Tattoos: still a taboo for employers?

Dear Oracle

I’m set to graduate with a 2:1 in history before taking the GDL, but I'm just wondering what the view is on tattoos during the recruitment stage for both solicitors and barristers. I plan on getting a tattoo that is visible while wearing a short-sleeve shirt – would this affect my applications?

The Oracle replies

Attitudes in the workplace are slowly modernising and there are some well-known examples of heavily tattooed lawyers working in the United Kingdom. Moreover, if you can cover your tattoo with a long-sleeve shirt then even the stuffiest employer cannot complain. We certainly don’t think that a tattoo should put you off trying to build a legal career.

We also asked Keon Stewart, careers and pro bono coordinator at Kaplan Law School, for her thoughts on this issue. Keon says: "While a tattoo certainly doesn’t determine your ability as a lawyer, you still want to bear in mind that you need to maintain an air of professionalism. The profession is still relatively conservative with regard to appearance and you do not want to give potential employers (or clients) something to complain about.  If you do go ahead with it, then I would advise that you wear a long-sleeve shirt to interviews or assessment centres and let the focus be on your performance and not your tattoo."

It’s what’s on the inside that counts the most and if you are a great candidate then that’s what a recruiter will see – just remember that it is still important to dress professionally at assessments, interviews and in the workplace. Long-sleeve shirts look better with a suit anyway!