Woman Calls Out TJ Maxx for Rejecting Her Job Application—But the Internet Isn’t on Her Side
A young woman recently took to social media to express her frustration after being turned down for a job at TJ Maxx. Expecting sympathy, she was instead met with blunt reality checks, as many users suggested that her extensive tattoos and facial piercings might be a dealbreaker in the job market.
Job Rejection Sparks Debate
Ash Putnam, a 24-year-old who goes by the username ashxobrien on TikTok, shared her disappointment in a viral video that has racked up over 7 million views.
“I applied to TJ Maxx a few weeks ago, and they rejected my application,” she explained. “They didn’t even call me, just sent some automated email.”
Feeling unsatisfied with the lack of feedback, she decided to visit the store in person to ask for an explanation.
“I walked in today and asked the hiring manager why I wasn’t chosen,” she said. “She told me it was because I didn’t have enough experience and that there were other candidates with stronger backgrounds.”
However, Putnam wasn’t entirely convinced by that answer.
“I straight-up asked if it was because of my tattoos. A lot of places still don’t like visible ink,” she added. “She denied it, but honestly, I don’t believe that’s the real reason. Whatever. I’ll leave it at that.”
“How Are Young People Supposed to Get Jobs?”
In her video, Putnam expressed frustration over what she sees as an unfair hiring process, particularly for those new to the workforce.
“I just don’t get it,” she vented. “How are teenagers and young adults supposed to gain work experience if every place refuses to hire them because they don’t already have experience?”
Before wrapping up, she encouraged her followers to share their own job search struggles.
“I feel like my tattoos have played a huge role in whether I get hired or not,” she admitted. “But having tattoos doesn’t mean I won’t be a good employee.”
Social Media Reacts: “Unemployable”
While some viewers empathized with Putnam’s situation, many others weren’t as supportive.
One user pointed out her striking face tattoo, commenting, “Maybe it’s the demon spider??”—a reference to the bold ink that stretches from her neck to her lower cheeks.
Others took a more sarcastic approach. “You could always be a bartender, a tattoo artist, or an extra in a prison movie,” one joked. Another simply commented, “Unemployable.”
Several people argued that the issue isn’t tattoos in general but rather their placement.
“There’s a reason tattoo artists call face tattoos ‘career killers,’” one person explained.
Another added, “It’s not about having tattoos—it’s about WHERE you have them.”
A third wrote, “I’m covered in tattoos, but none are on my face. I’ve never had an issue getting a job. Be for real.”
Hiring Experts Weigh In
Some professionals chimed in with insight from an HR perspective.
“HR supervisor here,” one user wrote. “No major company is going to put you in a customer-facing role with that many facial tattoos and piercings.”
A former TJ Maxx hiring manager backed up that claim, writing, “I used to make hiring decisions for TJ Maxx, and I can tell you—it’s definitely the face tattoos and piercings.”
Are Companies Outdated in Their Hiring Practices?
Over the years, tattoos have become more widely accepted in professional settings. However, as Putnam’s experience suggests, having visible ink—especially on the face—can still pose challenges in customer-service roles.
Speaking with The Daily Star, Putnam pushed back against the idea that body art should impact job opportunities.
“If companies believe tattoos determine someone’s work ethic or qualifications, they really need to rethink their hiring standards,” she said. “Tattoos, piercings, and colored hair aren’t unprofessional. They’re a sign of creativity and individuality. People need to move past this outdated mindset.”
Would You Hire Someone with Face Tattoos?
What’s your take on the situation? Should visible tattoos and piercings matter when it comes to employment? Share your thoughts, and let’s get the conversation going!
