Before Rosie Reilly turned up for an interview at Boots Opticians in Richmond, she spent almost an hour making sure her “hair, make-up and outfit were perfect”.
But after being invited into the office, where she was asked the basics about things like previous jobs, 26-year-old Rosie was told she would be unable to continue.
Why? Because she wasn’t “dressed conservatively enough”.
Hi @BootsUK. I wasn't allowed to continue with my interview today because I wasn't dressed "conservatively enough". I thought I looked nice! pic.twitter.com/dB8OerYQND
— Rosie (@rsiereilly) March 6, 2017
Rosie, who lives in Colchester, Essex, said she was told the second part of the interview would to be conducted on the shop floor, and that she could come back on Thursday wearing something more appropriate.“She didn’t say anything specific about my appearance, although she did gesture at my clothes,” explained Rosie. “Also she asked if I could wear my hair in a more conservative way, which I said I could wear it natural and flat and she replied with ‘.More conservatively’.”Rosie, who has worked in retail before and has been looking for a job for four months, said she felt embarrassed after the interviewer’s comments but it wasn’t until later on that what happened hit her.
“I was on the bus journey back to my girlfriend’s house and I burst into tears,” she admitted.“It also made me question my worth and potential and made me doubt myself.”But she said she hopes this makes Boots – and the person who interviewed her – realise people aren’t afraid to speak out about their negative experiences.
She decided to take to Twitter to share her story, along with pictures of what she says she wore to the interview, where it’s had thousands of likes and retweets.“99.9% of people have been so positive and sent me lovely messages… The love and support has been almost overwhelming and I’m so grateful”, said Rosie.Her experience is certainly getting a lot of attention, with people not only empathising with Rosie regarding her experience but also sending a lot of love her way for her style.
@rsiereilly @Kelsblells You look lovely and you deserve better than this. I hope you're ashamed of yourselves @BootsUK
— Mrs K (@one_mrs_k) March 6, 2017
@one_mrs_k @rsiereilly @BootsUK absolutely, you look lovely & totally appropriate for a job interview. Good look in your search.
— Moi ???? (@Kelsblells) March 6, 2017
@rsiereilly @BootsUK Pleased they've contacted you&going to investigate,youneed reasons..oh, I'm 72 and would be happy for you to serve me
— mary woodage *Home* (@takeupmypen) March 7, 2017
@rsiereilly @BootsUK Gurl, I need to know how you do your hair! I do hope it's not using any Boots products… but srsly, it's fabulous!!
— In These Heels (@InTheseHeels) March 6, 2017
@rsiereilly @BootsUK You look lovely and if I was a customer I'd ask what that lipstick was so I could buy it.
— Francesca Main (@francescamain) March 7, 2017
And a number of high-profile people have even responded to Rosie’s tweet to show their support.
@rsiereilly @KathyBurke @BootsUK I think you look FABULOUS
— Jenny Eclair (@jennyeclair) March 7, 2017
@rsiereilly @EverydaySexism @BootsUK I think you look beautiful & if you were giving advice on the makeup counter, I'd listen!
— Jo Joyner (@dollyjoyner) March 7, 2017
@rsiereilly @BootsUK waaaah? Have you complained officially about the person interviewing you?
— Sara Pascoe (@sarapascoe) March 7, 2017
A Boots Opticians spokesman said: “We’re disappointed to hear about the candidate’s experience in her interview and we are investigating the matter further.”
@rsiereilly I'm sorry to hear this Rosie. We would like to get this investigated, would you be able to DM us with your contact details 1/2
— Boots Help (@BootsHelp) March 7, 2017
Meanwhile, Rosie said she’s still positive about future interviews elsewhere.
She added: “I’m not going to change a single thing about my image (unless their uniform policy calls for it!) and, if anything, it’s made me even more adamant to find myself a job.”