Bay Area Software Development Job: Interview Attire?

Kristin SF

If you happen to work in software development (NOT sales!), and even better in the Bay Area(!!)....then what would you wear to a job interview?

This particular set of interviews is dangerously casual: "Just come in and meet a few people," says a previous coworker. I'm trying to get more details, but if you've been interviewing recently, what are your thoughts?

Oh - and even trickier - it's a startup. Now what?!?!!?

Can I wear jeans, a button-down shirt, and pumps, for example???

Thanks in advance for your help!

11 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Kristin SF

Greyscale

Veteran

Asking my friends right now! They are all software developers at startups in the bay area.

From second-hand observation, I'd say jeans, nice sweater/blouse, and flats is pretty standard for an informal interview.

11 years ago

Kristin SF

Veteran

Awesome, thanks Greyscale! Can't wait to hear the feedback.

At my last interview, I wore a pantsuit.....I honestly don't think it's required anymore.

Thanks again!

11 years ago

Greyscale

Veteran

Ok, one concrete data point: "Jeans, nice-ish short sleeved shirt, and heels." So I guess either heels or flats is fine. I've seen a lot more heels around the city this year than the past few, anyway. And you could probably go dressier without standing out badly, but definitely don't wear a suit.

11 years ago

Greyscale

Veteran

And more data points!

Amusing in its vagueness: "I tend to wear pants (nice jeans or non-fancy non-unfancy non-jeans), a button up shirt, and ... uh... shoes to interviews."

This and the one in my previous comment were from women in their early-mid 20s.

"I tend to wear button-downs and dressy pants. This is totally overdressed for most startup interviews, but people have said it's fine - I think the very dyed hair makes it hard for me to overdress."

early 30s, purple hair (actually, two of these three people have purple hair)

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ha!!! One of my colleagues in development also has purple hair...

I'd say jeans (but not distressed ones) or casual pants, a button up shirt or a tee with a casual jacket but one that looks effortless, and fun oxfords!

11 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

Thinking out loud (with no interview in sight): Perhaps conservativeness in attire should be balanced against other non-conservative visual aspects such as hair color, hair style, piercings in other than ears, visible tattoos, etc.?

For example, if an applicant looks like she stepped out of Gap/J. Crew/Banana Republic web site or other mainstream look, (natural hair simply styled, no tats, etc.) would she look appropriate? Or should she edge it up a bit and maybe wear booties instead of pumps?

11 years ago

Jen W

Active Member

Is this an informational interview or a formal interview? If it is informational I'd go with jeans, a nice blouse, and well maintained shoes. If you are being interviewed for a position I'd change the jeans to trousers.

11 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Based on the experience of my DH and friends, nice jeans (not ripped or overly worn) and a blouse with nice shoes will be perfect. Start ups in general tend to be more casual than larger companies, but there are exceptions if they are in a particular area, like finance. Also, geography matters: start ups in the city (San Francisco) tend to be dressier / more fashion aware than start ups down in Silicon Valley.

11 years ago

misapb

Active Member

My sweetheart is the CEO of a startup in San Francisco. In response to your question he states "I would expect them to wear a button-down shirt and slacks, but not a suit. Business casual. It is a good idea to contact whoever is is organizing your visit and ask what the appropriate attire would be."

Sadly my sweetheart assumed the interviewee was a male. sigh.

From my observations of this culture, I recommend no jeans even on a 'come in and meet some people' day - in startup world that could mean anyone from the administrative assistant to the CEO to the board of directors.

How about either:
- a dress (+/- leggings since it can be cold here), topper (sweater or suit jacket), flats, minimal jewelry
- modern pants (not trousers but something like BR sloan ankle pant with zipper), shirt, flats and topper.

I do not think heels or a lot of jewelry would fit in well with a startup. Play it safe now, express yourself later! Boots okay. Colorful clothes okay.

11 years ago

Laura

Active Member

I agree with Misapb. I have visited the offices of several software and internet firms there and business casual seems to be the predominant dress code for those who worked in the front office and back office was very laid back with jeans and t-shirt being a common sight.

While the offices i had visited was male dominant, the females there tended to also fit into the business casual mold. For an interview, I would stick to the business casual model.

- cardigan over a nice blouse
- scarf
- slacks in grey or black
- ankle boots

11 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

My only hesitation with the 'no jeans' advice, which in general for job interviews at casual offices I would agree with, is that the job is in software development, not business or sales. There is often a bit of disdain on the part of coders as to how gussied up the sales and biz dev folks are. And if you are a woman developer, already less common, I'm not sure I'd dress up too much, because you want to show that you can hang out with the guys and fit in with the startup culture.

11 years ago

Kristin SF

Veteran

Thanks everyone! Super helpful advice, as expected. I will also ask my friend for his advice. But yeah, I might be leaning towards slacks, silk blouse, and booties. I think I'll be chatting with mostly Product Management folks, so best to appear "customer-ready".

Thanks again!

11 years ago

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