McCabeProffProblemsolve

My way to approach the problem of employers having the old time views of only bikers sailors and convicts having tattoos. To do this I would conduct a survey of the general public of tattoos and their opinions about them and to use these numbers to change their minds, or at least to get them to open their eyes a little bit to the fact that the world is changing and that tattoos are socially acceptable now.

(1) Reason for getting tattoo/body art:

Rite of Passage Memorial/Reminder/Commemorating an event or person Symbolic meaning Acknowledging a self-discovery Fashionable Art/Aesthetics Outward-expression/Declaration Group membership Attention from others Traditional/Historical art form Impulsive Peer Pressure Other:

(2) “Compared to not having a tattoo, having a tattoo makes me feel...”

Sexier Attractive Rebellious Intimidating Intelligent/Sophisticated Spiritual Inner strength/Self-esteem Artistic/Creative Self-ownership/Individual autonomy Part of a group Worldly/Experienced Hip/Cool/Edgy/Stylish Interesting Other:

(3) Do you ever conceal your tattoos? Why?

(4) Are there situations where you have been discriminated against because of visible tattoos?

(5) Have you ever regretted getting a tattoo? Why?

2007 Vault Employee Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey

2 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tatiana Ridley Phone: (646) 792-6345 E-mail: tatiana@vault.com Tattoos Hinder Job Search, Says Vault Survey Vault Releases Survey on Tattoo and Body Piercings in the Workplace NEW YORK, July 24, 2007: In the job search? You might want to think twice before adorning yourself with permanent body art. According to career publisher Vault.com’s (www.vault.com) new Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey, 85% of survey respondents believe that tattoos and body piercings impede ones chances of finding a job. Said one survey respondent: “Regardless of who the real person may be, stereotypes associated with piercings and tattoos can and do affect others. In general, individuals with tattoos and body piercings are often viewed as ‘rougher’ or ‘less educated.’” Despite such prejudice, only 16% of employers have an official company policy on tattoos and piercings. Vault found that over half of employees with tattoos and/or body piercings opt to cover up when they are at work. Forty-two percent of those surveyed admitted to having either a tattoo and/or body piercing (besides “pierced ears”). Of that group, 40% had one or more tattoos and only 20% had one or more piercings. Consistent with Vault’s first Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey conducted in 2001, the most popular place to get a tattoo is the arm at 25%. Vault’s 2007 Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey, conducted earlier this month, is comprised of 468 responses from employees representing a variety of industries across the U.S. Media seeking the full results of Vault’s 2007 Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey should contact Tatiana Ridley at Tatiana@vault.com. About Vault Inc. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Vault Inc. is the leading media company focused on careers. Vault offers over 100 nationally distributed books, from the best-selling Vault Guide to the Top 100 Law Firms to the Vault Guide to Schmoozing. Vault is celebrated for its online resource, www.vault.com -- which offers surveys and "insider" information on more than 4,500 employers, 4,000 colleges and universities, and hundreds of industries and occupations -- as well as the much-praised Electronic WaterCoolerTM, the Internet’s first-ever network of message boards for professionals with nearly 2,000,000 searchable posts. Vault was founded in 1996 by Hussam Hamadeh, Samer Hamadeh, and Mark Oldman. Press Release Vault Employee Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey 2007 3 Do you think that tattoos and/or body piercing hinder ones chances of finding a job? Some Comments: - If you don't have any tattoos or piercings you are more marketable. - It depends on the industry. - They won't hinder ones chances as long as the person is smart and keeps them in places that an employer cannot see. - From a purely abstract point of view, this prejudice is inane and irrational at best. How does a piercing or tattoo affect one's ability to perform?


 * Yes || No ||
 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">85% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">15% ||

<span style="color: #006565; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 28pt;">Question #1 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 16pt;">Vault Employee Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey 2007 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 18pt;">4 <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">How do tattoos and/or body piercings affect the opinions of co-workers and employers?


 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Helped || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Hindered || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">No Effect ||
 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">2% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">64% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">34% ||

<span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Some Comments: - I know it hasn't helped, however my job performance speaks for itself. - I believe it affects the employers opinion more than the co-workers - depending where they are on the body. - Regardless of who the REAL person may be, STEREOTYPES associated with piercings and tattoos can and do affect others. <span style="color: #006565; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 28pt;">Question #2 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 16pt;">Vault Employee Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey 2007 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 18pt;">5 <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Do you conceal your tattoo(s) and/or body piercing(s) when at work?


 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Yes || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">No ||
 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">53% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">47% ||

<span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Some Comments: - I wouldn't get tattoos that couldn't be covered. - Initially, I was asked to remove my nose ring when I went to court or to take a deposition. I followed this direction for a few months, but then stopped. As soon as people got used to it, it was no longer an issue. - It depends on the job. At my day job in finance I keep my tattoos concealed. But at my night job as a booking agent I show them off. <span style="color: #006565; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 28pt;">Question #3 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 16pt;">Vault Employee Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey 2007 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 18pt;">6 <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Does your company have a policy on tattoos and/or body piercings?


 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Yes || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">No || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">I don’t know ||
 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">16% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">49% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">35% ||

<span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Some Comments:

<span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;"> - If you work at one of our retail stores, you cannot have any visible piercings (aside from the ears) and no visible tattoos. - The US Navy does not allow any visible tats/piercings when in uniform. - I am not aware of any anti or pro tattoo policies within my organization. <span style="color: #006565; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 28pt;">Question #4 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 16pt;">Vault Employee Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey 2007 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 18pt;">7 <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Have you ever been fired or disciplined because of tattoos or body piercings?


 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Yes || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">No ||
 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">2% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">98% ||

<span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Some Comments: - I was fired from a restaurant because I had a nose ring. - Starbucks! I had a tongue ring and I got three warnings and then I was written up. <span style="color: #006565; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 28pt;">Question #5 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 16pt;">Vault Employee Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey 2007 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 18pt;">8 <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Do you have any tattoos or body piercings besides "pierced ears"?


 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Yes || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">No ||
 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">42% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">58% ||

<span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Some Comments: - I have a pierced nose and navel and 4 holes in each ear. - I have two half sleeve tattoos, tattoos on each wrist, a tattoo on my back and my belly button is pierced. - I've thought about getting one (or two), but the pain is a deterrent for me! - I used to have nipple piercing, but I grew up and let it close. <span style="color: #006565; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 28pt;">Question # 6 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 16pt;">Vault Employee Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey 2007 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 18pt;">9 <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">How many tattoos do you have?


 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Zero || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">One || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Two || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Three or More ||
 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">60% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">18% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">10% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">12% ||

<span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Some Comments: - I have six tattoos.

- I have three tattoos. <span style="color: #006565; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 28pt;">Question #7 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 16pt;">Vault Employee Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey 2007 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 18pt;">10 <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Where is your tattoo? <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Some Comments: - I have a tattooed bicep, shoulder, chest, and calf. - I have two full sleeves of tattoos.

- My back, stomach, ankle, leg, and breast.

- My leg, toe, stomach, back and bikini line. <span style="color: #006565; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 28pt;">Question #8 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 16pt;">Vault Employee Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey 2007 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 18pt;">11 <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">How many piercings do you have (beyond the ears)?


 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Zero || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">One || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Two || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Three or More ||
 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">80% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">13% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">5% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">2% ||

<span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 18pt;">Some Comments: - I previously removed my nose piercing to improve my job search. -I have something like 42 total, but none of them are active anymore (I no longer wear jewelry in them). <span style="color: #006565; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 28pt;">Question #9 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 16pt;">Vault Employee Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey 2007 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 18pt;">12 <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Where is your piercing?


 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Other || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Nose || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Tongue || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Lip || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">Belly Button ||
 * <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">56% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">13% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">7% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">2% || <span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 14pt;">22% ||

<span style="color: #003365; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 18pt;">Some Comments: - Nose, rook, and hood (this one was removed)

- Nose, tongue, belly button

- I have 25 in my left ear, 12 in my right ear, 2 in my nose, one under my lip, and one in each nipple. What can I say? it was the 80s, I was a punk. <span style="color: #006565; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 28pt;">Question #10 <span style="color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial,Bold'; font-size: 16pt;">Vault Employee Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey 2007