Job Rejection Sparks Debate: Did Her Tattoos and Piercings Cost Her the Job?

For anyone who has ever been turned down for a job, the lingering question remains—why? Was it a lack of experience, an issue with qualifications, or something more personal?

This very question is at the heart of a heated online debate after 23-year-old Ash Putnam took to TikTok to express her frustration over being denied a job at TJ Maxx.

Her video, detailing her unsuccessful job application and suspicions about the real reason behind her rejection, has since gone viral, amassing millions of views and tens of thousands of comments.

But was it really just about her experience, or did her facial tattoos and piercings play a bigger role than the store was willing to admit?

From Job Application to Viral TikTok Rant

Putnam, who works as an Uber Eats driver in California, had been looking for a stable retail job when she applied to TJ Maxx.

However, instead of receiving a call or personal response, she was met with what she described as a cold, automated email informing her that she had not been selected for the role.

Frustrated by the impersonal rejection, she decided to confront the store directly.

“When I arrived today, I asked, ‘So what was the reason I wasn’t hired?’” Putnam recounted in her viral TikTok.

According to her, the store’s response was vague.

“Oh, you simply don’t have enough experience; there were candidates with more experience than you,” she was told.

But Putnam wasn’t convinced.

Suspecting that her extensive tattoos and facial piercings played a role in the decision, she pressed further, asking if her body art had anything to do with it.

“She told me no. But I don’t think that’s accurate… I’ll leave it at that.”

Putnam’s frustration was clear, arguing that tattoos do not define a person’s work ethic.

“I am not necessarily a bad worker just because I have tattoos. Some of the smartest, hardest-working people I’ve ever met have tattoos and piercings.”

@ashxobrien I want to know who is also having a hard time finding a job right now! #jobs #jobmarket ♬ original sound - Ash Putnam🖤🇺🇸

Her video quickly gained traction, with thousands of TikTok users chiming in with their own opinions and experiences.

Social Media Erupts: Was It Really About the Tattoos?

As the video spread like wildfire, viewers took to the comments section to share their thoughts on the matter.

Many strongly believed that her tattoos were the reason she was turned away—regardless of what TJ Maxx claimed.

“It’s probably the tattoos. Tattooer here.”

“I used to work at TJ Maxx, and they’ll hire almost anyone—tattoos or not. Something else is going on.”

“This is an HR supervisor speaking—no business would ever place you in front of TJ Maxx’s clientele with those tattoos.”

Others, however, felt the rejection was based purely on experience.

“I don’t think it’s the tattoos at all. Where exactly do you have them? Maybe it was something else?”

Despite the mixed reactions, Putnam herself remained convinced that her appearance played a major role in TJ Maxx’s decision.

She later told the Daily Star:

“I really believe it’s about my tattoos because it seems like a lot of people find them frightening and demonic.”

“That’s just a lot of the responses I’ve received on my video. TJ Maxx didn’t say anything specific, but people on TikTok are being really hostile. They’re saying I should work at a Halloween store or a circus.”

Should Tattoos and Piercings Still Matter in 2024?

Putnam’s story has reignited a long-standing debate about workplace discrimination based on appearance.

For years, visible tattoos and body piercings were considered “unprofessional” in many industries. But in 2024, with changing attitudes and shifting workplace norms, should employers still be making hiring decisions based on body art?

Putnam strongly believes that companies need to rethink their hiring policies.

“They definitely need to reconsider if they believe that a person’s tattoos define their qualifications and professional skills. Colored hair, piercings, and tattoos are all acceptable. It demonstrates originality and creativity.”

Many social media users agreed, arguing that a person’s skills and work ethic should outweigh any outdated stigmas attached to tattoos.

“It’s 2024. If someone can do the job, who cares what they look like?”

Others, however, pointed out that customer-facing roles still require a certain image.

“It’s not discrimination. Businesses have brand standards. Some customers don’t want to be helped by someone with face tattoos.”

“Freedom of expression doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. You have the right to have tattoos. Employers have the right to say no.”

The Changing Landscape of Tattoos in the Workplace

While certain industries (such as finance, law, and high-end hospitality) still maintain strict dress codes, other sectors have embraced body art.

Retail and food service chains like Starbucks, Whole Foods, and Sephora have relaxed policies on visible tattoos, recognizing that today’s workforce and customer base no longer view body art as unprofessional.

However, companies like TJ Maxx, Target, and Walmart still have varying policies that depend on store location, management discretion, and corporate branding.

“It’s frustrating,” one TikTok commenter wrote. “Some stores won’t care. Others will. It’s a gamble.”

Final Thoughts—Was This Fair or Unfair?

Putnam’s experience has sparked a larger discussion about fairness in hiring practices.

While TJ Maxx didn’t explicitly state that tattoos were the reason for her rejection, the overwhelming response from social media suggests that appearance still plays a role in hiring decisions—whether companies admit it or not.

So, where should the line be drawn? Should tattoos and piercings still be a factor in employment decisions, or is it time for all industries to embrace a more modern perspective?

What do you think?

Should a person’s tattoos impact their chances of landing a job? Or should companies focus only on experience and qualifications?

Share your thoughts with us on Facebook.

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