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  3. How Should One Dress for a Programming Position Interview?

How Should One Dress for a Programming Position Interview?

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  • O omahabull

    It's been a long time (over ten years!) since I've had to go out groveling for a programming job. It's become very apparent to me that a lot of what I thought I knew about securing a new position is out-dated. I've managed to reach a truce with Linkedin, I'm getting inquiries from it so it must be close. My resume has been reworked to show value instead of tasks. I'm working on my networking by attending local users' groups and reaching out to former colleagues through social media. The one place I'm at a total loss is what is the prevailing way to dress for an interview. I was always taught that a suit & tie is the only way to dress for an interview. Is that still the expected norm? If it isn't, what is the proper way to dress for an interview? I'm open to all suggestions! A little background: I'm in my mid-fifties, though due to good luck and genetics, I look a lot closer to early forties. I have been very careful to hide my age in my resume & on Linkedin so they won't give my age away.

    My signature is undergoing re-branding, stay put and wait for it.

    V Offline
    V Offline
    V 0
    wrote on last edited by
    #14

    Costume if possible.

    V.
    (MQOTD Rules and previous Solutions )

    1 Reply Last reply
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    • O omahabull

      It's been a long time (over ten years!) since I've had to go out groveling for a programming job. It's become very apparent to me that a lot of what I thought I knew about securing a new position is out-dated. I've managed to reach a truce with Linkedin, I'm getting inquiries from it so it must be close. My resume has been reworked to show value instead of tasks. I'm working on my networking by attending local users' groups and reaching out to former colleagues through social media. The one place I'm at a total loss is what is the prevailing way to dress for an interview. I was always taught that a suit & tie is the only way to dress for an interview. Is that still the expected norm? If it isn't, what is the proper way to dress for an interview? I'm open to all suggestions! A little background: I'm in my mid-fifties, though due to good luck and genetics, I look a lot closer to early forties. I have been very careful to hide my age in my resume & on Linkedin so they won't give my age away.

      My signature is undergoing re-branding, stay put and wait for it.

      J Offline
      J Offline
      Jorgen Andersson
      wrote on last edited by
      #15

      Depends on local customs and the company you want to apply to. Try to find out what the company culture is. You don't want to stand out in this respect. If unsure it's always better to overdress then underdress.

      People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.

      OriginalGriffO 1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • J Jorgen Andersson

        Depends on local customs and the company you want to apply to. Try to find out what the company culture is. You don't want to stand out in this respect. If unsure it's always better to overdress then underdress.

        People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.

        OriginalGriffO Offline
        OriginalGriffO Offline
        OriginalGriff
        wrote on last edited by
        #16

        Oh yes! Nudity is unlikely to get you a coding job. Unless you happen to be a BBBBB1 in which case what are you doing applying for a coding job? 1 Big Breasted Beautiful Blonde Bimbo

        If you get an email telling you that you can catch Swine Flu from tinned pork then just delete it. It's Spam.

        "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
        "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

        J 1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • O omahabull

          It's been a long time (over ten years!) since I've had to go out groveling for a programming job. It's become very apparent to me that a lot of what I thought I knew about securing a new position is out-dated. I've managed to reach a truce with Linkedin, I'm getting inquiries from it so it must be close. My resume has been reworked to show value instead of tasks. I'm working on my networking by attending local users' groups and reaching out to former colleagues through social media. The one place I'm at a total loss is what is the prevailing way to dress for an interview. I was always taught that a suit & tie is the only way to dress for an interview. Is that still the expected norm? If it isn't, what is the proper way to dress for an interview? I'm open to all suggestions! A little background: I'm in my mid-fifties, though due to good luck and genetics, I look a lot closer to early forties. I have been very careful to hide my age in my resume & on Linkedin so they won't give my age away.

          My signature is undergoing re-branding, stay put and wait for it.

          J Offline
          J Offline
          jim lahey
          wrote on last edited by
          #17

          Set your stall out early doors. If you're a developer I recommend a wolf t-shirt, three quarter length shorts, sandals and white sports socks. get a proper gut as well. massive beard for extra brownie points.

          OriginalGriffO 1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • B Brady Kelly

            I normally just wear a collar and tie, but depending on the employer, may wear a full suit.

            C Offline
            C Offline
            Chris C B
            wrote on last edited by
            #18

            Brady Kelly wrote:

            I normally just wear a collar and tie

            Don't you find that can get a bit cold, even in South Africa? :laugh:

            C 1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • J jim lahey

              Set your stall out early doors. If you're a developer I recommend a wolf t-shirt, three quarter length shorts, sandals and white sports socks. get a proper gut as well. massive beard for extra brownie points.

              OriginalGriffO Offline
              OriginalGriffO Offline
              OriginalGriff
              wrote on last edited by
              #19

              You forgot the braces - you need braces to hold the shorts up. And a belt as backup.

              If you get an email telling you that you can catch Swine Flu from tinned pork then just delete it. It's Spam.

              "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
              "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

              J 1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                You forgot the braces - you need braces to hold the shorts up. And a belt as backup.

                If you get an email telling you that you can catch Swine Flu from tinned pork then just delete it. It's Spam.

                J Offline
                J Offline
                jim lahey
                wrote on last edited by
                #20

                how could I forget? the braces need comedy IT-related things on them and the belt needs adorning with a mobile device holster too.

                OriginalGriffO 1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • J jim lahey

                  how could I forget? the braces need comedy IT-related things on them and the belt needs adorning with a mobile device holster too.

                  OriginalGriffO Offline
                  OriginalGriffO Offline
                  OriginalGriff
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #21

                  Only one? Where will you put your retro-pager? Your reverse-polish calculator? :laugh:

                  If you get an email telling you that you can catch Swine Flu from tinned pork then just delete it. It's Spam.

                  "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
                  "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

                  J 1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • O omahabull

                    It's been a long time (over ten years!) since I've had to go out groveling for a programming job. It's become very apparent to me that a lot of what I thought I knew about securing a new position is out-dated. I've managed to reach a truce with Linkedin, I'm getting inquiries from it so it must be close. My resume has been reworked to show value instead of tasks. I'm working on my networking by attending local users' groups and reaching out to former colleagues through social media. The one place I'm at a total loss is what is the prevailing way to dress for an interview. I was always taught that a suit & tie is the only way to dress for an interview. Is that still the expected norm? If it isn't, what is the proper way to dress for an interview? I'm open to all suggestions! A little background: I'm in my mid-fifties, though due to good luck and genetics, I look a lot closer to early forties. I have been very careful to hide my age in my resume & on Linkedin so they won't give my age away.

                    My signature is undergoing re-branding, stay put and wait for it.

                    R Offline
                    R Offline
                    RugbyLeague
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #22

                    Dress as your WoW character.

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • O omahabull

                      It's been a long time (over ten years!) since I've had to go out groveling for a programming job. It's become very apparent to me that a lot of what I thought I knew about securing a new position is out-dated. I've managed to reach a truce with Linkedin, I'm getting inquiries from it so it must be close. My resume has been reworked to show value instead of tasks. I'm working on my networking by attending local users' groups and reaching out to former colleagues through social media. The one place I'm at a total loss is what is the prevailing way to dress for an interview. I was always taught that a suit & tie is the only way to dress for an interview. Is that still the expected norm? If it isn't, what is the proper way to dress for an interview? I'm open to all suggestions! A little background: I'm in my mid-fifties, though due to good luck and genetics, I look a lot closer to early forties. I have been very careful to hide my age in my resume & on Linkedin so they won't give my age away.

                      My signature is undergoing re-branding, stay put and wait for it.

                      B Offline
                      B Offline
                      BobJanova
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #23

                      Suit and tie (or business trousers, shirt and tie) is a safe bet. Even if you can dress down when you actually get the job, no-one's going to criticise you for wearing it.

                      1 Reply Last reply
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                      • O omahabull

                        It's been a long time (over ten years!) since I've had to go out groveling for a programming job. It's become very apparent to me that a lot of what I thought I knew about securing a new position is out-dated. I've managed to reach a truce with Linkedin, I'm getting inquiries from it so it must be close. My resume has been reworked to show value instead of tasks. I'm working on my networking by attending local users' groups and reaching out to former colleagues through social media. The one place I'm at a total loss is what is the prevailing way to dress for an interview. I was always taught that a suit & tie is the only way to dress for an interview. Is that still the expected norm? If it isn't, what is the proper way to dress for an interview? I'm open to all suggestions! A little background: I'm in my mid-fifties, though due to good luck and genetics, I look a lot closer to early forties. I have been very careful to hide my age in my resume & on Linkedin so they won't give my age away.

                        My signature is undergoing re-branding, stay put and wait for it.

                        L Offline
                        L Offline
                        Lost User
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #24

                        Depends.. if it's one of those new hipster companies, you'd be "the old suit".

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                          Only one? Where will you put your retro-pager? Your reverse-polish calculator? :laugh:

                          If you get an email telling you that you can catch Swine Flu from tinned pork then just delete it. It's Spam.

                          J Offline
                          J Offline
                          jim lahey
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #25

                          Dammit, I'm just not cut out for the job! :laugh: On a similar note, our IT support manager has a handheld CB radio. Takes it with him on company days out. Legend.

                          OriginalGriffO 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • J jim lahey

                            Dammit, I'm just not cut out for the job! :laugh: On a similar note, our IT support manager has a handheld CB radio. Takes it with him on company days out. Legend.

                            OriginalGriffO Offline
                            OriginalGriffO Offline
                            OriginalGriff
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #26

                            jim lahey wrote:

                            Takes it with him on company days out. Legend

                            :omg: In public? He doesn't trust this new-fangled cellular radio system then? ;)

                            If you get an email telling you that you can catch Swine Flu from tinned pork then just delete it. It's Spam.

                            "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
                            "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

                            J 1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                              jim lahey wrote:

                              Takes it with him on company days out. Legend

                              :omg: In public? He doesn't trust this new-fangled cellular radio system then? ;)

                              If you get an email telling you that you can catch Swine Flu from tinned pork then just delete it. It's Spam.

                              J Offline
                              J Offline
                              jim lahey
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #27

                              Damn right. We all went on a skiing trip at the start of the year. We're both in the group of people that doesn't ski or snowboard so we just went up the mountain to drink beer and take pictures. He was using the altitude to talk to people over the airwaves. Respect.

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                                Oh yes! Nudity is unlikely to get you a coding job. Unless you happen to be a BBBBB1 in which case what are you doing applying for a coding job? 1 Big Breasted Beautiful Blonde Bimbo

                                If you get an email telling you that you can catch Swine Flu from tinned pork then just delete it. It's Spam.

                                J Offline
                                J Offline
                                Jorgen Andersson
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #28

                                I think BBB would still get you a job at any place.

                                People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • L Lost User

                                  Dress in a suit. I work in a very 'modern' & casual workplace. Shorts, singlets and flip flop shoes are everyday clobber here in the summer months. No one has ever been criticized for turning up to an interview in a suit though. I do still tease the guy I interviewed about four years ago for turning up with the label still attached to the cuff of his suit jacket. He'd bought it that day and had never worn a suit before.

                                  L Offline
                                  L Offline
                                  Lost User
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #29

                                  _Josh_ wrote:

                                  ...flip flop shoes...

                                  I'm so glad you have managed to avoid all piss ups at my place to date. I be;lieve your Missus would never see you again.

                                  Michael Martin Australia "I controlled my laughter and simple said "No,I am very busy,so I can't write any code for you". The moment they heard this all the smiling face turned into a sad looking face and one of them farted. So I had to leave the place as soon as possible." - Mr.Prakash One Fine Saturday. 24/04/2004

                                  1 Reply Last reply
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                                  • C Chris C B

                                    Brady Kelly wrote:

                                    I normally just wear a collar and tie

                                    Don't you find that can get a bit cold, even in South Africa? :laugh:

                                    C Offline
                                    C Offline
                                    Colin Mullikin
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #30

                                    Chris C-B wrote:

                                    can get a bit cold

                                    Did anyone else picture this[^] upon reading this comment... :laugh:

                                    The United States invariably does the right thing, after having exhausted every other alternative. -Winston Churchill America is the only country that went from barbarism to decadence without civilization in between. -Oscar Wilde Wow, even the French showed a little more spine than that before they got their sh*t pushed in.[^] -Colin Mullikin

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                                    • O omahabull

                                      It's been a long time (over ten years!) since I've had to go out groveling for a programming job. It's become very apparent to me that a lot of what I thought I knew about securing a new position is out-dated. I've managed to reach a truce with Linkedin, I'm getting inquiries from it so it must be close. My resume has been reworked to show value instead of tasks. I'm working on my networking by attending local users' groups and reaching out to former colleagues through social media. The one place I'm at a total loss is what is the prevailing way to dress for an interview. I was always taught that a suit & tie is the only way to dress for an interview. Is that still the expected norm? If it isn't, what is the proper way to dress for an interview? I'm open to all suggestions! A little background: I'm in my mid-fifties, though due to good luck and genetics, I look a lot closer to early forties. I have been very careful to hide my age in my resume & on Linkedin so they won't give my age away.

                                      My signature is undergoing re-branding, stay put and wait for it.

                                      E Offline
                                      E Offline
                                      Ennis Ray Lynch Jr
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #31

                                      In the pre-interview phone call you should always ask what work place attire is for the office. You should then dress one level up. Them: Shorts and T-Shirt You: Dockers and Button Shirt no tie Them: Dockers and Button Shirt You: Pants and Pressed Shirt Them: Business Casual You: Pants, Pressed Shirt, either tie or really nice shoes Them: Business Professional You: Tuxedo ... or Business Professional, with really nice shoes Them: Tuxedo You: Vestments I can't over emphasize this enough. Clean, well maintained shoes really help. More so than a watch.

                                      Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. I also do Android Programming as I find it a refreshing break from the MS. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost

                                      S 1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • O omahabull

                                        It's been a long time (over ten years!) since I've had to go out groveling for a programming job. It's become very apparent to me that a lot of what I thought I knew about securing a new position is out-dated. I've managed to reach a truce with Linkedin, I'm getting inquiries from it so it must be close. My resume has been reworked to show value instead of tasks. I'm working on my networking by attending local users' groups and reaching out to former colleagues through social media. The one place I'm at a total loss is what is the prevailing way to dress for an interview. I was always taught that a suit & tie is the only way to dress for an interview. Is that still the expected norm? If it isn't, what is the proper way to dress for an interview? I'm open to all suggestions! A little background: I'm in my mid-fifties, though due to good luck and genetics, I look a lot closer to early forties. I have been very careful to hide my age in my resume & on Linkedin so they won't give my age away.

                                        My signature is undergoing re-branding, stay put and wait for it.

                                        J Offline
                                        J Offline
                                        Joe Woodbury
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #32

                                        Right now, business casual is THE thing. Basically, nice pants and an open collar, button-up shirt and nice shoes. As for age, I just finished doing lots of interviews and found that nobody cared about my age (50). If anything it gave a slight edge since the hiring companies wanted truly senior engineers. (I do think it helped that, at least where I live, there is a bubble of sorts of engineers around my age, plus or minus ten years. I probably represent the average age of my current group.)

                                        1 Reply Last reply
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                                        • O omahabull

                                          It's been a long time (over ten years!) since I've had to go out groveling for a programming job. It's become very apparent to me that a lot of what I thought I knew about securing a new position is out-dated. I've managed to reach a truce with Linkedin, I'm getting inquiries from it so it must be close. My resume has been reworked to show value instead of tasks. I'm working on my networking by attending local users' groups and reaching out to former colleagues through social media. The one place I'm at a total loss is what is the prevailing way to dress for an interview. I was always taught that a suit & tie is the only way to dress for an interview. Is that still the expected norm? If it isn't, what is the proper way to dress for an interview? I'm open to all suggestions! A little background: I'm in my mid-fifties, though due to good luck and genetics, I look a lot closer to early forties. I have been very careful to hide my age in my resume & on Linkedin so they won't give my age away.

                                          My signature is undergoing re-branding, stay put and wait for it.

                                          W Offline
                                          W Offline
                                          wizardzz
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #33

                                          Sometimes I'll do dress shirt + blazer with a pair of nice pants. Not exactly a suit, but dressy. not me: [^] [^]

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