We’ve all experienced the sting of job rejection and wondered about the reason behind it. Was it the skills, presentation, or perhaps something less obvious?
Meet Ash Putnam, a 23-year-old who recently faced such a rejection from TJ Maxx. Feeling disheartened, she turned to TikTok, where her video quickly became a viral sensation.
Her poignant video resonated with millions, racking up over seven million views and generating a robust commentary. Ash, adorned with unique tattoos, expressed her confusion about how young individuals could secure even entry-level positions. Commenters were largely unified in their opinions.
In her TikTok, Ash recounted applying for a position at TJ Maxx, only to be met with a standardized rejection email “a few weeks” later.
“They couldn’t even call me; it was just an automated response,” she lamented.
Unsatisfied with this impersonal approach, Ash decided to visit the store to speak directly with the staff.
“I went in today and asked, ‘Why didn’t I get hired?’ She replied, ‘Other candidates had more experience’,” Ash shared.
“I also asked if my tattoos were a factor because some places have issues with them. She denied it, but I’m not convinced – it didn’t feel genuine, but that’s the end of it,” Ash continued.
“Tattoos don’t make someone a bad worker. Some of the most brilliant people I know have tattoos and piercings,” she passionately explained.
Although Ash works for Uber Eats in California, the lack of a clear reason from TJ Maxx left both her and TikTok viewers speculating.
“As a tattoo artist, I think it’s definitely about the tattoos,” one user commented.
“From an HR perspective, most companies wouldn’t let you interact with customers like at TJ Maxx,” another added.
“Based on my TJ Maxx experience, they hire anyone. It’s the tattoos and piercings,” read another comment.
“It’s not just about having tattoos – it’s where you have them,” pointed out another user.
Even Ash herself is inclined to believe her tattoos played a role.
“I think it’s my tattoos because some folks find them demonic and intimidating,” she told a news outlet.
“That wasn’t officially from TJ Maxx, but similar sentiments flooded my TikTok. People suggested I should work for a circus or Halloween stores,” she added.
Regardless of personal opinions on her body art being a factor, Ash believes there’s a need for change in recruitment practices.
“The idea that tattoos affect job capability is outdated. Rather than unprofessional, tattoos, piercings, and colored hair reflect creativity. We are in 2024, time to move past these biases,” she argued.
What do you think? Should tattoos influence hiring decisions? Share your thoughts on social media platforms!
