TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
I don't like the "conform-or-else" insinuation. If you were qualified for
the position, but lost it because you were "over-dressed" for the interview
they probably did you a favor by not hiring you. It sounds like they were
looking at the wrong things. It would have been easier to tell you that you
would be required to dress-down a bit if they hired you instead of
dismissing you because you "wouldn't fit it" based on your interview attire.
I have seen under-qualified people get hired for positions just because they
didn't conform to the prevailing "grunge" culture. They weren't afraid to
put their best foot forward and the people hiring took a chance because they
felt that they would have the character to learn on the job. I would always
err on the side of overdressed instead of taking a chance on underdressing.
Rick
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+rick=rickquatro -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+rick=rickquatro -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf
Of Clay King
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2015 1:04 PM
To: TECHWR-L Writing
Subject: Re: Inland Empire interview attire
My career counselor in college (circa 2007) said that the "you can never
over-dress" rule was over. Most companies these days would take an
over-dressed person as not fitting their culture. She made the case that in
the world of the Internet, it is too easy to get a basic idea for a
companies' culture and if you over-dress (or under-dress) it is an
indication that you hadn't done your homework on the company.
I have always interviewed in business casual attire (collared shirt,
dockers, and polished shoes) and haven't felt under-dressed, but I did lose
a position for being over-dressed. The team I interviewed with were all
wearing jeans and T-shirts and I was told they thought I wouldn't fit in
because I "dressed up" for the interview.
Cheers,
Clay
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Learn more about Adobe Technical Communication Suite (2015 Release) | http://bit.ly/1FR7zNW
