Wearing Shorts To a Job Interview – Ask #hr bartender

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

I ran across a really spirited conversation in a web based HR group about wearing shorts to a job interview. It was prompted by a TikTok posting from a one who wore shorts and was turned away by the recruiter. The web group was debating whether that was the fitting move by the recruiter. Truthfully, I can see either side on this discussion. But I don’t imagine the reply is an easy yes or no. Listed here are three things to contemplate:

The job. Is the position one where the worker would wear a uniform? If the reply is yes, then does it really matter in the event that they wear shorts because in the event that they get the job, they’re going to wear the uniform. And if the reply is not any, then why not use the interview as a chance to clarify the dress code and ask the person in the event that they can follow it? 

I used to work for a corporation that had a really detailed dress code. It included no visible tattoos and no facial hair. I’m not here to debate whether that’s antiquated (it’s) nevertheless it was the policy. If you happen to got here to the interview with facial hair, we asked the query. Some people said they were cool with the policy and others said no way and left. But we had the conversation. 

The interview.  Does the organization give applicants any instructions before the job interview? As an illustration, bring a replica of your resume / references or bring this document to get through our security gate. If you happen to don’t, perhaps you desire to give it some thought. And when you do, does it make sense to say that the onsite dress code is business casual or whatever, so individuals are prepared.

Lots of the corporations I’ve worked for had a business dress code (i.e., suits). Nonetheless, there have been times when employees could wear business casual attire. For instance, the corporate might loosen up the dress code throughout the summer months when it was incredibly warm. Or we’d allow employees to wear jeans and / or sports shirts for specific events. If I used to be interviewing on jeans day, I’d tell candidates. “Hey, while you are available on Wednesday, we will likely be wearing jeans. This is the reason … If you desire to have a good time with us, be happy.” Some people did it and others didn’t. But it surely wasn’t a surprise. 

The goal. The explanation I desired to share these stories is since the goal of a job interview is to have a very good conversation. The organization desires to study the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and skills (KSAs). And for the candidate to learn in regards to the organization. The goal of an interview isn’t just to judge an individual’s wardrobe decisions. 

In desirous about the situation of the one that wore shorts to the job interview, I’m reminded of first-impression bias. It’s when an individual makes a judgement about someone based on a primary impression. While the primary impression could possibly be a behavior like a handshake, it is also an individual’s appearance. I’ve heard my justifiable share of comments about “The candidate had blue hair!” or “Can you think they wore jeans?!” and I’m sure you may have too. 

Organizations have to think in regards to the candidate experience and the most effective ways to set the interview up for achievement. A part of that features making the candidate feel comfortable. We all know that interviews can bring out the jitters. Why not alleviate that with a straightforward “We’re looking forward to seeing you. Our security guard will ask for photo identification to enter the power. Our dress code is business attire.” Or whatever easy instructions have to be conveyed. 

There’s one other thing that organizations need to contemplate. Workplace norms are changing. Having a strict dress code could brand the corporate as “out of touch” and “behind the times”. Firms speak about being a contemporary workplace with distant / hybrid work, leading edge advantages like menopause support, and artificial intelligence tools. Being modern also includes the dress code.

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the streets of Miami, FL

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