Woman with face tattoos rants after store denies her retail job

A woman adorned with numerous tattoos recently expressed her frustration online after being rejected by TJ Maxx for a retail position at one of their locations. Rather than receiving support from the online community, she was met with a stark reality check, with many suggesting that her “facial piercings and tattoos” could be detrimental to her career prospects, rendering her “unemployable.”

Ash Putnam, known by her online alias ashxobrien, took to TikTok to share her experience of being turned down for a job at TJ Maxx.

“I submitted my application to TJ Maxx a few weeks ago, and they rejected it,” the 24-year-old stated in a TikTok video that garnered over 7 million views. “They didn’t even bother to call me; I just received an automated email.”

Seeking clarification, Putnam, who has prominent tattoos on her face and body along with several facial piercings, decided to approach the hiring manager directly.

“I went in today and asked, ‘What was the reason for my rejection?’ She replied, ‘You simply lack sufficient experience. There were candidates with more experience than you,’” the young woman recounted.

“I inquired whether my tattoos played a role in the decision, as many establishments tend to frown upon them. She assured me that it was not a factor. I find that hard to believe, but I will leave it at that.”
Putnam seeks to gain perspective from the online community in her video, questioning, “How are teenagers and young adults without prior job experience expected to find employment?”

She further elaborates, “It seems illogical to me that these establishments are only considering candidates with experience. How can they secure a job under such circumstances?”

Before concluding her video, she encouraged her audience to share their personal experiences and any challenges they have faced in their job search.

“I want to determine if I am the only one encountering this issue. It frustrates me that my tattoos have played such a significant role in my job prospects,” Putnam expressed. “Having tattoos does not equate to being an inadequate employee.”

Her narrative resonated with numerous viewers, leading to a flood of comments sharing various viewpoints.

“Perhaps it’s the demon spider tattoo?” one user commented, referencing the large tattoo that extends from her neck to her lower cheeks.

“You could work as a bartender, tattoo artist, an extra in a prison film, or even as a bassist for Motley Crue,” quipped another TikTok user, while a third simply remarked: “Unemployable.”
Some individuals have posited that the issue lies not in the tattoos themselves, but rather in their placement. One commenter notes, “There’s a reason that tattoo artists refer to face tattoos as career enders.” Another adds, “I don’t believe it’s about having tattoos; it’s about WHERE they are located.” A third individual states, “I have tattoos all over my body except my face, yet I can secure employment anywhere. Let’s be realistic.”

Providing a professional perspective, one user mentions, “As an HR supervisor, I can assure you that no company would place you in front of customers, such as at TJ Maxx.”

A former hiring manager at TJ Maxx corroborates these concerns regarding facial tattoos in the workplace: “During my time as a hiring manager for TJ Maxx, I can confirm that facial piercings and tattoos are significant factors.”

Over the last ten years, tattoos have gained greater acceptance in professional environments. Nevertheless, for those with extensive body art, like Putnam, securing employment, particularly in customer-facing positions, can remain challenging.

If Putnam’s tattoos were indeed the reason for her job rejection at the retailer, she expressed to the Daily Star that companies ought to reevaluate their hiring criteria.

“If employers believe that tattoos reflect on job skills and qualifications, they need to reconsider their stance. Tattoos, piercings, and unconventional hair colors are not unprofessional; they signify creativity and individuality. Society needs to move past the stigma surrounding tattoos.”

If you were tasked with selecting a suitable candidate for a position, would you consider hiring someone with visible tattoos and piercings? We invite you to share your thoughts and help initiate this important discussion.