Interviewing Tip #2 – Attire

While I can’t say precisely what to wear for the specific company and job you are interviewing for, I can give a solid rule of thumb.  Assess the dress attire standard you would follow once in the job and take it up a notch for the interview.  In other words, if you would dress business casual for the job (let’s say Dockers and a button-up collar shirt for guys), then wear at least slacks, a dress shirt and sport coat for the interview – and don’t hesitate to add a tie.  If you would wear jeans and a pullover collar shirt for the job, then at least dress business casual for the interview.  I also recommend mostly ignoring the advice of any existing employees at the company.  They might tell you, “Don’t worry about dressing up for the interview because we’re pretty laid back here.”  Instead, just take it up at least one notch to come across as professional and serious.

See the rest of my series on Interviewing Tips here.   I also have a related series for Resume Writing and one for Job Hunting.

Author: Gordon Daugherty

Over the past 15 years Gordon has seen nearly 1,000 startup pitches, advised more than 200 entrepreneurs and been involved with raising over $45M in growth and venture capital. Throughout his 28 year career in high tech, serving twice as President and three times as CMO, Gordon has both an IPO and a $200M acquisition exit under his belt. Now his emphasis is purely focused on helping startups and early stage tech companies. Through his Shockwave Innovations advisory practice and as Managing Director for Austin’s Capital Factory startup accelerator, Gordon is an active angel investor, VC and startup advisor. View all posts by Gordon Daugherty