So I've been actively looking for another job for quite some time now, and I've been unsuccessful in my quest. Basically I want to move into Student Services at a college or university. My mother just told me that she thinks I should start taking out my nose ring before going into interviews. I've been leaving it in because it is a VERY small and tasteful rhinstone - quite unassuming. Also I'm applying for jobs on campuses, which by definition, are more casual than corporate America. What do you all think?

I am not sure if it will help any, but taking it out cannot hurt anything...

As much as I hate to agree, you should probably take it out. Question, why is it when you go some places and you see that the workers have had to cover their piernigs (nose, ear, whatever) with a big bandaid? Am I the only one who thinks that looks a hell of a lot worse than a piercing?

I think it looks way worse. Then you're drawing attention to the very thing you're supposed to be hiding.

Allegra,

I went to an interview with a little hoop in my nose (I pierced my nose myself when I was 17), and I got the job. I also had black bangs and vampire red hair, but I was dressed professionaly :D

I don't know what got me the job, I suppose it was the fact I was I sold myself well, so it took away from the small fashion oddities I presented.

Cristina

Oh yeah... and I have since lost the hoop, I agree it looks worse out, I have a little hole in my nose now! :)

I thought this might be about nose jobs. I need one probably but don't want to open a can of worms and cause breathing problems. My right nostril is damaged I think from my older brothers pressing it when I was a child.

Originally posted by buggy

Oh yeah... and I have since lost the hoop, I agree it looks worse out, I have a little hole in my nose now! :)

So does it whistle when you exhale?:D

Very funny. :D

Now, by no means am I opposed to piercings....but to be 100% honest (thats what you want right) I think the nose rings are the most unattractive piercings out there.
That being said (nothing personal, by the way) I would probably be more prone to think of the person as possibly being not very professional....I know this is hypocritical of me since I have a piercing....but that would be my thought. But then again, the professionalism part of this is the whole reason I have not pierced my lip...I know my boss would get his panties in a twist over that....

I personally would take the ring out for interviews. Then if you landed the job, ask their feelings about the ring. If your employer says "no problem", run with it....if not, just leave it out while your at work...

I've always been kind of scared of someone with a nose ring...I mean, what happens if you sneeze real hard and that thing comes flying out....you could put someone's eye out....lol

Originally posted by Snouter
I thought this might be about nose jobs. I need one probably but don't want to open a can of worms and cause breathing problems. My right nostril is damaged I think from my older brothers pressing it when I was a child.

That's horrible! Brothers can be so mean to each other.

My friend had a nose job because she broke it when she was a kid. It actually helped her breath better because it straightened out her airway. That's why people with deviated septums get them too, so I wouldn't worry about the breathing issue too much.

Originally posted by Je$ter

I've always been kind of scared of someone with a nose ring...I mean, what happens if you sneeze real hard and that thing comes flying out....you could put someone's eye out....lol

It's twisted in sort of like a corkscrew, so there's no need to worry about it flying out. Your eyes are safe! lol :)

ok...just checking...I always ducked at a friend of mine who had her's done when she sneezed.... (mainly picking on her....)

:D :D :D

Screw in....man, I bet that hurts like hell when it's healing....damn. What happens if you cross thread it?

I'm just too much of a wimp to have my nose pierced. Its all I can do to pop a zit on my nose without crying.

Allegra: It was in fun....for them. ;) The worse was one would pin me and the other would try to pass gas in my face. The advantage is that you learn how to wrestle at a young age. ;)

I'm just too much of a wimp to have my nose pierced. Its all I can do to pop a zit on my nose without crying.

Oh, get this then...I am deathly afraid of needles...I mean the worst part of getting married was the blood test...made them get an infants needle before I would let them stick me...
but getting my nipple pierced was no real biggie....
make sense out of that...

Originally posted by Allegra


It's twisted in sort of like a corkscrew, so there's no need to worry about it flying out. Your eyes are safe! lol :)

Yeah, but if the screw part doesn't lay perfectly flat...I think I need to go back to the piercing studio and have them fix mine. Patrick keeps accidentally grabbing my nose when he's being all obnoxious and goofy, and then I end up with a hell of a nosebleed (and a free pierced septum, the first time he did it).

As for the job thing - pretty much anywhere is ok with nose piercings, as long as you're not looking into a career as a Starbucks barista, or applying to a really conservative business. Maybe it's just my experience, but having neon red hair (well, most of the time) and a nose piercing hasn't given me much of a problem with jobs - I guess a combination of working in those artsy, casual types of places and having a decent resume and a big smile for the interview. Most people who have tiny nose piercings, you don't even notice them. So I can't imagine that it'll be much of a problem, especially working for a college - they're extremely liberal with their dress codes, in my experience. If they want to hire you but aren't a big fan of the nose ring, I'm sure they'll tell you, and ask you to take it out (which you can get an acrylic retainer for, if you want to keep the piercing).

Originally posted by Snouter
Allegra: It was in fun....for them. ;) The worse was one would pin me and the other would try to pass gas in my face. The advantage is that you learn how to wrestle at a young age. ;)

I am so thankful that I don't have brothers! Although, I guess that's also part of the reason I'm such a wimp... Ha ha. Being a girly-girl is worth it though if it means being spared farts in the face!

Well, I guess I'll be the black sheep here.

Take the stupid thing out!

I wouldnt hire someone with that, or multiple piercings, or multiple tattoos or anything like that.
I'd say they've got a self image problem and feel a need to mutilate the bodies God gave them just to feel good about themselves or just to stand out in a crowd.

Someday, you will look back and think how silly it really is.

Please dont take this personally. Its just my obervation from someone who is a little older, and has been through those phases, and has also been in a position of hiring many people.
Im glad I dont have to deal with that anymore.

You want some hints?

Dress professionally.
Make sure you are talking or dealing with the owner/manager. If you go in and they are not there, ask for them. Then introduce yourself to them, shake their hand (firmly) and tell them you are interested in getting a job and submit your application to him/her.
TYPE your application and attach a resume.
Smile, speak clearly, avoid slang (yes not yeah), and make eye contact.

You've got to sell yourself and be prepared, if in an interview, to go beyond the regular answers. Thats what they're looking for.
Tell them why you want the job (other than the money).
Tell them why you are interested in THAT job.
Tell them why you are a perfect match for THAT job.
Oh, and relax, and smile.

Any decent boss, no matter where, and what setting, will recognize these things and I can almost guarantee you will have success, unless they just arent hiring. They are looking for "above and beyond" , not the regular or average.

Good Luck.

I dont like the side-nose percsings. I was thinking of getting a 3/4 ring, not a whole one, hanging down from the middle, like a bull. Then I think it would not show a hole when I take it out. Anyone had one, or know someone who has?

My friend Adrienne had her septum pierced and when she would go to school(a catholic high school) she would flip the ring up into her nose and you couldn't even see it. I think maybe you should take the side ring out for a job interview and see how many more job offerings you get. By all means, if you like it, don't just take it out forever because of a job.

Originally posted by Snouter
I thought this might be about nose jobs. I need one probably but don't want to open a can of worms and cause breathing problems. My right nostril is damaged I think from my older brothers pressing it when I was a child.

Yeah me too some ****a broke my nose a few weeks ago and I thought it was just temporary swelling but now ive got a big lump on the bridge. I figured itll prolly get broken a few more times in my life though so im gonna wait till im older.


As far as "selling yourself" i think thats ill. You arent a butterball turkey or a can of soda, if they dont like you then thats there problem, if you have something real to offer them then a smart business person will hire you anyway. Work with people who arent superficial and you'll be able to help them put their prejudiced competitors to shame. OR just take it out for theinterview and then put it back in after you work there, by then they'll have gone to the trouble of hiring you and probably wont care about something as trivial as your jewelry.

Originally posted by ChaoticThoughts
I dont like the side-nose percsings. I was thinking of getting a 3/4 ring, not a whole one, hanging down from the middle, like a bull. Then I think it would not show a hole when I take it out. Anyone had one, or know someone who has?

My ex had a bull ring type deal, i though it was cute. It was the kind where you could flip it up though, which she used to do when visting her grandparents and stuff. And all her tats where on her back, hips, and upper arms so she could go into total stealth mode when she had to deal with *******s. Very suave.

You have to sell your product, the thing you have to offer in order to get considered for a job.

Originally posted by CodyChaos


As far as "selling yourself" i think thats ill. You arent a butterball turkey or a can of soda, if they dont like you then thats there problem, if you have something real to offer them then a smart business person will hire you anyway. Work with people who arent superficial and you'll be able to help them put their prejudiced competitors to shame. OR just take it out for theinterview and then put it back in after you work there, by then they'll have gone to the trouble of hiring you and probably wont care about something as trivial as your jewelry.

Let me ask you Cody, how much experience do you have hiring and supervising employees?
Dont get me wrong, you have every right to express your opinion but it would be nice to know how much real experience you have in the matter.

You absolutely have to show your perspective boss why he should pick you over the other guy and "selling yourself" is the best analogy.

Furthermore, taking it out for the interview, then putting it back in..well thats a great foot to get started off on...deception.
That type of employee wouldnt have lasted. That act of deception in itself is very telling.

Originally posted by Powerboss


Let me ask you Cody, how much experience do you have hiring and supervising employees?
Dont get me wrong, you have every right to express your opinion but it would be nice to know how much real experience you have in the matter.

Actually seeing as I was the manager at the Dairy Queen in town here for almost two years I have a fair amount of experience supervising and imterviewing employees. When they hired me I as a lowely peon I had bleached hair, as manager I had bright red hair like Ronald MacDonald, my dairy queen hat is covered in studs. You know what? The owner didnt care. Why? Because I was friendly and accomodating to the customers, I was trustworthy with the cash and the accounting, I adapted to problems, I kept the health inspectors and regional heads happy, I got along with the employees and got them to do work without threatening or berating them. They told me I was the best manager theyd ever had, better than the 34 year old dude that was originally running the place. I worked for significantly less $$$ than that fool did, and proved so indespensible that they still havent replaced me, the owner runs the place himself till I come back on breaks and weekends.

Originally posted by Powerboss

You absolutely have to show your perspective boss why he should pick you over the other guy and "selling yourself" is the best analogy.

Furthermore, taking it out for the interview, then putting it back in..well thats a great foot to get started off on...deception.
That type of employee wouldnt have lasted. That act of deception in itself is very telling.

Id beg to differ, they let me run around with thousands of dollars in cash while I had giant spikey red hair. Sure, I wasnt no corporate exec but it was prolly more responsibilty than most people have at age 18. I broke all their dress codes but hey I kept shit running smoothly and thats whats important. Highest cleanliness rating for DQ franchises in Southern California for 3 years running baby WHOO FUKIN HOO!!!

I really cant fathom why people would ever WANT to work for the benefit of *******s anyway. Id rather spend my time doing something worthwhile for MYSELF.

Originally posted by buggy
You have to sell your product, the thing you have to offer in order to get considered for a job.

Say what?

Originally posted by Powerboss


Let me ask you Cody, how much experience do you have hiring and supervising employees?
Dont get me wrong, you have every right to express your opinion but it would be nice to know how much real experience you have in the matter.

You absolutely have to show your perspective boss why he should pick you over the other guy and "selling yourself" is the best analogy.

Furthermore, taking it out for the interview, then putting it back in..well thats a great foot to get started off on...deception.
That type of employee wouldnt have lasted. That act of deception in itself is very telling.
So if you wear your best suit for the interview, but never wear a suit to work, is the deceptive? The entire interview process is puttind your best foot forward, no matter what, its not necessarily deception. I thought you said you grew up and go tover things like that?

Originally posted by CodyChaos


Actually seeing as I was the manager at the Dairy Queen in town here for almost two years I have a fair amount of experience supervising and imterviewing employees. When they hired me I as a lowely peon I had bleached hair, as manager I had bright red hair like Ronald MacDonald, my dairy queen hat is covered in studs. You know what? The owner didnt care. Why? Because I was friendly and accomodating to the customers, I was trustworthy with the cash and the accounting, I adapted to problems, I kept the health inspectors and regional heads happy, I got along with the employees and got them to do work without threatening or berating them. They told me I was the best manager theyd ever had, better than the 34 year old dude that was originally running the place. I worked for significantly less $$$ than that fool did, and proved so indespensible that they still havent replaced me, the owner runs the place himself till I come back on breaks and weekends.




Well, you have my congratulations.
So what were your interviewing techniques? Although lets be honest, we're dealing with first jobs here for high school kids, its not like you had to probe very deep into character traits.
What specifically were you looking for in an interview now that we know you are an authority?

Id beg to differ, they let me run around with thousands of dollars in cash while I had giant spikey red hair. Sure, I wasnt no corporate exec but it was prolly more responsibilty than most people have at age 18. I broke all their dress codes but hey I kept shit running smoothly and thats whats important. Highest cleanliness rating for DQ franchises in Southern California for 3 years running baby WHOO FUKIN HOO!!!

Most organizations would not let you get away with breaking policy/dress codes. What signal does that tell the employees?
The rules apply to some, but if you can make a fancy Mr Twistee the rules dont apply?
Furthermore, that owner has every right to run his business the way he sees fit. But Im telling you most businesses and owners do not tolerate rule breaking. Consistency, consistency, consistency. Consistency of the RIGHT execution = The RIGHT results

I really cant fathom why people would ever WANT to work for the benefit of *******s anyway. Id rather spend my time doing something worthwhile for MYSELF.

No shit, tell us something we dont already know about you.



So if you wear your best suit for the interview, but never wear a suit to work, is the deceptive? The entire interview process is puttind your best foot forward, no matter what, its not necessarily deception. I thought you said you grew up and go tover things like that?

Indeed it is putting your best foot forward and a employer with any brains sees someone who took the time to dress in a suit, when it really wasnt needed, that is a good sign. I can tell you, of the many people I had interviewed, the ones who turned out to be the best employees were the ones that gave the best interviews and did the something extra like typing the applications, attaching resumes, dressing above and beyond the average, speaking clearly, making eye contact, ect ect ect.
Usually, the ones with orange hair and multiple piercings and all that didnt even get a chance with me. Usually, the minute they opened their mouths and said something it was already over.

The suit thing has positive connotations, the nose ring has negative ones. Many people frown upon it and personally I think it is revealing of character and personality to see someone who has to do strange things to thier bodies to feel good about themselves or make some kind of statement.
Perhaps I miss the odd one that has a nose ring and is a good employee but Ill take that chance because there are even more good employees without them.

As usual, you missed my point. Isn't someone taking out their nosering when its not really necessary a "good sign"? I don't understand the difference between changing your appearence for the better (putting on a suit) and changing your appearence for the better (removing your nose ring)?:confused: How is one deceptive and one a "good sign"?:confused:

Basically it was a list of like 13 question Id go through. What is your previous work experience? Why do you want to work here? How do you feel about working with people? How do you handle criticism? Have you comitted any crimes other than misdemeanor traffic violations? Can you handle flexible hours? etc etc You just get a feel or the person after talking with them, if they seemed like a good kid they usually got hired. That and you could tell alot by how they filled out the application. If they filled it out like a 10 year old I usually didnt bother calling them back or showing it to the boss. Plus I knew some of the kids and asked around about others. We stopped hiring old people when I was there because they generally expected more money. People that were really shitty got fired, though there were a couple dumbasses that I woulda liked to can right away but they had charmed the owners, but eventually they caught on. Regardless, I never disqualified anyone of piercings. This guy Ford Harris still works there, he was an all league offensive lineman,all county scholar athelete and everything, was going to college in the area. He has a spike through his chin, but hes a genuinely nice guy and great employee.



Originally posted by Powerboss

Usually, the ones with orange hair and multiple piercings and all that didnt even get a chance with me. Usually, the minute they opened their mouths and said something it was already over.


Well then you were judging them primarily on connotations you chose to ascribe to their outward appearance. Isnt it a bit silly to not even give them a shot? If you are interviewing for a sales position I see how the appearance could be an issue, but people with orange hair and piercings can think just as well as people with out. If wearing a suit is an issue thats fine, but theres no reason someone with a nose ring cant wear a suit.

Originally posted by Powerboss

The suit thing has positive connotations, the nose ring has negative ones. Many people frown upon it and personally I think it is revealing of character and personality to see someone who has to do strange things to thier bodies to feel good about themselves or make some kind of statement.
Perhaps I miss the odd one that has a nose ring and is a good employee but Ill take that chance because there are even more good employees without them.

Not long ago having black skin had negative connotations as well.

Why do you view nose piercings as having a negative connotation? I see people (especially women) with them all the time. How is it really different than piercing your ears? I really dont know where the negative conotation about piercings and stuff comes from. Obviously if a guy has a tatoo of satan i can see how that would have a negative connotation but a little metal hoop or some hair dye isnt exactly a political/religious/moral statement these days. But then again If you immediately disqualify all people with piercings then of course you'll never find out if in fact they were capable of defying your expectations and being a great employee.

my solution, get non facial places pierced. the nips only take about a week to heal, and the scrotum takes about 4 days.

Originally posted by jwreck
As usual, you missed my point. Isn't someone taking out their nosering when its not really necessary a "good sign"? I don't understand the difference between changing your appearence for the better (putting on a suit) and changing your appearence for the better (removing your nose ring)?:confused: How is one deceptive and one a "good sign"?:confused:

Let me try to make this REAL simple for you ok?

When you go and look for a job, most of the morons out there (and Im sure you are in this category), would just dress like they normally do.

Someone walks in with a suit, or suit and tie, that tells a potential employer this person took the extra time to dress up and prepare.

Are you following so far?

Now, it is obvious a nosering comes with a negative stigma (fairly or unfairly). Even her mom commented on it so it does have a negative stigma to it among most people.
She takes it out on purpose, while job hunting, because of the negative stigma it carries. But then after being hired decides to put it back in, even though it still carries a negative stigma and everyone knows it, THAT is deception, blatantly because she knows it has a negative stigma.

Do you understand?

You've got to determine and differentiate the motive, go look it up in the dictionary.

The motive with the suit, is not necessarily deceptive, its how winners get jobs and how people should look for jobs. It separates the morons from the people that have a little greymatter.

The motive with the nosering is to hide something that she knows has negative connotations with it.

And if you really want to compare apples to apples, rather than apples to oranges like you are to make a weak attempt at making some kind of point, it would be like comparing the nosering to an unshaven scruffy fellow who rarely shaves, who shaves for the interview but then after getting hired decides to come to work unshaven and scruffy looking, or someone who doesnt shower, but showers for the interview, but then after getting hired stops showering again.
Using the suit comparison like you are is weak because almost every place of employment has a dress code and a suit may not be included in that dresscode.


Cody, yes /no questions are generally useless, until you have made up your mind and then you need to find out specifics.
I agree with the application also, a neat tidy application, especially typed, is a good sign. But then again, if you were JWreck its a terribly deceptive thing and is no different frm someone trying to hide something.


Well then you were judging them primarily on connotations you chose to ascribe to their outward appearance. Isnt it a bit silly to not even give them a shot? If you are interviewing for a sales position I see how the appearance could be an issue, but people with orange hair and piercings can think just as well as people with out. If wearing a suit is an issue thats fine, but theres no reason someone with a nose ring cant wear a suit.

Outward appearance is important, dont you think? Its our "first impression" of a person. In some cases it matters more than others, I grant you that but again, its the owners/boss that makes the rules and again personally, I find it troubling that someone has the desire to put multiple holes in their body to make them feel better about themselves or make a statement, that tells me something about that person and given the choice between candidate A who is clean cut and no multiple holes (single pierced earrings are fine) and candidate B who has mutilated her body for the sake of feeling good about herself or making herself stand out, well the choice is pretty clear to me.
Candidate B has personal issues and is more of a "risk".

Not long ago having black skin had negative connotations as well.

So now we are comparing a nose ring (something one has control over and can help) to somebodys skin color (something one has NO control over and cant help)?
Weak.

Why do you view nose piercings as having a negative connotation? I see people (especially women) with them all the time. How is it really different than piercing your ears? I really dont know where the negative conotation about piercings and stuff comes from. Obviously if a guy has a tatoo of satan i can see how that would have a negative connotation but a little metal hoop or some hair dye isnt exactly a political/religious/moral statement these days. But then again If you immediately disqualify all people with piercings then of course you'll never find out if in fact they were capable of defying your expectations and being a great employee.

Well, I think I explained most of that above. I see someone who has to do those things to their bodies as needing something in thier life to fulfil a certain hole that is there mentally. To boost self esteem or anything like that. If anyone thinks an earing in the nose boosts thier self esteem, well they're a little mixed up and are looking down the wrong roads.
I'll stop now before Im labeled as hateful but Im just giving my opinions.
And you may be right, I may miss a gem now and then but I'll play the odds, thank you, and I bet the odds are in my favor.

So everybody who has a tattoo or a piercing, or dyed hair is trying to fill some mental hole?

I don't have any tattoos nor do I care for piercings, (I'll leave those to the girls:)) I used to dye my hair alot though. I started to back when I was in junior high school, It's just something I liked to do. Just like lifting weights to get bigger muscles changes the way you look, everybodys different. Sometimes I'd bleach my hair, sometimes I'd dye it Black or Green. I don't see it being much different than somebody wearing a bright colored shirt.

It makes me wonder how a blind man would hire people, he'd have no way to discriminate people by how they look, and he'd get the best employees..

Okay . . . I haven't ranted lately . . . here we go.

I'd take the nose ring out. I've interviewed (and been interviewed) a lot, and doing things like putting on the good clothes, shaving extra close, and, dare I say it, driving my Tarus instead of my Mustang to the interview (first interview, anyway, for the car). A nose ring might be cool in a club or to someone more your age, but, odds are, you're going to be interviewing with someone like Bill or myself, and to me, it's somewhat unprofessional. It's your RIGHT! ABSOLUTELY! And it's valid personal expression, but a boss is looking for someone to perform a task AND, almost as importantly, represent his/her company. If you're going to be working in California with young people, maybe you WILL represent the company's image. However, for the majority of companies (at least around here), you wouldn't be the image they'd like to project. NOTHING PERSONAL!

Piercings and tattoos are personal expression . . . and that's cool. However, man, it's kinda' getting old. I mean, go ahead and pierce whatever. I don't care. If you don't like it, it will grow back. But guys, uh, the tattoos . . . why?

*rant will now begin*

See, I always considered a tattoo something as a right of passage. I mean, like the military. I saw a guy with a black trident tattooed on his arm once, and I said "thanks for your service to our country in the teams". He just grinned and kept on running on the treadmill. Turns out he was a lawyer . . . I guess shooting and blowing people up wasn't enough for him! LOL!

I've met several guys who had martial arts related tattoos, and those were cool. I mean, I considered getting our Kenpo emblem on my shoulder, but thought better of it. It's cool, though. I understand the guys that did!

But, when I see some kind of weird-azz symbol on some fair skinned red-headed girl's arm and ask "what IS that?" and I get some kind of crap like "it's an ancient Aztec symbol for the lost tribe of Umpherleg" . . . it just kills me. "So Misty, are you Aztec?" Or, you see some lilly-white blonde with a tribal tattoo and wonder "what the hell tribe is she from . . . Aryanites?"

I guess I just consider tattooing a way to remember something significant in your life and not the lastest Baskstreet Boys trend. I mean, it's NOT decoration or anything. How do you decorate the human body? It's the most beautiful thing in the world.

Okay, maybe it's self-expression, but what the HELL are you expressing with a funky-azz design on your back? "This is what my wall-paper in my first house looked like . . . I can look at my back now and remember the good ole days . . ."??????

I saw a girl who what a little fairy tattooed on her ankle, and I asked what it meant. "Oh, I just like fairies . . . " (by the look of her boyfriend, I should have guessed!) I was like . . . "huh . . . okay . . . I guess that's cool". But then I got to thinking, I like screwing but I don't have a picture of a vagina on my foot, either . . .

Hey, maybe I'm on to something . . . . :D

You know, powerboss, you never cease to amaze me. I guess I really am a moron compared to you because I don't heve the insight to guess how someone I'd only talked to on the internet would dress for a job interview. I also don't see the difference in wearing a suit one day and not ever wearing it again and shaving one day and not ever shaving again or not wearing a nosering one day and wearing it every day after.
(single pierced earrings are fine) Exactly why is it fine to "mutilate" your ears but not your nose? Isn't an ear piercing just a way to fill some whole in that persons self-esteem? You don't make any sense. You know, the funny thing is I agree (as I stated originally) that the nose ring should come out for interviews. I just understand how you can say that's being deceptive. Maybe I just don't have your mental capacity and such things are just too complicated for my simple mind. Maybe you could suggest a book for me, something along the lines of Curious George Gets a Job. Perhaps then it could soak into my moronic brain. Your expert council will be greatly appreciated.

I think the "art of self mutilation" becomes addictive, Mr. Durden. I honestly don't understand the concept, but I wonder if it equates to bsdm. Pleasure in pain? It has gone from tattoos to branding. Insane huh?

As far as the piercing goes, it is accepted in many cultures as "normal" (whatever that is). My advice is to just get the hell over it. It's a piece of jewelry, there's much more important things to bitch and moan about, isn't there?

Well, the problem is solved -- at least for now anyway -- because they called me up and want to conduct a phone interview first. I think this is great because they get to talk to me without first judging me on my appearance. If they decide they like me, then I can almost guarantee that my nose ring will not make a difference if I get called in for a second interview. It's an all-women private liberal arts college in Southern California... I'm thinking (for this school anyway) that it's not going to be a problem at all. Now if the law school or the Catholic university give me a ring... well, that's another story entirely.

And just for the record, I agree with Durden and Powerboss when they talk about looking nice for an interview. If anything, it shows respect for the company and the person you're going in to talk to. I'd never hire someone who walked into my office looking like a slob. Not because I think a person's appearance is exceptionally important on an everyday basis, but because, if they don't care enough to dress up a little to make a first impression, then they probably don't care about getting the job very much either. Everyone knows it's a bit of a game, and if someone is completely unwilling to play, then they'll probably be stubborn and difficult to work with.

That said, I still have a nose ring, and I've decided to leave it in for the time being. Everything else about my appearance is generally pretty conservative and I definitely make every effort to otherwise look appropriate and professional when I need to. Besides, it looks great when I wear my diamond studs in my ears!;)

Originally posted by buggy
I think the "art of self mutilation" becomes addictive, Mr. Durden. I honestly don't understand the concept, but I wonder if it equates to bsdm. Pleasure in pain? It has gone from tattoos to branding. Insane huh?

No . . . if these were s&m girls with the tats and piercings, I'd buy it, but they're not. EVERYTIME I see a cute girl with a tongue ring, I rebuke her and tell her she needs discipline. Currently, I'm 0 for 347 in favor of getting a spanking . . . but I'm not discouraged. . . . :D.

Oh, and for what it's worth, Lisa's daughter is pretty wimpy with pain, but she got her eyebrow pierced. I think it was because she WANTS to be a freak, but is too cute and intelligent to complete the job. Odd girl . . . I really love her when I'm not trying to kill her . . . ;)

As far as the piercing goes, it is accepted in many cultures as "normal" (whatever that is). My advice is to just get the hell over it. It's a piece of jewelry, there's much more important things to bitch and moan about, isn't there?

More important than what girls are putting into their bodies???? WHAT is more important than that??? It's not that girls are putting things in their body openings. It's that they're making needless NEW openings when the ones they have aren't being adequately filled . . . LMAO!!!!!

Okay, seriously though, I can handle piercings. I think that MANY people just get them for shock value or attention . . . WHICH IS COOL!!!! I honestly don't care. I doubt seriously that many of these people are going to be dangling steel when they get to be 25-35. I think much of this is a phase or a trend. And, like I said, that's cool.

The tattoo thing, well, I just have another feeling for that. If someone wants to get some NICE artwork done, hey, that's cool. I guess to each his own. Oddly enough, I can even handle the frat guys who get their letters on them somewhere. Eh, I guess it's a big deal to have enough money to rent some friends.

My beef is with the "casual" tattoo person, you know. It's the 18 year old guy with the black band around one arm or the chick with a little flower or something. It's just trendy or for image or something. "Isn't my little black rose cute?" No . . . your LEG was cute before some skanky moron named Niles Needles drew a weed on it. Sorry. I've seen lots of beautiful works of art but NOTHING compared to a shapely leg . . . female preferably! I don't know of anyone who buys the car of their dreams . . . and then draws a picture on it. Why do that with a beautiful body?

These guys with one tattoo of a dragon eating a lion while flying over a big vat of flames with skeletons and Harley Davidson-riding goons doing a voodoo ritual around the whole thing is pretty damned pathetic . . . especially when the guy is 18 and weighs 119 pounds. Sorry man . . . at one time a tattoo DID look tough . . . now, it's like "look . . . ANOTHER one . . . "

I dunno . . . hey, it's your body and do whatever and that's cool, but if you want to express yourselves publicly, then don't get all bent out of shape when some of the public doesn't like it.

Natually, for guys, WHO CARES? I'm not looking at their body anyway. Get the giant phallus in the shape of a lightning bolt tattooed on your forehead . . . you'll do well in life. I guess what I hate is seeing some really REALLY pretty girl, admiring her, and then seeing four strands of barbed wire tattooed around her arm or soemthing like that. Even worse, some stupid design of an Incan Pheonix emerging from the middle of her back. *sigh* I just don't understand how someone could be so vain as to look at a beautiful girl and say "hey, I can make you a LOT prettier . . . here, let me draw this frog on you . . . " And, hell, I know it isn't always about looking prettier, but SHEESH . . . there's enough ugly to go around WITHOUT someone screwing up what ISN'T ugly, you know?

Originally posted by Corporate Avenger
So everybody who has a tattoo or a piercing, or dyed hair is trying to fill some mental hole?



Is that what I said?
No.

Pierced ears are fine, a tatoo (as long as it can be covered and not on display 24/7 is fine. Dyed hair, well I think thats more for youth than adults, isnt it?

Im talking about the multiples.


You know, powerboss, you never cease to amaze me. I guess I really am a moron compared to you because I don't heve the insight to guess how someone I'd only talked to on the internet would dress for a job interview. I also don't see the difference in wearing a suit one day and not ever wearing it again and shaving one day and not ever shaving again or not wearing a nosering one day and wearing it every day after.

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(single pierced earrings are fine)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exactly why is it fine to "mutilate" your ears but not your nose? Isn't an ear piercing just a way to fill some whole in that persons self-esteem? You don't make any sense. You know, the funny thing is I agree (as I stated originally) that the nose ring should come out for interviews. I just understand how you can say that's being deceptive. Maybe I just don't have your mental capacity and such things are just too complicated for my simple mind. Maybe you could suggest a book for me, something along the lines of Curious George Gets a Job. Perhaps then it could soak into my moronic brain. Your expert council will be greatly appreciated.



Im tired of fighting and exchanging insults with you, lets stop. We actually have agreed on some things at this site and there is no point in what either of us are doing. You see it your way and I see it mine. We can leave it at that, or we can continue looking like children.
I'll choose the first.

Originally posted by Powerboss


Is that what I said?
No.

Pierced ears are fine, a tatoo (as long as it can be covered and not on display 24/7 is fine. Dyed hair, well I think thats more for youth than adults, isnt it?

Im talking about the multiples.






Im tired of fighting and exchanging insults with you, lets stop. We actually have agreed on some things at this site and there is no point in what either of us are doing. You see it your way and I see it mine. We can leave it at that, or we can continue looking like children.
I'll choose the first. C:cool: :cool: L.

You know, I could go off on the "art of body mutilation" or whatever the hell you want to call it...I've done the research, I've followed the trends, I've even had some dealings with the body modification community as a whole.
There are some people who are in it for the pain, there are some people who are in it to boost their self-confidence, there are some people who are in it to be trendy, there are some people who are in it to remember significant events, and there are some people who are in it because they enjoy it, and they like the way it looks.
I'd like to think that I'm in the last category, though I'll have to admit that I do enjoy the pain, to a point, and I do occasionally use body modification to remember significant events (the black widow carved into my thigh is to remind me to be careful - I didn't get the nickname The Black Widow for nothing). I currently have 6 holes in my ears, my nose pierced, my navel pierced (which I hate, because it's so trendy, but I like, because I like the way it looks - not in the 'Ooh, I'm Britney Spears, look at me!' way, but in the 'There's a little silver ball resting there, and a tiny little skull guy hidden on the inside' way), and my nipples pierced. I also have my 4"x4" black widow spider carved on my thigh. It's very faint - the scar is almost completely faded, after only a year - but I can still see it, and that's all that matters to me, really. I remember the experience of doing the cutting, I feel stronger because of the pain I went through to get it, and I recognize the significance of the design - but I don't need anyone to see it (plus, I'd have to be in a bathing suit to show it off - it's way up on my thigh).
Now, am I a good worker? Well, I had an open job invitation for a number of bureaus within the PA Dept of Health last summer (none of which I took). I've got all sorts of marketable skills in computers, graphic design, sales, child care, etc...I've never had trouble getting hired anywhere (well, except for that evil candy store, but that was a weird situation). I usually have bright red hair - but if I'm job-hunting, it goes back to my natural color, until I get the job and can ask the boss exactly what the dress code involves (or, as was the case last summer, I warned the company in advance, and they had no problem whatsoever with it - they had me training new hirees after only 3 days on the job, so they obviously didn't think that I was incompetent just because I looked unconventional).

Anyways, my point is this - not everyone who has modified (or "mutilated", if you will) their bodies has psychological or mental problems. These people may simply be expressing their individuality by doing something that they find aesthetically pleasing. Being as I plan on a career in art, I do not forsee changing my image anytime in the near future - if I can show my creativity through my image, it's an asset, not a hinderance.

I suffered the circumcision mutilation procedure so common years ago unfortunately. I think I may have a mental problem as a result of it. I don't remember the doctor asking me permission before it was performed but I am sure it must have hurt. I want my foreskin back! ;)

I remember in college one of my brothers and a friend were both intoxicated and placed a lit cigarette between their forearms to see who pulls away first. The both now have scar tissue as a permanent reminder of the event. :p