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What would people suggest as proper attire for an in-house tech interview in the Bay area? Sounds like a suit and tie is a no-go from what I've heard.

Ask the recruiting contact at the company. When I interviewed with a tech company I was told to wear a suit, which was surprising (and everyone was casual).

Agree on asking HR. I had to do the same recently, I just kinda joked about it "so I figure it's pretty casual there, would it be totally weird if I wore a suit to the interview?" she chuckled and confirmed it'd be weird. Went with more casual slacks and a sweater (this was back in March)

Definitely ask your recruiting contact. But in the event you aren't able to get an answer in time, I'd default to business formal. I feel like it's much less risky to go in overdressed than underdressed. There are plenty of casual dress code companies that still expect interviewees to wear business formal.

Tailored suit. No tie. Pocket square. Alternatively, tailored khakis, with nice button down untucked, and Allbirds, Adidas, or similar. If you're confident, no socks.

Personally, I'd keep the jacket and ditch the tie. That's as informal as I'd go in an interview. You can always pull the jacket off if it becomes clear that you're overdressed.

Legal usually dresses more formally than the company as a whole. However, don't be surprised if you're interviewed by a bunch of people in polos and jeans (or t-shirts and cargo shorts for some companies).

OP here - Thanks all! Talked to the recruiting coordinator and she said business casual, so am planning on suit slacks, button-up shirt, no tie or jacket. Maybe a nicer sweater if the weather allows for it.

totesTheGoat wrote:Legal usually dresses more formally than the company as a whole.

This is true. While some disparity may be useful to convey some level of competence/formality people would expect from an attorney, I think it is something of a barrier to connecting with people outside the legal department, especially the technical employees.

run26.2 wrote: I think it is something of a barrier to connecting with people outside the legal department, especially the technical employees.

We're not particularly formal in my legal department. My daily attire is jeans and a polo. T-shirts aren't out of the question, and I've broached the topic of shorts once or twice. Still, I feel overdressed when I travel to visit my engineers. Collared shirts are a rarity in those ranks. Shorts are everywhere. It's like a college campus.

I did a lot of these and really felt most comfortable with a tucked in button up shirt, semi-formal footwear (if not leather shoes at least not sneakers), belt, no tie and a jacket. Pants were either khakis or more likely colored jeans (i.e. khaki jeans, black jeans, gray jeans, etc.; something that looks work appropriate) or dark wash jeans on the more casual side. If you want to be even more on the casual side some clean new sneakers. But I would typically err on the more formal side of the pants and shoes mentioned above.

I would wear a jacket and tuck in the shirt though.