate is preparing for the interview they may question hiding any visible ink or if the position will require they do so. The general rule of thumb is if certain attire or an appearance is in question, it is probably a good idea not wear the item, in this case cover and remove. Of course this will depend on the field you go into and that firm’s outlook and acceptance of body art.
Whether their views are personal or for the image of the business some agencies are sticking to their guns. It can be difficult to determine what field will accept your tattoos and which will require strategic placement. There are at least 10 occupations that are the most accepting of tattoos in the workplace. Here is a list of 10 occupations tattoos are not accepting of them and have restrictions.
Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, & Medical Assistants
Many nurses and medical assistants are tattooed and even pierced. However most hospitals and medical offices require they remove certain piercings and cover any visible tattoos despite the number of physicians and surgeons that have undisclosed tattoos. Some facilities may not mind small tattoos or traditional ear and some nose piercings if they are modest. Others will not hire you period if they see tattoos or ‘abnormal’ piercings during the interview.
Police Officers
Some cities are now cracking down on their officers having tattoos. One reason behind no piercings is so resisting suspects cannot injure the officer. Another take on it is that it is unprofessional and intimidating to the public. Dallas police officers are now required to cover up when in the line of duty. Commentators suggest that it goes back to when the majority of tattooed beings carried the stigma of being criminals, hence the terms ‘pen tats’ and ‘jailhouse tats’. The law still views tattoos as something associated with law-breakers. When booking suspects officers are required to photograph and document all of the tattoos he or she has. This is because of the stereotypical connection of tattoos being gang related.
Law Firms
Another area of law enforcement and the judicial system is the attorneys and their staff. These ladies and gentlemen are similar to those in the medical field. Like Doctors and Surgeons, Attorneys and Lawyers may be inked up but cannot show it in the firm or courtroom. You will not see many neck or knuckle tattoos in this profession. As far as their support staff, secretaries and clerks are expected to have a professional appearance as well, which means being discreet.
Administrative Assistants
Major firms most likely will require you to be tattoo free or cover them up. The only piercings they accept usually are the traditional ear piercings. Some offices require that long, large, or gaudy earrings are not worn and no wild nail polish colors or hair dye. So it is a safe assumption they will be sticklers about visible ink or non-traditional piercings.
Financial Institutions
This area houses a wide variety of careers; Accountants, Financial Advisors, Bank Tellers, Stock Brokers, etc. Whether it is the teller completing the transactions or the person advising clients on investments you usually do not see their tattoos.
Teachers
A lot of teachers are tatted. Some schools are okay with tattoos and piercings. Private schools are not. Public schools are restrictive but most prefer teachers keep them covered. Their requests mostly stem from parent complaints or the fear of. The area with the most leniency will be colleges, day cares, and art teachers (excluding those of private grade schools).
Hotels/Resorts
Hospitality is another field where it depends on what area of the business you work in. Luxury hotels and resorts generally require their front office personnel to appear ink free. Smaller chains are not as particular.
Government
A career with the government is a no-brainer when it comes to the question of tattoo acceptance. It is frowned upon in this field for the same reason as it is in law enforcement. This area also uses the professionalism justification.
Sales
Depending on the type of sales you go into, the majority will not allow visible ink. Real estate agents rarely show off any visible ink at the office on in the field. Some areas of retail sales ask for cover-up as well. They feel the look is unprofessional. And even in the tricky business of sales, some companies believe clients will not find you trustworthy.
Management
Management will depend again on the type of business it is. In this field where managers tend to have some privileges those under them do not, no or covered tattoos is an across the board rule. Large corporations have implemented managers maintain the same professionalism as the subordinates.
*All fields are based off of research and interviews with the working-class and human resource departments. Not all areas will carry the same views, and may in fact be open to body art. Their rules and restrictions will depend on the type of company.
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