Ash Putnam, a 23-year-old influencer and model, has recently gone viral on TikTok after posting a video detailing her experience of being denied a job at TJ Maxx.
Her video, which has garnered over 9 million views, has sparked widespread discussion about employment discrimination and hiring practices.
Frustrations with the Hiring Process
In the video, Ash expressed her frustration with the hiring process at TJ Maxx.
“So 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,” she said.
Determined to understand why she wasn’t hired, Ash visited the store in person.
“I went in today and I was like, so what was the reason I didn’t get hired? And she was like, oh, like, you just, like, don’t have enough experience. There were candidates that had, like, more experience than you.”
The Impact of Tattoos on Employment
@ashxobrien I want to know who is also having a hard time finding a job right now! #jobs #jobmarket ♬ original sound – Ash🖤
Ash also brought up the potential impact of her tattoos on her job prospects.
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“I asked her if it was about my tattoos, obviously, cause I know a lot of places don’t like tattoos. She said that wasn’t the reason. I don’t feel like that’s true, but whatever, I’ll leave it at that,” she shared.
Challenges for Young Job Seekers
Her video resonated with many young job seekers who have faced similar challenges. Ash questioned the hiring practices that make it difficult for young people to gain employment.
“How are they supposed to get employed if these places are only hiring people with experience? So younger people just can’t get a job because they haven’t worked enough?”
Financial Considerations
In her video, Ash also highlighted her financial stability but emphasized her desire for the job to pay off her debt quicker.
“I do okay with money as is, so I didn’t, like, need the job, but I would have liked it to have made some extra money so I could pay off my debt quicker.”
Social Media Reactions
The comments on her TikTok video reflect a mix of support and shared frustrations. One user commented,
“As someone who loves tattoos, it’s 100% the tattoos.”
Another added,
“It’s your tattoos and your energy.”
A more cautionary comment read,
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“There’s a reason that tattoo artists refer to face tattoos as career enders.”
Broader Job Market Issues
Ash’s video also pointed out a broader issue with job market signals.
“All these places, they say that they’re hiring, but I feel like they’re not, because I shop at all of these stores, and I see hiring now signs, but those signs have been up for months, and I know plenty of people are looking for work.”
A Message of Empathy and Support
Her concluding message was one of empathy and support for other young job seekers facing similar hurdles.
“For anyone that is looking for a job right now that is younger and doesn’t have experience, I truly wish you the best of luck, because it is very hard out here right now.”
Conclusion
Ash Putnam’s viral video has sparked an important conversation about hiring practices, the stigma of tattoos in the workplace, and the challenges young people face when entering the job market.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the barriers that still exist and the need for more inclusive and equitable hiring practices.
