What to wear on interview? (San Francisco, Glendale: college, live in, prices)

[Megabit15]

Hi...I have an interview in the Glendale area. I currently live in Atlanta, where things are usually business casual. The Gelndale corporate web site mentions business causual as well as traditional business attire.

What do people wear to Information Technology position interviews?

Thanks for any tips

[jessemh431]

LA is much less formal than say NYC, but it's not like an interview for a lumberjack up in Montana. My dad usually wheres a dress shirt, dress pants, and a tie. I don't think you'll need a full or suit or sport coat. You can if you'd like, but LA is not nearly as formal as NYC.

[Megabit15]

Thanks, I appreciate your input.

[Huckleberry3911948]

common rule of thumb dress on notch above what you are trying to get.
tone down the outfit. its an accessory not the main feature.
remember to put on your most important item, your smile.

[katenik]

dressing for the job and dressing for the interview are not the same. i would never wear anything less formal than a business suit for an interview. you can wear business casual after you get the position, if that is what is appropriate in that environment.

[Megabit15]

Those are good reminders. Thanks everyone. Sometimes different cultures have different ideas about what is appropriate. A suit in the south is kind of laughable, especially in the summer. It shows that you haven't a clue or actually been in that type of position. Suits look stiff and formal, which is not how IT is. A jacket and slacks on the other hand is very appropriate for an interview. Polished is appropriate, but formal? Not so much

[LaoTzuMindFu]

You should ALWAYS wear a suit to an interview. If they are flying you in to LA from Atlanta to interview with them, regardless of the position, you should be wearing a full business suit.

[LaEscritora]

This is a terrific question! I was wondering the same thing. I am looking for work in the entertainment industry and was hoping to set up some interviews/look-sees when I am there. However, I have no idea how to dress! I always feel overdressed in interviews, but I guess that's a good thing.

[LaoTzuMindFu]

Originally Posted by LaEscritora

However, I have no idea how to dress! I always feel overdressed in interviews, but I guess that's a good thing.

A good rule of thumb is to ALWAYS dress professionally. For both men and women. I've seen women who went a bit overboard on sexiness because they thought that if they are interview with men, it would impress them. They ended up getting turned away.

Some helpful interviewing tips:

1. Of course, dress professionally (suit for men and women)
2. Remove piercings (no brow or tongue rings)
3. Be sure tatoos are covered
4. Have several copies of your resume
5. Do your research on the company (earnings, history, stock prices, etc.)
6. Interview your interviewer - get them to tell you what they are looking for first. They will then give you all the answers to the questions they will be asking you.

Didnt you guys learn this stuff from your college counselors?

[aswedc]

I was just on interviews in San Francisco the other week. At the pre interview social, I wore a full suit. Of the twenty or so other candidates there, only one other person was wearing a suit. But hey, I got the job. I think it's always better to overdress!