Job Interviews & Tattoos- When to Show & When Not to Show

[MsBeej]

I have an interview with an apparel company next week. They aren't super conservative, but they aren't crazy either. If Brooks Brothers is a 1 & Jeremy Scott is a 10, this company is a 4 or 5. I want to wear this really nice dress I have with a blazer, but I have a tattoo on my ankle. It's about an inch in width and is just a flower with vines around my ankle. The whole oufit is very nice & will make me look the part BUT I'm worried about the tattoo. I'm scared they might glance down and possibly think I'm "wild & crazy" or something negative although it seems tattoos are the norm today. I asked my mother for advice and she said they won't be looking. The tattoo is black ink and my skin is brown so I'm thinking maybe they won't notice. I tried to use my makeup to cover it up, but I didn't match at all. My only other option is to wear black pants but that is sooooo boring! Does anyone have any advice or opinions on the situation? Should I just wear the REALLY pretty drees or wear the black pants? I really want this job so I don't want to mess anything up!

 

[ChristianThomas]

I think it depends a lot on what kind of position you are interviewing for. If it's a position that involves dealing with customers/clients or any other outside contact they might not be too crazy about tattoos, otherwise I doubt they will care too much.

Your tattoo isn't in a place where a lot of people will notice it and as you said it's not even that visible because of your skin color. And if they notice it or if it comes up in a negative way, you can always say that if necessary you will cover it up during the job.
If you are really worried about it you can always ask them about whether they have rules or regulations about it in their company during the interview, just to be sure.

Good luck with the interview! (and go with the dress if you think that's the best outfit for the interview, you will feel more confident)

 

[PoppyAzura]

Do you know if they have a policy on tattoos? I would say to be on the safe side and follow your gut- cover it up. I have an ankle tat too and I usually cover (with a band-aid) for interviews-- I find that the people interviewing tend to be more conservative and older and 1st impressions matter. They DO notice small stuff like that and make unnecessary judgements no matter how qualified you are.

Good luck!

 

[ultramarine]

I agree about whats been mentioned before ... I think if I had to interview Id cover it up and then a week or two or after the trial period show it .. lol

If they ask Id go like .. well you didnt notice it for it for weeks, did ya? lol

About your conundrum .. what about using the dreaded trend of socks + heels? or panty hose? the idea above of the band aid sounds awesome though I dont know it itll cover your tattoo!

break a leg!

 

[MsBeej]

Thanks for all the input & advice everyone! I actually still don't know what I'm going to do, lol! I don't have too many interview appropriate clothes... I guess I'm in hipster mode daily. It's going to be 100 degrees that day so I think I might wear the dress instead of the black pants outfit.

 

[Tinetush]

Nic from pixiwoo has posted a tutorial on how to cover up tattoos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TBMqesRd4E
I haven't tried it myself, but it looks great.

 

[aime]

Just my 2 cents - but, if this is a workplace that has an anti-tattoos policy, isn't it a place you wouldn't want to work in anyways?