Woman wears shorts to job interview & Gets sent home

Attending a job interview these days is not like it was back in the day. These days, you attend more than one job interview for one job, parts or all of it can be virtual or online while others are in-person. For this particular case, Tyreshia Daily attended her job interview in person. She arrived at the interview in business casual attire which included wearing shorts. The interviewer asked if she wanted to reschedule or go home and change her clothes, then return for the interview. She declined.

Click the picture below for her short TikTok video of this experience:

Getting ready for a job interview can feel like a big task, but breaking it down step by step makes it manageable. In today’s time, we have various generations going through the rough job search process and attending job interviews.

In this particular case, Tyreshia, who goes by the handle @mytyreshiadaily on TikTok, shares her experience with a short video and the caption “I cannot believe the recruiter asked me to change my interview clothes then come back. I look very neat and professional, so no!”. Followed by the hashtags #jobhunting #fyp #Viral

At the beginning of the job interview, the recruiter gave Tyreshia the option to go home and change, then return to complete the interview or to reschedule and she declined. Though TikTok is known to have attracted the younger generations, it surprised me that the majority of the comments immediately took the side of the recruiter.

Confidence is key when attending any job interview, particularly when answering questions about your skills and experiences. Employers want to see how you handle pressure, communicate, and fit within their team. In this case, it is obvious that Tyreshia took her confidence to another level.

With over 12 years of Human Resources experience including interviewing and recruiting, I’ve seen a lot. As a result, I may be a bit jaded in saying this, but the newer generations are going wild and have some very unrealistic expectations in the workplace. Since age is part of diversity, I just look at it this way, every generation thinks a bit differently about the workplace, their career, and obviously their job interview outfits.

With over 5 million views and nearly 50,000 comments, nearly the world has shared their opinions. Most felt it was appropriate while others championed her on with being able to defend what she felt was right. It’s unfortunate that there were comments that came off to me as body shaming. Personally, regardless of your size, I do not think it is appropriate to wear shorts to an interview. I would suggest reviewing the dress code after getting hired and planning to dress accordingly. If shorts are included in the dress code, then feel free to wear them.

During my career, I have had interviewees who arrived inappropriately dressed. For the instances where this happened, I interviewed them as normal to verify their knowledge and skills fit for the open role. Immediately after, I determined if they should go to the next step in the interview process or not.

If they did not meet expectations, then I would notify them via phone, email, or letter in the mail. If they did meet expectations, then I would make them aware of the next steps the dress code, and what not to wear to an interview. In most cases, candidates would be receptive and appreciative of the information, and then make adjustments.

The first thing that came to my mind after I saw this TikTok was that someone just may not have taught her any different or she was just adamant about the way she feels the job process should go. In this post, I’m going to share some job interview tips that will put you in a position to get a job offer.

Preparing for the Interview

Preparing for a job interview involves several key steps. It’s crucial to understand the job description, research the company, anticipate common interview questions, and practice your responses. Practicing responses to typical interview questions helps you respond with clarity and poise. Preparing your own questions to ask can also show your enthusiasm for the role and company.

Understanding the Job Description

Reviewing the job description is essential. Pay close attention to the list of must-have skills and traits the hiring manager is looking for. This will guide you in tailoring your responses to showcase how your qualifications align with the role. Notice any specific tools, platforms, or certifications mentioned. Be prepared to discuss how your experience matches these requirements.

If you find yourself confused about words or acronyms, highlight them, then Google the definition. If that doesn’t clear things up, then prepare to ask questions for clarity during the interview.

Researching the Company

Gather detailed information about the company. Visit their official website, read recent news, and explore their social media (i.e. LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc.). Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your interest in the company. Look into the company culture and any challenges they’re facing, which can be helpful in tailoring your responses.

Anticipating Common Interview Questions

Prepare for questions you’re likely to encounter. Common questions include “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to work here?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Think of specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills and achievements. Reviewing common questions will help you feel more confident and prepared.

With over a decade of experience with offering job interviews, I have noticed that many professionals simply aren’t aware of how to answer these questions. The way that you would answer these questions in your everyday life is going to be different from the way you will answer them in job interviews.

To help you out a bit, I’ve created a video with the most common interview questions and answers. Click the picture to get a deep dive that will easily prepare you for job interviews.

Practicing Your Responses

Practice your answers to the anticipated interview questions. Try a mock interview with a friend or use a mirror to observe your body language and tone. Focus on clear and concise responses. There are two common methods to answer interview questions in an impactful way. Personally, I love the PAR method where you respond with what the problem was, the actions you took to correct the problem, and the results that came from your actions. Others suggest the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This method helps in providing a well-rounded response that highlights your accomplishments and problem-solving skills.

Making a Strong First Impression

Please avoid showing up to corporate job interviews with shorts like Tyreshia did (TikTok story mentioned above). Creating a powerful first impression in a job interview is crucial. Important factors include dressing appropriately, arriving on time, displaying confident body language, having a good understanding of the job before arriving at the interview, and showing interest in the position, as well as the company you’re interviewing with.

Dressing Appropriately

First impressions often start with what you wear. As stated above, dressing appropriately means selecting attire that matches the company culture. If the company does not share a brief overview of its dress code, make sure to ask them before arriving at the interview.

Again, you want to avoid dressing the way Tyreshia did. It seems like going viral on any social media platform is the thing to do these days, but I am always very conscious of going viral for good things instead of things that aren’t so positive. To help you out a bit, use the clothing checklist listed here.

Clothing Checklist:

Clean, ironed attire
No offensive symbols, pins, brooches, etc.
Appropriate footwear (close toes are best, if not avoid bright-toe nail polish)
Minimal accessories
No offensive badges, shirts, stickers, etc. (nothing related to drugs, politics, religion, or polarizing topics)
Stay away from religious symbols, buttons, etc. as well (to avoid discrimination)

In addition to selecting the right outfit, pay attention to grooming. Hair should be neat, nails clean, and shoes clean and presentable. Small details can demonstrate attention to detail and professionalism. In addition to that, you want the interviewer to pay attention to your answers to their questions and not get distracted.

Research the company’s dress code or ask the person who contacted you (i.e. hiring manager, recruiter, etc.) if you’re unsure. Adjusting to their style shows you understand and respect their culture. For job interviews, I highly suggest wearing attire that is just one-level above their expectations.

Punctuality

Arriving on time is crucial. Aim to be at the interview location at least 10-15 minutes early. This shows commitment and respect for the interviewer’s schedule.

Tips for Punctuality:

Plan your route and parking in advance (no later than the day before the interview)
Set an alarm to ensure you wake up on time
Account for possible delays such as traffic

Being early also gives you time to calm any interview jitters and observe the workplace environment. I do not suggest walking into the location of the job interview any more than 10 minutes early. Remember, you were scheduled a time for a reason. Most times that reason is to prevent candidates from seeing each other or to make sure interviewers are well prepared before your arrival, etc.

Ensure you have all necessary items like your resume prepared and accessible. You should not share references until after you have been given a job offer.

Body Language

Body language speaks volumes. It’s one of those silent things that sounds so loud. Stand tall and make eye contact to show confidence. Offer a firm handshake and smile genuinely. If you have sweaty palms, feel free to share them with the interviewer before or as you extend your hand. Do not let them find out as a “surprise”.

Key Body Language Aspects:

Sit up straight
Nod attentively during conversations
Avoid crossing arms, which can seem defensive
Ask questions to show that you’re engaged and that you are following the conversation

Listening attentively and responding thoughtfully show engagement. Maintain a calm demeanor and avoid fidgeting. This communicates poise and self-assurance.

Understanding the power of non-verbal cues can significantly influence the interviewer’s perception of you. Practicing good body language can turn a good interview into a great one.

During the Interview

Making a good impression during the interview is key to securing the job. Focus on clear and concise answers, ask valuable questions, and display confidence and positivity. Remember that employment is actually for mutual gain – the employer needs someone who can perform the job to aid them in earning money and you need money to fuel your basic needs and lifestyle. Ask questions that ensure that you both will benefit from your employment with them.

Answering Questions Concisely

When answering questions, it’s important to be clear and to the point. Avoid long-winded explanations. Stick to the key points that highlight your skills and experiences. Don’t forget that the PAR method (Problem, Action, Result) allows you to give a detailed answer to any interview question, it shows your experience level and helps you to avoid long-winded answers.

Prepare beforehand by practicing common interview questions. Click here to download the most common interview questions and answers. This helps in building concise responses.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses to behavioral questions. This keeps answers focused and relevant.

Asking Insightful Questions

Asking thoughtful questions can set you apart. It shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role. Inquire about the company’s culture or team dynamics.

You might ask about opportunities for growth or specific challenges the company faces. To get insight into their culture, ask the interviewer what makes them return to work or what it is that they enjoy about working for that company.

Avoid questions about salary or benefits early in the process. Focus more on the role and how you can contribute to the team’s success. Do not avoid thinking bout the salary, so to educate yourself on the salary, click here to read “Salaries for Human Resources”. This not only entails the salaries for human resources positions, but it includes salaries for corporate positions in varying industries.

Exhibiting Positivity and Confidence

Your attitude can greatly affect the interview’s outcome. Display a positive demeanor and maintain good posture. Smile when appropriate and make eye contact.

Show confidence without appearing arrogant. Practice answering questions in a way that conveys confidence in your skills and experiences. I highly suggest looking into a mirror as you answer interview questions out loud. This will show your body language and body posture as you answer questions. Remember that you can click here for the most common interview questions and answers.

Additionally, making a great impression involves both verbal and non-verbal communication. Keep your body language open and approachable. Emphasizing your enthusiasm for the role and the company helps demonstrate that you are a good fit.

Post-Interview Strategy

After a job interview, the steps you take can impact whether you land the job. It’s crucial to send a thank you note, follow up effectively, and evaluate your interview performance to improve future outcomes. After the interview, it’s helpful to follow up. The thank you note is your first follow-up. During the interview process, make sure to ask how soont they anticipate extending an offer for this role. That will tell you if you should up a week after the thank you note or 3 days after the interview.

Sending a Thank You Note

A simple, short thank-you email can reinforce your interest in the position. This thoughtful gesture leaves a lasting impact and keeps you in the running for the job. Sending a thank you note also shows appreciation and keeps you top of mind for the hiring manager. It should be succinct and sent within 24 hours after the interview.

Your thank you note should be no more than two short paragraphs (2-3 sentences each). Mention specific parts of the interview that were insightful or enjoyable and share how your skills can impact their major concerns or upcoming projects. This demonstrates attentiveness and genuine interest in the position. For tips on crafting the perfect note, visit this guide on sending a thank you note.

Following Up Effectively

Following up after an interview is key to staying relevant in the hiring process. Mark the date when the interviewer mentioned you should expect to hear back and if they do not offer that date or time frame, then make sure to ask them. If that date passes, send a polite follow-up email to the recruiter or hiring manager. Highlight your continued interest in the position and reiterate how your skills align with the company’s needs. Learn more about effective follow-up strategies by clicking this picture.

INTERVIEW DONE, but no JOB OFFER yet? // How to follow-up AFTER JOB INTERVIEWS

Evaluating the Interview Experience

Evaluating your interview experience helps you identify what went well and areas for improvement. Reflect on the questions asked, your answers, and the overall interaction. Make notes on which questions you struggled with and consider how you could respond better in future interviews. Using outside resources, such as a mentor, can provide additional perspective. This can make your next interview more successful. For assistance in preparing for interviews, click here to schedule an interview preparation call with me.

Key Takeaways

Preparation leads to confidence & it shows
First impressions matter
Timely follow-up is crucial

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Knowing how to answer common job interview questions can greatly improve your chances of success. Preparation is key.

What can you tell me about yourself?

This question is a chance to present a brief summary of your career. Highlight key experiences and skills that make you a strong candidate. Focus on what is relevant to the job you are applying for. For more tips, click here for the exact way to answer this question.

How did you hear about this position?

Employers ask this to gauge your interest and research. Mention the source, whether it was a job board, social media, or a referral. Explain why it stood out to you and what motivated you to apply.

Why are you interested in working for our company?

Researching the company beforehand is essential. Highlight aspects of the company’s culture, mission, or projects that excite you. Make sure to tie your interests to the job role and how you can contribute.

Can you describe your strengths and weaknesses?

When discussing strengths, align them with the job requirements. Be honest but strategic about weaknesses, and focus on how you are working to improve them or has seen improvement in them in your recent experiences. Example answers can give you concrete ideas.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question checks your long-term career goals and how they fit with the company. Discuss your professional development plans and how the role aligns with your future aspirations. It is okay if you are sure about the next 1-3 years and is still evaluating what the next 4-5 years will look like. Technology has allowed life to change a lot quicker, so 5 years now can be too long to define a plan.

Can you explain a challenge you’ve faced and how you dealt with it?

Use thePAR method (Problem, Action, Result) to structure your response. Give a specific example that highlights your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations.

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