Friday, February 18, 2011
How are tattoos precieved in the Social Working profession?
I have 2 tattoos. One on the back of my neck and one on my forearm. I plan to get a whole arm sleeve eventually but I want to become a Social Worker preferably for young teens. How much would my tattoos affect my likelihood of landing a good job in that profession?
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Hard and fast rule for tats: If you can cover it up when working then its fine, if not then it may well effect your job prospects. People will make judgments if you have exposed tats and this may impact on your relationship with service users. i dont belive this myself but its how people think when interviewing so its worth keeping in mind.
ReplyDeleteI would like to get a little ink in the summer, but on my lower calf muscle. Easy to cover up with a pair of trousers, which i wear all the time in anyway, and I wouldnt wear anything shorter to work. If I'm not in work and wearing something which shows it then thats fine.
For piercings its a bit more difficult. I think women can get away with a bit more but still keeping them few in number and subtle is probably the key.
Not sure where you are but I work in social services and I know a number of social workers with tattoos.
ReplyDeleteThey shouldn't affect your chances of a job technically but I wouldn't lay any money on personal prejudices not coming in......
I don't think small tattoos here and there really have any effect, but big intimidating ones like a dragon on your face or your arms being covered in them may affect how you are judged at first sight.
ReplyDeleteIf you're in a city of over one million in population, you shouldn't have any problem. If you're in a small town atmosphere, it could slim your chances down. In a big city, one out of three adults have visible ink. It's just not that big of a deal anymore. Employers don't not employ because they don't like tattooed people, They don't employ because they think their customers might object. But since tattooing has become mainstream in the population now, in large cities it's hardly noticed. Getting ink does not handicap you. Employers are well aware of this. I tattoo people in all walks of life. The professional community has plenty of ink too. It's just not taboo any more. Unless you're talking about those blue crude jail tattoos. Those show a lack of good judgment. Good ink can cost in the thousands.
ReplyDeleteOddly enough, I'm finding all kinds of information about this topic lately online, and because of the influx of much younger supervisors and CEOs in positions everywhere, things like body piercing and tattoos are not getting as much attention in the workplace as they once did.
ReplyDeleteThere is some interesting information about this all over the web, but basically, it seems as though the stigma around tattoos is turning, and merit, qualifications and abilities are taking the place of flat-out judgment based hiring.
At any rate, you will be able to be a role-model and spokesperson of sorts for the benefits of waiting until you are 18 to get tattooed or pierced, and using only licensed, sterile facilities and artists for your body art.
Good luck in your new career :)