Woman is sent home to change during job interview because of prescribed clothing

Would you wear shorts to a job interview? This TikToker, Tyreshia (@mtyreshiadaily), didn't think it was a big deal. However, the recruiter conducting the interview certainly seemed to think so, and was sent home as a result.

The social media user was unhappy about being subjected to a specific dress code during an interview, and while some TikTokers agreed with her, some said she should have known better.

“The recruiter rejected me because of this!” the TikToker writes in a text overlay on her video. She stands in front of the camera wearing the outfit that prevented her from applying for a job.

She is wearing black shorts, a white shirt and a white cardigan. Tyreshia speaks into the camera: “So, I was just harassed during an interview because of a dress code. And then they decided to postpone the interview with me until tomorrow.”

The TikToker continued: “But before they rescheduled the date, the lady asked, 'Do you want to come back? Change and then come back?' And I said, 'No?'”

Then she starts showing off her fit for the camera.

“These are the shorts. I'm going to turn to the side for you,” she says, showing her profile to the camera. “These are the shorts,” she says again before turning around to continue showing off her outfit as the video comes to an end.

Tyreshia added a caption for the video, further explaining her decision to not accept the recruiter's offer to go home and change. According to the TikToker, she didn't think there was anything wrong with her outfit from the start.

“I can't believe the recruiter asked me to change into my interview clothes and then come back. I look very groomed and professional so no!” she added in a caption to her clip.

Several people reacted to Tyreshia's video, saying they found nothing wrong or unprofessional about the clothes she was wearing: “You should look at what I've seen people wear during interviews. There's nothing wrong with it in warm weather,” one wrote.

Another person said that in Europe, Tyreshia's dress would not be considered offensive at all: “Once again, I wonder what is wrong with Americans. Is nothing ever normal in America? Here in Europe (except maybe the UK) this is a perfectly normal office outfit in warm weather.”

However, several other people believe that wearing shorts to an interview is never a good idea. One wrote: “They were polite and rescheduled the interview. Most people would have just declined the same day.”

Another said: “Don’t waste these people’s time tomorrow.”

Someone else remarked: “I don’t understand what you don’t understand.”

“Not very reserved… Not very attentive,” one TikToker replied.

“Hey so shorts to a job interview are crazy,” another TikTok user replied.

“In 2010 I dressed more casually at the club than anything,” said another.

“Come on now, Tyreshia,” wrote another user of the app.

It's not just the people who reacted to Tyreshia's video who think shorts are a bad idea for a job interview. As one user wrote in the comments section of this post, Quora Post: “Showing up to an interview in shorts is a good way to disqualify yourself. Very few companies consider shorts to be appropriate work attire and showing up to an interview in shorts will be seen as a sign of disdain or too casual an attitude. Make yourself uncomfortable during the interview. It doesn't take long, but putting your comfort first could cause you to not get the job in the long run.”

A LinkedIn Pulse An article on appropriate dress for in-person interviews recommends avoiding “overly casual” clothing, and states that this is the case even if a company has a “relaxed” dress code.

“Avoid casual clothing such as jeans, shorts or flip-flops at an interview. Show that you are taking the opportunity seriously,” says the LinkedIn says the piece. Wearing patterns that are a little too “elaborate” or complicated is also a no-go. “Say no to loud patterns: Don't wear loud patterns or bright colors as these can be distracting. You want the focus to be on your skills and experience, not your wardrobe.”