My father was a personnel manager for a very large industrial plant in the 1950s-70s. Most new hires passed in front of him. Before he got into their work experience or resumes, If they showed visible tattoos, they were not hired. If they had long hair, they were not hired. unkempt beards or razor stubble - not hired. Dirty fingernails - not hired. Stained clothes, or smelled of alcohol - not hired. Being a strict Navy man himself, if he saw a veteran trying to conceal a tattoo, he would ask about it, but usually was forgiving for what a guy may have rashly done years ago on leave in Manila or Hong Kong, as being a veteran moved you up the hiring list.
Sounds like EDS under Ross Perot. EDS would buy out a company, then the employees of the bought-out company, would be met at the door and told to go and cut their hair and shave before they would be let in.