Young woman with facial tattoos, piercings confronts TJ Maxx employees after she was denied a job

Individuals who have faced job rejections often find themselves questioning the reasons behind their unsuitability for the position. Was it their appearance, a deficiency in skills, or perhaps another factor altogether?

Following her rejection from a position at TJ Maxx, 23-year-old Ash Putnam expressed her frustration on TikTok, where her video quickly gained widespread attention.

Since its posting, the video has garnered tens of thousands of comments and over seven million views. The consensus among commenters seemed to center on the challenges young individuals face in securing entry-level jobs.

In her widely viewed TikTok, Putnam recounted her experience applying for a job at TJ Maxx, only to receive a rejection via an automated email “a few weeks” later.

“They only sent me an automated email because they couldn’t even call me,” she remarked.

Dissatisfied with the response, Putnam visited the store where she had applied and confronted the staff regarding her rejection.

“When I arrived today, I asked, ‘What was the reason for my rejection?’” she recounted. “Oh, you simply don’t have enough experience; there were candidates with more experience than you,” was the response she received.

Being aware that many companies have reservations about tattoos, she inquired whether her tattoos played a role in the decision. Although she was told it was not a factor, she expressed skepticism about that explanation.

“I am not inherently a poor worker due to my tattoos. I am uncertain what that implies. It is true that some of the most intelligent individuals I have encountered have piercings and tattoos,” she stated.

Commenters on TikTok appeared to concur regarding the likely reason for the rejection of the Californian Uber Eats employee, despite her never receiving a direct explanation from TJ Maxx.

“It’s probably the tattoos, tattoo artist here.”

“This is the HR supervisor. No business would ever place you in front of TJ Maxx’s clientele.”

I was previously employed at TJ Maxx, where the hiring policy appears to be quite lenient, as they tend to accept nearly anyone who applies, regardless of visible tattoos or body piercings.

I am skeptical that your tattoos are the primary factor. May I inquire about the locations of your tattoos?

Putnam seems to share the belief that her tattoos are a contributing factor to her employment challenges.

In an interview with the Daily Star, she expressed, “I genuinely think my tattoos play a role, as many individuals perceive them as intimidating or even demonic.”

She noted, “The feedback I’ve received on my video has been largely negative; TJ Maxx has not communicated anything to me. On TikTok, some users have been quite aggressive, suggesting I should seek employment at Halloween stores or circuses.”

Putnam advocates for a reevaluation of hiring practices, asserting that if her body art was indeed the reason for her job rejection, it warrants reconsideration.

“They certainly need to reassess their stance if they believe that a person’s tattoos determine their qualifications and professional capabilities. Unconventional hair colors, piercings, and tattoos should be embraced, as they reflect individuality and creativity. Society must evolve beyond its aversion to tattoos in 2024.”

Do you think that tattoos influence an individual’s job prospects? Should they? We invite you to share your thoughts with us on Facebook.