will a tattoo that is visible prevent you from getting a professional job.?

Question

would a small tattoo on the wrist prevent someone from getting a job in a professional field such as counseling or social work.

Answer 1

It would obviously depend on several factors

1) what is the tattoo about (e.g a tat of a butterfly would say something different than a tat of a hemp leaf)
2) what is the nature of the work (e.g. working for a general non-profit might feel differently than working for a religious affiliated agency.
3) Closely related to the last point is the culture of the organization (e.g. conservative or liberal).

Certainly in many social work organizations there will be many people with tattoo's who are very professional.

DA

Answer 2

Depends on the field you want to work in, but in general, yes, this can happen. I don't know enough about this counseling/social work as a job market. I would assume that rules are a little less strict there. But still, do you know you'll be working in this field all your life? And what if teh one job you really want is with a great, but conservative, maybe even church-run employer? You'll be kicking yourself for not getting that tattoo somewhere more discreet.

Answer 3

Many people get tattoos to show the defiant and rebellious spirit of the world. That is why professional companies require that their employees cover any tattoos. Not only can it create obstacles in a person's career, but many come to regret their tattoo and are embarrassed or even ashamed of what they've done

Answer 4

As a hiring manager, when we get people in with tattoo's that are visible, we normally tell them that it needs to be covered, either with a band ade, or long sleeves.

Unfortunately, tattoo's are not very becoming when visible in a professional field.

Have you thought of getting it removed? I don't know what that takes, but you might want to look into that.

Some employers won't even give you a chance even though you are well qualified.

Maybe you can wear a watch over it.

Answer 5

If it is small and on your wist then you could probably easily cover it up with a bracelet, sleeves or even a dab of cover up. This way when you are at work you look professional and in your spare time you will have a nice little tattoo. I am also going into Social Work and in my opinion it could depend on what you are doing in this field. Social Work is very broad so are you working at a Child protective services agency, counceling people in a private business, working with substance abuse, desk job? There are so many branches and possibly many different levels of strictness for each one.

Answer 6

If it's something humongous, it possibly could since most work places like that would like to maintain their "professional" look/environment. But if its' something that can be covered with a good watch/long sleeved shirt, then they wouldn't be able to see it and I think you'd be alright. I work in an office as a secretary and I just cover the one across my wrist with a big watch or chunky bracelet, so you should be just fine.

Answer 7

Absolutely it would. Face it, in our Western culture a tattoo is seen as being somewhat "lower class" or "thug-ish". It is becoming more mainstream, but even at that I don't think I'd go there. If you don't already have it, I would follow the rule of thumb that if it can be covered by short-sleeved business wear then you're good to go.

Answer 8

I don't think so you would just have to wear long sleeve shirts when your working. Now if I were you I wouldn't make my tattoo visible to my employer when being hired or in process of being hired. They might get the idea that your not what they need just because of that. Good Luck!

Answer 9

Absolutely it can. I am a corporate recruiter for large fortune 500 companies and quite a few of those companies have a no visiable tattoo policy. In business, image is everything. Sure, if you want your career to be cashier Satan Bobs house of Piercings, it probably wont hurt you.
Im not saying that it will 100% keep you from a good job. However, a visiable tatt will most certainly limit your job choices in the future. Now, think about that. When you are talking about financial and career success, why handicap yourself in the future for a current trendy fad?

Answer 10

Yes in some job professions it will. And it depends on whether or not the person interviewing you is a prude.. Especially on the neck.. Not good... oh just read it is on your wrist.. Just cover it up. Long sleeves or whatever.. Because it could hender you getting that type of job.