Tattooed, Pierced Job Seeker Humiliated by 'Bag over Face' Tip - Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

Tattooed, Pierced Job Seeker Humiliated by 'Bag over Face' Tip

A 23-year-old British woman with a multitude of body piercings and tattoos said she was humiliated after a job center official suggested putting "a paper bag over your face" may help her find work, The (London) Daily Telegraph reported Thursday.

Hayley O'Neil said she left her meeting with the official in Blackburn, Lancashire, in tears after the man said: "Who would hire you looking like that?"

"The guy said 'On first impressions do you think anyone would hire you?" said O'Neil, who has 30 tattoos and 20 body piercings.

"He said, 'Look at it this way -- if you were to stand behind a wall or put a paper bag over your face do you think you would have a better chance?'

"He then backtracked and tried to say that he was sorry and hoped I wasn't offended but I was."

The Department of Work and Pensions denied inappropriate remarks were made but said job hunting tips, including advice about dressing appropriately, are given to applicants.