Physical Appearance??

[adamste81]

I am going to school to become a tech and one of my questions is will my tattoos be an issue getting hired. I have 2 small ones on my left forearm and one on the right. None of them are racist, sexual or vulgar in any way. Do you think this will be an issue in this field?? Also, anyone who posts on here if you are in charge of hiring would you hire me with tattoos?

thanks

[Roscoe]

Your attitude means more .............but If I were you I'd cover that tats...........

since you asked........JMO..........

[maxster]

don't worry about it shouldn't be an issue or even mentioned either way at an interview.if your up on a roof and your knocking out the job no big deal

[Tie Strap]

I dont think it will be an issue. Cover em up at the interview to be on the safe side. I get questions from customers about my tats. Most customers are intrigued more than anything. I also have stretched lobes and I get questions about those too, again mostly intriguing questions. I think attitude like Roscoe mentioned and how you deal with the customer is more important than your overall appearence.

[adamste81]

I dont think it will be an issue. Cover em up at the interview to be on the safe side. I get questions from customers about my tats. Most customers are intrigued more than anything. I also have stretched lobes and I get questions about those too, again mostly intriguing questions. I think attitude like Roscoe mentioned and how you deal with the customer is more important than your overall appearence.

yeah man that makes sense. I had stretched lobes also, to a 00 gauge but took them about 11 months ago and they are all back to normal, cant even tell they were ever peirced.

[WorkinforAHack]

Depends on the company you work for. Some companies will make you cover them and so could give 2 you know whats. the last company I worked for made guys wear long sleeve undershirts and buttondowns even during the summer. The company I work for now lets guys wear jeans, have grungy beards, and I'm sure tats aren't a problem. Good luck.

[Tie Strap]

grungy beards rule

[Tungsten]

I would personally have a problem hiring someone with tats on their forearms and stretched lobes. I think the lobes would bother me more than the tats.

[DjPolar]

think of it this way, if they took the time to stretch the lobes, then the comitment to u will be solid, and last....imo

[ideafx]

When I was going to trade school, there was a guy in my class with a big tattoo on his face. He was hired on right away. Companies were desperate for people then I guess.

[timebuilder]

I think a small service tattoo is the least problematic. There is a culture of respect and service that goes along with them.

Let's talk a little psychology.

Tats vary with size and design, and that affects what they suggest to people who see them. The "big picture" on this issue is that you are usually the sole representative of your company to the customer. How you present yourself affects the credibility, trust, and professionalism the customer perceives.

Regardless of how you feel about body art, it is still less commonly worn among people who typically own homes that are mid to upper priced. That's your customer base in most areas. If they have not chosen to wear tats themselves, they may be less comfortable with someone who has them.

Unless these tattoos remind you of your marine unit, etc, you may want to consider laser removal for residential, face-to-face work.

One thing I would not do is "hide" them during the interview. I know a lot of folks who have techs roll up there sleeves during the interview to look for injection sites. Maybe you could just keep your hands in your lap, which is less like you are hiding the tats.

Just a suggestion.

[Tie Strap]

I agree with you timebuilder, you are the diplomat for the company, and what people see on you is a direct representation of the company. However, I think that times have changed, its the 21st century. We have television shows about tattoos and the people getting them (i.e. LA Ink, Miami Ink, etc.). Society has become more accepting of tattoos. Example, my friends parents recently had some work done. Again, nothing big or extensive. We are talking about 60 year old adults who otherwise would of never even thought about getting a tattoo are getting them now and its great. The tattoos I have are of a lion (forearm) which was done by an amazing artist who has been tattooing for over 20 years and is renknown around the country. That is the on that is alsways visible. My others are on my upper arms and biceps which arent appearent unless I rolled up my sleeve. Most people see my lion, and ask me who did it, why I got it, and tell me its amazing (which it indeed is ). The others I have are of an indian on horseback (amazing work) and two sacred hearts one for mom and one for my father. I usually dont show those unless a customer is curious and I always get compliments. That is my take on the whole situation.

[adamste81]

I think a small service tattoo is the least problematic. There is a culture of respect and service that goes along with them.

Let's talk a little psychology.

Tats vary with size and design, and that affects what they suggest to people who see them. The "big picture" on this issue is that you are usually the sole representative of your company to the customer. How you present yourself affects the credibility, trust, and professionalism the customer perceives.

Regardless of how you feel about body art, it is still less commonly worn among people who typically own homes that are mid to upper priced. That's your customer base in most areas. If they have not chosen to wear tats themselves, they may be less comfortable with someone who has them.

Unless these tattoos remind you of your marine unit, etc, you may want to consider laser removal for residential, face-to-face work.

One thing I would not do is "hide" them during the interview. I know a lot of folks who have techs roll up there sleeves during the interview to look for injection sites. Maybe you could just keep your hands in your lap, which is less like you are hiding the tats.

Just a suggestion.

I do appriciate you taking the time to post, but I dont see spending thousands of dollars for laser removal, yes that is what it would cost, to go make $12/hr starting out because I am afraid of offending an up tight home owner. They are not disrespectful or vulgar tattoos, and if they dont want me there because of them then that is their problem. I dont think people are that ignorant much anymore, but if they think my tattoos will keep me from fixing their AC or heat pump their ignorance level is off the charts