What would you wear ?

mikef07 said:   Always a suit IMO. You can throw something out there that you love their culture and that you are hoping to become a part of it, but until then you always respect the person with whom you are interviewing if they ask why you are in a suit.

Better over dressed than under dressed.

Agree 100%. I can't really imagine them holding it against you that you dressed too formally (and if they do then it's not the sort of place you want to work for) so a suit can only work in your favor. It also shows that you can make yourself look all respectable for meeting with outside clients, investors, etc.

I haven't worn a suit to an interview since my first job out of college. I'm in the IT field and don't think it's necessary. I have also never been turned down because I didn't wear a suit. I usually wear pants (or slacks) and a dress shirt.

This may, however, depend on what position you're interviewing for. If it's for an executive role or, maybe, a sales role you may want to consider wearing a suit.

I used to work for that exact type of tech company, and we were definitely more impressed when the interviewees wore suits. They stuck out a bit, but it was clear they were serious about the position.

It stuck out WORSE when they dressed casual.

Put it this way.

It may not aid you in getting that job but it sure won't hurt you either (based on the feedback from a poster earlier, I suppose there is the rare case that it COULD hurt you).

IMHO, there is a greater chance not wearing a suit can have a negative impact on your prospects than vice versa.

Sheet, remember to shower and shave. If ya don't ya usually don't win. At least it has worked so far....

I am wearing shorts, t-shirt, and flip flops at my job right now in a 250 person tech company.

I wore a suit for my interview 5 months ago.

Show them you're a go-getter with robe and sandals.

loincloth - Tarzan style. Beat your chest before you come in, make an impression so you don't get lost in the large candidate pool.

It also depends on what sort of job you're applying for. A lawyer, for example, should always wear a suit to an interview. A janitor, on the other hand, not so much ...

I always wore a suit for technical interviews, but for my present position, I wore pants (trousers for them Brits), dress shoes, a nice shirt, and a decent jacket. That's the workplace dress code.

Always tuxedos at interviews.

I'd ask the interviewer or just wear a suit.

Our company is casual dress (very casual for some folks). But potential external hires usually wear suits to interviews because thats what people are supposed to wear to interviews, so most of them do so. Nobody here would think negatively if you wore a suit. Even though we're all in dockers, jeans, tshirts, etc.

billybwilde said:   "Dress for work." - Dress for the interview as you would show up for the first day of work.

If the phone screen interviewer mentioned casual dress, I would NOT show up in a suit.

Even if not mentioned in phone screen, if casual dress is the norm and you are going for a non-business position (i.e. tech, engineering, or creative instead of say project manager), go with either slacks and a dress shirt with no tie; or go with khakis/cargos and a business casual shirt (long sleeve, or polo maybe).

Contrary to the opinions of others here, wearing a full 3 piece suit at the wrong time CAN make you look out of touch with the position and give you negative points for team fit.

I would not suggest that a nurse show up in scrubs for an interview for a nursing position or that a trash man show up in his oldest jeans and t shirt with a reflective vest on but to each his own.

Suit, no tie.

Wear what you are comfortable in.

If you are going to look like you are trapped in a sardine can, your whole interview will give out that vibe.

Just make sure you wear deodorant. I had one of those once. The moment he shaked my hand, that smell is all I could think of. Never focused on his good experience or anything else. Lets just say that Ali didn't make it.

MilleniumBuc said:   DamnoIT said:   loincloth - Tarzan style. Beat your chest before you come in, make an impression so you don't get lost in the large candidate pool.

Tip for all: Never wear this for Halloween if your company allows for Halloween customes. You will be the 1st out the door when things go bad.

Attractive women might be able to get away with it.

I've been wondering this too, and am surprised by people saying jacket but no tie. I would rather have a tie and dress shirt, but no jacket. Dress shoes and pants in both cases.
Maybe I should try the "other" way next time.

Regarding an interview for an IT tech job, a career consultant told me that for Silicon Valley (even for the San Francisco area), wear nice clothes, including possibly a jacket, but do not wear a suit or a tie. Note that this isn't for a sales, executive, or managerial position, which might or might not have different clothing requirements (expectations, really) for a job interview.

It's really about company culture. If an employee in the position you seek with the company typically dresses casual or business casual, consider whether wearing a suit or a tie will make you look out of place. There is nothing wrong with dressing slightly better for an interview than the job typically requires, but you don't want to go overboard either.

OP, I suggest you research this topic, looking for advice offered by recruiters, hiring professionals, etc, especially for a tech job at the location/types of companies you'll be interviewing at. I wouldn't try to guess what you should wear from the attitude you think you see on company's Web site, either.

I also wouldn't make your decision solely based on advice you read in this thread.

Edited to expand answer.

Suit up my friend!