Interview question (what to wear) (1 Viewer)

[Tackling Dummies]

Phone screened w/ a recruiter and then with the hiring manager a few days after that. Everything went well & will be meeting w/ the hiring manager next week in a face-to-face.

On some corporate recruiting video's on their site, lot's of t shirts and jeans and some dress casual here and there. Tech company, all of the staff in the office are engineers/programmers.

Thinking khaki's and a oxford w/ no tie.

thanks in advance.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Suit.

/thread.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Always a suit.

 

[CurlyNight]

ditto on suit.

 

[Parrothead]

suit

 

[shadyridr]

Suit is the only answer.

Heck I wore a suit to an internal posting here when I interviewed with a bunch of people I already worked with on a daily basis

 

[CurlyNight]

Alison Doyle is a great resource with everything to do with job searches, interviews, dress, what not to do/say, etc on twitter.

https://twitter.com/AlisonDoyle

 

[Dan Lambskin]

In before some California techie reccomends wearing shorts, tshirt and flip-flops

 

[spOOfy]

suit. you'd probably be fine in the clothes you mention, but suit is the better option for all interviews. you can wear the casual clothes once you get the job.

 

[CurlyNight]

In before some California techie reccomends wearing shorts, tshirt and flip-flops

No even here in CA everyone wears suits to interviews and even the first day or so unless the boss says right there that it's casual, then you wear your "beach like attire."

 

[msommer]

suit, tie. You can always hang the jacket on the chair and take the tie off if you end up appearing overdressed

 

[-fish-]

Board shorts, no shirt, flip flops.

 

[Gawain]

My wife is the HR manager for a boutique digital media agency. She's told me that someone wearing a full suit to an interview is almost always an auto-ding. Shows the person won't fit into their culture and hasn't taken the time to do any research into what life would be like there. They've got about a 50/50 programmer/sales split. I'd caution you against wearing a full suit if the culture of the company really goes against it.

 

[CurlyNight]

Alison Doyle is a great resource with everything to do with job searches, interviews, dress, what not to do/say, etc on twitter.

https://twitter.com/AlisonDoyle

Ok, I found the article:

http://jobsearch.about.com/b/2014/03/10/best-colors-to-wear-for-a-job-interview.htm

Also is a link to what to wear...................

 

[NutterButter]

Phone screened w/ a recruiter and then with the hiring manager a few days after that. Everything went well & will be meeting w/ the hiring manager next week in a face-to-face.

On some corporate recruiting video's on their site, lot's of t shirts and jeans and some dress casual here and there. Tech company, all of the staff in the office are engineers/programmers.

Thinking khaki's and a oxford w/ no tie.

thanks in advance.

I think that's the most you need to do for the tech world. I typically do dress pants and a polo. You could go suit to play it safe, but I'd rather not wear a suit so I don't. If that was held against me, better to find out then that was the type of company you're dealing with. Plenty of fish in the tech sea.

 

[brun]

A suit might be a bit much for this particular company. In the past if I'm unsure I call the recruiter and ask him/her.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Always a suit.

Agree.

http://www.stupid.com/full-bacon-suit.html

 

[KCitons]

Has anyone said suit?

 

[belljr]

My wife is the HR manager for a boutique digital media agency. She's told me that someone wearing a full suit to an interview is almost always an auto-ding. Shows the person won't fit into their culture and hasn't taken the time to do any research into what life would be like there. They've got about a 50/50 programmer/sales split. I'd caution you against wearing a full suit if the culture of the company really goes against it.

Dumb reasoning

 

[TheIronSheik]

My wife is the HR manager for a boutique digital media agency. She's told me that someone wearing a full suit to an interview is almost always an auto-ding. Shows the person won't fit into their culture and hasn't taken the time to do any research into what life would be like there. They've got about a 50/50 programmer/sales split. I'd caution you against wearing a full suit if the culture of the company really goes against it.

Dumb reasoning

 

[Cliff Clavin]

My wife is the HR manager for a boutique digital media agency. She's told me that someone wearing a full suit to an interview is almost always an auto-ding. Shows the person won't fit into their culture and hasn't taken the time to do any research into what life would be like there. They've got about a 50/50 programmer/sales split. I'd caution you against wearing a full suit if the culture of the company really goes against it.

"auto-ding" for dressing professionally? oof.

 

[fantasycurse42]

In tech depending on the situation/position suit may be over doing it... In all reality, you can't go wrong with suit, but some tech companies are extremely laid back and you want to appear like a good fit when coming through the door. Also, if you are currently employed in tech it is very understandable that you aren't wearing a suit if you are coming during a break from your current job for the interview.

I'm on my 3rd tech company right now - First 2 interviews didn't wear a suit... My current position is a little more senior so I wore a blazer and slacks no tie.

If you provide info on position and background of company I'd be happy to help.

 

[snogger]

Last IT job interview I had I called back to the recruiter/Hr and asked what they recommend. Their exact words were.. Even the CEO doesn't wear a suit here, so if you come in wearing a suit you might as well start applying else where.

Went in with Business casual.. aka dress pants, Dress shoes, nice shirt and a sports jack.. Manager told me a few weeks after he hired me that anyone that comes in wearing a suit looks like they are trying to hard for their culture, it was a IT position after all, so they tend to not even listen to what they say.. Been working there for almost 6 years now.

 

[Juxtatarot]

A suit might be a bit much for this particular company. In the past if I'm unsure I call the recruiter and ask him/her.

Ask the recruiter.

It probably doesn't matter either way but you don't know the hiring manager. The manager could be on either side and the recruiter might know.

 

[kutta]

I own my company and wear jeans and polo shirts every day. Our dress code is very casual - some people even wear shorts and t shirts. But I hate it when people don't wear a suit to an interview. It's pretty much never the wrong thing to do.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Recruiter was in house. Spoke w/ hiring manager for about 1.5 hours and we connected pretty good, so I might touch base w/ her.

Company provides communication solutions for call centers, primary competitor is Cisco. Company is 20 years old, HQ is in US. Around 2K employees. Position is in Corp. Real Estate.

 

[TheIronSheik]

I've worn a suit to every interview I've ever been on. Even the one's where I snuck out of my office in a golf shirt and khakis, changed into my suit in my car, went to the interview, then had to come back to work and change back into my golf shirt and khakis.

I think maybe once or twice I had a guy say something about my suit. And I always reply "I wear a suit to every interview I go on out of respect to the company I'm applying for."

It's never been an issue.

And to be honest, if my skill set is what they want and they like my personality, yet they don't hire me because I overdressed for an interview, I probably don't want to work there. They seem petty.

 

[Juxtatarot]

I own my company and wear jeans and polo shirts every day. Our dress code is very casual - some people even wear shorts and t shirts. But I hate it when people don't wear a suit to an interview. It's pretty much never the wrong thing to do.

Even on interview days? Do you interview people in jeans while expecting they wear suits?

 

[Tackling Dummies]

I've worn a suit to every interview I've ever been on. Even the one's where I snuck out of my office in a golf shirt and khakis, changed into my suit in my car, went to the interview, then had to come back to work and change back into my golf shirt and khakis.

I think maybe once or twice I had a guy say something about my suit. And I always reply "I wear a suit to every interview I go on out of respect to the company I'm applying for."

It's never been an issue.

And to be honest, if my skill set is what they want and they like my personality, yet they don't hire me because I overdressed for an interview, I probably don't want to work there. They seem petty.

Thanks!

 

[Juxtatarot]

I've worn a suit to every interview I've ever been on. Even the one's where I snuck out of my office in a golf shirt and khakis, changed into my suit in my car, went to the interview, then had to come back to work and change back into my golf shirt and khakis.

I think maybe once or twice I had a guy say something about my suit. And I always reply "I wear a suit to every interview I go on out of respect to the company I'm applying for."

It's never been an issue.

And to be honest, if my skill set is what they want and they like my personality, yet they don't hire me because I overdressed for an interview, I probably don't want to work there. They seem petty.

Thanks!

Until you get the reply, "Do you think it's disrespectful that I'm wearing jeans right now?"

 

[TheIronSheik]

I've worn a suit to every interview I've ever been on. Even the one's where I snuck out of my office in a golf shirt and khakis, changed into my suit in my car, went to the interview, then had to come back to work and change back into my golf shirt and khakis.

I think maybe once or twice I had a guy say something about my suit. And I always reply "I wear a suit to every interview I go on out of respect to the company I'm applying for."

It's never been an issue.

And to be honest, if my skill set is what they want and they like my personality, yet they don't hire me because I overdressed for an interview, I probably don't want to work there. They seem petty.

Thanks!

Until you get the reply, "Do you think it's disrespectful that I'm wearing jeans right now?"

Not sure what that has to do with it? Is the guy interviewing you applying for the job, too?

 

[johnnycakes]

Shorts with the jacket and tie.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

My wife is the HR manager for a boutique digital media agency. She's told me that someone wearing a full suit to an interview is almost always an auto-ding. Shows the person won't fit into their culture and hasn't taken the time to do any research into what life would be like there. They've got about a 50/50 programmer/sales split. I'd caution you against wearing a full suit if the culture of the company really goes against it.

"auto-ding" for dressing professionally? oof.

My link

 

[TheIronSheik]

I've worn a suit to every interview I've ever been on. Even the one's where I snuck out of my office in a golf shirt and khakis, changed into my suit in my car, went to the interview, then had to come back to work and change back into my golf shirt and khakis.

I think maybe once or twice I had a guy say something about my suit. And I always reply "I wear a suit to every interview I go on out of respect to the company I'm applying for."

It's never been an issue.

And to be honest, if my skill set is what they want and they like my personality, yet they don't hire me because I overdressed for an interview, I probably don't want to work there. They seem petty.

Thanks!

Until you get the reply, "Do you think it's disrespectful that I'm wearing jeans right now?"

Not sure what that has to do with it? Is the guy interviewing you applying for the job, too?

This brings up a good point I'd like to add, though. If you are asked any question, you should be able to answer it reasonably. If the guy replied that back to me, I'd make conversation with him in an intelligent manner as to not offend him but to make sure he didn't sway my decision.

An interview is all about your skills and how you answer questions. If someone wants to make it about how you overdressed, then they are idiots and I wouldn't want to work for them.

 

[Juxtatarot]

I've worn a suit to every interview I've ever been on. Even the one's where I snuck out of my office in a golf shirt and khakis, changed into my suit in my car, went to the interview, then had to come back to work and change back into my golf shirt and khakis.

I think maybe once or twice I had a guy say something about my suit. And I always reply "I wear a suit to every interview I go on out of respect to the company I'm applying for."

It's never been an issue.

And to be honest, if my skill set is what they want and they like my personality, yet they don't hire me because I overdressed for an interview, I probably don't want to work there. They seem petty.

Thanks!

Until you get the reply, "Do you think it's disrespectful that I'm wearing jeans right now?"

Not sure what that has to do with it? Is the guy interviewing you applying for the job, too?

This brings up a good point I'd like to add, though. If you are asked any question, you should be able to answer it reasonably. If the guy replied that back to me, I'd make conversation with him in an intelligent manner as to not offend him but to make sure he didn't sway my decision.

An interview is all about your skills and how you answer questions. If someone wants to make it about how you overdressed, then they are idiots and I wouldn't want to work for them.

My point is if an interviewer has a stick up his ### about something (such as being anti-suit), it might not matter what you say.

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

Wear pants. Definitely wear pants.

 

[RUSF18]

Wear pants. Definitely wear pants.

Essential advice. Also, zip up.

 

[butcher boy]

I've seen situations in my industry where people coming in for an interview showed a clear lack of experience and knowledge of the industry culture, including wearing a suit to an interview for particular non-management positions. In this case, the suit amplified their lack of experience and they weren't hired. Depends on the position but if there's any doubt, you're probably better off wearing a suit.

 

[TheIronSheik]

I've worn a suit to every interview I've ever been on. Even the one's where I snuck out of my office in a golf shirt and khakis, changed into my suit in my car, went to the interview, then had to come back to work and change back into my golf shirt and khakis.

I think maybe once or twice I had a guy say something about my suit. And I always reply "I wear a suit to every interview I go on out of respect to the company I'm applying for."

It's never been an issue.

And to be honest, if my skill set is what they want and they like my personality, yet they don't hire me because I overdressed for an interview, I probably don't want to work there. They seem petty.

Thanks!

Until you get the reply, "Do you think it's disrespectful that I'm wearing jeans right now?"

Not sure what that has to do with it? Is the guy interviewing you applying for the job, too?

This brings up a good point I'd like to add, though. If you are asked any question, you should be able to answer it reasonably. If the guy replied that back to me, I'd make conversation with him in an intelligent manner as to not offend him but to make sure he didn't sway my decision.

An interview is all about your skills and how you answer questions. If someone wants to make it about how you overdressed, then they are idiots and I wouldn't want to work for them.

My point is if an interviewer has a stick up his ### about something (such as being anti-suit), it might not matter what you say.

I hear ya, GB. But for me, I wouldn't want to work for that guy with a stick up his ###.

 

[Fennis]

our HR dept tells people not to wear suits to an interview.

 

[Fennis]

My wife is the HR manager for a boutique digital media agency. She's told me that someone wearing a full suit to an interview is almost always an auto-ding. Shows the person won't fit into their culture and hasn't taken the time to do any research into what life would be like there. They've got about a 50/50 programmer/sales split. I'd caution you against wearing a full suit if the culture of the company really goes against it.

"auto-ding" for dressing professionally? oof.

A suit is not the professional dress of a lot of companies. It would be like wearing a tux to a bank interview. "But I dressed formally."

 

[snogger]

our HR dept tells people not to wear suits to an interview.

Pretty much the same here.. Mainly because if the interview process goes good they tend to bring the interviewee down to meet the teams as a final test to see how they'll fit in with the rest of the team. Since 95% of the people here wear Jeans most days they'd stick out like a sore thumb.

 

[TheIronSheik]

our HR dept tells people not to wear suits to an interview.

Pretty much the same here.. Mainly because if the interview process goes good they tend to bring the interviewee down to meet the teams as a final test to see how they'll fit in with the rest of the team. Since 95% of the people here wear Jeans most days they'd stick out like a sore thumb.

This is different. If I was told not to wear a suit, I wouldn't. But I would never assume I shouldn't just because the company has a relaxed dress code.

 

[snogger]

our HR dept tells people not to wear suits to an interview.

Pretty much the same here.. Mainly because if the interview process goes good they tend to bring the interviewee down to meet the teams as a final test to see how they'll fit in with the rest of the team. Since 95% of the people here wear Jeans most days they'd stick out like a sore thumb.

This is different. If I was told not to wear a suit, I wouldn't. But I would never assume I shouldn't just because the company has a relaxed dress code.

Correct, which is why I suggested contacting the Recruiter/HR person.. The first time I called I felt a little about asking but now it just feels right to ask.

Then again now, with my experience in SharePoint as it is ( 5+ years), I get job offers when I go to trade shows/ conferences where I'm wearing jeans and t-shirts.. so won't have to worry about it again.. at least not for a while..

 

[kutta]

I own my company and wear jeans and polo shirts every day. Our dress code is very casual - some people even wear shorts and t shirts. But I hate it when people don't wear a suit to an interview. It's pretty much never the wrong thing to do.

Even on interview days? Do you interview people in jeans while expecting they wear suits?

Yes. Once they start working here they can wear whatever they want. But I look for someone that is concerned with making a good impression, and wearing a suit is a great start.

That's not to say that I don't hire people who don't wear suits. I do. But I like seeing a suit walk in the door for an interview.

 

[KCitons]

My wife is the HR manager for a boutique digital media agency. She's told me that someone wearing a full suit to an interview is almost always an auto-ding. Shows the person won't fit into their culture and hasn't taken the time to do any research into what life would be like there. They've got about a 50/50 programmer/sales split. I'd caution you against wearing a full suit if the culture of the company really goes against it.

The problem with this thinking is that it leaves a lot of grey area. Where is the line when the dress is too casual? It leaves too much for interpretation.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

"Dress for the job you want...not the job you have"

 

[StrikeS2k]

While things have changed a bit in the last 15 years, it's been standard to wear a suit to an interview for the last 100. If a company doesn't want an applicant to wear a suit they should probably indicate that before the interview or not be surprised if the person comes in a suit. I work for a tech company that has a very relaxed dress code. You can wear pretty much anything you want as long as your junk isn't hanging out. When I was scheduled for an onsite interview the recruiter made a point of putting something like "while we have a relaxed dress code you should dress professionally for your interview."

 

[Drifter]

Suit.

/thread.

Wrong.

In the tech world this might deem you as not a cultural fit. I've seen it happen.

My recommendation (and what I wore in a similar situation) is pants, button down shirt, sport coat, no tie.

 

[Drifter]

My wife is the HR manager for a boutique digital media agency. She's told me that someone wearing a full suit to an interview is almost always an auto-ding. Shows the person won't fit into their culture and hasn't taken the time to do any research into what life would be like there. They've got about a 50/50 programmer/sales split. I'd caution you against wearing a full suit if the culture of the company really goes against it.

This is correct.