Am I completely unhireable?

Question

Im a 27 y/o who cant find a job. I didnt graduate highschool or college but do have my G.E.D. Over the last year I've had plenty of interviews and they all seemed to go well. Unfortunately thats as far as they got. I realize that having facial tattoos and piercings isnt helping me any but theres nothing i can do about that. I worked as a body piercer when i was younger and it was par for course at the shop. Also my job history is ecclectic and most of them I left after a short time. plus theres the background check w/ drug charges. And to make matters worse my last job paid $10.50 an hour so all low paying jobs think im "over qualified". Im living with my bf right now but his funds are quickly drying up. I need to figure out how to make myself hireable again. Is it even possible? Have I ruined my chances at employment?

Answer 1

Why don't you go to a community college and take a certificate course in something that will lead to some real employment? Seems like this would be a very motivating time in your life! Yes, the facial tattoos and piercing will be a negative. Can you replace any piercings with studs to lessen the impact? (Right now not even Starbucks would hire you.)

I would go to a one-stop job center (state or county department of labor office) and speak with counselors there about strategies to help you find a job. I would also ask about apprenticeship programs (in the trades). Depending on where you live, there are lots of opportunities for women in apprenticeship programs, and the starting pay for apprentices is decent--and you get a substantial raise each year. Ask about this at the one-stop job center as well.

Good luck in your job search--maybe this is a great opportunity to rethink your future plans!

Answer 2

Take out the piercings and cover the tattoos with makeup and try it that way. I just got my first tattoo and I'm 54 years old. Granted it's on my upper arm, but if it were on my face I'm sure I would lose my job. When I interview people for the workplace that I manage, I have to have an open mind. But.... in the hospitality business that I'm in, having metal in your face and tattoos doesn't lend itself to being "presentable". That's not my credo, just the way it is. Most people look at this sort of thing as rebellion and not expression. I allow my workers to have piercings like a stud or gem in their lip or nose, but that's where I have to draw the line. It's not the people doing the hiring, it's the response we get from the general public that dictates what we can allow. No I don't think you ruined your chances, but try to be demure with statements your physical appearance may be giving off. Some people only see a small tattoo or piercing and think your in the hood. I'm on your side. Good Luck!!!! I forgot to mention the background check. Be very upfront about your past (hopefully it's just that...the past) and ask for a chance. As desperate as your coming across you'll need to take desperate measures.

Answer 3

If you still have the facial piercings, you might want to take them out when you go for an interview. You will have to go for a laborers job, where you won't have to face the public. Go to some factorys around you, or if nothing else there is always cooking in a restaurant. You need to prove that you can do the job, and sorry to say will have to take menial jobs in order to survive. The past always catches up with us.

Answer 4

Have you thought about self-employment. You need to find yourself something tht you are good at that someone else might need and sell yourself. This way you won't have to attend interviews other than with the end client.

Answer 5

I felt the same way for a long time. The one thing I know that will better my life and for my family is going back to school. I am back in college and I started my first set of classes in April. I am attending University of Phoenix Online. Here are the web sites:
http://www.phoenix.edu/
http://www.education-incorporated.com/