Dear Diane,
As a recent college graduate, I am in the midst of the job search process. With an interview in the coming weeks at a reputable law firm, I have a concern. In college, I got multiple tattoos. They are not visible when I dress professionally, but I have been told that I should mention them to the interviewer regardless. I do not want to jeopardize my chances of landing a great position but want to be transparent about the topic if appropriate. What should I do?Julia C.
Dear Julia,
You are on the right track by concealing your tattoos during the interview at a conservative company. While some corporate cultures have relaxed their policies, others still have a stringent code. Despite the company’s attitude, body art can distract the interviewer from your qualifications. If you are interested in the job and are worried that at some point your tattoo would be visible, address the issue at the interview. Ask whether your tattoo(s) will influence your chances of getting the job. The interviewer will appreciate your honesty, and you will demonstrate immediate dedication to your potential new position. For more information about tattoos in the workplace, read U.S. News and World Report.
Good luck,
Diane
You may also like Artwork Etiquette: Tattoos and Piercings in the Workplace. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on HuffPost, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
