5 Reasons Your Next Great Hire has Tattoos!

You’ve been in interviews all day; candidate after candidate blabbering on and on about how they’re the perfect fit. You’ve heard the latest buzzwords more times than you can count, possibly learned some new terminology like “rizz”, “low-key” or “sigma”, and there’s a good chance you even got called “Bruh” multiple times throughout the day.

Finally, a candidate with a resume that reads like a dream: extensive experience, top-notch skills, and glowing recommendations. But there’s something else that catches your eye; he’s heavily tattooed. Your initial reaction? Maybe a double-take, or a fleeting thought about how his ink might “fit” with the company’s image. But let’s put away the biases for a moment and look beyond the tattoos.?

As someone who’s 85% covered in tattoos, I’ve been sporting “sleeves” for nearly two decades. I’ve experienced the cultural shift and evolving views on tattoos firsthand. Once reserved for outlaws, sailors, and soldiers, heavily tattooed professionals have solidified their place in today's world. See, here’s the thing: tattoos don’t define a person's professionalism, work ethic, ability to communicate effectively, or their ability to lead. And they won’t define your next great hire, either!

So, why should you consider hiring tattooed candidates? Here are five reasons that might just change your perspective:

1. Endurance Champions:

Imagine sitting in a chair for hours on end, enduring the relentless buzz of a tattoo needle. Sound fun? Not really. But tattooed individuals have done it, and they’ve done it willingly. This level of endurance and tolerance for uncomfortable situations can translate to a resilient and dedicated employee who won’t crumble under workplace pressure.

?2. Commitment Level: Expert:

Except for crazy, drunken nights, getting a tattoo isn’t typically an impulsive decision. It’s a commitment that’s quite literally skin-deep and lasts a lifetime. When someone makes that kind of permanent decision, you can bet they understand commitment on a profound level. They’re likely to bring the same level of dedication to their job, sticking around for the long haul and investing in their role.

3. Delayed Gratification Pros:

The tattooing process isn’t quick. It involves planning, multiple sessions, and a lot of patience. Tattooed candidates are well-versed in delayed gratification; working towards a goal even when it takes time. This trait is invaluable in the workplace, where instant results are rare, and patience truly is a virtue.

4. Long-Term Planning Aficionados:

You don’t just walk into a tattoo parlor and come out with a masterpiece. It takes planning, consultation, and a clear vision for the final result. This ability to create and stick to a long-term plan is exactly what you want in an employee. They’ll bring strategic thinking and foresight to their work, ensuring projects are seen through from start to finish.

5. Independent Thinkers:

Tattoos often come with a side of societal judgment, but those who have them have learned to be comfortable in their own skin; quite literally. They’re independent thinkers who aren’t swayed by public opinion. In the workplace, this translates to employees who can work independently, think creatively, and aren’t afraid to voice their ideas.

So, the next time a tattooed candidate walks into your office, take a moment to look beyond the ink. Tattoos are a form of self-expression, but they’re also a testament to qualities like endurance, commitment, patience, planning, and independence; all traits that make for exceptional employees!

Sure, they might stand out in a sea of suit-and-tie professionals, but isn’t that what innovation and progress are all about? Standing out, thinking differently, and challenging the status quo. So, let’s break the old stereotypes and give those tattooed candidates a fair shot. You might just find your next star employee among them.