What does a guy wear for an interview? I foresee a nice dress shirt of a sombre and respectable color, well pressed and groomed of course. A matching tie (preferably chosen by a significant other, as is in my case) and dark dress slacks which are neat and again, pressed. Shiny shoes are not a must, but raggety shoes are unacceptable, no matter how dressy they may be. My questions are raised at this point. Where does this accessorizing end? How does a guy look formal and respectable without looking too preppy or like a slob? In these winter months, is a regular winter jacket too taboo? Should we have to go the extra mile to obtain a dress overcoat? Is the suit a necessity? It is important to stress at some point that we are talking of programmers (though not for the “right out of college with shiny eyes” kind of position) being interviewed. I have had many interviews in the past 5 years where my choices have varied tremendously (I was naive, single and way too cocky back then) and my past experience does not count any more.
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When I interview someone, I don’t forwardly look at what they’re wearing, but I notice if they look sloppy (if that makes any sense!) Someone who makes an effort to look decent will certainly have an advantage, but that’s not to say you need to go out and buy a suit.
Don’t forget that where you’re interviewing and the position that you’re interviewing for both should impact the decision too.
I’ve spoken with interviewers for west coast companies, for example, who said that they wouldn’t hire you if you wore a suit. Here in the midwest, on the other hand, more formal is generally better.
If you’re interviewing for a position which will include face-to-face contact with a company’s customers, how you look at the interview will be significantly more relevant than if you’re interviewing for a behind-the-scenes position, as well.
Greg: do you think that still holds on the west coast? I’d say during the hey day of dot-com-greatness that was the case (I only wore suits to a few of my interviews on getting out of school), but not so much now. I’d say in general, worrying about too-preppy-looking is never a problem, once you’re in and interviewing they are going to go on personality/skill any way. Generally, as Dennis said, it’s only if you look like a slob that people will notice what you’re wearing.
Jennifer’s late father had a long overcoat that I will probably use when the time comes. Some sort of preppiness is probably a good thing!