Job Discussion Forums

[tr3ocrue]

Hello all,

I just finished my TEFL cert. course and am looking for a job teaching overseas (typical). I am looking at a few places first (Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Chile) but I would appreciate other suggestions if you have some info I might be missing. These preferences are mostly based on my preference for location, not on anything else. Only Taiwan is based on the schools (I hear they are pretty good to teach for).

I have tattoos, that is my quirk here. I have only had two interviews so far, one of which asked if I had tattoos in a negative way (didn't get the job), the other job I haven't heard from yet. They will all be covered in class, but they will be seen at some point by my co-workers etc.. no doubt. Does this matter too much in most places? Suggestions on dealing with this? Should I forget about some places?

Vitals:
I have a B.A. in English and a minor in History and Philosophy. I have a little tutoring experience (kids) and a little classroom experience (adults). I am white and young (which matters sometimes, I have read here), and was just wondering if anyone had some advice or suggestions? Thank you.

[denise]

I've never been asked about tattoos in job interviews. (And yes, I have one... my avatar is my tattoo.) Normally I would think that they might only become an issue if they were visible, but if yours are normally kept covered then maybe it's just a... what's the word I'm looking for... prissy (???) school. Surely they had their own reasons. Maybe they have a certain image to uphold or they associate tattoos with low-lifes, etc.

d

[Mexicobound]

[naturegirl321]

I've got three. I can usually keep them hidden though students have often found out. In CHina, my 4 year olds said they liked my drawings.

I'd say if you can hide them, say that you don't have them. Tattoos can have negative connotations in different countries.

[denise]

[nickpellatt]

I have tattoos on my forearms ... and of all things, a British Bulldog on my left bicep. (DONT ASK)

Because of this, I always wore long sleeve shirts whilst teaching in China. I felt this was the right thing to do, although my employers never commented upon my tattoos when they saw me outside class.Interestingly enough ... my employers never commented on my more formal attire for class at all ... esp when my fellow teachers would always go to class in bermuda shorts and sometimes wearing vests.

Students and friends did say I looked like a 'streetboy' sometimes. This actually appealed to my youthful personality ... but I dont think it was meant to be a compliment.

I wouldnt worry too much, but I would lie about it either. If someone asks I would suggests answering indirectly until pushed. Saying you dont have tattoos and then turning up with them isnt the right thing to do in my eyes...and could just be storing trouble up for yourself.

'Do you have any tattoos or piercings?'

'I believe in dressing for class in a way that shows respect to both my employer and my students, and by wearing trousers and shirt for every class I think my appearance is unlikely to offend'

(yeah yeah - if you push me yes, I do have tattoos. What about it .... look at me, c'mon ... I got a British Bulldog, a shaved head...Im well ard ..... outside. NOW!!!!)

[naturegirl321]

I had a nose ring (not a stud, but a ring), 10 earrings, and a tongue piercing and worked in two schools in China and two SMithsonian Insistutes in WDC: It never was an issue. Thankfully. But that was about 6 and 8 years ago. Now that I'm going back to CHina, no piercings, but with more tattoos. I'll just keep them covered.

[tr3ocrue]

Thank you for the input!