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> Some places out here, the suit and
> tie shtick would definitely work against you. As usual, the only correct
> answer is: it depends.
>
It's also a status thing. The higher up the position, the more likely you need
to be formally dressed. Business casual is usually adequate for a programming
or tech-writing job, but if you're applying for a manager or director position,
you're more likely to need a suit.
As an aside, because the trend for the last three or four decades has been to
greater and greater casualness, exactly what to wear to an interview is
probably one of the greatest areas of uncertainty for job hunters.
My philosophy is that I can compensate for being over-dressed more easily than
being under dressed. If I arrive at a company and notice that I am over-
dressed, I usually make a joke about it and take off my jacket, or maybe even
my tie. That's usually enough for the casual places.
--
Bruce Byfield bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com 604-421.7177