TattooLove.com

We have all seen a vast change in the requirements and expectations an employer expects from potential employees. However, one thing that hasn't changed is the general view of tattoos in the workplace. While some jobs are becoming more accepting of tattoo artwork, most workplaces require their employees to either cover up their artwork or get rid of it completely. Below is a conversation between a bank president and a middle school class about what is generally expected in the current job market.

Larry Gibbs
Mansfield News Journal

John A. Brown gave 22 students at Mansfield Middle School advice about being competitive for future job opportunities.

They agreed when the Richland Bank president urged them to have a solid education, develop good communication skills and make a positive first impression.

But some seventh- and eighth-graders in Diane Bowers' elective BizWorld entrepreneurship class challenged Brown about tattoos.

"How many of you want to get a tattoo?" Brown asked.

Eight hands went up.

"If you get a tattoo that's visible you're making a decision about what type of job you're going to get 10 years from now," Brown said.

"My mom says if you're going to get a tattoo, don't get one on your face or neck or arms. Get one where you can cover it up," said eighth-grader Olivia Osborne.

"I'd go one step further and say don't get one at all," Brown answered.

Some students contended it is their individual right to get a tattoo when they are old enough.

"I don't have anything against anyone who has a tattoo, but you have to understand this: If you walk in for a job interview with a visible tattoo and someone just as smart as you walks in without a tattoo, who's going to get the job?" Brown said. "I'm going to hire the applicant without a tattoo because I know that person will not offend any customers. The applicant with a tattoo would offend some customers, particularly older ones.

"I have to think about our customers."

Brown said Richland Bank's policy is no different from most corporations.

"You may not like it, but that's the reality of it. If you get a visible tattoo or body piercing, you're making a decision about what type of job you're going to get and probably how much money you'll make," he said.

Bowers noted that even the Marine Corps has changed its policy about tattoos.

"They will take pictures of any tattoos you may have. If there's any connection to anything inappropriate, you're not going to get in," she said.

Brown urged the class to think now about how they can prepare themselves for good-paying jobs.

"Thirty or 40 years ago you could get a good job with just a high school diploma. Now those jobs are much fewer," he said. "I advise you before you get into high school to think about taking more math and English courses to prepare yourselves for college or the military. Don't limit yourselves."

Finally, Brown told students that when they do get a job they should work hard and look for opportunities for additional training.

"You can work your way up. Does anyone here think I started out as a bank president? I started as a teller the Monday after I graduated from high school," he said.

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