Ash Putnam, a 24-year-old woman, recently shared her frustration online after being rejected for a retail position at TJ Maxx. She posted a video on TikTok detailing her experience, which quickly went viral, amassing over 7 million views. In the video, Ash explained how she applied for the job weeks earlier and received nothing but an automated rejection email. “I put in my application for TJ Maxx a few weeks back and heard nothing until I received an automated rejection email,” she said. This left her feeling disrespected and confused, especially considering that she hadn’t even received a courtesy call.
Seeking Answers from the Hiring Manager
Determined to understand why she wasn’t hired, Ash decided to take matters into her own hands. She visited the store in person to speak directly with the hiring manager. The manager explained that the company had found candidates with more relevant experience, but Ash, still curious, pressed on. She asked whether her tattoos and piercings played a role in the decision. The manager assured her that they didn’t, but Ash remained skeptical. “When I asked if my tattoos played a role, the response was no, although I’m sceptical. It seemed like a superficial answer, but I accepted it for now,” she shared. This left her wondering if her appearance, rather than her qualifications, might have influenced the decision.
The Struggle with Job Prospects for Young Adults
Ash took to her video to voice a broader concern about job prospects for young adults, especially those with little experience. “What are teenagers and young adults with no job experience supposed to do to get hired?” she asked in her TikTok post. Ash highlighted the difficulty of securing employment when employers often focus on experience instead of potential. “How can they secure jobs if employers focus solely on experience? It baffles me,” she said. She expressed frustration at the fact that, despite her skills and determination, her tattoos appeared to stand in the way of getting hired.
Public Reaction and Criticism
Ash’s video sparked a range of reactions from viewers, many of whom offered their opinions on why she may have been rejected. Some commented on the specific design of her tattoos, particularly one that covered a significant portion of her face. “Could it be the large tattoo that resembles a ‘demon spider’?” one user asked. Others were more direct, calling her “unemployable” due to her facial tattoos. One commenter pointed out, “There’s a reason why face tattoos are often referred to as career enders.” Despite these criticisms, there were also individuals who offered alternative perspectives, suggesting that the placement of tattoos, rather than the tattoos themselves, could have been the issue. “It’s not just having tattoos; it’s particularly where you have them,” one viewer noted.
The Case for Reassessing Workplace Standards
Despite the backlash, Ash remained firm in her belief that tattoos and piercings should not be viewed as barriers to employment. She argued that businesses need to rethink their criteria for hiring. “If they equate tattoos with a lack of skill or qualifications, there’s a need to reassess that mindset,” she said in an interview with the Daily Star. Ash emphasized that tattoos and piercings are forms of self-expression and creativity, not signs of unprofessionalism. “Tattoos, piercings, and colored hair aren’t signs of unprofessionalism. They express creativity and individuality… it’s time to move past the prejudice against tattoos,” she asserted. Ash’s story serves as a reminder that preconceived notions about appearance should not be the deciding factor in evaluating a candidate’s abilities.
