Tattoos and Being Turned Down for a Job: A Young Woman’s Upsetting Story
Ash Putnam, a 23-year-old with noticeable tattoos and body piercings, recently shared a disheartening and upsetting story on TikTok: she was rejected for a position at TJ Maxx, and she believes her appearance may have played a role.
Her frank article, in which she discussed her personal frustrations and the automated rejection letters she received, went viral very fast and sparked a heated discussion regarding body art and recruiting procedures.
Putnam claimed that the email she received informing her that her application had been rejected because she lacked the necessary experience felt impersonal and chilly. Despite the store’s official response,
she questioned this logic and stated that she thought her facial piercings and tattoos were a factor in the decision. Putnam believes there is an implicit bias that candidates with unusual appearances still encounter, even though TJ Maxx didn’t specifically mention her appearance as a determining factor.
Putnam described her feelings after getting the email in her TikTok video, which soon amassed millions of views. She also asked why something as trivial as tattoos could get in the way of her career goals.
Her speech struck a chord with many people, and thousands of others left comments. Others chastised her for presuming that her body art was to blame, while others showed empathy by sharing similar experiences or advocating for greater diversity in the workplace. Some were even rude,
criticizing her decision to make noticeable changes to her appearance and implying that it might not be professional.
Putnam was backed by a large number of supporters who emphasized how out of date it is to judge someone based just on their appearance in the modern workplace. One user said, “A person’s work ethic and abilities are not defined by their tattoos.” “I’ve had tattoos for years and I’ve worked in customer service just fine,” another person commented.
Proponents contended that piercings and tattoos are just ways for people to express themselves and shouldn’t affect their capacity to make valuable contributions to a business.
Some viewers, on the other hand, questioned her expectations and made the remark that, especially in the retail industry, some businesses still have stringent requirements for staff look in order to preserve a certain brand image.
Others pointed out that conservative grooming standards are frequently associated with customer-facing positions, and that although these standards may seem unjust, they are nevertheless the standard in many businesses.
Putnam’s story brings to light a broader discussion about professionalism, body art, and employment procedures. Although body art has gained popularity recently, stigma still exists in professional contexts. According to research, people still frequently consider visible tattoos and body piercings to be unprofessional,
which can affect employment decisions, particularly for positions involving direct interaction with customers. Despite the growing acceptance of self-expression in society, certain businesses still follow outdated norms.
According to workplace culture expert Dr. Samantha Kent, a sociologist, businesses frequently find it difficult to strike a balance between diversity and brand image. There is still a lingering bias, Kent says, particularly in sectors like retail, banking, and customer service where some employers believe that certain looks may influence how customers perceive a company.
“Some businesses are concerned about offending older clients who might have more traditional opinions, even though younger generations are generally unconcerned about tattoos and body piercings.”
In light of today’s changing social scene, Kent says companies should consider whether appearance-based recruiting practices are still appropriate. Employers may claim that they are safeguarding their reputation, but are they truly turning away competent candidates for no apparent reason? An increasing number of businesses will need to address this issue.
Putnam, for her part, is advocating for hiring procedures that are more welcoming to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who choose body art as a way to express themselves. In a follow-up TikTok video, she stated, “I think businesses should reconsider their views on tattoos.
” “Some of the smartest, most accomplished people I’ve encountered have tattoos and body piercings. We also deserve a chance. According to her, businesses lose out on industrious people who may contribute valuable talents and insights when they stick to antiquated prejudices.
Putnam contends that evaluating applicants based solely on their appearance runs counter to the diversity and inclusion principles that many businesses profess to uphold. “I’m not requesting preferential treatment. She stated, “All I want is the same fair chance as everyone else.” Many young individuals who believe that antiquated ideas about looks don’t fit with modern cultural ideals may find resonance in her message.
Putnam’s widely shared video has raised awareness of the nuanced and frequently divisive opinions concerning professionalism and looks. While certain businesses have welcomed variety in appearance, especially in the tech and creative sectors, others have been slower to adjust. However, the continuing discussion raises the possibility that, as social standards change, change may be imminent.
This offers businesses a rare chance to review their employment practices and weigh the advantages of a more inclusive strategy. “Businesses cannot afford to adhere to outdated biases in a time when diversity is celebrated,” says Kent. “An employee’s ability to perform their job effectively and make a positive contribution to the workplace is more important than their appearance.”
A few companies have already started to change their practices. In recent years, major corporations such as Starbucks have loosened their dress standards to permit visible tattoos, recognizing that body art does not diminish professionalism or customer service. This change might inspire others to do the same, particularly as the push for diversity becomes more popular in the public and business spheres.
The discussion surrounding tattoos, piercings, and professionalism is probably going to get more heated as Ash Putnam’s story spreads online. Though opinions are obviously still divided, Putnam’s message has caused many people to consider what qualities are most important in a job application. The controversy around looks in the job highlights a broader change in how society perceives professionalism in a world that values uniqueness and authenticity more and more.
Putnam’s experience serves as a reminder that even though progress is gradual, it is still attainable, and it goes beyond simple personal sadness. Her experience is a call to action for change-makers who want more inclusive recruiting procedures that value performance, character, and competence over looks. Future job searchers may benefit from this discussion in the long run, regardless of whether they have piercings, tattoos, or just a desire to be accepted for who they are.
