Ash Putnam’s job search struggle has become the latest flashpoint in the conversation about personal appearance and employability. After being rejected by TJ Maxx, the heavily tattooed 24-year-old took her frustration to TikTok, where her video quickly surpassed 7 million views.
The automated rejection email cited “more qualified candidates,” but Putnam isn’t convinced. “If it’s really about experience, how does anyone get their first job?” she asked her followers. When she visited the store for answers, the manager stuck to the experience explanation, though Putnam noticed the woman’s eyes repeatedly darting to her facial ink.
Online reactions were divided. Some commenters were sympathetic: “Your art doesn’t define your work ethic!” Others were brutally honest: “Face tattoos = unemployment.” A few offered practical advice, suggesting she look for work in creative fields or nightlife instead of traditional retail.
The most revealing comment came from a self-identified former TJ Maxx hiring manager: “We absolutely considered visible facial tattoos and piercings when making hiring decisions,” they admitted. This behind-the-scenes confirmation has sparked fresh debate about whether such policies are outdated discrimination or reasonable business standards.
Putnam hopes her experience will push companies to rethink their standards. “Judging books by their covers means missing out on great employees,” she argues. As tattoos become increasingly common, her story highlights the gap between changing social norms and traditional workplace expectations.
