INTERVIEW DRESS CODE

    What Should You Wear for Your Interview?

    US East Coast (New England) -  Male Hardware Engineer: grayish 2 piece suit

    US Midwest -  Male Software Engineer: dark color suits, conservative updated ties, white or thinly striped shirts, Boston executive style dress shoes, matching print socks Basically stylish, conservative dressing.

    US Midwest - Male suit in conservative shades of blue and gray, suits that are well tailored, do not involve patterns that are unusual, and are kept cleaned and pressed. You can never go wrong with shirts that are white or blue and do not contain patterns. Simplicity. Basics. Muted, solid colors, rep patterns, or subtle stripes are all acceptable. You dress conservatively and neatly, because by doing so you know you minimize the risk of offending anyone's tastes by looking too stylish or offbeat. There's a reason "classic" clothing doesn't fall our of favor. And if you wear it the odds that you won't fall out of favor either.

    US West Coast (Silicon Valley) -  Male Engineering/Marketing/Sales: casual clean shirt/knit shirt, casual pants (jeans to casual slacks). Turnoff: 3 pieces suit or torn jeans, T-shirts. In summary: clean and casual. 3 piece suit = stiff or still in rookie years. If you can, bring sample of your work with you for a show and tell session.

    US West Coast - Male Software Engineer: double breasted dark suit. Sometimes also sport coat and slack.

    US West Coast - Male Consultant Software Engineer:

    • "wore jeans and good shirt to the interview and it went fine"
    • "be casual but be sharp"
    • "don't wear a suit. Corporate America seems to be getting more casual, and if you know your stuff, it won't matter at all".

    Canada - Male Entry Software Engineer:

    • clean shirt, tie, pants (absolutely no jeans), suit not necessary.
    • Be prepared, know the company you are interviewing before hand,
    • Shake hands firmly,
    • Speak clearly and at a moderate speed, not too slow or too fast
    • Look straight in the eyes during talking, however you can look away for thoughts and then re-establish eye contact
    • Take a moment to think before answering - even when you know the answer. Make sure that you formulate and express it clearly,
    • Don' t tell them more that what they need to know, unless you see a benefit to you. Don't feel embarrassed because of the silence
    • Don't track your interviewing performance. Reassess after each interview,
    • Keep a pleasant look (smile - especially when you don't know what else to do)
    • Prepare some relevant questions and ask them at the end of the interview. Usually the interviewer ask you if you have any question at the end. Ask these questions to show that you are interested in the company,
    • Know your strong and weak points. You will be very likely asked for them. Give 2 or 3 strong points relevant to the position. Give one weak point and show how you can overcome this.
    • Be yourself
    • Be honest
    • Be confident

    Hairstyle: basic, normal looking and not to cause any unusual attention. A little hair spray will help you keep your hair neat.

    Ladies:

    US Midwest Female - See US Midwest Male. Avoid wild patterns, flashy dresses, suits, and accessories. Be conservative in fragrance, makeup and hairstyle. Stay away from the low neckline, and the length of your skirts and dresses are best not the extremely long or extremely short look. Finally create a small kit of personal items and include it in your briefcase when going to job interviews.

    US West Coast Female Hardware Engineer:

    • white shirt, no see through!
    • pant suits are great but be gentle on the color: gray, dark blue cream colors are good
    • "but I found out there is nothing more than a warm & firm handshake"
    • "if you are a female, please let it be known and more responses will come your way".

    Canada East Coast - Female Hardware Engineer:  dark skirt, bright blouse (white desirable). Sometimes a blazer of the same color as the skirt would make the candidate look more complete but this not necessarily required.

    General: extra-high heel shoes should be avoided.

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