DATE May 31, 2005
CONTACT John A. Challenger, Chief Executive Officer
For Release Upon Receipt
21st Century Fashion Trends And The Workplace
TATTOO, BLING* CRAZE RAISES NEW HIRING ISSUE
NEW YORK -- Across the nation 1.35 million college graduates have already started receiving their diplomas. While some already have jobs, others will be interviewing through the summer months for their first permanent, full-time job, and the No. 1 question on many of their minds is: "Do I need to hide my tattoos and take out my nose ring for the interview?"
The answer may surprise some. A decade ago, most job search authorities would have said showing off tattoos and body piercings would be a surefire way to get your resume placed in the "No Way!" pile.
However, times have changed. With some surveys indicating that more than one third of young people now sport tattoos and other forms of body art, John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., says companies will be forced to become more accepting.
"Some employers are already having trouble finding skilled workers - they are not going to let some body art get in the way of hiring the best qualified candidate. Plus, a growing number of employers recognize the benefits of diversity in all its forms and are embracing the unique attributes that make people stand out from the crowd," said Challenger.
At one time the issue of tattoos and body piercings in the job interview or workplace would have been nonexistent unless the job was with a punk rock band. However, body art is going mainstream and growing in popularity, particularly among young people.
One study by the Mayo Clinic found that 23 percent of university students had one to three tattoos, and 51 percent had one or more piercings (other than earlobe piercings for women). A Harris Interactive poll found that 36 percent of 25- to 29-year-olds have tattoos, compared to 16 percent of Americans at all ages.
"Most tattoos are hidden, but some are prominently displayed on people's hands, lower arms and necks. Body piercings can be anywhere. As a job seeker, you have to judge whether the employer you are interviewing with is going to be accepting of your body art. If that is not the case, and that is where you really want to work, then you will have to make an effort to conceal your tattoos and take out your piercings," said Challenger.
"The best way to determine if body art is acceptable is by asking someone, preferably not the person you are to meet. However, if you know someone else at the company or if you have established rapport with a secretary or receptionist, you can ask that person," Challenger advised.
Challenger offered some additional advice on issues that could come up for young job seekers steeped in the latest fashion and youth-oriented trends:
Tattoo: Show it off, unless it is offensive, in which case you should plan on concealing it in the interview and even after getting the job. The other time you would want to conceal your tattoos is if you know that a certain employer would frown upon such decorations.
Piercings: Beware! With increased security at many corporate offices, too much bling could set off metal detectors. You do not want to be late to the interview because you were forced to remove 12 body piercings at the security desk. In addition to the security issue, too many piercings might be a distraction for the interviewer and could hurt your chances. Also, it would be prudent to remove tongue and lip piercings, as these often make it difficult for others to understand what you are saying.
Baggy clothing: Avoid blue jeans, unless it is how everyone else in the office dresses. It is possible to look presentable in loose-fitting khakis and a button-down shirt. For the interview, refrain from wearing pants that ride below the waistline (often showing off one's undergarments or bare body).
Wild hair: Streaks of blue, green or fire-engine red will not scare off most hiring authorities, but a Mohawk or hairdo resembling a bird's nest might.
Cell phones: Cell phones have no place in the job interview. They should be turned off and stashed away in a bag or briefcase. Imagine being in the middle of answering an interview question and your personalized ring tone featuring the latest hip-hop anthem interrupts. Even on vibrate, a cell phone going off can be a major distraction in the interview.
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*Bling: n. synonym for expensive, often flashy jewelry.