SF Startup Interview Forum

[Anonymous User]

I am interviewing for an in-house position with an SF start-up that has a typical laid back/casual vibe. Any suggestions on what to wear to the interview (I'm a guy!)? I am thinking that the usual uniform (dark suit + tie) may be overkill. Let me know what is the move here...

[PB&J.D.]

I am interviewing for an in-house position with an SF start-up that has a typical laid back/casual vibe. Any suggestions on what to wear to the interview (I'm a guy!)? I am thinking that the usual uniform (dark suit + tie) may be overkill. Let me know what is the move here...

Dark jeans and a button-up; maybe a sweater if you like. Don't wear a suit.

[oblig.lawl.ref]

I am interviewing for an in-house position with an SF start-up that has a typical laid back/casual vibe. Any suggestions on what to wear to the interview (I'm a guy!)? I am thinking that the usual uniform (dark suit + tie) may be overkill. Let me know what is the move here...

Definitely don't wear a suit. I generally wear something like jeans, a tucked in button up and jacket/blazer for similar roles but the blazer sometimes draws comments.

[Anonymous User]

I am interviewing for an in-house position with an SF start-up that has a typical laid back/casual vibe. Any suggestions on what to wear to the interview (I'm a guy!)? I am thinking that the usual uniform (dark suit + tie) may be overkill. Let me know what is the move here...

Definitely don't wear a suit. I generally wear something like jeans, a tucked in button up and jacket/blazer for similar roles but the blazer sometimes draws comments.

Thank you both. Will go blazer to be on the safer side!

[Raiden]

I am interviewing for an in-house position with an SF start-up that has a typical laid back/casual vibe. Any suggestions on what to wear to the interview (I'm a guy!)? I am thinking that the usual uniform (dark suit + tie) may be overkill. Let me know what is the move here...

Definitely don't wear a suit. I generally wear something like jeans, a tucked in button up and jacket/blazer for similar roles but the blazer sometimes draws comments.

I always feel like I look like farmer when I tuck my dress shirt into my jeans.

[Anonymous User]

Working inhouse at laid back/casual tech startup. Wore suit to the interview, now I wear jeans or even shorts and a t-shirt everyday. But I wore a suit to the interview, as do most people here who interview here for upper executive/legal/non-tech roles (just for the interview, after its free for all). I would wear a suit, but thats just me.

[johndhi]

I work at a SF startup and have interviewed with many. General understanding is not a suit and certainly not a tie. It doesn't really matter that much in the end, just be yourself and think thoughtfully about the questions -- but you might get made fun of for wearing a suit. Don't wear a sweatshirt, either, though. Just follow that rule that you should dress as formal as the very most formal person you're going to meet -- i.e., try to just be more formal than whatever is normal in the office.

I'll do: jeans and casual blazer (like made out of non-wool material), or jeans and nice buttondown, or jeans and dress shirt with a cardigan.