Lip piercing

[doglady]

I've just been made redundant, and am looking for work. I've also just had my lower lip pierced (great timing or what!!), and can't take the stud out yet.

Would this stop any of you offering me a job at all? Should I wait until I can take it out to go to any interviews? I've also got my nose pierced, but take that out for interviews, and make sure my tattoos are covered.

Thanks everyone

xx

[CheekyChops]

I think it would depend on what kind of work you are looking for. Working on the counter at a Bank would probably not be a good idea to wear it but working in a factory it probably wouldn't matter so much.

[joko]

in my experience keep to a stud not a ring, as these do put people off.

you could take it out in the toilets beforehand - i would think it would be ok for a short while - you have to take it out to clean it sometimes anyway,

but i expect many jobs won't mind - and if you think it will, explain to them that you will remove it for work

[mkt]

in interviews just explain that youve only recently had it done but can take it out in a few weeks etc...my nephew has just started a job at a large supermarket chain....he had his piercing in for the interview and also had tattoos on display. he got the job straight away. they pointed out though that during work time he'll have to take the piercing out and wear long sleeves to cover his tattoo. whilst on the initial training months though hes fine to turn up as he feels. i'd imagine most places would be the same.

[Ward-Minter]

I would never employ anybody with such garish adornment. I think it shows a complete disregard for personal pride and to the untrained psychologist, like myself, it shows a deep insecurity.

Sorry, you wanted a truthful answer. take it out and stop being so vainglorious.

Good luck in the job market.

[doglady]

Thanks for all of your answers.

By the way, it's not vainglorious, neither is it a disregard for personal pride.

It may be a different way to the way some people want to look, but personally, I have always wanted piercings. I have honestly wanted my nose pierced ever since I found out it was something you could have done, and wanted my lip done for at least 10 years before I had it done.

As a trained psychologist (well, a degree anyway, if that counts as trained in your eyes), it says nothing about security or insecurity, it just says that for whatever reason, I like having holes put in me. And my personal dignity is just that - personal. If I think having studs in my face is dignified, that is up to me.

But fair enough if you wouldn't employ me because of it - you're not the first!

Thanks again for your opinions, I really do value them all.

xx

[Greedyfly]

I have a few piercings and at most interviews I am asked if I am willing to remove them (in other words, I do and possibly get the job I dont there not interested) so far I have not a found a job other than the one I am in that hasnt asked me too. I also havent found a job worth e taking them out either. It does depend on the job though, my job is pretty informal, not even a uniform so I can get away with it.

[Greedyfly]

And as for personal pride. I like my piercings, had them for well over 8 years and I love them, they are now as much a part as me as the parts that have the holes in (hmmm.. wording isnt quite right but you get the picture). It is a personal choice, as is what you wear on a day to day basis.

[zara 4]

I had an interview for a shoe store a little while back,i asked about piercings,they said don't accept them,even with it out i'd still have a hole in my nose,I always wear a ring and i refuse to take it out,this is me,this is who i am,just after this i went into the store to look at boots,they were prepared to take money from me with piercings well no way,if i'm no good with my ring then no is my money,so it went on another pair of SCHUH boots,they accept anyone,piercings or not!!!!

[WendyS]

I think whether you would be offered a job or not would depend on issues such as:

• whether it was in a manufacturing environment with machinery where jewellery is banned for safety reasons


• the personal prejudices of the interviewer.
  

Personally I find a lot of body piercings repulsive to look at & face piercings make me feel physically sick. They do make a lot of people feel uncomfortable looking at them and this might not reflect in your favour. Some employers expect their staff to have a conventional appearance for fear of upsetting or putting off their customers. On balance, if getting another job is important to you, even if you want to make a statement about your own identity, you might be better off leaving the piercings at home.

[malaise]

If you think it poses a huge threat to your future career, you can get retainers from places like www.wildcat.co.uk and www.bodyjewelleryshop.com . They're just plastic but make the piercing less visible, allegedly.

Personally I would never refuse employment to someone based on their preference for body modifications. It's basic discrimination!

Have a look at this: <a target='_blank' href="http://www.bmezine.com/news/pubring/20030910.html">An Open Letter to Employers</a>, written by the wonderfully gorgeous Shannon Larratt, editor / owner of BMEZine and a whole host of other ventures.

You can tell I'm a fan ;) x

[malaise]

Sorry, that html went a bit mental, but the post still worked...

[doglady]

Thanks for your answers everyone.

I'll have a look for one of those retainers.

xxx