Tattoos and Airlines
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er82 I'm not arguing with you about the fact that tattoos exist, or about the personalities of those that wear them. I am trying to inform you what the reaction to visible tattoos will be if you turn up to an airline interview with them on show. I don't really give a damn whether you think that any airline's anti-tattoo policy is discrimination or not; that is not the point! The point is that if you want a job flying aeroplanes commercially, and you have visible tattoos, get rid of them.
Is that so difficult to understand?
If you have an issue about whether or not an anti-tattoo policy is discrimination, take it to some court or other; Pprune isn't here to give legal opinions, or to wail about the unfairness of the real world. We just try to tell you like it is, whether you like the answer or not.
Scroggs
Is that so difficult to understand?
If you have an issue about whether or not an anti-tattoo policy is discrimination, take it to some court or other; Pprune isn't here to give legal opinions, or to wail about the unfairness of the real world. We just try to tell you like it is, whether you like the answer or not.
Scroggs
Nah - 'snotfair. 'sdoin' me'ed in..... And other, sorry, 'uvva' digi-yoof utterances made whilst slouching around in ankle length shorts and inflatable trainers with untied laces. Ball cap on backwards, of course!
scroggs has pretty well summed it up, in my opinion. Those are the rules of the game. Comply or don't apply.
scroggs has pretty well summed it up, in my opinion. Those are the rules of the game. Comply or don't apply.
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BEags Were you ever an understudy for Harry Enfield's 'Kevin' character, perchance? You are far too familiar with 'yoof-speak'! I bet u can 'txt' as well, can't you? Hmmm...
Nah! txtmsg yoof-speak I (or rather, as digi-yoof would write, 'i') deplore! (u will note incorrect use of small 't' at beginning of sentence, m8!)
Kevin the teenager was a brilliant parody!
"It's SO unfair....I 'ate you!"
Kevin the teenager was a brilliant parody!
"It's SO unfair....I 'ate you!"
Northern Monkey
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You have to remember, that the people who will be most likely interviewing you will probably be about the same age as your dad (assuming you're a late 20's wannabe), and will therefore have similar opinions. My father is strongly of the opinions that earrings in blokes are for "poofs and pirates, and you haven't got a parrot", and that tattoos are for criminals.
Perhaps if you’re being interviewed for an airline where the chief pilot is in his 30s, then it may not be a problem, but, it would seem much easier to take the metal out of your face, and cover up any tattoos you may have, rather that face the prejudices that may come about from having these on display.
However, of you are ever after the same job as me, please feel free to come in with Love and Hate on your knuckles.
On another note, I once interviewed a guy for a computing job, who came in to the office wearing a shirt with no tie, and a leather jacket. My first thoughts were "who is this ****, and why isn't he wearing a suit" I can't remember what was said after that, but it wasn’t impressive enough to convince me that my first impressions were wrong. He might have been better than the guy who got the job, who came in wearing a suit, but I don’t know, but he was unlikely to get the job after that first impression.
I would recommend that you don’t put yourself in the same position as that guy, be it via tattoos, earrings, or a lack of suit, otherwise you’ll be fighting an uphill battle to convince the interviewers that you’re even worth listening to, never mind convincing them you're the best person for the job.
But as I said before, don’t listen to all the advice here, especially if you're after the same job as me
Regards
NB
Perhaps if you’re being interviewed for an airline where the chief pilot is in his 30s, then it may not be a problem, but, it would seem much easier to take the metal out of your face, and cover up any tattoos you may have, rather that face the prejudices that may come about from having these on display.
However, of you are ever after the same job as me, please feel free to come in with Love and Hate on your knuckles.
On another note, I once interviewed a guy for a computing job, who came in to the office wearing a shirt with no tie, and a leather jacket. My first thoughts were "who is this ****, and why isn't he wearing a suit" I can't remember what was said after that, but it wasn’t impressive enough to convince me that my first impressions were wrong. He might have been better than the guy who got the job, who came in wearing a suit, but I don’t know, but he was unlikely to get the job after that first impression.
I would recommend that you don’t put yourself in the same position as that guy, be it via tattoos, earrings, or a lack of suit, otherwise you’ll be fighting an uphill battle to convince the interviewers that you’re even worth listening to, never mind convincing them you're the best person for the job.
But as I said before, don’t listen to all the advice here, especially if you're after the same job as me
Regards
NB
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Actually, NinjaBill, you're wrong. It's not about the prejudices of the guy interviewing you; it's about the corporate image of the company. If I decided you were the best prospect on the planet, despite your facial tattoos, and you then turned up for work so adorned, both you and I would be looking for new employment sharpish.
The Board of the Company (together with the shareholders, if appropriate) decide the grooming standards required, and the recruiters have to bear those in mind when selecting new employees. My Operations Manual (and I'm sure that of most companies) tells me what constitutes acceptable dress and appearance in my company, both in and out of uniform when on duty, and visible tattoos are not allowed. So no-one with them will get into my company. Simple.
Scroggs
The Board of the Company (together with the shareholders, if appropriate) decide the grooming standards required, and the recruiters have to bear those in mind when selecting new employees. My Operations Manual (and I'm sure that of most companies) tells me what constitutes acceptable dress and appearance in my company, both in and out of uniform when on duty, and visible tattoos are not allowed. So no-one with them will get into my company. Simple.
Scroggs
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It seems those defending tatoo's need to do just that, as they have one and think it's okay.
Others (semingly those against them) probably don't have one as they find it distasteful.
Fact: If you don't have one then it cannot become a point of contention.
Go figure.
Others (semingly those against them) probably don't have one as they find it distasteful.
Fact: If you don't have one then it cannot become a point of contention.
Go figure.
Moderator
One of my staff has a tatt on his arm, but I didn't even realise until he sensibly requested only long sleeve shirts for his uniform. It doesn't affect his skills or professionalism in any way, and the students don't see it.
Personally I find them very unattractive and try not to judge a book by its cover, but can see why an airline interview panel would. You could be immediately putting yourself at a big disadvantage. Discrimination it may seem, but you need them more than they need you.I used to get annoyed when people judged me because I had a diamond stud in my nose, now I'm 25 years older and still think it was wrong but am old enough to realise that that's the way things are and life isn't supposed to be fair. Self expression is all very well but you have to understand that not everyone is broadminded enough to accept that.
Personally I find them very unattractive and try not to judge a book by its cover, but can see why an airline interview panel would. You could be immediately putting yourself at a big disadvantage. Discrimination it may seem, but you need them more than they need you.I used to get annoyed when people judged me because I had a diamond stud in my nose, now I'm 25 years older and still think it was wrong but am old enough to realise that that's the way things are and life isn't supposed to be fair. Self expression is all very well but you have to understand that not everyone is broadminded enough to accept that.
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Tattoos
Hello all,
I have been worrying recently as i have a tattoo on my right arm that i got on an impulse when i was 18.
What is the view of these in the airline industry? I know its bound to be frowned upon but i am wondering wether it will stop me getting a job?
It can be covered up with long sleeve shirts
many thanks
Nick
I have been worrying recently as i have a tattoo on my right arm that i got on an impulse when i was 18.
What is the view of these in the airline industry? I know its bound to be frowned upon but i am wondering wether it will stop me getting a job?
It can be covered up with long sleeve shirts
many thanks
Nick
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I seem to recall seeing an episode of Airline (I obviously had nothing better to do ;-0) and one of the FO's was going to do a skydive in Spain. Seem to recall he had tatts. These were visible when he was dressed in civvies (T-shirt I think) Could be wrong though !! The again I'm lead to believe Easy have a relaxed policy regarding interview dress code etc!
However, I would imagine for many airlines, if they were visible it would be a no no !!
However, I would imagine for many airlines, if they were visible it would be a no no !!
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tatoos
Visible tattoos may be an issue I'd imagine but something on your arm really shouldn't be a problem, should it?
I wouldn't scream and shout about it, nor wear a string vest to any interviews, but if its covered up, who's to know!
If your pilot shirt is a little thin, and the tattoo shows through the cotton/polyester, then nothing screams 'I'm a very very sensible chap' like a thermal undergarment.
Regards
Rossco
PS, One can assume that teardrop tats and cobwebbed elbows are out?
I wouldn't scream and shout about it, nor wear a string vest to any interviews, but if its covered up, who's to know!
If your pilot shirt is a little thin, and the tattoo shows through the cotton/polyester, then nothing screams 'I'm a very very sensible chap' like a thermal undergarment.
Regards
Rossco
PS, One can assume that teardrop tats and cobwebbed elbows are out?
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Couple of quick observations. If you are planning on a career that will take you some place beyond your backyard, consider that tats or any other markings can be perceived in a completely different light in different places.
Bits of metal distributed about your body will sooner or later trigger a security system at one airport or another and those bits will need to be exposed as confirmation.
Be careful what you have placed on your skin, even if it is not normally visible. Recently sitting by the hotel pool with a couple of Japanese flight crew when they tried to suppress their laughing. Female CC taking a dip had a "tramp stamp", the literal translation was "cooked brain" and something else that was too rude for them to translate for me.
Bits of metal distributed about your body will sooner or later trigger a security system at one airport or another and those bits will need to be exposed as confirmation.
Be careful what you have placed on your skin, even if it is not normally visible. Recently sitting by the hotel pool with a couple of Japanese flight crew when they tried to suppress their laughing. Female CC taking a dip had a "tramp stamp", the literal translation was "cooked brain" and something else that was too rude for them to translate for me.
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Big Red L,
You seem to have recieved quite fierce opinions on your original question, and I am a bit surprised, times have changed. I entered civil aviation from military aviation in the late seventies, and quite a high proportion of engineers and flight crew were ex mob, tattoos were quite common place and certainly did not result in some of the reactions expressed above.
Getting a tattoo was really a rite of passage for young servicemen, most regretted it later of course, however it now is associated with the yob culture introduced by Mr Blair.
Removal is simple, private laser clinics will easily remove a simple tattoo, it may require several visits, be expensive and rather uncomfortable, but will leave no scars, unlike the skin grafts that used to be seen.
If you want a serious career in aviation get on to google for a clinic and book your slot.
Good luck,
om15
You seem to have recieved quite fierce opinions on your original question, and I am a bit surprised, times have changed. I entered civil aviation from military aviation in the late seventies, and quite a high proportion of engineers and flight crew were ex mob, tattoos were quite common place and certainly did not result in some of the reactions expressed above.
Getting a tattoo was really a rite of passage for young servicemen, most regretted it later of course, however it now is associated with the yob culture introduced by Mr Blair.
Removal is simple, private laser clinics will easily remove a simple tattoo, it may require several visits, be expensive and rather uncomfortable, but will leave no scars, unlike the skin grafts that used to be seen.
If you want a serious career in aviation get on to google for a clinic and book your slot.
Good luck,
om15
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OM15, Big Red L's question was posted 5 years before you joined Pprune. Replying to him now may have missed the boat by a bit. However, nick14 had his post merged with this thread today. Perhaps you might direct some advice at him - though mine from all those years ago still stands!
Scroggs
Scroggs
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Regardless of the rights and wrongs of tattoos and how they are perceived, the OP had a 'dot on each knuckle'.....as in "All coppers are b******s".
So yes, anybody could justifiably be perceived in a certain way, or certainly as having a certain ideology if they sport this kind of message.
So yes, anybody could justifiably be perceived in a certain way, or certainly as having a certain ideology if they sport this kind of message.
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Laser treatment
I suspect the tattoos that you have are the self made Indian Ink type. These can be removed quite easily using a tuned laser. I had a 'professional' tattoo removed from my arm and the black outline was by far the first to go. I dont know how much it costs these days but a couple of sessions should do it. I would suggest that you do it now though as it takes about a month to heal and longer for the skin pigment to return.
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Damn it,
I knew that was why I didn't pass the virgin interview...it must have been the neo-nazi tat that did it ?
Seriously,it's a personal choice but it will make it harder for you.I find it a bit sexist really because if I had a pound for every cabin crew member with a little devil on her stomach or chinese symbols on her a@@e crack I would be considerably better off.
My perception used to be that tats were for convicts and sailors but maybe I am just out of touch.
I knew that was why I didn't pass the virgin interview...it must have been the neo-nazi tat that did it ?
Seriously,it's a personal choice but it will make it harder for you.I find it a bit sexist really because if I had a pound for every cabin crew member with a little devil on her stomach or chinese symbols on her a@@e crack I would be considerably better off.
My perception used to be that tats were for convicts and sailors but maybe I am just out of touch.
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The thing about interviews is that you need to neutralise the negatives.
Do not give an interviewer the possibility of finding you objectionable for any reason.
For example, if going for a job in a bank, where a white shirt, not a pink one. Many bankers wear shirts with pink suits. Indeed the interviewer may be wearing one. Another interviewer may, however, have something against pink shirts. No-one has anything against a white shirt, do they ?
Basically do not give them any excuse not to like you. You may find an issue, item of clothing, tattoo etc etc to be a petty thing not worth bothering about. Doesn't matter. Your opinion does not count. Only the interviewer's opinion counts.
Look as bland as possible while appearing smart.
Do not give an interviewer the possibility of finding you objectionable for any reason.
For example, if going for a job in a bank, where a white shirt, not a pink one. Many bankers wear shirts with pink suits. Indeed the interviewer may be wearing one. Another interviewer may, however, have something against pink shirts. No-one has anything against a white shirt, do they ?
Basically do not give them any excuse not to like you. You may find an issue, item of clothing, tattoo etc etc to be a petty thing not worth bothering about. Doesn't matter. Your opinion does not count. Only the interviewer's opinion counts.
Look as bland as possible while appearing smart.