The age-old debate around appropriate workplace attire has been reignited by a viral TikTok video.
A woman named Tyreshia Morgan shared her experience of being turned away from a job interview for wearing black tailored shorts - an outfit that she felt was neat and professional but one that the recruiter deemed unacceptable.
This incident has sparked a heated discussion, exposing the stark generational divide regarding the standards of professionalism in the workplace.
On one side, we have the more traditional views of Gen X and older millennials, who firmly believe that certain sartorial choices, like wearing shorts, are simply inappropriate for a job interview, no matter how "neat and professional" they may appear.
They argue that the interview process is a critical first impression and candidates must put their "best foot forward" by adhering to more formal dress codes.
However, younger millennials and Gen Z applicants have a more relaxed attitude towards workplace attire, often prioritising comfort and self-expression over strict adherence to outdated dress codes.
The TikTok video where Tyreshia Morgan of Texas shared a video of herself wearing black tailored shorts, a white T-shirt and a white sweater, has garnered over 5.5 million views,
@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 | Content Creator✨
While the attire may not seem out of the ordinary, this was the outfit she wore to a job interview, which resulted in her getting turned away by the recruiter upon her arrival.
Morgan, in the TikTok video, revealed that she was dress-coded before the interview even began.
The recruiter REJECTED me because of this," Morgan wrote at the top of her video.
She captioned the video, "I cannot believe the recruiter asked me to change my interview clothes, then come back. I look very neat and professional, so no!"
According to Morgan, the recruiters informed her that she could reschedule for the next day or, alternatively, go home, change, and return later.
While some users rushed to Morgan's defence, arguing that her outfit was appropriate given the context, many others disagreed, labelling the shorts as unprofessional for an interview setting.
The recruiters' suggestion to reschedule or change was viewed by many as a valuable lesson in workplace expectations.
One commenter from San Antonio noted: "We have the most relaxed business casual allowances because of the heat and the vibe, BUT shorts are never appropriate for an interview. Bless the second chances!"
This sentiment was echoed by several human resources professionals who joined the conversation.
"HR here … the fact they allowed you to change and have a redo says a lot. It would have been an immediate no here," one TikTok user remarked. Another former recruiter added, "It’s a hard ‘no reschedule’ if you don’t see the issue. They were being kind."
The incident sparked broader discussions about the importance of career preparation, with some users suggesting that schools and colleges should do more to educate students on what to expect in a professional environment.
"This is why career preparedness is essential," one commenter emphasised.
Chelsea Stokes, a former recruiter-turned-career coach from New York, weighed in on the debate during an interview with Fox News Digital.
"I always tell my clients to err on the side of caution with interview attire," Stokes advised.
"It is better to dress more professionally and land the job than not," she added.
"You have to keep in mind, the hiring team does not know you; this is their very first impression of you."
Once people are hired and gain a better understanding of the culture in which they work, then it may be OK to take more liberties in attire, depending on the work culture at a given company, she indicated.
This clash of perspectives highlights the evolving nature of professionalism, as younger generations challenge the traditional norms and push for a more inclusive, flexible approach to workplace attire.
As the workforce continues to evolve, the debate around what constitutes "appropriate" interview and office wear is sure to remain a contentious and thought-provoking issue.