How Not to Get a Job 101

The other night on the news they showed a local employment center with a line of people out the door that contained members of younger generations and baby boomers alike. They interviewed one lucky soul who had made it in the doors and was about to be helped by a job counselor. This young man said that he had graduated from college two years ago and had been unable to find a decent job. They either edited it out or neglected to ask him his major. I was shocked by his appearance and unless he was looking for a job as an artist, entertainer, or a circus performer, I don't think he will end up on any payroll soon.

First, he was dressed improperly for a job search, never mind an interview. (Has anyone ever explained to these kids the dress for success concept)?

Second, even if an employer could get past the jeans, hooded sweatshirt and death metal band t-shirt, the red flag would shoot up over his prominent display of body piercings and tattoos. Very few payrolls will accommodate individuals who choose to flaunt such body art.

He had a metal barbell piercing over his left eye. He had flame tattoos around his neck like a necklace. When he talked, you could see the metal ball in the piercing on his tongue. Listen, I am not against personal displays of individuality and expression. But there is a time and a place for everything. The majority of employers are baby boomers, like me. We do not want our employees scaring customers away because they have piercings and tattoos. Yes this is the 21^st century, but these two forms of self expression are still not considered, "professional"-not by a long shot. I wish I could have sent an immediate blog to this young man. It would have said the following:

"Young man, if you want to get decent job, wear respectable clothing to any and all employment agencies and interviews, cover up your piercings until off duty hours, and leave the tongue balls, barbells and other body jewelry at home! The issue is not how smart you are, because employers know you are a very bright generation. The issue is respect-for your employers and customers. You may consider your piercings and tattoos as a form of self expression. They are just plain weird and scary to many others. Trust me; someday you will want a very good job, with good pay. And you will need good benefits, too, like health insurance that will cover the removal of that flames tattoo necklace when you are 65 and it starts to shrivel".

If I have offended anyone with my advice, I am truly sorry. But it seems to me, especially now that our country has so many people of all ages scrambling for the few secure jobs that are left, that a job hunter will need to have every possible advantage. Body piercings and tattoos are forms of expression that not everyone accepts or understands. So cover them while interviewing, so as not to distract prospective employers from seeing how smart and capable you are. And for heaven's sake, once you get the job, be professional on duty at all times-keep them covered up!