Ash Putnam, known online as ashxobrien, recently shared on TikTok that TJ Maxx rejected her job application for a retail position.
In a TikTok video that amassed over 7 million views, the 24-year-old expressed frustration, saying, “I applied to TJ Maxx a few weeks ago, and they denied my application. They didn’t even call me—just sent an automated email.”
Seeking answers, Putnam, who has extensive tattoos on her face and body along with multiple facial piercings, decided to directly ask the hiring manager about the rejection.
“I went in today and asked, ‘Why wasn’t I hired?’” she recounted. “The manager told me, ‘You just don’t have enough experience. There were other candidates with more experience than you.’”
Putnam then questioned whether her tattoos played a role in the decision, as some employers have policies against visible body art. However, the manager assured her that tattoos were not a factor. Still skeptical, Putnam concluded, “I don’t really believe that, but whatever. I’ll leave it at that.”
