If you’re thinking about getting inked or already have a tattoo (or ten), you might wonder how your body art will affect your job prospects.
You’re not alone.
Tattoos in the workplace remain a hot topic, and the recent viral story of Ash Putnam, a heavily tattooed woman who was allegedly rejected from a job at T.J. Maxx, has reignited the debate.
Are tattoos really a dealbreaker?
Or are other factors more important when it comes to landing that job?
Let’s dive in.
Ash Putnam’s Story: The Catalyst for the Debate
Ash Putnam, a 23-year-old from California, recently took to TikTok after being rejected for a job at T.J. Maxx.
Putnam’s visible tattoos, including a skull with horns on her neck, solid black patches on her arms, a pattern on her forehead, and a large silver ring septum piercing, sparked speculation that her appearance played a role in the rejection.
In her viral TikTok, which garnered 7.4 million views, Putnam expressed her frustration:
“I hate that my tattoos are such a defining factor for me getting a job or not. Just because I have tattoos doesn’t mean I’m not going to be a good worker.”
She also mentioned in a subsequent interview with the Daily Star that she earns a living as an Uber Eats driver and through her TikTok channel and OnlyFans.
Reactions and Insights
Comments on Putnam’s video were divided.
Some viewers believed her tattoos were the reason for her rejection, while others pointed to her perceived attitude.
Ivy Johnson, a former corporate hiring manager, noted: “Your tattoos are very aggressive. That doesn’t always go over well in customer-facing roles.”
But what’s the real deal?
Are tattoos truly a hindrance in the job market?
Let’s explore what experts have to say.
The Influence of Tattoos on Hiring Decisions
Customer-Facing Roles vs. Behind-the-Scenes Positions
Experts agree that the impact of tattoos largely depends on the role.
Adam Collins, explained that for positions involving direct client interaction, appearance can be crucial.
“A candidate applying to be an account manager should definitely appear trustworthy and clean-cut, so face and neck tattoos would affect that.”
However, in technical and operational roles, where interaction with clients is minimal, tattoos might not be as significant.
The Changing Perception of Tattoos
Tattoos are becoming more mainstream.
A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 32% of US workers have at least one tattoo, and 22% have multiple tattoos.
Despite this, biases still exist.
A 2018 LinkedIn survey revealed that 40% of respondents had rejected a candidate due to visible tattoos.
Conversely, research from the University of Miami found no significant difference in employment rates between tattooed and non-tattooed job seekers.
Michelle Enjoli, a career coach, emphasized that while tattoos are more accepted today, their visibility and design can influence perceptions.
“Tattoos are personal and typically represent something for that person. If a tattoo represents something a company doesn’t want to be associated with, it can definitely be an issue.”
Personality and Cultural Fit: The Key Factors
The Weight of Personality
Despite the lingering biases against tattoos, experts argue that personality and cultural fit are often more critical factors in hiring decisions.
Justina Raskauskiene, HR team lead at Omnisend, mentioned that tattoos might even be seen as a sign of an interesting personality.
“Discriminating against tattooed individuals would mean missing out on some talented people.”
Rachel Pelta, head writer at Forage, echoed this sentiment, stating that skills and the ability to sell oneself during an interview are paramount.
“Everyone who’s interviewing probably has the skills and abilities I’m looking for. It then comes down to how well you sell yourself.”
The Importance of Attitude
Putnam’s story also highlighted the importance of attitude during the job application process.
Ivy Johnson noted that Putnam’s approach might have been detrimental.
“If you had come into my business with that attitude, even if I didn’t know about your tattoos, I’d still say, ‘Yo, bye, there’s the door.'”
A positive attitude and professionalism can often outweigh concerns about tattoos, especially in a job market that values cultural fit and interpersonal skills.
Tips for Tattooed Job Seekers
- Research Company Culture: Before applying, understand the company’s stance on tattoos. Some industries and companies are more accepting than others.
- Highlight Skills and Experience: Ensure your resume and cover letter showcase your qualifications and achievements. Make it clear that your skills and experience are what matter most.
- Professional Appearance: For interviews, consider covering visible tattoos if you’re unsure about the company’s policy. Dressing professionally can help shift the focus to your qualifications.
- Positive Attitude: Approach interviews with a positive, can-do attitude. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
Companies Are Evolving
The stigma around tattoos is fading, with many companies embracing a more inclusive approach.
However, some industries remain conservative.
Michelle Enjoli pointed out that demanding employees not have any tattoos is outdated.
“They have become a big part of modern culture.”
For job seekers like Putnam, finding a company that values diversity and personal expression is key.
Rachel Pelta advised: “Unless you’re willing to cover or remove them, you’ll have to keep searching until you find a company that accepts you as you.”
Conclusion
Tattoos can influence hiring decisions, especially in customer-facing roles, but they’re not necessarily a dealbreaker.
Personality, skills, and cultural fit often play a more significant role in the hiring process.
As tattoos become more mainstream, it’s essential for both job seekers and employers to focus on what truly matters: the abilities and potential of the individual, rather than their appearance.
Remember, every tattooed job seeker has a unique journey.
With the right approach, you can find an employer who values you for who you are, ink and all.
That’s it for now.
Until next time, keep crushing it!