The Modified Hiring Process

A question I know many modified folks get on a regular basis is "Where do you work looking like that?"

The kind of work I currently do is visual merchandising and merchandise auditing for an independent company that serves "big box" stores. Product companies need to ensure that stores are putting out their products correctly (putting them on the shelf at the right time, in the right place, with the correct price, etc.) and that the displays and marketing material they send gets put up and taken down at the right times as well. I go into stores with a handheld device that gives me a list of things to look for, questions to answer, and pictures to take in each store. This information then gets sent back to the product companies. I am also sent promotional material directly to put up in-store, and am in charge of maintaining certain interactive displays (troubleshooting, ordering parts, etc.) I generally work independently, but am also required to work directly with department managers and other store employees to make sure things are getting done correctly.  I do this work during store hours, so my interactions are with both store employees and customers shopping in the store.

The hiring process can be nerve-wracking for any modified person. When I sent my resume in for consideration, I was sure I met and exceeded the qualifications, but the company clearly had policies against visible body art, which is always a concern. During my job search, I purchased the Dermablend makeup and did several test runs with the wig I already had to ensure it was something I considered passable enough to hold up in a work environment regularly. Often I am torn between deciding to be honest with the employer about my body art but let them know I am willing to cover it if necessary and hope that they don't show any prejudice because of it, or if I should cover everything and try to keep up the farce as long as possible to avoid the possibility of my body art changing their perceptions of me or my qualifications. To my surprise, this job only required an interview by phone, and I was never asked about tattoos or piercings. I found out I would only be in contact with someone from my company once for about 3 hours for an in-person demonstration. That took away much of my normal job interview anxiety...it was wonderful to know I was being judged solely based on my resume, qualifications, and how I spoke during my interview!

One large thing I had overlooked was that as part of my new hire paperwork I was required to fax a copy of my ID...which shows my modifications. In fact, I am wearing a large septum spike and have a mohawk in the photo in addition to my large lip plug and facial tattoo. I was somewhat concerned that someone would question it and I'd have to explain, but mercifully only the payroll department would see the paperwork and they didn't seem to care. I considered the idea of getting my next license photo taken in disguise to avoid this issue...but that may pose some problems for me if I get pulled over or need to show my ID when I'm not in disguise, especially because a lot of people seem to have a hard time believing I'm the same person as it is with my ever-changing hair. 

The vast majority of jobs I have held in the past have been based on (or had at least some) interaction with the public. Companies most often have fairly strict dress codes for their employees that will be in regular contact with customers so as to minimize any potential negativity coming from a customer that might be opposed to body modifications or other marginal aesthetic ideals. I understand the need for a professional appropriate work appearance. I do feel I clean up well even with my modifications visible though, and perhaps someday that will be considered acceptable. For now though, I am content living with the consequences of my choices and make whatever adjustments I can to work within the established system. Often I have been hired based on my attitude and qualifications and exceptions have been made for me to be hired and employed. A handful of occasions I have been turned down for a particular position dealing with the public due to my appearance and company policy, but was offered another position elsewhere in the company. Obviously I have gone to my fair share of interviews that I never got a call back for, and it would be impossible for me to speculate what the cause was, although I am sure at least one was because of my appearance. I often wish the interviewers would ask me about my willingness to adhere to company dress code during the interview instead of automatically ruling me out as a candidate, although I assume I would still be considered if I impressed them enough.

Many modified people face dual concerns regarding their appearance: Will my appearance be against company policy? and Will my appearance negatively affect or sway peoples assumptions about my qualifications or opinions about me as the best candidate for the job? Both are valid concerns and deciding whether or not to let a potential employer know that you are modified may need to be weighed carefully.

My first attempt at covering with Dermablend, looking in natural light after coming out of Macy's

The uninformed public often assumes that visibly modified people are unable to obtain or hold a job. This obviously proves to be untrue once you get to know members of the community. Many modified people thrive in careers and positions that don't require them to be in direct contact with the public. From engineers and architects to programmers and more, its far from impossible to succeed while still sporting the desired body modifications. It may require more education, but it is well worth it for the quality of life it affords. Another option is many people work in the body art industry or are self employed, although the downsides to that kind of work is that income can be unreliable. Employment may be a slight concern if your options are limited to entry-level or minimum wage work, however. The good news is many places are becoming increasingly accepting of tattoo coverage and small facial piercings. The bad news is there are a huge number of candidates for those jobs and it may be difficult to beat out your competition, since hiring generally is done by simply sifting a few random applications or resumes out of thousands.

Advice for job seeking with visible modifications:

1. Seek further education to broaden your options.
2. Have a contingency plan. Be prepared and willing to cover or disguise modifications if necessary in a pinch. Experiment to see what works best for you.
3. Stand out positively with your actions. Have a good attitude, be an exceptional employee. The impression you leave will pave the way for future modified "generations"...make it a good one! 
4. Take a peek at the Modified Mind Employment Line for an idea of what companies' standard policies are on your appearance.
5. Look outside the box. Research job opportunities you may not have previously thought of. I didn't even know my job existed before I found it!   

The finished job--at home with my publicly acceptable face on!

Introduction

I am starting this blog as a way to chronicle my observations about my interactions with the public as both my "real" tattooed self and in a "disguise" for work.
I have been working at least 2 days a week in my disguise for a little over 2 months now. I wear Dermablend Tattoo Primer and Dermablend Leg & Body Cover on my face, a wig, a scarf on my neck, long sleeves with my work shirt, and gloves with the fingers cut off to cover my hands and knuckles. I also remove my 5/8" lip plug. I live and work in south Texas and did not have air conditioning in my car for the first month I was working (requiring over 100 miles of driving some days), which made covering up an interesting challenge.
My first tattoo ever was both the black bands around my forearms almost 6 years ago-- I went visible with my tattoo work from the start. I have had my neck tattooed for almost 5 years, and my face for 4. I was very interested to see what it would be like to experience the world as a non-tattooed person again. Not only not tattooed, but not in my normal punk-rock-ish alternative subcultural style. I went into this with no expectations, except to observe. I wondered if it would end up making any difference at all, although I suspected it would, even if it was subtle.
If you're curious, stay tuned for reports of some of the notable experiences I've had so far undercover in plain skin and clothes.