SAN ANTONIO – When applying for jobs, it's your resume that you are hoping will set you apart from the rest. But how about the way you look? Professionalism can be defined many ways, depending on the industry to which you’re applying.
Tattoos are so common nowadays that it's sometimes hard to gauge what's appropriate and what's not. Industry experts said it all depends on your long-term career goals and suggest covering them or even getting them removed.
Consider Sean Kelly, who attends St. Philip's College on the East Side.
"I just finally after three years started college and am going for diesel mechanic, and I want to be able to work high-end mechanic jobs without being judged," Kelly said.
Not only does Kelly have to explain his arrest record to potential employers, he has to cover up a swastika tattoo he got while he was in jail.
"I've had multiple high-end jobs turn me down because of my tattoo," Kelly explained.
He's tried to explain it's a marking from his past. Kelly said he joined the Aryan Brotherhood for protection while he was behind bars.
Jeri George has worked in human resources for 15 years and currently serves as the president-elect for the San Antonio Human Resource Management Association. She said companies have certain guidelines and policies they have to follow.
"Employers cannot discriminate against employees or potential applicants, and that process starts from the moment they apply to or a recruiter starts talking to them," George said.
In Kelly's case, a potential employer might have concerns about whether he would be a good fit representing the company's brand professionally, Jeri said.
"If it's a marking that doesn't pose a significant religious affiliation for that individual, it is best advisable if they want to advance in their career perhaps consider their options — whether it be covering or laser removal," George said.
Kelly heeded the advice and hopes to make a better first impression.
"I wanted to get it covered up to change my life, how people look at me, jobs, everything like that, because I just hit my six months (of) sobriety," Kelly said.
With no sign the swastika was once there, Sean hopes his past will have no impression on his future.
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