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Tech Interview Dress Code: Dos and Don'ts

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I've written before about wearing a kilt to an interview, which was such an accidentally great icebreaker that it swung me the job. What you should wear to a tech interview depends on the company culture and role, but general guidelines apply. "It's not just about looking professional," says Mia Hsu, senior UX designer at Google. "Your outfit should reflect your personality while respecting the company's values."

Avoid overly casual clothing like gym wear or flip-flops, but don't feel pressured to wear a full suit if it's not standard for the company. Research the dress code beforehand and when in doubt, err on the side of being slightly more dressed up. The key is finding a balance between confidence and authenticity.

"I once had a candidate walk in wearing a bright yellow blazer," recalls Sarah Chen, hiring manager at Microsoft. "It made them memorable, but I'd recommend saving bold choices for later rounds or when you know the culture appreciates individuality."