young guy wearing t-shirt that reveals arm tattoo, looking puzzled

Last updated: October 27, 2020

Approximately one in five people have a tattoo with almost a third of Aussies aged between 35 and 44 being inked. 13 per cent have considered having their ink removed, according to a YouGov survey of 1000 people. But does ink impact employment prospects?

The same survey found 11% of women – who are more likely than men to be tattooed – believe their employment prospects have been hampered by their ink.

Just 3% of men feel the same way.

YouGov found that while 43 per cent Aussies have a positive view of tattoos, 48 per cent of people see them negatively with age a significant factor in shaping attitudes. Respondents under 35 are more likely to have either a very positive or fairly positive view, while those 35 and older are more likely to view tattoos as either very or fairly negatively.

Given that the older group are more likely to be in senior roles that are responsible for hiring it's not surprising that having ink could be seen as a deterrent in hiring.

For those of you with ink - have you found your tatts to be a problem? And for hiring managers - do you think the presence of visible tattoos influence your hiring decisions?

Source:https://www.lifehacker.com.au/...

To read more on this discussion, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/...


Related articles

News 3 Mar 2026 If you’re pregnant, do you have to tell your boss? And what are the rules for employers? Whether you’re newly pregnant or you’re a boss trying to look after your staff, these are the legal rights and obligations you need to know about.
News 3 Mar 2026 Public holiday planning: What happens when Anzac Day falls on a weekend? This article provides a snapshot of the entitlements and obligations that employers and employees should be aware of as this important day in the Australian calendar approaches.
News 3 Mar 2026 Seeing the whole person: What jobseekers bring and employers notice When it comes to finding the right match between a jobseeker and a workplace, a résumé is only part of the picture.