SF interview what to wear?

[Anonymous]

I have an interview with a tech co. based in No. Va. but with a large SF presence. Any advice on what to wear to the SF interview with a couple people on the senior team there?
In my mid 40s. I don't want to look frumpy, but need to look like I'm with it.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

Dress how you would if you were going to the Folsom Street Festival.

[Anonymous]

If you do any googling, can you find any pics from this company's meetings or public presentations? Maybe you could get a sense of senior leadership's style?

My (very D.C.) husband was prepping for a tech interview in Seattle a few years ago, just coincidentally at the same time that my Seattle tech industry brother was out here visiting us. My husband had very proudly gone and bought some casual slacks and a button down shirt to wear to the interview--thinking that he had totally nailed the look, and my brother just laughed hysterically and talked him down to dressy jeans and the button down shirt. Of course, my husband got to the interview and everyone was wearing casual jeans and t-shirts (even the senior leadership).

I have NO IDEA what SF tech culture is like, so I'm not at all suggesting that you go that casual--mostly trying to empathize that it's really hard to anticipate another company and region's culture from afar.

Knowing absolutely nothing about it, I'm wondering if you should go with: dressy jeans, ankle boots, hip t-shirt, and blazer.

[Anonymous]

I live in San Francisco. Dress like you would for a non-corporate interview. Ignore the SF component.

So for example, an interview dress in a solid color and a funky scarf.

I work in a law firm and people come for interviews in suits in muted colors.

[Anonymous]

I'd Google pictures of employees to see what they wear and then I dress a notch or two above them. Since you in your mid-40's, don't try to dress like a 20 something. You will be the adult in the room.

[Anonymous]

Admittedly I left SF over 10 years ago, but I still can't see wearing jeans to an interview. I'd go for "smart business casual". Less than a suit, more than jeans. Dress one level up from their standard dress, which probably is jeans level.

[Anonymous]

NP -- I am also interviewing in SF and I am not wearing jeans to an interview. Better ideas?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP -- I am also interviewing in SF and I am not wearing jeans to an interview. Better ideas?

I live in SF. If you're interviewing in banking or law or accounting, go traditional Northeast suit. If you're interviewing at a tech company you can do black or dark grey (or navy) pants, a sweater, and a scarf or statement necklace.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP -- I am also interviewing in SF and I am not wearing jeans to an interview. Better ideas?

I live in SF. If you're interviewing in banking or law or accounting, go traditional Northeast suit. If you're interviewing at a tech company you can do black or dark grey (or navy) pants, a sweater, and a scarf or statement necklace.

How about for a woman at SF law firm? I was thinking of a statement blouse & clunky necklace with a traditional black pantsuit/pumps.