Classic Black Suit?

July 11, 2012 1:56 PM

Yet another dress me for my interview question: Director-level position at a gaming/software company in Orange County, CA. A few snowflake details inside.

I (an almost 40yo man) have bounced back and forth between software-y and corporate jobs my entire career. Several years ago, when interviewing for a director-level job at Gigantic Gaming Co (which I got), I wore a suit and everyone looked at me like I was from the IRS or something. Of course, I always interview in a suit for corporate jobs, but that probably doesn't apply here.

My potential employer has about 200 employees, but they're an equal mix of coders, sales&marketing, finance types, and artists and are located in an office park in Newport Beach.

My fiancee is adamant about wearing a suit. The lady from the recruiting company (who has never set foot in the office) says office casual should be fine. I'm being indecisive. What do you think, internet?

posted by bluejayway to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (15 answers total)

Considering they have a vested interest in you getting the job, I'd go with what the recruiting company is telling you.
posted by griphus at 2:00 PM on July 11, 2012

Colombo it: without revealing your secret identity, call the receptionist and ask.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:04 PM on July 11, 2012

(I've been on interviews where, had I worn a suit, that would've 100% guaranteed not gotten the job because of a perceived culture clash. A suit is usually the right article of clothing for an interview, but when it's wrong, it's dead wrong.)
posted by griphus at 2:05 PM on July 11, 2012

Definitely not a suit. Unless your fiancee works in the industry or at this company, her well meaning advice is simply incorrect.
posted by telegraph at 2:05 PM on July 11, 2012

Director level position in what department? If engineering: jeans and a sharp button down. If some other department, upgrade to slacks. This advice comes from SF, but I imagine would apply down south.
posted by Phredward at 2:08 PM on July 11, 2012

Director level in the PMO, which runs IT and marketing/business projects.
posted by bluejayway at 2:12 PM on July 11, 2012

Perhaps one of those hybrids that pleases no one? Dark, pressed jeans, loafers, a colorful long-sleeved shirt, and a very hip sport coat?
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 2:30 PM on July 11, 2012

Definitely not a suit. I'd follow Phredward's advice. My friends at gaming companies here in the Irvine/Newport Beach area all talk about how awkward it is if someone wears a suit to an interview at their companies.
posted by shesbookish at 3:02 PM on July 11, 2012

Polo shirt and Docker-type pants. Add a blazer/sportcoat if you're feeling underdressed.
posted by rhizome at 3:40 PM on July 11, 2012

Nthing not a suit. I have been made fun of by the interviewer for wearing a suit for similar interviews in the past (LA area).
posted by cacophony at 4:18 PM on July 11, 2012

Wear what you'd wear to a customer's site. I suggest slacks and button down, no jacket.
posted by crazycanuck at 9:17 PM on July 11, 2012

Another possible metric: wear what you'd wear to present at a conference.
posted by crazycanuck at 9:18 PM on July 11, 2012

Just piling on saying no to the suit. I also work at a Gigantic Gaming Co and we almost openly mock anyone in a suit. But we're lowly developer types, so YMMV. But even the really higher ups who come in for the first time are only wearing slacks and button down, no jacket.
posted by cgg at 9:56 PM on July 11, 2012

The recruiter has likely been on site and knows better the expectations. As much as I would like to see suits regain their position as acceptable attire, follow the recruiters advice. Also, (with a few exceptions) a black suit is funeral attire.
posted by dgran at 6:29 AM on July 12, 2012

Thanks, all. The No Suit Contingent carries the day.
posted by bluejayway at 7:45 AM on July 12, 2012