Anyone who’s ever been turned down for a job has probably wondered why. Was it a lack of skills, how you presented yourself, or something else entirely?
Ash Putnam, a 23-year-old from California, faced this very situation when she was rejected for a job at TJ Maxx. Frustrated, she took to TikTok to share her experience, and her video went viral, racking up more than seven million views and tens of thousands of comments.
The Application Rejection
Ash, who is covered in tattoos, explained in her viral TikTok that she had applied for a job at TJ Maxx. A few weeks later, she received an automated email rejecting her application.
“They couldn’t even call me, they just sent me some automated email,” she said, clearly annoyed.
Seeking Answers
Determined to find out why she didn’t get the job, Ash visited the store where she had applied and asked the employees directly.
“I went in today and was like, ‘So what was the reason why I didn’t get hired?’” Ash recounted. “She was like, ‘Oh, you just don’t have enough experience. There were candidates that had more experience than you.’”
Not satisfied with this explanation, Ash asked if her tattoos were the real reason she didn’t get the job. “She said that wasn’t the reason, I don’t feel like that’s true but whatever I will leave it at that.”
Ash continued, “Just because I have tattoos does not mean I am not going to be a good worker. I do not understand that at all. Quite literally some of the most smart intelligent people I have ever met are people with tattoos and piercings.”
@ashxobrien I want to know who is also having a hard time finding a job right now! #jobs #jobmarket ♬ original sound – Ash🖤
The TikTok Response
Although Ash, who works for Uber Eats, never got a straight answer from TJ Maxx, the comments on her TikTok seemed to agree on one thing.
“Tattooer here, it’s probably the tattoos,” one user commented.
“HR supervisor here. There is no way any company would put you in front of customers like TJ Maxx,” added another.
“I worked at TJ Maxx and they will hire just about anyone that comes off the street. It’s definitely the tattoos and piercings,” someone else chimed in.
Another user speculated, “I don’t think it’s because you have tattoos…I think it’s WHERE you have tattoos 🤷🏾♂️”
Ash’s Perspective
Ash also believes her tattoos played a part in the decision. “I absolutely do think it’s about my tattoos because apparently my tattoos are demonic and scary to a lot of people,” she told the Daily Star. “TJ Maxx did not say this to me – that’s just a lot of the comments I’ve gotten on my video.
People are being extremely hateful on my TikTok saying I should work at a circus or Halloween stores.”
Even if her tattoos are the reason she was denied the job, Ash believes companies need to rethink their hiring processes. “If they think tattoos determine job skill and qualifications, they really need to rethink. Tattoos, piercings, and colored hair are not unprofessional. It shows creativity and uniqueness. It’s 2024, people need to get over not liking tattoos.”
Your Thoughts?
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1 thought on “Young woman with facial tattoos, piercings confronts TJ Maxx employees after she was denied a job”
I believe it’s not the fact that she has tattoos, it’s just the placement of them , some companies do not allow facial piercings or facial and neck tattoos, it could also actually be what the tattoos are as well !