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My first interview for a technical job, I showed up in a suit and tie. The rest of the interview had each person start by asking some variant of "wait, are you
by ephermata 16y ago
My first interview for a technical job, I showed up in a suit and tie. The rest of the interview had each person start by asking some variant of "wait, are you sure you're interviewing for engineering and not marketing?" The feeling this conveyed was that if you wore a suit, you couldn't possibly be a real engineer.
I landed the job - a summer internship - but the suit was a distraction. It certainly did not help me relax and perform my best. The job rocked, so I'm glad the people there were able to look past the suit. Since then, I've taken to asking people what kind of dress code they expect on an interview.
- enjo 16y agoI always get the feeling, when this happens, is that they're really trying to convey "hey look, we're really a pretty casual bunch..." not "man you're a tool for wearing a suit." I would honestly interpret it as a positive. That casual atmosphere is pretty ingrained into the culture at that point.
- CamperBob 16y agoSince then, I've taken to asking people what kind of dress code they expect on an interview. Skulk around in the parking lot the day before and see what they wear. Then, dress one notch -- and only one -- above that standard.
- philwelch 16y agoThe one time I tried asking, they actually did want me to wear a suit, and the way they phrased it seemed to imply that I was ignorant for having to ask in the first place. That was an odd experience.