What is the overall opinion on tattoos in the IB industry? I have an interview with a BB brack in a week and I have a tattoo sleeve on my right arm. Obviously, I'll be in a suit and tie, but if my tattoo flashes, will they knock me?
| +365 | Evercore Intern Seizure | 54 | 12h |
| +70 | JPM M&A is Gone??? Purely Coverage Banking??? | 31 | 11h |
| +62 | Is DCM actually underrated ? | 24 | 22h |
| +51 | How do I understand vs. just memorizing? | 8 | 2h |
| +48 | Losing my personality in Banking | 9 | 22h |
| +47 | Are all Tech / TMT groups sweaty? | 38 | 23h |
| +42 | Associate & Above IB exits | 16 | 4d |
| +33 | Incoming IB Analyst: Best Ways to Prepare? | 11 | 2h |
| +27 | Which groups are ideal for laterals? | 12 | 22h |
| +24 | Thoughts on PEI Global Partners? | 4 | 1d |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
If you’re the right person for the job they won’t. Who really cares anymore
More people care than you might think, especially since IB tends to skew conservative/traditional. Look at how few bankers grew beards in the past couple years even though they've been "in". Some did, but most stuck with the classic, basic, formal clean shaven. Same goes for tats.
Veterans usually get a pass but i don't know about regular citizens
Objectively I would not really be to hard pressed about it, but it does depend on who interviews you.
There are plenty of people in finance and quite in few in IB who have tattoos, although I do not recall seeing arm sleeve tattoos outside of Tech Support people.
But as you said, you will be wearing a suit for the interview and make sure the shirt is well-fitted down to your wrist.
Tattoos are fine - just don’t roll up your sleeves at the interview.
^Agreed. I wouldn't overthink it to the point where you can't focus on the interview, but just make sure it's covered well. Thinking about it more, I do recall seeing one or two people with sleeves in banking. As unfortunate as it may be, appearance does matter to an extent in this industry.
Agree. I have one that’s not noticeable unless I’m wearing short sleeves so was never a problem in interviews.
But I think it’s overall a non-issue outside of interviews / client meetings / meetings with other professionals.
Once you get the job you can feel comfortable rocking rolled up sleeves and crushing fat lips on the desk.
I have a sleeve on my arm as well. I also plan to do a sleeve on one of my legs, and I am looking to finish my other arm and chest as well.
Hide that shit. People love having reasons to ding you and physical appearances that are not within the norm is an easy and visible reason.
Tattoos don’t define your ability to perform in comparison to those who do not have tattoos. Always remember that. This shouldn’t even be a topic of discussion.
In fact, I’m going to go off a bit because I can relate.
I perform well above a lot of people. Some people who perform at these levels in my age group (low 20s) don’t give a single fuck about your physical appearance if you look sharp when you have to look sharp. Why? Because they’ll pull for you if you’re (1) above average in terms of smarts and (2) you’re overall sharp (the way you speak, the way you dress in business professional settings...). Other guys I know, however, judge the fuck out of you. You’ll know this from the way they speak to you, from the way they look at you, and from the way they respond to what you say. You’ll overall be underestimated by these types of individuals, however, that’s a beautiful reason to keep performing the way you’re performing and then stick it to em. It feels better than sex sometimes.
Be confident and know what you bring to the table. Play it smart and play the game.
And at the end of the day, we all have our personal lives. There is a TIME AND PLACE for everything in life. Absolutely everything.
Try to hide it for the interview. If it goes to the cuff, wear a watch to cover what you can. I just finished my sleeve on the left arm and the watch trick works well when I want to be more conservative. Wouldn't want to wear a watch on right arm as it just feels weird.
Now -tell us about your ink? Is it a dope tatt? color? pin up chick? giant infinity sign? skullz and grim reaper?
Mine is a sleeve black/grey realism. Whole scenery on my arm. You?
Black and grey is the best way to do it. Sounds like a cool piece.
I've got a b&g realistic religious theme going. Just finished it off with a Jesus piece.
Incidunt dolores sapiente voluptatem. Fuga eos beatae praesentium maxime.
Minus perspiciatis rem laudantium. Deleniti assumenda quae officia placeat sequi animi tenetur.
Excepturi et inventore eveniet et consequatur. Nisi occaecati tempora enim laudantium ut earum. Fugit magni dolorem sed cum. Accusantium quos qui minus totam. Modi ipsum debitis suscipit deserunt quo. Quia consequuntur excepturi assumenda ad at necessitatibus ab suscipit. Inventore distinctio facilis est et placeat possimus corrupti.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...