A woman claims she was denied a job because of her face and neck tattoos.
Ash Putnam, from California, has gone viral on TikTok after sharing her struggles with finding employment due to her extensive tattoos.
She posted a video titled: “It’s impossible to find jobs right now!!”
The clip has garnered millions of views and comments, but instead of support, she’s faced cruel trolling, with some suggesting she ‘should work at a circus.’
In a video on TikTok, Putnam discussed applying for a job at TJ Maxx, an apparel and home goods company.
She told viewers: “I applied for a job at TJ Maxx a few weeks ago and they denied my application. They couldn’t even call me, they just sent me some automated email.”
Putnam claims she went into the store and asked the employee whether she had been denied the role because of her appearance, continuing: “She said that wasn’t the reason. I don’t feel like that’s true, but whatever, I will leave it at that.”
The tattoo lover, who currently makes a living through Uber Eats and social media platforms, says she ‘absolutely’ believes she was denied the role because of her tattoos.
“TJ Maxx didn’t say this to me – that’s just what many comments on my video say,” she added. “People are being extremely hateful on my TikTok, saying I should work at a circus or Halloween stores.”
Many commenters have suggested that Putnam’s tattoos might be why she’s struggling to find employment.
One person wrote: “There’s tattoo… and then there’s TATTOOS.”
Another added: “It’s the type and placement of the tattoos.”
A third viewer remarked: “There’s a reason why tattoo artists refer to face tattoos as career enders.”
“I love tattoos. I have many. But all of mine can be hidden for work purposes,” someone else shared.
In an interview with IGV, Putnam says the backlash from her viral TikTok video has solidified her decision to avoid customer service roles altogether.
She asserts: “At this point, I do not care.”
Putnam, who is estimated to have spent over $10,000 on her inkings, advises others to ‘think hard about what kind of tattoos you want.’
“Don’t get face or neck tattoos if you want to work in the corporate world!” she warns.
A copy of the TJ Maxx dress code shared on Reddit shows no mention of tattoos or piercings.
The brand’s Global Code of Conduct guide states that it is against making “employment-related decisions” based on any “status protected under applicable law.”
The impact of tattoos on job offers remains a divisive topic.
Career coach Claire Brown tells the Metro: “The placement and content of tattoos are important to consider as they can influence others’ perceptions and first impressions of you.
“Often, larger, more visible tattoos on the face, neck, hands, and arms, as well as those with images considered graphic, scary, or offensive, may not be well received.”
@ashxobrien I want to know who is also having a hard time finding a job right now! #jobs #jobmarket ♬ original sound – Ash🖤