A woman with extensive tattoos recently expressed her frustrations online regarding her rejection by TJ Maxx for a retail position at one of their locations. Rather than providing her with support, the online community offered a harsh reality check, indicating that “facial piercings and tattoos” are considered “career enders,” rendering her “unemployable.”
Ash Putnam, who is known online as ashxobrien, took to TikTok to voice her grievances about being turned down by TJ Maxx for a retail job.
“I submitted my application to TJ Maxx a few weeks ago, and they rejected it,” the 24-year-old stated in a TikTok video that garnered over 7 million views. “They didn’t even bother to call me. Instead, I received an automated email.”
Seeking some answers, Putnam – who has prominent tattoos adorning her face and body, in addition to several facial piercings – decided to approach the hiring manager for clarification.
“So, I went in today and asked, ‘What was the reason for my rejection?’ She replied, ‘Oh, you simply lack sufficient experience. There were candidates with more experience than you,’” the young woman recounts.
“I inquired whether my tattoos were a factor in the decision. It’s well-known that many establishments frown upon tattoos. She assured me that it wasn’t the case. I personally doubt that, but I’ll just leave it at that.
‘Doesn’t make sense’
Seeking to gain perspective from the online community, Putnam poses a question in her video: “I’m curious about how teenagers and young adults who have never held a job are expected to find employment.”
“How can they secure a job when these establishments are only hiring individuals based on prior experience? It simply does not make sense to me.”
Before concluding her video, she encouraged her audience to share their own experiences and any challenges they may have faced while searching for employment.
“I want to find out if I am the only one facing this issue at the moment. I dislike that my tattoos have played such a significant role in my ability to obtain a job,” Putnam remarked. “Having tattoos does not imply that I will not be a competent employee.”
‘Unemployable’
Her narrative resonated with numerous viewers, leading to a flood of comments from individuals sharing their thoughts.
“Perhaps it’s the demon spider??” comments one user, alluding to the prominent tattoo that extends from her neck to her lower cheeks.
“[You] could work as a bartender, tattoo artist, an extra in a prison film, or even the bassist for Motley Crue,” quips a second TikToker, while a third simply states: “Unemployable.”
Others proposed that it is the positioning of Putnam’s tattoos rather than the tattoos themselves that is the issue. “There’s a reason tattoo artists label face tattoos as career enders,” remarks one user.
@ashxobrien I want to know who is also having a hard time finding a job right now! #jobs #jobmarket ♬ original sound – Ash Putnam🖤
A second individual states, “I don’t believe it’s due to your tattoos… I think it’s WHERE your tattoos are located.” A third person writes, “I have tattoos all over except my face… yet I can secure a job anywhere. Be [for real].”
Providing some professional insight, one netizen comments, “I am an HR supervisor. There is no way any company would place you in front of customers like TJ Maxx.”
Subsequently, a former hiring manager at TJ Maxx corroborates the concerns regarding facial art in the workplace: “I previously worked as a hiring manager for TJ Maxx, and I can assure you it’s the facial piercings and tattoos.”
‘Demonstrates creativity’
In the last ten years, tattoos have gained significantly more acceptance in professional environments. Nevertheless, for individuals with extensive body art – such as Putnam – the job search can still be quite challenging, particularly for roles that involve direct customer interaction.
If her body art was indeed the reason for her job rejection at the retailer, Putnam expressed to the Daily Star that companies ought to reconsider their hiring practices.
“If they believe that tattoos influence job skills and qualifications, they truly need to reassess. Tattoos, piercings, and colored hair are not unprofessional. They reflect creativity and individuality… people need to move past their aversion to tattoos.”
If you were responsible for finding a suitable employee to fill a position, would you hire an individual with visible tattoos and piercings? Please let us know what you think and then share this story so we can get the conversation started!