No Jobs in Austin. Really? (Howe: loan, homes, live in)

[CarnivalGal]

My husband is looking to fill 2 software developer positions. He interviewed someone yesterday who showed up in jeans, a t-shirt, and sandals. And he was not a "kid," he was in his 40's.

Needless to say, he didn't get the job. My husband said had it not been for his appearance, he would have been offered a position. And before someone jumps on here about appearance shouldn't matter, etc. etc, yes, it does. Maybe if you sat in a closet to do your work all day, it wouldn't. But it demonstrates a complete lack of business etiquette to show up to an INTERVIEW dressed like you are going to the corner coffee shop. Although this person would not see clients very often (although some do come to the office), he still needs to function in a professional business environment.

And I am willing to bet a lot of people whining about how hard it is to get a job, are making mistakes just like this guy.

[jonsoncd]

Wow, there are actual INTERVIEWS these days? I've been applying for jobs for over a year and had only one interview.

[sinking]

I actually had an interview yesterday. 6.5 hours long. I wore a suit even though I knew the usual attire at this office was anywhere from shorts and a t shirt to jeans and a button down.

[mezman]

Originally Posted by mm57553

My husband is looking to fill 2 software developer positions. He interviewed someone yesterday who showed up in jeans, a t-shirt, and sandals. And he was not a "kid," he was in his 40's.

Needless to say, he didn't get the job. My husband said had it not been for his appearance, he would have been offered a position. And before someone jumps on here about appearance shouldn't matter, etc. etc, yes, it does. Maybe if you sat in a closet to do your work all day, it wouldn't. But it demonstrates a complete lack of business etiquette to show up to an INTERVIEW dressed like you are going to the corner coffee shop. Although this person would not see clients very often (although some do come to the office), he still needs to function in a professional business environment.

And I am willing to bet a lot of people whining about how hard it is to get a job, are making mistakes just like this guy.

A lot of software/IT people wouldn't want to work for a place where they have to dress up anyway. Maybe it was his way of weeding out companies he wouldn't want to work for? If so it seems like it worked.

I obviously went into the wrong line of work... dang shirt and tie everyday.

[ktulu7]

Originally Posted by mm57553

My husband is looking to fill 2 software developer positions. He interviewed someone yesterday who showed up in jeans, a t-shirt, and sandals. And he was not a "kid," he was in his 40's.

Needless to say, he didn't get the job. My husband said had it not been for his appearance, he would have been offered a position. And before someone jumps on here about appearance shouldn't matter, etc. etc, yes, it does. Maybe if you sat in a closet to do your work all day, it wouldn't. But it demonstrates a complete lack of business etiquette to show up to an INTERVIEW dressed like you are going to the corner coffee shop. Although this person would not see clients very often (although some do come to the office), he still needs to function in a professional business environment.

And I am willing to bet a lot of people whining about how hard it is to get a job, are making mistakes just like this guy.

I'm actually looking for a developer position in the area, though I'm sure you've gotten countless private messages on here already due to this posting, haha. I'm used to wearing a tie every day at work, so I don't understand jeans and a t-shirt at an interview. My only problem is that it's REALLY difficult to get consideration from an employer in central Texas when I live in Baton Rouge, even though I have no problem relocating and have good friends out there.

Good luck to your husband in his hiring search! Feel free to message me about the position too of course.

[CarnivalGal]

Kudos to all of you who wear a suit and tie. For the record, their dress code is business casual (khakis, polos or button-downs, etc.). We actually thought of the possibility that he wouldn't want to work somewhere that had a dress code, but if that were the case he could have a) called and simply asked the receptionist or anyone else or b) gone to their website which features pictures of the management, all wearing their business casual gear, and figured it out. Instead, he just wasted everyone's time.

[nina_online]

Originally Posted by mm57553

My husband is looking to fill 2 software developer positions. He interviewed someone yesterday who showed up in jeans, a t-shirt, and sandals. And he was not a "kid," he was in his 40's.

Needless to say, he didn't get the job. My husband said had it not been for his appearance, he would have been offered a position. And before someone jumps on here about appearance shouldn't matter, etc. etc, yes, it does. Maybe if you sat in a closet to do your work all day, it wouldn't. But it demonstrates a complete lack of business etiquette to show up to an INTERVIEW dressed like you are going to the corner coffee shop. Although this person would not see clients very often (although some do come to the office), he still needs to function in a professional business environment.

And I am willing to bet a lot of people whining about how hard it is to get a job, are making mistakes just like this guy.

That was common dress for developers back in the day here in Austin. That said, for an interview, I think he should have at least worn a polo and closed shoes. Maybe he hadn't interviewed in a long time.

[atxcio]

A suit for an interview is always a good idea, even if the dress code is expected to be much more casual. It's a sign of respect and understanding that although you can be very casual, there are certain times when dressing up is appropriate. Like maybe when a client is visiting, or making a VC presentation or applying for a bank loan. It's important for the employer to understand you are at least capable of dressing nice.

Also, an interviewer can tell a lot by the suit -- it's very obvious when someone is wearing an ill fitting one, inappropriate color, or older style. That's not a dealbreaker by any means (especially in a tech interview), but it does tell the interviewer that you probably rarely dress up. Shoes reveal a lot, too.

[oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots]

Brilliance does not necessarily wear a suit, shirt/tie, or closed shoes. If anything, our history of these past decades will show contrary.

However, this is where our superficial society has evolved. It's like the homes these days with veneer siding, veneer stone, veneer wood, veneer bricks. We're fake, phony, imitations of the real thing. And worst of all....synthetic. You don't have to have a brain, or even pretend you do...but, by god you better "look good" and have the latest label in shoes. It's sickening.

It all started with melmac and it's been downhill since then.

I say two thumbs up for the guy showing up real. I'm sure it's their loss.

[woodinvilleguy]

personally, I don't care what someone wears to an interview as long as it isn't offensive. I have hired someone with smurf blue hair and he turned out great.

I'm just happy people cover themselves at work.