Ash Putnam, who goes by the username ashxobrien on TikTok, recently went viral after sharing her frustration about being rejected for a retail job at TJ Maxx. The 24-year-old explained in a video that, after applying for a position a few weeks ago, she received an automated email denying her application without any personal follow-up. The clip quickly garnered over 7 million views.
In search of more clarity, Ash decided to confront the hiring manager in person. She recounted the exchange, saying the manager told her she wasn’t hired because there were other candidates with more experience. Ash then asked if the rejection was due to her tattoos, which cover her face and body, as many places have strict policies against visible body art. The manager denied that tattoos played a role, though Ash remained skeptical about the response.
In the video, Ash expressed her confusion about how young adults with little work experience are supposed to land jobs when many employers seem to prioritize experience. “How are they supposed to get a job if these places are only hiring people based on experience? It just doesn’t make any sense to me,” she said.
She encouraged her followers to share their own experiences with job hunting and any challenges they faced, particularly those related to visible tattoos or body modifications. Ash concluded by sharing her frustration with how her tattoos have been a defining factor in her job prospects. “Just because I have tattoos doesn’t mean I’m not going to be a good worker,” she remarked.
The video sparked a wave of responses, with some people joking about Ash’s tattoos, like one user commenting, “Maybe it’s the demon spider?” referring to a prominent tattoo on Ash’s neck and face. Others weighed in, suggesting that it wasn’t the tattoos themselves but their placement that may be affecting her job search. “I don’t think it’s because you have tattoos…I think it’s WHERE you have tattoos,” one commenter pointed out.
Several viewers offered more direct insights, with one person, an HR supervisor, explaining that companies like TJ Maxx might avoid hiring someone with facial tattoos for customer-facing roles. A former hiring manager at the same company corroborated this, saying the issue often lies with facial piercings and tattoos.
Over the past decade, tattoos have become increasingly accepted in many workplaces, but for those with extensive body art—like Ash—the job search can still be challenging, especially in retail and customer service positions.
In an interview with the Daily Star, Ash shared her thoughts on the situation, suggesting that businesses should reconsider how they evaluate candidates. “If they think tattoos determine job skill and qualifications, they really need to rethink. Tattoos, piercings, and colored hair are not unprofessional. It shows creativity and uniqueness…people need to get over not liking tattoos,” she stated.
@ashxobrien I want to know who is also having a hard time finding a job right now! #jobs #jobmarket