A Note on Professionalism for Job Interviews + Tips on How to Show Up Looking Your Best

 

As of today, August 17, 2024, there has been a video on Tik Tik that has gone viral due to a young woman posting her interview outfit. The ensemble consisted of a white cardigan, a white tee shirt, and the controversial clothing item: black shorts. These shorts weren't even knee length and they barely passed the fingertip test, but hey were not obscene. Even though every generation has seemed to redefine what is considered appropriate for work, our modern American business culture has not caught up to seeing shorts as an allowable component of "business casual."

At the height of the video's virality, many gave their takes on how it was inappropriate and how "kids these days think they know everything".  However, some gave her grace, as they are aware that there are many people who are still the first in their families. Therefore, we should not automatically assume there was someone at home to teach them the soft skills on how to dress in corporate America. I should also note that the recruiter gave the young lady the opportunity to go home and change and she declined, honestly not seeing anything wrong with what she was wearing. She posted now viral video still exclaiming how she did not see anything wrong with her attire and she honestly seemed shocked she was declined an interview based on her shorts. 

I would also like to mention that the subject was African American. What does race have to do with this? A lot. Professionalism has a myriad of definitions based on who you ask, therefore this ambiguity has been used disproportionately against people of color, especially Black people, as a means to force them to conform to the European standards that are still the major standard in most workplaces, or it's used to push them out. Take a look at The Crown Act.  A key component of this law is to ensure protection in the workplace as well as school environments. This is the result of decades of being overpoliced for our hair and/or attire in the name of "professionalism." In short, many Black people would have told her we can't afford to be caught slippin' (Yes, I used AA(V)E. I'm Black.).

If you find yourself in this young lady's position and do not know what "business casual" means or even what clothing articles are included and what are exempt, here are a few tips I would tell both the young lady who wore shorts to an interview as well as yourselves.

1. You Can't Go Wrong with Black and White

I personally tend to overdress for an interview to stand out, but a white blouse or white button-down shirt with a black pencil skirt or black slacks always looks simple, crisp, and polished. The woman in the video was even wearing black and white, it was just her shorts were not the appropriate bottoms.

2. Stay Neutral

Save the bold colors and patterns for when you get hired. Stick to blacks, greys, whites, creams, pale pinks, pale blues, and even brown for interviews. I wore a chocolate colored suit to my last two job interviews and was hired at both jobs.

3. Wear Modest Shoes

For interviews, stick to closed-toe, solid color dress shoes. If wearing heels, wear a black, brown, or navy pump with a modest heel; no stilettoes. If wearing flats, stick to the same color family. I would steer clear of sneakers or boots.

If you're in need of resources to obtain clothes, organizations like Dress for Success offers interview preparation and clothing items for unemployed and underemployed women. JC Penny hosts Suit Up events all over the country and often partners with schools and corporate institutions offering discount codes and exclusive shopping experiences. JC Penny is a great option to shop for work in general. I love their house brand, Worthington, and I have a few pieces in my closet. JC Penny has been consistent with their workwear offerings. One thing I love about them is they sell their separates that match. For example, if you buy a suit jacket and skirt, there are pants in the same matching fabric so you now have two suits. Plus, they ALWAYS are having great sales.

Unfortunately, we do not live in a society that does not judge you by your appearance. We have even gone as far to judge people by things they cannot change such as their hair texture and skin color. I'm not saying a lot of the policies regarding dress code are right and many of them are in place as exclusionary tactics. However, oftentimes, we have to "play the game" while working to change it. We have to do what we have to do to get in the door.