Facial Piercings and Job Interviews

[esskreemr]

Things are changing. I think people in my generation (35 and under) are much more accepting of piercings, small ones at least. Multiple ear piercings, no problem. Cartilage piercings, no problem. Belly piercings, no problem. Nose piercings, no problem. Eyebrow piercings, no problem. Labret piercings, ehhhhh I suppose if its small. Of course, if your piercings are huge and you start connecting them with chains, that's a different matter. Unfortunately, we aren't yet in complete control of the hiring situation. In addition, many businesses (particularly when direct customer service is required) have strict dress codes. As others have said, remove it for the interview. Most places are still looking for team players who are happy to conform to their rules. In addition, you will be interacting with customers who feel any piercing that isn't in the lobe of the ear is a desecration of your body.

One type of piercing that I absolutely cannot understand are looping 4-5 rings around your bottom lip. It reminds me of something from the old HellRaiser flicks.

[Elemental]

One type of piercing that I absolutely cannot understand are looping 4-5 rings around your bottom lip. It reminds me of something from the old HellRaiser flicks.

Plus it makes the idea of kissing the person an unpleasant prospect.

[Inquartata]

Unfortunately, we aren't yet in complete control of the hiring situation.

"UNfortunately? What, are you looking forward to the day when employers won't hire people WITHOUT piercings and tatoos?!

[Insipiens]

"UNfortunately? What, are you looking forward to the day when employers won't hire people WITHOUT piercings and tatoos?!

I thought he meant those under 35. peopple older than that obviously have no idea how to run things and should therefore be shot.

[Irensaga]

Ok. I've actually been in the situation of being a manger that has not only been the interviewer of a VERY pierced individual but I hired him as well. Into an almost Dilbertesque environment I might add. Corporate America is much more accomodating the further west you go. [/Sarcasm]

"Further west" of where? You must have skipped Utah. In Utah, body-piercing is not regarded quite as poorly as cocaine use, but it's close. Same probably goes for Wyoming and Idaho.

It's generally a bad idea to wear anything in a job interview that distracts the interviewer from your relevant qualifications.

[KShan5[PrFC]]

How abotu California, it's fairly liberal when it comes to, well, everything.

[esskreemr]

"UNfortunately? What, are you looking forward to the day when employers won't hire people WITHOUT piercings and tatoos?!

No, but I do look forward to the day when people are hired according to ability and not physical appearance. If I was interviewing someone who had an eyebrow piercing, I wouldn't discount them as a potential hire. Rather or not such jewelry is against company dress codes would most likely come up, but I wouldn't see it as a flagrant disregard for all that I hold sacred.

[esskreemr]

I thought he meant those under 35. peopple older than that obviously have no idea how to run things and should therefore be shot.

Yes, finally somebody with a clear understanding of what I was trying to post

[Inquartata]

No, but I do look forward to the day when people are hired according to ability and not physical appearance.

Oh. Then I suspect you're going to have a long wait. As much as we like to think that we're independentm unique individuals, there's a very strong conformist streak running through human nature. We are more comfortable with those who look like us, and act like us, and that's not going to go away. The nature of the "look" which is considered standard in business may change, but the idea that you're going to be able to outcompete other businesses with a workforce that looks like the cast of "Rent" strikes me as a bit naive...

Business is not about personal expression or freedom of adornment. It is not a "me" experience for the employee. It's about productivity, and that depends a great deal on the perceptions and yes, prejudices of management and especially the customers. I just don't think companies which think that "ability" is going to make the Tommy Lee look fly competitively are going to be around very long, except in certain narrow, avant garde niche industries. Because the other companies are going to hire people with equal ability who make the customers feel comfortable, and those companies are going to outcompete and drive the others out of business in the long run.