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I've got 3 interviews lined up, all at Tech companies.
Now, I've been in the defense industry, DoD, Military etc. for the last 10 years. Traditionally, I'd always wear a suit, no question about it. But one of the places says to "dress as yourself, suits don't impress us".
I've been disconnected from the private tech companies for 10 years. What's proper etiquette?
I think the term "dress for success" is always true. It shows respect for the interview. Nice shoes, slacks, shirt , tie, jacket and always have a pen. I mean, granted they hire the person who is the best fit, but I'd rather be dressed too nicely then too poorly. It may just be what tips the scale.
Dress as Yourself--Suits Don't Impress...means...We are a cool hip trendy work location (allegedly). I'd wear a suit...which means...I'm a professional, I work and work hard, wearing ripped jeans and converse sneakers is nice...but I'm here to work and make this company money.
Don't be fooled by Gen X/Y Managers...talk a good game, but when it comes down to it--they are looking for hardworking professionals regardless of whether they own a pair of Vans and Black-Eyed Pea concert t-shirt.
Exactly what I thought. I wear a suit everyday for work, as I deal with external customers daily... but I don't care where I worked, if a person came in to interview with me and didn't have a suit, I'd immediately think they weren't serious about it.
I would stop by and observe what others are wearing. Many times it is about fitting in. The key is to dress better than them. You are going there to impress them remember. Their are some corporate cultures where a suit won't make it and chances are they won't see you as being a part of their team. Still if everyone is wearing flip flops, jeans, and t shirts, you still would want to wear shoes, a shirt that buttons up and a nice pair of pants. You want to work there but you don't work there yet.
I would stop by and observe what others are wearing. Many times it is about fitting in. The key is to dress better than them. You are going there to impress them remember. Their are some corporate cultures where a suit won't make it and chances are they won't see you as being a part of their team. Still if everyone is wearing flip flops, jeans, and t shirts, you still would want to wear shoes, a shirt that buttons up and a nice pair of pants. You want to work there but you don't work there yet.
Particularly difficult when the place you're interviewing at, is 3,000 miles away :-P
Exactly what I thought. I wear a suit everyday for work, as I deal with external customers daily... but I don't care where I worked, if a person came in to interview with me and didn't have a suit, I'd immediately think they weren't serious about it.
What you care about, where you've worked before and your personal philosophy on how candidates should dress is fine if you are the hiring manager. You are the candidate. They said "suits don't impress..."
In my previous job, we told candidates to come in business casual. Some show up in suits trying to show us how professional they are and it backfired. It showed they did not follow directions or second guessed what they were explicitly told. These were IT positions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Verio
Particularly difficult when the place you're interviewing at, is 3,000 miles away :-P
A visit, or questions about what to wear shouldn't even be an issue since they addressed it in the ad posting. If you're that uncomfortable, pick up the phone and call them. Tell them you are interviewing and typically wear suits and would like clarification on what the "dress as yourself," means.
It sounds like you'd be most comfortable (most yourself) wearing a suit to an interview. That says something about you. So, wear a suit. It also sounds like you don't know a lot about this company. If you're willing to travel 3k miles for an interview (or to move there after a web-cam interview), then it probably makes sense to find a little more out about them. It could that even if they think you're a good fit for them, that you won't find them to be a good fit for you. Corporate culture can make a big difference to job satisfaction.
While I agree with the above posters, a long-sleeved poll shirt with chunks and a sports coat is an acceptable choice. Loaders, and you're good to go. You can immediately take off the coat if everyone else is really casual.
Particularly difficult when the place you're interviewing at, is 3,000 miles away :-P
Will you be visiting the place for an interview? Why not visit in advance. I am thinking show up the day before and check the place out. Will they be flying you out? Another option if that won't work is find out if anyone in the organization is on Linkedin. Send questions to those that work there or have in the past. Look at the corporate website and see what kind of clothes they wear on there. Call anonomously and ask that way. If you are in the interview process now I would think you would have found out a lot about this company by now.
My thoughts on any given company are directed toward doing your homework long before the interview process. How do you even know that you want to work at that company? As an employer they are going to be looking into you to see if you would be a good fit. You have a responsability to do the same with them.
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