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Being interviewed by someone in ordinary street clothes is fine.
Being interviewed by someone by a surfer in sandals would have me raise an eyebrow, unless I was going for a job in a surf shop, or this place was right on the beach in Florida. You get my drift.
I once dressed up for an interview, only to meet with several people wearing shorts and T-shirts. I think they concluded I wasn't a good fit.
I despise the fabric jewelry that until recently passed as the symbol of male professionalism. I determined I would not want to work for a company that considered such a silly accessory evidence of being qualified. But at one time, after a protracted job search, I gave up my principles and started wearing a tie. I got two job offers.
Don't show up in a suit to be interviewed by surfers in sandals. Don't underdress if there's a chance that someone influential still thinks the clothes make the man.
tims
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+timothy -dot- slager=dematic -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+timothy -dot- slager=dematic -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Cardimon, Craig
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2015 11:35 AM
To: 'salt -dot- morton -at- gmail -dot- com'; 'techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com'
Subject: [RMX:NL] RE: Inland Empire interview attire
I always wear a suit because I want to make an excellent first impression.
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-g -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-g -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Chris Morton
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2015 11:22 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Re: Inland Empire interview attire
> Its not a crime to be overdressed, but showing up in a suit and tie at
> a company where even the upper managers don't dress that way on a day
> to day basis may make you seem a little out of place.
>
I disagree with Lynne. If not a suit, at least a sport coat and tie informs me (as the interviewer) that you're wanting to put your best foot forward.
At the GV company I mentioned, daily attire was jeans and a T-shirt. But I still expected candidates to show up wearing their best.
It's not unheard of, for example, for technical writers to be a part of a trade show contingent. And I've been in positions, as a technical writer, where I also delivered seminars to hundreds of IT pros over the course of one day (and on multiple occasions).
On yet another occasion, I ran a bi-annual software users conference. That upper management had faith in my ability to rep the company in this way, in addition to being their sole technical writer, is what got me the job.
The person who can switch-hit like this has it over other candidates.
> Chris
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Learn more about Adobe Technical Communication Suite (2015 Release) | http://bit.ly/1FR7zNW
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Information contained in this e-mail transmission is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or email reply.
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Learn more about Adobe Technical Communication Suite (2015 Release) | http://bit.ly/1FR7zNW
