The Job Rejection That Sparked a Viral Conversation
Have you ever applied for a job and wondered why you didn’t get it? Was it your skills, your appearance, or something else entirely? This is exactly what happened to Ash Putnam, a 23-year-old from California, when she applied for a position at TJ Maxx.
After being rejected, she took her frustrations to TikTok, and what happened next was nothing short of amazing.
Ash’s TikTok video quickly went viral, racking up over seven million views and thousands of comments. In her video, she shared her experience of applying for a job at TJ Maxx, only to receive an automatic email weeks later, denying her application.
“They couldn’t even call me,” she said, her voice filled with disbelief. “They just sent me some automated email.”
Feeling frustrated and wanting answers, Ash decided to take matters into her own hands. She visited the TJ Maxx store where she had applied and confronted the employees. “I went in today and was like, ‘So what was the reason why I didn’t get hired?’” she recounted.
The employee responded, “Oh, you just don’t have enough experience. There were candidates that had more experience than you.”
Ash then asked a question that was on her mind: “I asked her if it was about my tattoos, obviously because I know a lot of places don’t like tattoos.” The employee assured her that her tattoos weren’t the reason for the rejection, but Ash wasn’t convinced.
“I don’t feel like that’s true, but whatever, I will leave it at that,” she said, clearly frustrated.
She passionately expressed her feelings about tattoos, stating, “Just because I have tattoos does not mean I am not going to be a good worker. I do not understand that at all. Quite literally, some of the most smart, intelligent people I have ever met are people with tattoos and piercings.”
Despite not receiving a clear answer from TJ Maxx, Ash’s TikTok video sparked a huge conversation online. Many viewers chimed in with their thoughts, and it seemed like everyone had an opinion. One commenter, identifying as a tattoo artist, said, “It’s probably the tattoos.”
Another user, who claimed to be an HR supervisor, added, “There is no way any company would put you in front of customers like TJ Maxx.”
A former employee of TJ Maxx also weighed in, saying, “I worked at TJ Maxx, and they will hire just about anyone that comes off the street. It’s definitely the tattoos and piercings.” Another commenter suggested, “I don’t think it’s because you have tattoos… I think it’s WHERE you have tattoos.”
Ash herself seemed to agree with the idea that her tattoos played a role in her rejection. “I absolutely do think it’s about my tattoos because apparently my tattoos are demonic and scary to a lot of people,” she told the Daily Star.
“TJ Maxx did not say this to me – that’s just a lot of the comments I’ve gotten on my video. People are being extremely hateful on my TikTok, saying I should work at a circus or Halloween stores.”
Despite the negativity, Ash remained strong in her beliefs. She argued that companies need to rethink their hiring processes. “If they think tattoos determine job skill and qualifications, they really need to rethink,” she said.
“Tattoos, piercings, and colored hair are not unprofessional. It shows creativity and uniqueness. It’s 2024; people need to get over not liking tattoos.”
Ash’s story has resonated with many, sparking discussions about the stigma surrounding tattoos in the workplace. Her experience highlights a growing conversation about acceptance and individuality in professional settings.
What do you think about Ash’s story? Do you believe tattoos should affect hiring decisions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
