Does Having Red Hair And Tattoos Affect My Ability To Do My Job?

I have read various stories in the media over the years about people being rejected from roles due to their tattoos, or because they don’t look a certain type of way.

As an individual who sits on the more alternative side of fashion, I’m often paranoid that my appearance will affect my chances in the work place.

We’ve all heard of unconscious bias, but I’ve never really applied it to my own situation until I was thinking of changing roles.

In the past, I have always worn long sleeve blouses to interviews to cover my tattoos and dyed my hair a more natural colour. Why? Does looking a certain way mean I won’t be good at the job? Of course not, but I fear it will ‘put off’ the interview panel so to speak.

The version I feel compelled to present at interviews isn’t a true reflection of myself, but the panel review my ability to perform in the role rather than how I look, right?

I find myself doing this in the work place to some extent. I always dress professionally and leave the ripped jeans at home. However, I still find ways to let my work outfits reflect the more alternative side of me, maybe with a necklace or my much-loved Dr Martens. My office is quite flexible and has never had an issue with my professional attire. Despite this, I still find myself ensuring I have a cardigan or blazer with me every day to cover my tattoos. This has never been asked of me, but to some extent the unconscious bias of judging somebody with tattoos as unprofessional has been distilled into myself too.

My tattoos are neither offensive nor affect my ability as a marketer, so why does it matter if they’re visible or not?

I think it’s a difficult one as it depends on the work environment, a school setting would expect different standards to an office setting for example. Never the less, we shouldn’t judge somebody’s professional capability based on the tattoo on their arm they got when they were 21.

Personally, I enjoy seeing a diverse office with a variety of people and styles.

Everybody has different opinions so feel free to agree or disagree with me on this, let me know your thoughts.