Q:  You recently discussed how an applicant’s pink hair may affect whether they get a job offer.  But for me, hair color is easy to change so I’m not bothered by it.  What I find problematic are tattoos. 

I actually don’t mind whether an applicant has a tattoo, as long as it’s not visible.  But when an applicant chooses to not cover a tattoo for an interview, I really question their judgment; same as if they showed up in slippers.   I know I may miss out on a potentially great employee, but to me it’s about their judgment of what’s appropriate.    Am I being “old-school”?

A:  I’m guessing you’re over 40, and for us tattoos are still “problematic”.  My own views are quite in line with yours. I’m not judging the tattoo itself, only its visibility.

Sure, tattoos have gained wide social and cultural acceptance,  but they are still a liability in most work settings, and not just during the hiring process. in   A ​2011 CareerBuilder poll (the most recent one on the topic), 31% of nearly 3,000 hiring managers said they would be less likely to promote someone with visible tattoos.   I suppose they’re being old-school, too.

The prevalence of tattoos has undoubtedly increased and, according to a Pew study 40 percent of Millennials have tattoos.  But you know what else has grown tremendously (by 440% in the last decade)?   The tattoo removal industry.   That’s right, what seemed like a good idea in your 20s, might need removal in your 30s and 40s.  Not surprisingly, this age group makes up the majority of customers.  The industry uses high-tech lasers to remove what the inking needle left behind.    The industry also uses another tech-savvy technique to engage potential customers.  At sites like dermbids.com, you can request a cost estimate for tattoo removal. You take a photo of your tattoo (next to a quarter coin to determine size), upload it with a few other facts and you’re then provided with an online quote and a possible health provider near you.   All this without leaving the house.  Amazing, right?

So next time you see someone with a tattoo and someone with pink hair, neither one is really permanent. One is just much easier and cheaper to remove than the other.

© Copyright Eva Del Rio

Eva Del Rio is a human resources consultant, columnist and creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com