What's the latest recommended attire for interviewing at tech companies, and at tech consulting companies? How much does this vary by location?

I was taught in college to always wear a suit and that was my approach up to 4 years ago. This was in the D.C. area where people are more uptight. Then I moved to San Francisco and saw people coming in to interviews in shorts and t-shirts in some cases. It was a little eye opening.

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Online interviews, I’ve done whatever shirt I woke up in and boxers. YMMV

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I've entirely done the "well, these don't really look like pajamas if you can only see the top of my shoulders" thing.

smartfunny

Nobody cares for tech companies, dress shirt for tech consulting

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I wore a collared shirt my first day in the office and I still get made fun of for it

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Do your homework about the company as they differ in cultures and personalities. Be careful about your attire as its often an indicator about your work ethic (sloppy looks = sloppy work). I’m not saying you necessarily need a jacket and tie, but do realize its a sign of respect for the position. It’s the safer choice of attire when interviewing anyways.

I would find something between shorts and a suit. Think comfortable but has still seen an iron. As for interviews, it's still better to err on the side of overdressed.

For tech companies in the Bay, I’ve mostly gone with sweater over a collared button down + nice-ish pants (not jeans but maybe doesn’t have to be nice slacks). It blends into the office so you don’t look out of place, but still look nice enough if anyone cares to notice. Luckily SF is sweater weather 90% of the year as long as your interview is up there.

Agree better to err on side of overdressed if you’re not sure, but tie would look out of place and would do a jacket at most

I agree with L1, I usually do a nice button up with a nice pair of pants - or at least that's what I do in person! For zoom interviews though, all bets are off haha. Just a nice shirt that looks normal on camera and whatever underneath because I just can't be bothered

Story time: I grew up when wearing a suit was a good idea. When I interviewed for my current job in 2006 I wore a suit. Of course it was a pretty new shirt and suit as my dad just got me a new one for just graduating. Well, my now manager asked "Do you always program in a suit". I was dumbfounded. "Um, No" was my reply. He had a kick out of it. We all do still. I love this team.

Yeah, it seems it's a little lacked now but I wouldn't go as far as shorts and t-shirts for myself.

Personally feel like there's no shame in being overdressed, especially if you feel more confident. Better to get made fun of for overdressing than made fun of for being a complete slob 🤷

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