Tyreshia got rejected from a job interview based on her outfit. So is it too casual?

If you were going into a job interview right now, what would you wear?

A blazer? Slacks? A long-sleeved blouse?  

What about shorts?

TikTok user Tyreshia posts regular content on professional wardrobe outfits, but one video of hers had people baffled.  

"The recruiter rejected me because of this!" she shared on the footage, where she is wearing a white top, white cardigan and black shorts.

"So I just got dress-coded during an interview. And then they decided to reschedule the interview with me for tomorrow. But before they rescheduled the lady was like, 'would you like to come back? Like go change and come back?' I was like 'no'," she explained. 

"These are the shorts." 

The shorts in question. Image: TikTok/mtyreshiadaily. 

Her caption on the video says, "I cannot believe the recruiter asked me to change my interview clothes then come back. I look very neat and professional, so no!"

@mtyreshiadaily I cannot believe the recruiter asked me to change my interview clothes then come back. I look very neat and professional, so no! #jobhunting #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound - Tyreshia✨

When I first saw this, I felt sad for Tyreshia. I personally thought her outfit was extremely appropriate for an interview... then I read the comments.

"They were polite to reschedule you. Most would've just outright rejected same day," one person said. 

"Hey so shorts to an interview is insane," said another. 

"I’m not understanding what you’re not understanding," added a third. 

Although there were some comments applauding Tyreshia for standing her ground, the majority of them were in agreeance with the recruiter and believed she never should've worn shorts for the interview in the first place. 

Still confused, I asked some of my colleagues — who are mostly millennial women — for their opinions. 

Watch: Horoscopes on a Zoom meeting. Post continues below.

"I wouldn't be caught dead in shorts at an interview," one of them said. 

Since watching the TikTok, I've been more observant of how the women at my work dress. I can honestly say that there is a clear distinction between Gen Z and millennials. 

The younger women in the office usually wear clothes that lean on the more casual side of things. 

A slouchy jumper, a linen set and what is essentially a pyjama top are all things I can see my colleagues wearing from my desk and although that might sound weird, they dress them up to make them look high fashion. 

The millennials? They lean on the smart-casual side of things. Jeans with a blazer and statement earrings are the common staples I can see right now. 

It's easy to forget that so many young professionals started working during Covid. Their first point of contact with everyone has been from their bedroom on a Zoom call where only the top half of their body was shown. 

Now, they're back to some sort of normal and if they've changed jobs, they're probably doing in-person interview for the first time. 

How are they meant to know what's appropriate attire? 

We all know that what you wear to a job interview is different to what you might wear once you actually have the job... but that was a rule written pre-pandemic that we've unfortunately forgotten to pass down. And now our view of what's appropriate is completely skewed. 

The corporate world has changed as well. My mum who has worked in banking for 23 years has been able to wear beautiful flats for the first time after two decades of straining her calves in heels. 

Fashion has changed, leaning into a newish category of athleisure, allowing women to look good while being comfortable. 

The reason I think I was shocked when I saw Tyreshia's TikTok is because recruiters and interviewers still judging a person based on what they wear feels extremely outdated and backwards. 

Tyreshia replied to a comment on her video that said "You must be highly qualified for them to reschedule. Please use this as a teachable moment and congrats on getting an interview in this tough job market." 

@mtyreshiadaily Replying to @Sharon Nickey 💕 #wearingshortstointerview #tyreshiainterview #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound - Tyreshia✨

In response, Tyreshia thanked the commenter for her positive engagement saying "This was a great teachable moment for me, and I will be using all the resources and advice that people have left for me in the comments." 

Now let's cross our fingers and hope she gets the job. 

If you want more culture opinions by Emily Vernem, you can follow her on Instagram @emilyvernem.

Feature image: TikTok/ @mtyreshiadaily