A woman’s complaint about being rejected for a job has started a debate about how tattoos affect employment.
Ash O’Brien, who has face and neck tattoos, shared her frustration in a video. She said she had applied for a job at T.J. Maxx but was turned down through an automated email. Wanting to understand why, she visited the store and spoke to a hiring manager.
She asked, “What was the reason I didn’t get hired?” The manager told her that other candidates had more experience. Ash then asked if it had anything to do with her tattoos. The manager denied it, but Ash felt that wasn’t the real reason.
Frustrated, she questioned how young people without experience are supposed to get hired. She argued that many job postings claim to be hiring but don’t actually follow through.
Ash also asked her viewers to share their own experiences. She wanted to know if others faced similar struggles in the job market. She expressed frustration, saying, “Just because I have tattoos doesn’t mean I won’t be a good worker.”
She pointed out that some of the smartest people she knows have tattoos and piercings. However, she noticed that many businesses keep “Now Hiring” signs up for months but don’t seem to be actively hiring.
In the comments section, many people shared their opinions on why Ash was not hired. Some said her lack of experience was not the issue and believed it was her tattoos.
One person wrote, “There’s a reason tattoo artists call face tattoos career enders.” Another person, who claimed to be an HR supervisor, said that a company like T.J. Maxx wouldn’t want someone with face tattoos interacting with customers.
According to employment experts, whether tattoos are accepted depends on the industry and company culture. Jobs with direct customer contact are usually more strict about visible tattoos, while other workplaces may be more relaxed.
Experts suggest that people with tattoos should research company policies before applying. Understanding workplace expectations can help job seekers find companies that accept body art.