Tattoos in the Workplace?

 

My tattoo is a way I express my individualism but I've heard it might cause a problem during interviews or even on the job. I believe I'm simply expressing myself, but I still need a job. What should I do?

Nearly anything you read about proper interview attire will recommend that you hide visible body piercings and tattoos during the course of the interview. It is also recommended that you steer clear of perfume/cologne, excessive jewelry, and distracting hairstyles. Getting rid of distractions allows the interviewer focus on you alone. While many college students see tattoos as something fun, most experts agree that they can be viewed as unprofessional in the workplace. Tattoos are often something that makes a person unique and your concern over not letting your true self show through is a common one. However, depending on what and where your tattoo is, you may be able to reveal it once you have the job. It’s imperative to find out for certain if it is acceptable, rather than taking a coworker’s word for it. If it turns out that tattoos or piercings are frowned upon in the workplace, you may need to concentrate on expressing your individualism in other ways, such as through other types of (acceptable) work clothing. It may be necessary to make sacrifices to obtain or keep a job, so be prepared to utilize your time off-the-clock to express your unique style!

Jump-start on Internships

I wanted to do an internship for school credit this fall but didn’t get one. Should I start looking for one for next semester now or wait?

It would be smart to keep looking. Many times, a student doesn’t secure an internship simply because they waited too long to start looking. It’s especially important to start your search early if you are in a competitive field or are looking for an internship in another city. An internship search is nearly identical to any part-time or full-time job search. Check with Career Planning & Development about having your cover letter and resume reviewed and/or doing a mock interview. Network both online and in person (LinkedIn.com is a great start). Talk with faculty and others about what kind of internship you would like and ask if they have any contacts you could reach. Identify any particular companies you would like to intern for and start researching to see if they post internships online or get in touch with a recruiter and inquire about upcoming opportunities. You can also search a number of job/internship databases for opportunities. Schedule a meeting with a staff member in our office to discuss options and to find out where other Drury students have interned in the past. Many employers are impressed when it appears a student is taking initiative and showing a genuine interest in their company or organization. Showing interest now could help you stand out from the crowd.

Interview Questions: What are my weaknesses?!

The dreaded weakness question! You don’t want to come off arrogant, but you don’t want to come off as a total slug either. The happy medium is to play it safe in the middle. Obviously, it helps to know your audience and the job description. For example, if you are applying for a cashier position you wouldn’t want to say your math skills are horrible. Alternatively, you could choose a weakness that doesn’t directly relate to your potential position, without seeming too off subject. While an employer isn’t necessarily expecting you to be completely blunt about your worst weaknesses, you should think about what weaknesses you have and how you handle them. Try to give an answer that briefly states the weakness, but then explain how you are working on it constructively or are learning from it. Avoid overused answers such as “I’m a workaholic” or “I’m a perfectionist.” A more specific answer is much more effective, such as “I have had some difficulty in the past delegating when working on teams. I sometimes take on too much when I lead, but I’m becoming more comfortable asking for help and dividing up responsibilities in order to accomplish a goal.” Be ready to give specific examples if needed. Remember, if you’re interviewing for a management position, this probably won’t be a great answer!