Woman challenges T.J. Maxx employees, claiming her tattoos cost her a job opportunity

What’s more, putnam hinted that during her visit to the store, she noticed a newly hired employee who appeared to have far less experience than she did—raising even more eyebrows about the true reason behind her rejection.

‘it just didn’t add up,’ she said. ‘i saw someone working there who told me it was their first job ever. i just didn’t get it.’ So why was i turned down for lack of experience?’

this fueled further speculation online, with some commenters suggesting there may have been an unspoken bias at play—one that goes beyond just tattoos and enters the murky realm of image-based discrimination. 

A woman alleges that T.J. Maxx rejected her job application due to her visible tattoos. 

A woman has voiced her concerns after claiming that t.J. Maxx turned down her job application due to her visible tattoos. 

Finding employment can be a daunting task—from scouring job boards to crafting a standout resume, even securing an interview can feel like an uphill battle. That’s why one woman was particularly upset after she believed her tattoos cost her a job at the retail chain. 

Ash Putnam, a 23-year-old from California, shared her disappointment on TikTok after being rejected by T.J. Maxx. Her prominent tattoos—such as a skull on her neck and striking black ink on her arms—were the core of her worries.

‘i hate that my tattoos are such a deciding factor in whether i get hired,’ she said in the video 

After receiving a standard rejection email from the company, putnam decided to visit the store in person to ask why she didn’t get the job. ‘i went in today and asked, ‘what was the reason i didn’t get hired?” she recalled. 

According to putnam, the store’s hiring manager told her that the decision was based on her lack of experience and denied that her tattoos played a role. 

‘i asked if it was because of my tattoos, since i know a lot of places aren’t fond of them,’ she continued Still, I left it at that.

Putnam also pondered how individuals, particularly teenagers and those starting their careers, are supposed to acquire experience when employers often demand it without providing any opportunities for growth. 

Her worries rapidly ignited a passionate discussion in the comments section of her viral video, which has amassed a staggering 7.4 million views. 

‘there’s no way a company like t 

Another commenter, who used to work as a hiring manager for the store, proposed that her facial piercings and tattoos were the probable reasons for her rejection. 

A tattoo artist also joined the conversation, stating, ‘I’ve been in this industry for 15 years—it’s crucial to have a stable career before getting a face or neck tattoo.’.

Others proposed alternative job options, such as working in call centers or bars. One individual mentioned, ‘it’s not just that you have tattoos—it’s where they’re situated on your body.’. 

Despite the criticism, Putnam remained steadfast in her convictions. ‘My tattoos and piercings do not hinder my capacity to excel in my profession,’ she asserted. 

According to a survey conducted by business insider in 2018, it was found that 40% of hiring professionals admitted to rejecting candidates solely based on the presence of visible tattoos. Furthermore, a significant majority of HR professionals, 88%, held the belief that tattoos could have a detrimental effect on a candidate’s chances of securing employment. 

However, a recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2023 revealed that nearly one-third of American adults have at least one permanent tattoo, indicating its increasing popularity among different age groups and demographics. 

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

The ongoing debate revolves around whether tattoos should be more widely accepted in today’s professional environment. 

In summary, Ash Putnam’s experience has reignited the ongoing discussion about visible tattoos and their influence on job prospects. While some people argue that professional appearance standards are still crucial, others believe it’s time for hiring practices to adapt to the shifting cultural norms.

With over one-third of American adults now sporting tattoos, the question arises: should visible body art still be stigmatized in professional settings, or should workplaces embrace a more inclusive and contemporary workforce?.