software development culture (contractors, relocating, area)

[seattlenextyear]

A lot of the software dev jobs are in small companies where you're one of a small group developers (with a few notable exceptions like redhat). So that causes some isolation and less of an intense, intellectually stimulating environment for developers. I'd avoid business programming here if you can. Also, in these jobs, the dress seems to be that ugly polo-shirt/khaki combination that is so popular in NC.
IBM is still one of the more conservative companies out here, and some companies take their style from them. My husband HAS to wear a collar shirt to work. Which isn't a big deal, but he can't go around wearing t-shirts and flip flops.

[MI-Roger]

Originally Posted by MrsSteel

Definitely step it up a bit for an interview, though. At the very least, wear some slacks and a shirt featuring some buttons somewhere. Avoid ties. Ties frighten them.

As a somewhat conservative management type who refuses to participate in Casual Fridays (khakis and golf shirts are the norm Mon-Thur, why anymore casual for Friday?), who has a son working in Software at RTP who wears shorts and T-shirts to work nearly every day, I recommend the following as a compromise for interview dress.

Khaki style slacks - clean and pressed!
Solid color or placket style (i.e. golf) shirt
Sport coat which coordinates nicely with the above items
Clean & Polished casual shoes

If the company appears conservative after you arrive, keep the jacket on. If the company appears to be very casual with dress after you arrive, find a secure place to dump the jacket.

Women can follow the identical recommendations, or substitute a simple A-line skirt for the slacks.

Clean & Neat are the most critical. I think everyone realizes these days that the old rule of the "Interview Suit" is nearly extinct, and some flexibility of dress with potential new-hires who do not yet know your company culture is important.

[rfb]

Originally Posted by seattlenextyear

IBM is still one of the more conservative companies out here, and some companies take their style from them. My husband HAS to wear a collar shirt to work. Which isn't a big deal, but he can't go around wearing t-shirts and flip flops.

Really? That is so weird. I'm in software development at IBM as well, and folks in the buildings where I work run the gamut with regard to dress. Most wear jeans, but plenty wear shorts. And while most wear polo shirts or the like, you see plenty of t-shirts as well. Now, if you are meeting with a customer, then business casual applies - but that is true in most places, no?

[Dire Wolf]

For at least the last 10 ten years, the style everywhere I've worked in RTP (including IBM) has been very casual. I'm wearing shorts, t-shirt and Chaco sandals 8-9 months out of the year.

The smaller places I've worked have been more casual and have been the most rewarding and most intense. The right 10 developers who have talent and know and trust on another can crank out more and far better code than a large group.

[dcgrl]

Originally Posted by MI-Roger

As a somewhat conservative management type who refuses to participate in Casual Fridays (khakis and golf shirts are the norm Mon-Thur, why anymore casual for Friday?), who has a son working in Software at RTP who wears shorts and T-shirts to work nearly every day, I recommend the following as a compromise for interview dress.

Khaki style slacks - clean and pressed!
Solid color or placket style (i.e. golf) shirt
Sport coat which coordinates nicely with the above items
Clean & Polished casual shoes

If the company appears conservative after you arrive, keep the jacket on. If the company appears to be very casual with dress after you arrive, find a secure place to dump the jacket.

Women can follow the identical recommendations, or substitute a simple A-line skirt for the slacks.

Clean & Neat are the most critical. I think everyone realizes these days that the old rule of the "Interview Suit" is nearly extinct, and some flexibility of dress with potential new-hires who do not yet know your company culture is important.

Thank you for this suggestion--we still send my husband out for interviews in his suit, not realizing the rule had gone the way of dinosaurs. Although based on the attire of people we've interviewed, it should be obvious. Did you know people feel safe wearing Crocs to interviews?

[seattlenextyear]

Originally Posted by rfb

Really? That is so weird. I'm in software development at IBM as well, and folks in the buildings where I work run the gamut with regard to dress. Most wear jeans, but plenty wear shorts. And while most wear polo shirts or the like, you see plenty of t-shirts as well. Now, if you are meeting with a customer, then business casual applies - but that is true in most places, no?

I was contrasting IBM with say, a game company where showering might be optional.

[NewUser]

Originally Posted by seattlenextyear

I was contrasting IBM with say, a game company where showering might be optional.

Do you actually work at a SW development company, or are you just speculating about how people dress for work, whether or not they take showers, or if they have intellectually stimulating jobs?

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

I have a few friends in software development that work for companies in RTP. Their work dress style is fairly casual. BTW, my friends who work at Sony Ericsson are smart as hell and drink like fish (after work that is)!

[NewUser]

Originally Posted by North_Raleigh_Guy

I have a few friends in software development that work for companies in RTP. Their work dress style is fairly casual. BTW, my friends who work at Sony Ericsson are smart as hell and drink like fish (after work that is)!

Oh. . . .was I supposed to start drinking AFTER work?

[Dire Wolf]

LOL. My current work has a keg on tap and a fridge loaded with beer. Very nice fringe benefit. Especially on a day this hot.