[jon.kiparsky]

KYA, on 23 September 2012 - 12:10 AM, said:

I'm all about meaningful stress.

So you're in favor of strict stress codes?

[KYA]

jon.kiparsky, on 22 September 2012 - 11:25 PM, said:

KYA, on 23 September 2012 - 12:10 AM, said:

I'm all about meaningful stress.

So you're in favor of strict stress codes?

Yes, I like to stress that viewpoint.

[Nikitin]

Depends on the company. I never wore anything other than shorts and flip flops to my interviews. But if you're unsure, might as well bring a suit and a tie. Can't be overdressed for these things.

[carnivroar]

No suit but this is what I got

Black pants
Grey blazer
White shirt
Maroon tie
Okay shoes

I think I look very good. I'm confident. I even decided to shave my beard. Will post a picture after the interview.

[elgose]

For IBM, It depends what kind of group you're trying to join.

If it's client facing in any way, I'd definitely go in a suit and tie (if you ever have to meet customers, you'll probably have to wear this anyway). This goes for sales (they're big into appearances), consulting, solution centers, centers of excellency/competency, etc. If talking to clients or business partners is in the job description, be sure you actually look good, too. Ask a sister/mom/girlfriend/whomever you know that has a good eye for fashion.

If you don't own a suit, well, you should get one. Even if it isn't needed for this interview. It's part of crossing that bridge into being a 'real' adult (in general you want at least a navy suit and a black suit). And be sure you know what you are wearing; I've been asked what kind of knot my tie was in (I prefer half windsor) - I think they were testing me to make sure I actually dressed myself.

For anything else, like hardware or software group, a suit would be preferable but wear at least slacks, button up, and a tie.

If you don't know what kind of group you'll be working with, then definitely recon. I don't know how research people dress, for instance, so I'd probably try to spot a few of them walking in/out of the building.

And good luck in your interview!

[carnivroar]

Being a weight lifter means I balloon up and down on a monthly basis. That's why I have never invested in a suit.

I'm meeting with researchers, by the way.

[Curtis Rutland]

It might be worth buying a suit jacket. The first thing I did when I got laid off was buy two suits. One for the interview, a different one for a callback interview. If you're overdressed a little, it won't matter, and will likely be a plus. If you were interviewing for a position that you can wear shorts and a t-shirt, then skip the suit, maybe go jeans and a collared shirt. But if you don't know, you have to think that a suit is more likely to help than hurt you.

[no2pencil]

KYA, on 23 September 2012 - 12:51 AM, said:

Suit and tie always, unless you are specifically told otherwise. How is this even a discussion?

This.

[DarenR]

I always wear a suit. If you dont have one use dress shirt, tie, dress pants, dress shoes.

tuck the shirt in
cargo pants are not dress pants

best bet is to ask the hr what you should wear -- they will generally tell you.

[AnalyticLunatic]

A lot of great advice has already been posted in this thread. I simply want to contribute to be sure your belt matches your shoes in color. Failing to do so can throw your entire image off and leave you looking like a fool with your pants on the ground.

Past that, Good Luck and let us know how it goes!

[Utael]

Simple rules I follow since I don't own a suit.

Dress solid color shirt (button up with oxford collar)
Black or Dark Navy dress slacks (If its got a belt wear one)
Black Dress Shoes (Matching Belt)
Combed Hair (NO HATS!!!)

Shirt tucked in to pants but not to undergarments.
Belt tight enough to keep it on your hips (again your hips are not at the start of your butt its slightly above and the pants should rest there).
Tie your shoes (NO DOUBLE KNOTS)
Standard tie (NO CLIP ON, and definitely no bow tie. this is an interview not a dance.)

[jon.kiparsky]

Utael, on 24 September 2012 - 11:37 AM, said:

Shirt tucked in to pants but not to undergarments.

I like that you have to clarify this point.

[Utael]

It was clarified because I had one prospect come in with it tucked into his boxers, needless to say I found he liked superman a lot. (He also wasn't hired)


One question I've always had was about cuff links. With a suit coat or always?

This post has been edited by Utael: 24 September 2012 - 09:43 AM

[AnalyticLunatic]

Utael, on 24 September 2012 - 09:41 AM, said:

It was clarified because I had one prospect come in with it tucked into his boxers, needless to say I found he liked superman a lot. (He also wasn't hired)


One question I've always had was about cuff links. With a suit coat or always?

In my area, typically you don't see cuff links unless with the full suit and coat. I would be interested in hearing other peoples demographics on this topic though.

[modi123_1]

I've never had a set of cuff links, but I wouldn't mind a set of moll cufflinks so people can call me Meyer Wolfsheim! Ha.