Expectations of Corporate Culture: When in Doubt, Leave it Out
August 6, 2009
Should you wear jewelry in your visible piercings to a job interview? The answer is ambiguous – Take it on a case by case basis, and use common sense. Some corporate environments frown upon anything that might distract or possibly offend others. There is still somewhat of a stigma that accompanies piercings and tattoos in the corporate world, so anything other than the traditional single ear piercing can be seen as unprofessional. On the flip side, there are many establishments that pride themselves on the uniqueness and diversity of their staff. The more tattoo’s and piercings the better!Obviously, if you are interviewing at a place like this, playing up your jewelry and body art attributes would be wise. And if you are not entirely sure of the corporate culture expectations, fall back on the old rule: “When in doubt leave it out!”
Once you have landed the job you could take a wait and see approach. If others are sporting their tattoos and piercings freely, then it is safe to assume there isn’t a hard and fast rule against them. Otherwise, you can always ask the hiring manger straight out about what the company allows or refer to the employee handbook, which will usually address this topic in the dress code section. Some will ask that you use discretion when choosing what jewelry you will dawn on for work, or place a flesh colored bandage over the tattoo or piercing. Others will ask for you to just take it out while at work, or to replace the jewelry with a flesh colored piece. Almost all piercings have a flesh tone jewelry option.A major consideration if you are asked to take it out or use a flesh tone piece is how new your piercing is. If you have had it for years and are used to switching out jewelry regularly, then it would be fine to just remove it for the work day. Otherwise, if your piercing is new or prone to infection it could be risky to constantly remove your jewelry or leave it out for long periods. Your best bet would be to get the flesh tone piece and keep it in during the work week. Then spice it up with your other jewelry on the weekends or if you are going out.
Keep in mind that as trends, styles and fashion continue to evolve it has already become more and more commonplace to see piercings and tattoos in the workplace.