Securing employment is a significant challenge for many young adults today. While there's widespread talk of a worker shortage, it often seems that many job applications and resumes are overlooked.
Recently, a TikTok user named Ash O'Brien spoke up about her struggles to find a job at T.J. Maxx. The 23-year-old took to TikTok to share her frustrations, sparking a conversation among her followers.
Ash, who has nearly 100,000 followers on the platform, was visibly upset after her job application was rejected, igniting a debate among her audience.
In the three-minute-long rant video, she began by saying: "I applied to TJ Maxx a few weeks ago and they denied my application. They couldn't even call me. They just sent me some automated email."
Displeased with the rejection, she decided to confront the situation head-on by visiting the store and asking a manager directly why she was not hired.
During her conversation with the manager, she was told that her lack of experience was the main reason she wasn't hired, as there were more seasoned candidates available. However, Ash suspected that there were other factors at play.
Ash questioned whether her face and body tattoos, along with her piercings, might have influenced the hiring decision. However, the manager assured her that these factors were not considered.
She said: "I asked her if it was 'cause of my tattoos, 'cause obviously 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 also pondered whether her experience was unique. Ash noted that in Europe, individuals with tattoos and piercings seem to secure jobs more easily compared to those in the United States.
The video detailing her experience has since gone viral, attracting over 8.5 million views and prompting a wide array of comments.
Many viewers expressed their affection for tattoos, sharing their own experiences. Yet, some commented that her appearance, specifically her tattoos, might indeed affect her chances in roles involving public relations, as employers might prefer a different image for their company's public face.
