Interview question (what to wear) (2 Viewers)

[snogger]

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.

Would be a real if you walked in with a Button down shirt, Sport Coat and no pants..

 

[RUSF18]

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.

So basically your issue is when the jacket and pants match perfectly. Or do you just love brass buttons on the jacket?

 

[Juxtatarot]

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.

So basically your issue is when the jacket and pants match perfectly. Or do you just love brass buttons on the jacket?

I think he likes elbow patches.

 

[jfranco77]

Jacket, no tie. Or tie, no jacket, if you prefer. Full suit = too much.

 

[KCitons]

So, for a 100 years, wearing a suit, cutting your hair and shaving have been the socially acceptable standard for a job interview. Now the techies have decided to change the social standard.

This should end well.

 

[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.

So basically your issue is when the jacket and pants match perfectly. Or do you just love brass buttons on the jacket?

The issue is mainly the tie. Don't wear one to this type of interview. I also think a suit (matching pants and and jacket) is too much. There are plenty of sports coats out there that aren't the traditional blue blazer.

 

[butcher boy]

So, for a 100 years, wearing a suit, cutting your hair and shaving have been the socially acceptable standard for a job interview. Now the techies have decided to change the social standard.

This should end well.

I'm in the Construction/CM industry and its the same thing.

 

[Juxtatarot]

So, for a 100 years, wearing a suit, cutting your hair and shaving have been the socially acceptable standard for a job interview. Now the techies have decided to change the social standard.

This should end well.

To be fair, we've been moving to a more casual style of dress for decades. People used to wear suits to baseball games.

 

[KCitons]

So, for a 100 years, wearing a suit, cutting your hair and shaving have been the socially acceptable standard for a job interview. Now the techies have decided to change the social standard.

This should end well.

To be fair, we've been moving to a more casual style of dress for decades. People used to wear suits to baseball games.

Actually, it's not fair. Because there doesn't seem to be a standard any longer. You could feasibly interview for 5 different jobs. Each HR may have it's own standard of acceptable attire. When everyone wore a suit, it removed what you are wearing from a factor for being hired.

 

[kutta]

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.

So basically your issue is when the jacket and pants match perfectly. Or do you just love brass buttons on the jacket?

The issue is mainly the tie. Don't wear one to this type of interview. I also think a suit (matching pants and and jacket) is too much. There are plenty of sports coats out there that aren't the traditional blue blazer.

I would be fine with someone showing up with what you described. But I would be finer if they wore a suit.

 

[-fish-]

So, for a 100 years, wearing a suit, cutting your hair and shaving have been the socially acceptable standard for a job interview. Now the techies have decided to change the social standard.

This should end well.

To be fair, we've been moving to a more casual style of dress for decades. People used to wear suits to baseball games.

Actually, it's not fair. Because there doesn't seem to be a standard any longer. You could feasibly interview for 5 different jobs. Each HR may have it's own standard of acceptable attire. When everyone wore a suit, it removed what you are wearing from a factor for being hired.

totally unfair to exclude people that can't figure out how to fit in with an existing culture.

BUT I WORE A SUIT!!!!

 

[fantasycurse42]

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.

 

[KCitons]

So, for a 100 years, wearing a suit, cutting your hair and shaving have been the socially acceptable standard for a job interview. Now the techies have decided to change the social standard.

This should end well.

To be fair, we've been moving to a more casual style of dress for decades. People used to wear suits to baseball games.

Actually, it's not fair. Because there doesn't seem to be a standard any longer. You could feasibly interview for 5 different jobs. Each HR may have it's own standard of acceptable attire. When everyone wore a suit, it removed what you are wearing from a factor for being hired.

totally unfair to exclude people that can't figure out how to fit in with an existing culture.

BUT I WORE A SUIT!!!!

Suit or no suit. People here have already stated both sides. Some look for a suit, others count against the suit. So, now you leave the applicant guessing about the right answer.

 

[Juxtatarot]

So, for a 100 years, wearing a suit, cutting your hair and shaving have been the socially acceptable standard for a job interview. Now the techies have decided to change the social standard.

This should end well.

To be fair, we've been moving to a more casual style of dress for decades. People used to wear suits to baseball games.

Actually, it's not fair. Because there doesn't seem to be a standard any longer. You could feasibly interview for 5 different jobs. Each HR may have it's own standard of acceptable attire. When everyone wore a suit, it removed what you are wearing from a factor for being hired.

totally unfair to exclude people that can't figure out how to fit in with an existing culture.

BUT I WORE A SUIT!!!!

Suit or no suit. People here have already stated both sides. Some look for a suit, others count against the suit. So, now you leave the applicant guessing about the right answer.

Or they can just ask beforehand. (As previously mentioned in this thread.)

 

[Fennis]

So, for a 100 years, wearing a suit, cutting your hair and shaving have been the socially acceptable standard for a job interview. Now the techies have decided to change the social standard.

This should end well.

To be fair, we've been moving to a more casual style of dress for decades. People used to wear suits to baseball games.

We used to have to get dressed up to take an airplane.

 

[KCitons]

So, for a 100 years, wearing a suit, cutting your hair and shaving have been the socially acceptable standard for a job interview. Now the techies have decided to change the social standard.

This should end well.

To be fair, we've been moving to a more casual style of dress for decades. People used to wear suits to baseball games.

Actually, it's not fair. Because there doesn't seem to be a standard any longer. You could feasibly interview for 5 different jobs. Each HR may have it's own standard of acceptable attire. When everyone wore a suit, it removed what you are wearing from a factor for being hired.

totally unfair to exclude people that can't figure out how to fit in with an existing culture.

BUT I WORE A SUIT!!!!

Suit or no suit. People here have already stated both sides. Some look for a suit, others count against the suit. So, now you leave the applicant guessing about the right answer.

Or they can just ask beforehand. (As previously mentioned in this thread.)

WHAT! And be deemed unaware of the culture? What did they teach you at that University?

 

[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.

So basically your issue is when the jacket and pants match perfectly. Or do you just love brass buttons on the jacket?

The issue is mainly the tie. Don't wear one to this type of interview. I also think a suit (matching pants and and jacket) is too much. There are plenty of sports coats out there that aren't the traditional blue blazer.

I would be fine with someone showing up with what you described. But I would be finer if they wore a suit.

In your profession. In a tech inteview in a casual company it can, and often will, be viewed as a mark against the person

 

[TheIronSheik]

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.

So basically your issue is when the jacket and pants match perfectly. Or do you just love brass buttons on the jacket?

The issue is mainly the tie. Don't wear one to this type of interview. I also think a suit (matching pants and and jacket) is too much. There are plenty of sports coats out there that aren't the traditional blue blazer.

I would be fine with someone showing up with what you described. But I would be finer if they wore a suit.

In your profession. In a tech inteview in a casual company it can, and often will, be viewed as a mark against the person

I'm not saying you're wrong, because you're not. But I still think it's ridiculous that a company would not hire you because you overdressed for an interview. That's mind bottling to me.

 

[fantasycurse42]

I'm in an office with 30 others right now, publicly traded tech company worth over 9 figures. I'm wearing this shirt, jeans, & these. I fit right in.

Granted it is Friday... Typical attire for me Mon-Thurs includes slacks, jeans, or khakis - button down shirt, polos, or t shirts - sneakers, shoes, boat shoes... Really depends on having external meetings or what I have on the docket for the day.

If someone wondered in here today in a suit and tie they'd be out of place.

 

[Fennis]

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.

So basically your issue is when the jacket and pants match perfectly. Or do you just love brass buttons on the jacket?

The issue is mainly the tie. Don't wear one to this type of interview. I also think a suit (matching pants and and jacket) is too much. There are plenty of sports coats out there that aren't the traditional blue blazer.

I would be fine with someone showing up with what you described. But I would be finer if they wore a suit.

In your profession. In a tech inteview in a casual company it can, and often will, be viewed as a mark against the person

I'm not saying you're wrong, because you're not. But I still think it's ridiculous that a company would not hire you because you overdressed for an interview. That's mind bottling to me.

That strategy worked for Mr. Peanut.

 

[TheIronSheik]

I'm in an office with 30 others right now, publicly traded tech company worth over 9 figures. I'm wearing this shirt, jeans, & these. I fit right in.

Granted it is Friday... Typical attire for me Mon-Thurs includes slacks, jeans, or khakis - button down shirt, polos, or t shirts - sneakers, shoes, boat shoes... Really depends on having external meetings or what I have on the docket for the day.

If someone wondered in here today in a suit and tie they'd be out of place.

Dinosaur vs Robot - Women's Scoop Neck Baby Doll Tee Shirt Tshirt Vintage Retro Awesome Dino Trex T-Rex Boxing Charcoal Tri Black T-ShirtWow. They are a laid back company.

 

[fantasycurse42]

I'm in an office with 30 others right now, publicly traded tech company worth over 9 figures. I'm wearing this shirt, jeans, & these. I fit right in.

Granted it is Friday... Typical attire for me Mon-Thurs includes slacks, jeans, or khakis - button down shirt, polos, or t shirts - sneakers, shoes, boat shoes... Really depends on having external meetings or what I have on the docket for the day.

If someone wondered in here today in a suit and tie they'd be out of place.

Dinosaur vs Robot - Women's Scoop Neck Baby Doll Tee Shirt Tshirt Vintage Retro Awesome Dino Trex T-Rex Boxing Charcoal Tri Black T-ShirtWow. They are a laid back company.

I'm wearing the male version... To be fair my wife bought my son & I the matching shirts and asked that I wear it today as I'm meeting them for pizza later & he'll be wearing his.

 

[Gawain]

Why do some of you insist on a suit and not on a tux? Black tie or white tie for my junior account manager interview?

In this day and age, even Mary Kay saleswomen have their own websites. If you go to the company website and cannot find a single person in a suit, you should be able to figure out the culture. If you're interviewing at Ernst & Young, you better get your three-piece on.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Why do some of you insist on a suit and not on a tux?

Because a tux has never been the norm.

 

[kutta]

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.

So basically your issue is when the jacket and pants match perfectly. Or do you just love brass buttons on the jacket?

The issue is mainly the tie. Don't wear one to this type of interview. I also think a suit (matching pants and and jacket) is too much. There are plenty of sports coats out there that aren't the traditional blue blazer.

I would be fine with someone showing up with what you described. But I would be finer if they wore a suit.

In your profession. In a tech inteview in a casual company it can, and often will, be viewed as a mark against the person

That's my company you described there...

 

[KCitons]

Why do some of you insist on a suit and not on a tux? Black tie or white tie for my junior account manager interview?

In this day and age, even Mary Kay saleswomen have their own websites. If you go to the company website and cannot find a single person in a suit, you should be able to figure out the culture. If you're interviewing at Ernst & Young, you better get your three-piece on.

Because a tux is considered formal wear. A suit is considered business wear.

I don't think it's that difficult to understand. I actually don't care if an HR person is OK with a person wearing shorts to a job interview. The problem I have is that it's not common knowledge. You may be the perfect skill set, but your suit kept you from getting the job. I hate when people change rules, but choose to keep it to themselves.

 

[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.

So basically your issue is when the jacket and pants match perfectly. Or do you just love brass buttons on the jacket?

The issue is mainly the tie. Don't wear one to this type of interview. I also think a suit (matching pants and and jacket) is too much. There are plenty of sports coats out there that aren't the traditional blue blazer.

I would be fine with someone showing up with what you described. But I would be finer if they wore a suit.

In your profession. In a tech inteview in a casual company it can, and often will, be viewed as a mark against the person

That's my company you described there...

If my notebook is right you are a tech consulting company, yes? Different breed.

 

[Drifter]

Why do some of you insist on a suit and not on a tux? Black tie or white tie for my junior account manager interview?

In this day and age, even Mary Kay saleswomen have their own websites. If you go to the company website and cannot find a single person in a suit, you should be able to figure out the culture. If you're interviewing at Ernst & Young, you better get your three-piece on.

Because a tux is considered formal wear. A suit is considered business wear.

I don't think it's that difficult to understand. I actually don't care if an HR person is OK with a person wearing shorts to a job interview. The problem I have is that it's not common knowledge. You may be the perfect skill set, but your suit kept you from getting the job. I hate when people change rules, but choose to keep it to themselves.

Our Recruiting folks usually tell people not to wear a suit. It's actually one of the reasons they would potentially be downgraded when they wear one.

 

[RUSF18]

Why do some of you insist on a suit and not on a tux? Black tie or white tie for my junior account manager interview?

In this day and age, even Mary Kay saleswomen have their own websites. If you go to the company website and cannot find a single person in a suit, you should be able to figure out the culture. If you're interviewing at Ernst & Young, you better get your three-piece on.

Because a tux is considered formal wear. A suit is considered business wear.

I don't think it's that difficult to understand. I actually don't care if an HR person is OK with a person wearing shorts to a job interview. The problem I have is that it's not common knowledge. You may be the perfect skill set, but your suit kept you from getting the job. I hate when people change rules, but choose to keep it to themselves.

Our Recruiting folks usually tell people not to wear a suit. It's actually one of the reasons they would potentially be downgraded when they wear one.

And that's a reasonable approach. If you're the type of company who is so offended by someone trying to dress professional that you have "auto-dinged" in the past, that means you know it could happen. Not mentioning it is just a #### move.

 

[KCitons]

Why do some of you insist on a suit and not on a tux? Black tie or white tie for my junior account manager interview?

In this day and age, even Mary Kay saleswomen have their own websites. If you go to the company website and cannot find a single person in a suit, you should be able to figure out the culture. If you're interviewing at Ernst & Young, you better get your three-piece on.

Because a tux is considered formal wear. A suit is considered business wear.

I don't think it's that difficult to understand. I actually don't care if an HR person is OK with a person wearing shorts to a job interview. The problem I have is that it's not common knowledge. You may be the perfect skill set, but your suit kept you from getting the job. I hate when people change rules, but choose to keep it to themselves.

Our Recruiting folks usually tell people not to wear a suit. It's actually one of the reasons they would potentially be downgraded when they wear one.

Perfectly fine. If they still wear a suit, then it shows an inability to follow directions.

 

[butcher boy]

I hope whoever invented the tie and went on to make it such a basic part of formal wear is happy spending the afterlife in their special corner of hell in torture and anguish. Ties are so incredibly uncomfortable. They make you hot, sweaty and itchy. The day that the tie eventually falls out of favor in the business world cant come soon enough.

 

[Gawain]

Why do some of you insist on a suit and not on a tux? Black tie or white tie for my junior account manager interview?

In this day and age, even Mary Kay saleswomen have their own websites. If you go to the company website and cannot find a single person in a suit, you should be able to figure out the culture. If you're interviewing at Ernst & Young, you better get your three-piece on.

Because a tux is considered formal wear. A suit is considered business wear.

I don't think it's that difficult to understand. I actually don't care if an HR person is OK with a person wearing shorts to a job interview. The problem I have is that it's not common knowledge. You may be the perfect skill set, but your suit kept you from getting the job. I hate when people change rules, but choose to keep it to themselves.

Our Recruiting folks usually tell people not to wear a suit. It's actually one of the reasons they would potentially be downgraded when they wear one.

And that's a reasonable approach. If you're the type of company who is so offended by someone trying to dress professional that you have "auto-dinged" in the past, that means you know it could happen. Not mentioning it is just a #### move.

Maybe our differences are what we expect from the applicant? My wife deals primarily with recruiters, but she's told them applicants should show up business casual. If someone reaches out to her, she's not going to tell them to figure it out themselves. She'll give them direction. A quick view of their website shows all the C-level forks in anything but shirt w/ no tie to T-shirts. I had the exact same argument with her and she basically told me that if people don't put in the basic amount of time to check out the firm's culture and personality, they aren't going to be the type of people the company wants.

 

[phrozen]

Birthday suit down?

 

[belljr]

I'm a software guy and one job I wore jeans and sneakers to work. On all the interviews I wore a suit and got the job. I think it's sad that people think it's a negative you are wearing a suit. It shows you respect the job, the company and yourself. If I'm told not to wear a suit obviously I won'tbut to not wear a suit or get punished for it is a sad blemish on society. Respect the process and employer. I'm a blue collar guy in a white collar world and still think it's silly to judge someone because they dressed up

 

[KCitons]

Birthday suit down?

dress for the job you want. (porn star)

 

[belljr]

Why do some of you insist on a suit and not on a tux? Black tie or white tie for my junior account manager interview?

In this day and age, even Mary Kay saleswomen have their own websites. If you go to the company website and cannot find a single person in a suit, you should be able to figure out the culture. If you're interviewing at Ernst & Young, you better get your three-piece on.

Because a tux is considered formal wear. A suit is considered business wear. I don't think it's that difficult to understand. I actually don't care if an HR person is OK with a person wearing shorts to a job interview. The problem I have is that it's not common knowledge. You may be the perfect skill set, but your suit kept you from getting the job. I hate when people change rules, but choose to keep it to themselves.

Our Recruiting folks usually tell people not to wear a suit. It's actually one of the reasons they would potentially be downgraded when they wear one.

And that's a reasonable approach. If you're the type of company who is so offended by someone trying to dress professional that you have "auto-dinged" in the past, that means you know it could happen. Not mentioning it is just a #### move.

Maybe our differences are what we expect from the applicant? My wife deals primarily with recruiters, but she's told them applicants should show up business casual. If someone reaches out to her, she's not going to tell them to figure it out themselves. She'll give them direction. A quick view of their website shows all the C-level forks in anything but shirt w/ no tie to T-shirts. I had the exact same argument with her and she basically told me that if people don't put in the basic amount of time to check out the firm's culture and personality, they aren't going to be the type of people the company wants.

sorry I disagree. All my jobs I knew were business casual or even below that doesn't mean I feel I should show up wearing the same thing. I get that privilege if I get the job. eta' if you tell me business casual is ok then i won't wear a suit obviously

 

[NutterButter]

In the tech world, if you know your stuff, you'll have plenty of opportunities. Not wearing the suit is just as much as your test of the employer. If its held against you, you do not want to work there. Look else where.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

:side note: Confirmed interview day/time, got the benefits package, background check, etc. paperwork.

Not to muddy the waters on the topic, but CEO's pic in the benefits stuff is in a blue oxford & dark Dockers-ish pants.

 

[kutta]

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.

So basically your issue is when the jacket and pants match perfectly. Or do you just love brass buttons on the jacket?

The issue is mainly the tie. Don't wear one to this type of interview. I also think a suit (matching pants and and jacket) is too much. There are plenty of sports coats out there that aren't the traditional blue blazer.

I would be fine with someone showing up with what you described. But I would be finer if they wore a suit.

In your profession. In a tech inteview in a casual company it can, and often will, be viewed as a mark against the person

That's my company you described there...

If my notebook is right you are a tech consulting company, yes? Different breed.

No. That was so 2006.

We develop, license, and sell our own products. Hence the name change from "Kutta Consulting" to "Kutta Technologies" and "Kutta Radios" (a subsidiary of Kutta Tech).

 

[kutta]

In the tech world, if you know your stuff, you'll have plenty of opportunities. Not wearing the suit is just as much as your test of the employer. If its held against you, you do not want to work there. Look else where.

That's just not true. It may be true for a few companies, but the vast number of people I talk to in the industry still prefer people dress up and show respect when looking for a job.

 

[Fennis]

In the tech world, if you know your stuff, you'll have plenty of opportunities. Not wearing the suit is just as much as your test of the employer. If its held against you, you do not want to work there. Look else where.

That's just not true. It may be true for a few companies, but the vast number of people I talk to in the industry still prefer people dress up and show respect when looking for a job.

so when the candidate comes in a suit, what are you wearing?

(and say it slowly... )

 

[fantasycurse42]

In the tech world, if you know your stuff, you'll have plenty of opportunities. Not wearing the suit is just as much as your test of the employer. If its held against you, you do not want to work there. Look else where.

That's just not true. It may be true for a few companies, but the vast number of people I talk to in the industry still prefer people dress up and show respect when looking for a job.

I think this is situational... From the Union Square area to Flatiron there are 100's if not 1000's of tech companies, properly nicknamed Silicon Alley. Personally I work here and have interviewed with two very popular tech companies in the area over the last 6 months. As a courtesy, I'll let any recruiter or employer know that I'm coming from work, I'm not raising any red flags with my current employer, & Ill be dressed business casual. In these circumstances, which are very frequent in tech in NYC, dressing down is completely acceptable. In fact, if I was I interviewing someone who was wearing a suit and tie, I'd be wondering where they were coming from and if they're currently employed. In other locations I'm sure it can be different, but this is how it is over here.

 

[Gawain]

Why do some of you insist on a suit and not on a tux? Black tie or white tie for my junior account manager interview?

In this day and age, even Mary Kay saleswomen have their own websites. If you go to the company website and cannot find a single person in a suit, you should be able to figure out the culture. If you're interviewing at Ernst & Young, you better get your three-piece on.

Because a tux is considered formal wear. A suit is considered business wear. I don't think it's that difficult to understand. I actually don't care if an HR person is OK with a person wearing shorts to a job interview. The problem I have is that it's not common knowledge. You may be the perfect skill set, but your suit kept you from getting the job. I hate when people change rules, but choose to keep it to themselves.

Our Recruiting folks usually tell people not to wear a suit. It's actually one of the reasons they would potentially be downgraded when they wear one.

And that's a reasonable approach. If you're the type of company who is so offended by someone trying to dress professional that you have "auto-dinged" in the past, that means you know it could happen. Not mentioning it is just a #### move.

Maybe our differences are what we expect from the applicant? My wife deals primarily with recruiters, but she's told them applicants should show up business casual. If someone reaches out to her, she's not going to tell them to figure it out themselves. She'll give them direction. A quick view of their website shows all the C-level forks in anything but shirt w/ no tie to T-shirts. I had the exact same argument with her and she basically told me that if people don't put in the basic amount of time to check out the firm's culture and personality, they aren't going to be the type of people the company wants.

sorry I disagree. All my jobs I knew were business casual or even below that doesn't mean I feel I should show up wearing the same thing. I get that privilege if I get the job. eta' if you tell me business casual is ok then i won't wear a suit obviously

Wife and I got home and I asked her about this. She doesn't (and hasn't) told people that business casual is a necessity. She points people to the website to look at what the executives wear to get a feeling for the culture.

 

[belljr]

Why do some of you insist on a suit and not on a tux? Black tie or white tie for my junior account manager interview?

In this day and age, even Mary Kay saleswomen have their own websites. If you go to the company website and cannot find a single person in a suit, you should be able to figure out the culture. If you're interviewing at Ernst & Young, you better get your three-piece on.

Because a tux is considered formal wear. A suit is considered business wear. I don't think it's that difficult to understand. I actually don't care if an HR person is OK with a person wearing shorts to a job interview. The problem I have is that it's not common knowledge. You may be the perfect skill set, but your suit kept you from getting the job. I hate when people change rules, but choose to keep it to themselves.

Our Recruiting folks usually tell people not to wear a suit. It's actually one of the reasons they would potentially be downgraded when they wear one.

And that's a reasonable approach. If you're the type of company who is so offended by someone trying to dress professional that you have "auto-dinged" in the past, that means you know it could happen. Not mentioning it is just a #### move.

Maybe our differences are what we expect from the applicant? My wife deals primarily with recruiters, but she's told them applicants should show up business casual. If someone reaches out to her, she's not going to tell them to figure it out themselves. She'll give them direction. A quick view of their website shows all the C-level forks in anything but shirt w/ no tie to T-shirts. I had the exact same argument with her and she basically told me that if people don't put in the basic amount of time to check out the firm's culture and personality, they aren't going to be the type of people the company wants.

sorry I disagree. All my jobs I knew were business casual or even below that doesn't mean I feel I should show up wearing the same thing. I get that privilege if I get the job. eta' if you tell me business casual is ok then i won't wear a suit obviously

Wife and I got home and I asked her about this. She doesn't (and hasn't) told people that business casual is a necessity. She points people to the website to look at what the executives wear to get a feeling for the culture.

and I understand that. I posted after that. Just because that is the culture doesn't mean you shouldn't respect the process. I know it's business casual or whatver....and honestly not many places wear suits anyway...i will wear appropriate attire if I get the job. I just don't see how wearing a suit doesn't mean you won't fit in the culture.

 

[kutta]

Let me be clear. I don't really mind if someone shows up dressed nicely, and define "nicely" however you want, within reason. But I like it more when a suit is worn, and I find it ludicrous that people would say a suit actually hurts.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

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

 

[CurlyNight]

The suit doesn't have to be expensive or terribly fancy. If it's a casual place then don't wear black as that is seen as more formal. I gave a link which has colors in it too. You can kind of "dress down" so to speak with the colors you select too.

 

[NutterButter]

In the tech world, if you know your stuff, you'll have plenty of opportunities. Not wearing the suit is just as much as your test of the employer. If its held against you, you do not want to work there. Look else where.

That's just not true. It may be true for a few companies, but the vast number of people I talk to in the industry still prefer people dress up and show respect when looking for a job.

How old are these people? No late twenty/thirty year old programmer cares if someone is wearing a suit. No way, no how.

 

[DrJ]

So, for a 100 years, wearing a suit, cutting your hair and shaving have been the socially acceptable standard for a job interview. Now the techies have decided to change the social standard.

This should end well.

I don't think shaving has been the standard for 100 years. Beards were very common until one day someone decided against them. Times change.

 

[belljr]

In the tech world, if you know your stuff, you'll have plenty of opportunities. Not wearing the suit is just as much as your test of the employer. If its held against you, you do not want to work there. Look else where.

That's just not true. It may be true for a few companies, but the vast number of people I talk to in the industry still prefer people dress up and show respect when looking for a job.

How old are these people? No late twenty/thirty year old programmer cares if someone is wearing a suit. No way, no how.

no but would should they say he has on a suit no way he would fit in here