Anyone who has been turned down for a job has likely questioned why they weren’t chosen. Was it due to experience, qualifications, or something more personal? For 23-year-old Ash Putnam, this question led her to confront the hiring practices of TJ Maxx, where she applied for an entry-level position but was ultimately rejected. After receiving the news, she took to TikTok to share her experience, sparking a viral conversation about hiring biases related to personal appearance.
Putnam, who sports numerous tattoos and piercings, received an automated email weeks after applying, informing her that she hadn’t been selected for the position. Frustrated by the impersonal response, she decided to visit the store to get clarity on why she was turned down.
In her TikTok video, which has now garnered over seven million views and thousands of comments, Putnam explained how she approached TJ Maxx employees, asking them directly about the decision. She described her experience at the store:
“I went in today and asked, ‘So what was the reason why I didn’t get hired?’ The employee said, ‘Oh, you just don’t have enough experience; there were candidates with more experience than you.’”
Putnam pressed further, asking if her tattoos might have influenced the hiring decision, given that many workplaces hold reservations about visible body art. The employee reassured her that her tattoos were not a factor. However, Putnam remained skeptical, feeling that her appearance may have contributed to her rejection.
“Just because I have tattoos does not mean I am not going to be a good worker,” she expressed in her video. “Some of the smartest, most intelligent people I know have tattoos and piercings.”
Despite the response she received in-store, TikTok users seemed to agree on a likely reason for her rejection. Comments ranged from, “It’s probably the tattoos,” to “I work in HR, and no way would they put someone with face tattoos in front of customers at TJ Maxx.”
Other users who claimed to have inside knowledge of the company’s hiring practices speculated that visible facial tattoos might be a barrier for applicants, especially for positions that involve direct customer interaction.
“I worked at TJ Maxx, and they’ll hire almost anyone, so it’s definitely the tattoos and piercings,” one commenter wrote.
Putnam herself suspects her tattoos may have contributed to her disqualification. In an interview with the Daily Star, she shared that she’s often told her tattoos appear “demonic” or “scary” to some people. This perception, fueled by social stigma, has led others to suggest she’d be more suited to work in a circus or a Halloween store.
Despite the negative comments, Putnam believes that her tattoos shouldn’t determine her employability. In her view, personal style, including tattoos, piercings, and colored hair, represents individuality and creativity rather than a lack of professionalism.
“If companies think tattoos determine job skills and qualifications, they really need to rethink,” she argued. “Tattoos, piercings, and colored hair aren’t unprofessional. It’s 2024—people need to get over not liking tattoos.”
Putnam’s experience raises important questions about workplace inclusion and the evolving standards of professionalism. With body art becoming more mainstream, many believe it’s time for employers to shift their perspectives on what is deemed “professional.” While some argue that appearance can affect customer impressions, others contend that a person’s skills, dedication, and work ethic should hold greater weight in hiring decisions.
This viral story highlights the ongoing tension between personal expression and traditional hiring norms. It remains to be seen whether companies like TJ Maxx will reevaluate their hiring practices in response to growing public discourse on inclusivity and the changing face of professionalism.
