"Discrimination is real": tattoos, piercings, appearance at work remains a barrier to hiring

Becoming a chef was 28-year-old Maël's dream: "I never managed to get that job despite my experience," he told RMC . Today, the man, who has several piercings and tattoos, works in a dedicated shop.

Because his appearance had previously earned him rejections: "As soon as you post your photo, if you have the slightest piercing , you can be sure that we will never call you back." A physique often associated with unreliability: "We are supposed to take someone for their face and not their appearance."

Because at work, prejudices related to physical appearance persist. According to OpinionWay's "The French and Inclusion" survey published in April, 77% of French people believe that physical appearance has a significant impact on recruitment. And 68% of French people also believe that appearance has a significant impact on promotions, while 57% would even be willing to make at least one physical adjustment for professional reasons.

"Discrimination in the workplace is real," Cédric, a tattooed man, explained to RMC's switchboard. He had "problems with bosses" when he worked in construction, before becoming a truck driver where "it's not a problem."

Tattooed on her forearms and with numerous piercings on her face, Safo has already been a victim of discrimination: "I'm Black, I have afro hair, and when I was in charge of recruitment, during interviews with companies, I was told to remove my piercings or my afro." While on an internship to become a nursing assistant, she assures that she had no problems during her first experiences.

We just have to avoid going overboard, says Benoît Serre of the National Association of HR Directors : "I don't dispute anyone's right to have tattoos or piercings, but I don't dispute any company's right to promote its image. It's not discrimination."

"There are companies that are more flexible than others, especially startups, whereas in banks, we are much more traditional," explains Jean-Christophe Scieberras, president of the consulting firm NewBridges.

Physical appearance is one of the criteria prohibited by law, "but when it could cause problems with customers," some bosses can impose a dress code and appearance "if it disrupts the company," assures Jean-Christophe Scieberras, who advises job applicants "not to be naive" as "certain prejudices die hard."