Attire for Job interviews and work

[jwg]

Several of my friends have been anticipating job interviews and wondering what to wear.

Many years ago (late 70's / early '80s) when I looked like this (a picture at work) I was a manager (software development on the Multics project at Honeywell in our Cambridge office) and interviewed lots of applicants.

One person came in and when he saw me (problably in t-shirt and jeans) he told me he had just shaved off his beard and cut his long hair.

Another person (who I already knew because he worked for a customer) wore a suit. He said I hope you won't hold it against me because I wore a suit.

I hired them both.

At one point we were going to have a formal project review with a bunch of senior people from the company. The Program Manager was very concerned about how I would dress. I told her I would wear turkish robes and a turban (which I had just worn at a Halloween party). The next day was the review and I came to work wearing a suit and tie. Just about no-one there had ever seen me wear such clothes.

When our office was closed and my team moved to local headquarters in Billerica - continuing to dress informally. They decided to insitute casual friday. Some of my team wondered if they would had to dress up for casual friday. And I remember some of the managers wondering about what they should wear and said they went out to buy new clothes.

Comments

[persis.livejournal.com]

Spencer says he thinks this might be earlier; as he remembers you as having a much neater beard when he first knew you, roughly 1978. His earlier dealings with Honeywell Multics were with Paul Green.

[rsc.livejournal.com]

Yeah, John cut his hair in '77, I think. This is what he looked like when I started working there in '72.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I've always believed in dressing up for an interview - suit, dress shirt, tie... If an office has a casual dress policy, usually the interviewer lets me know. But, I do believe they appreciate the effort I've made. Honestly, I feel more confident when I know I look good. My body type looks better when partly covered by a jacket.

In my last job in Minnesota, dress was extremely casual. By the end of 6 months, I was wearing t-shirts, shorts and tennis shoes to the office. When I met with my HOA boards, I still dressed up. I was told on several occasions that they appreciated it. Of course, now working with my nephew, there is no dress code. I wear shorts or sweat pants, tee shirts and tennis shoes. Is it silly of me to miss having the occasion to dress up? I have terrific ties:)

It's my understanding the office in Minnesota has changed the dress code to a more formal one. They were getting complaints from clients, though the community managers and community assistants had little to no contact at the office with their HOA boards.

[come-to-think.livejournal.com]

"Is it silly of me to miss having the occasion to dress up?"

Every year or so, I go to an event at which a suit is suitable. It makes me feel grown up. At my age (78), I find that consoling.

[meowmensteen]

I have a casual every day type of career. If I could grow a beard, I'm sure I would.