Tattoos and teaching

sock_snatcher

I'm thinking of getting a new tattoo and I'd like to get it on my hand/wrist area, I'm also about to start a PGCE, just wondering would having a visible tattoo go against me when it comes to getting a job? Have any of you out there got any visible tattoos or even piercings??

gaeilgegrinds1

I've quite a few piercings. My friend has loads of tattoes and piercings and ahs a job. However, I would say it depends on where you apply. It will reduce, in my opinion, your chances in some schools.

the_syco

I'd say head, face, neck, hands, wrists would be a no-no. Remember: you'll be looking for a job in a school ran by someone who has probably been teaching since before you started school. If it can be covered up, and it's a "clean" image, I'd say you'll be okay.

gaeilgegrinds1

It's worth noting I've never been interviewed by anyone under 50 by the way! And no, I'm not ageist!

TheDriver

i concur with the rest here. Also they minimise people with fads such as earrings/tattoos visible etc. Why? because Parents will have a hard time telling their kids they can't have one when teacher has one.

looksee

Agree with the others. Its hard enough to get a job without giving yourself what might be even a slight disadvantage. I work in FE where the requirements would not be nearly so strict, but while we have a few nose piercings and some dreadlocks, there are no noticeable tattoos. I would say in a secondary school you would be giving yourself a real disadvantage.

Fuinseog

sock_snatcher wrote: »

I'm thinking of getting a new tattoo and I'd like to get it on my hand/wrist area, I'm also about to start a PGCE, just wondering would having a visible tattoo go against me when it comes to getting a job? Have any of you out there got any visible tattoos or even piercings??

personally, I wouldn't get any part of my ody tatooed that I cannot hide.
sure the kids will think you look 'cool', but you may have difficulty being taken seriously and even be regarded as a poor role model. depends on the school.

spurious

Many of our staff have tattoos, but no-one has one that would be visible at interview.

Miss Lockhart

I'd say nearly a third of our teachers have tattoos, and probably half of those are in pretty visible places. It's definitely not a problem here (VEC school), but I am pretty sure that is not the norm.

I would not risk my future employment chances by getting one that couldn't be covered up.

implausible

I definitely wouldn't get one in a place that it can't be hidden. Could you put a watch over it?

I'm in a VEC school too and while the dress code may be considered relaxed, there are no visible tattoos (though I'm sure quite a few members of staff have them) and no facial piercings. A friend of mine takes out her nose ring for work in another VEC school.

You just don't know who you're going to come up against on an interview board. Many old-school interviewers would probably judge you on it and as many posters have said, jobs are scarce enough.

Ceolcailin

Could ye help me out. I have a small tattoo of a music note on my left wrist, it is barely noticeable, i almost forget i have it myself sometimes. My heart is set on being a national school teacher, or perhaps secondary, i haven't made my mind up yet. Could this tattoo prevent me from being hired? Even if i successfully met all other requirements for the job? I love music and am an extremely musical person and this tattoo is a symbol of my love for this, but I'm not sure if employers would see it the same way. Its seems so unfair should the tattoo be the only reason i wouldn't be employed. The tattoo can be easily covered with a watch. What are your opinions?

Just Like Heaven

You can just put dermablend or whatever it's called on it for an interview and your first weeks in work until you're comfortable or whatever. It's popular for things like wedding photos and interviews so it must work okay.

ustazjoseph

Ceolcailin wrote: »

Could ye help me out. I have a small tattoo of a music note on my left wrist, it is barely noticeable, i almost forget i have it myself sometimes. My heart is set on being a national school teacher, or perhaps secondary, i haven't made my mind up yet. Could this tattoo prevent me from being hired? Even if i successfully met all other requirements for the job? I love music and am an extremely musical person and this tattoo is a symbol of my love for this, but I'm not sure if employers would see it the same way. Its seems so unfair should the tattoo be the only reason i wouldn't be employed. The tattoo can be easily covered with a watch. What are your opinions?

Wear the watch !