Job Interview: Completely Cover Tattoos or Okay to Let a Few Poke Out?

I would cover them. I don’t think any employer would not hire because you have them, they may even have some themselves. It is always best to stay as professional as possible, especially in this job market.

If it were me I would not worry about the one on my hand but I would cover up what I could. Only because I am in a position where I do not have time to leave any second guessing of my first impression, I gotta get the job so I am selling you what you think you need. Now once I have the position I will let it all hang out and show you who I am tattoos, work ethic and all the awsome stuff I am made of!

You got this RD do not worry!

Peace and hugs..........

I love tattoos, but most HR people still don't. I'd cover most of them for now. Maybe let 1-2 peek out.

Go professional all the way. That is what is expected for job interviews, especially now when things are so competetive.

It's not about selling yourself falsely, it's about showing respect to the company, and position you are in. I would prefer to hire someone who can dress the part on the days I need them to, even if it isn't their norm, than I would think about hiring someone who doesn't seem to understand the importance of dressing professionally for a job interview (which includes hiding tats, and removing socially alternative body piercings).

When I've interviewed people who have removed their nose piercings, I think, "This person really wants to work here. They "GET" the importance of looking mainstream in this business." I could care less that they wear their nose piercings (and anything else) outside of work.

You feel the need to be judged when you walk in the door so they know what they're getting? You may not get the second chance for them to realize how awesome you are because they judged you for the wrong thing.

Good luck with your interview!!!

I have tats, but I carefully thought about placement for the professional world as well as personal, I have one that MAY peep out from time to time depending on the cut of the top, however is normally not seen (initials and a halo near my heart) in a professional place. I think the amount you are talking about showing will be a turn off to your interviewer if they are anti tattoos. Basically, you will know right away if you have shown too much - mainstream still is not 100% accepted.

You can also call HR and find out their policy on skin art/pericings etc. I had a friend with a sleeve do this - forgot about it until I came back to read more anwers!

R.,

I think it depends on the type of job you're interviewing for and on the interviewer. I do think some people still equate tattoos with a lack of professionalism. I don't consider covering them up a false sell, I consider it maintaining a competitive edge.

Good luck, hope you get some great offers!

Cover them up, and let your resume speak for itself.

Cover them up. Your interviewer may be a prude. Showing a heart or whatever isn't worth the risk of a job, is it?

But of course, it also depends on where you are applying. A cool fashion/photography/graphic design/merchandising type place would usually be okay with it. An investment firm, high end law office.... go ahead and cover them.

I won't go into an interview and say that every night I drink a glass of Merlot. Its my business--not hiding just not stupid either.

I would hide the tattoos. Like it or not some people will make assumptions about you based on them. In a perfect world people would just take you as you are but why give them something to hold against you right out of the box? If I were you I would trade in the tank and cardi for a well structured blouse...this should cover them up and look extremely professional at the same time. If the tats are on your legs I would wear pants. I don't think anyone will feel duped once you start and they discover them...if you are not interacting with clients it shouldnt matter.

Probably depends on what field you're interviewing in. Some offices or work environments are more conservative than others. I can't imagine you wanting to work in that type of place, so you're probably interviewing in a more laid-back workplace? If so, or the general mood of the place is pretty young or open-minded, then I would go with your current plan. If you're looking for work in an old-school place, go with an old-school look.
You're not falsely selling yourself if you take your cues from the company. Good luck!

In a perfect world, it wouldn't matter.
But last time I checked, this isn't a perfect world!
Cover them up.

Research the company and go with their expectations/image/ethos - more conservative, cover all the tattoos up (long pants, long shirt) v. less conservative, less coverage.

I will say I disagree about this being about representing yourself (or falsely advertising yourself). There are parts of each of us which remain private not out of secretiveness but simply because they have no place at work. The whole professional versus private divide. For instance, I watch my language very very closely at work. Some people are deeply offended by off colour language. I don't think watching what I say is anything less than respect for my employer and my fellow co-workers. Maybe not the best comparison but I hope you get the idea. Remember you only get one chance to make a good first impression. Good luck and many well wishes on your upcoming interviews.

Know your company. If they are super professional, cover them up. If not a couple could peek.

Have you been in the place to where you could see other employee's? What was your impression? Laid back, little more rigid? Take your cues from what you observed and go from there. :)

It really does depend on the company.

Super professional, everyone is wearing suits/business-wear in the office: Cover them up.

Medium professional, everyone is wearing khakis and polos or something similar, cover up the ones on your legs. Wear pants.

Casual, everyone is wearing an eclectic mix...maybe some folks are even in jeans or casual dresses: Wear whatever you like and don't worry about the tats.

Basically, try to be slightly more professionally dressed than the normal office/workplace environment would be at this company.

I like your style sister!

I'm not sure if you should cover or not. I usually do in professional situations, unless I *know* the norm is otherwise.

In the summer, linens are my go-to long sleeve option.

Either way BEST OF LUCK to you!

I would cover them for first impressions - afterwards - well your work should speak for itself.

Good luck.

Dont ever hide who you are! I think if you have a professional outfit, to make it look like you are taking this seriously, no one should be focusing on your skin!!

This is the reason I wouldn't get visible tattoos, and the reason I would never name my kid a weird name that would sound odd on a resume. lol! It's not right, but people do judge, and people do lose out on job offers because of looks. It's just a fact of life.

Your work SHOULD speak for itself, but they don't KNOW how you work, this being a first impression. As such, I would cover them up for now. Later, you work WILL speak for itself.

what and where are the tattoo's that poke out? I went for my interview at an elementary school in a longer skirt, but 3 of my tattoos showed (they are on my ankles)... I still got the job, and noone said anything to me about them.

I think if they are not obnoxious or obscene, they should be ok..... they are part of who you are, and like you said, you don't want to "surprise" them with the tattoos.

I know some company s who do not consider tattoos to be part of their company image.
If you are interviewing at one of those places, cover them up (and keep them covered during working hours).
Some places are more accepting of tattoos (and piercings) but if it comes down to job/employment vs tattoo - the tattoo goes - it doesn't pay the bills.

I think a lot depends upon what type of "industry" you are interviewing for. Even if you do not interact directly with clients or customers, if it is a more "conservative" type industry (accounting, legal field, etc) then you will make an impact with them. If it is a more creative industry (anything in the arts or culture) then it shouldn't really be an issue at all, and might even score you points. :)

People do make assumptions but you have control of the assumptions. Sorry but if someone showed up in long sleeves and not wearing a suit I would wonder what they are hiding. Talk about assumptions. Then add to that the biggest assumption that could be made you actually think you are hiding something.

I can't really think of what would be perfect cause a certain boss is up my butt but you want to go for I have these, I know how to be discrete about them, I am not making some huge statement with them that may run counter to company policy. Basically yeah I got them but I have a handle on this!

Now back to hand holding, why is she soooo needy!!!

I don't think you'd be "falsely" selling yourself by covering your tattoos up. It's more a matter of presenting yourself professionally.

Every place I've worked has had a dress code which states that one cannot have visible tattoos. It's not a problem for me, because I don't have any. I don't think it's a judgement thing, it's just a dress code.

Until you know for sure what the dress code is, I would make sure you cover things up as much as possible and then go from there.

I'm sure it depends on what types of jobs and/or companies you are applying with, but I work in HR and your best bet is to make the very best first impression possible.

Good luck to you on your job search.

Cover them; unfortunately some people make stupid assumptions about people with tattoos...once you land the job and they see how fabulous and competent you are, then slowly expose the tats. My husband and I both work in a pretty conservative field (law enforcement), so tats are always covered during interviews/meetings, etc...although mine are on my torso so shouldn't been seen during either of those...LOL!

Good luck on your job search! :)

I'm not going to disagree with what anyone else has said because tattoos and peircings in the work place is such a weird subject. I just want to give my experience.

I work in a conservative area, family oriented, if you just knew the outside of the company you'd probably cover up your tattoos. But inside - while still being extremely professional - no one hides their piercings, their tattoos, or anything else they might not be so likely to share at a professional business meeting. A good, and funny, story regarding this: when my husband applied for his job here, he was dressed extremely nice. The other guy looked homeless, so he though, I've got this job! Turns out the homeless looking guy already worked for them. :)

So, sometimes the company will surprise you. I have stretched lobes, a facial piercing, I've dyed my hair purple, bright red, the under half is shaved... No tattoos yet - but no one has said anything to me about any of it. Even on the days where we have clients come in and need to look professional. I've never been told to remove my piercings. I feel extremely lucky to be in this kind of position at work.

Good luck!

When I would have a potential interviewee come in and they had tattoos that were visible I didn't think anything of them. But I have tats so it's not something I view negatively.

I was shocked when after 7 or so months that I worked there that I found out my boss had tats! She totally didn't give off the vibe! But she hid them well enough that it was by accident.

I say cover up arms and hands...ok to leave foot out in the open.

Updated

When I would have a potential interviewee come in and they had tattoos that were visible I didn't think anything of them. But I have tats so it's not something I view negatively.

I was shocked when after 7 or so months that I worked there that I found out my boss had tats! She totally didn't give off the vibe! But she hid them well enough that it was by accident.

I say cover up arms and hands...ok to leave foot out in the open.

I would cover them up. The one on your foot would probably be ok ( under nylons)..

While your resume and interviewing skills will sell you... you don't want the tattoo's to distract the one interviewing you and miss some of those important details.

Unfortunately you need to work in a place where it's acceptable or appropriate. Most large corporations would take that into consideration as its their image they are concerned about not yours....most to all prefer no tattoos.

i would cover up. it's not presenting a false face, it's simply making sure your real assets to them, your credentials and professional demeanor, are front and center. just as i wouldn't feel it necessary to discuss my off-center religious beliefs or love for horses at a teaching interview (although i'd be 100% honest about either if asked), why bring anything unnecessary to the table?
it will be easier for them to focus on your worth if you're not distracting them.
khairete
S.

Our accountant has tattoos over her whole body, and no one knows (well, me and one other person she talks to). I would maybe cover them, but let the wrist one show. I tend to think that tasteful wrist/ankle tattoos are more accepted.

depends on the job and the company. Some companies are very conservative and would judge you based on it. Some companies would not care. I would research the company and find out how conservative they are.

You are who you are. I have tattoos and I went for two interviews recently and they were out. Only one person said they needed to be covered. I can guarantee you would not do your job any differently wether you have tattoos or not. Be you, that's what they want or at least that's what they should want. Good luck on your interview. Be proud of you.

Cover up. While you may like tattoos, there are still people that judge you for them & you really don't need that when trying to land a job.