[Buddhabrot_fan]

Hi, Andy.. interviewing for a mobile technician role at a successful Silicon Valley startup. All founders are from this area - I’ll bet ties are a universe away from this culture, packed behind glass that says ”break in case of emergency,” with a little hammer to do so, and maybe hidden away in a 50-year time capsule so we can laugh at perhaps the most ridiculous and useless piece of attire whose impracticality eclipses any good reason for even having them. They go out of style, they get into everything from soup to door jambs, are never comfortable and always out of adjustment. I showed up in one in 1995 for my new inside sales role. When the top dog saw me, he actually laughed, so I told him I was going out for an interview. I found myself at SunMicrosystems working for a contractor there. The regular employees wire tie-dyed and cutoffs with Sandler, and hated seeing the throng of us “visitors” wearing ties and dress shoes. A definite culture-clash. These days, no one here in SV wears a monkey suit without regretting it, and dress ties are detestable except for food servers, theater attendants and limo drivers.
If Silicon Valley startup culture is anything, it’s fast-moving no-nonsense practicality. I can already feel their eyes having hands that are removing the non-essentials (eyesores).
I’m interviewing for a mechanic’s role and really want to fit in. I want to feel natural, not overstated and want to give them the visual impression of me fitting well into the role. I want them to see me as naturally native, of having essential qualities inherent in their company.
I intend to go with new work boots so they don’t have to ask if I have steel-toes. I’m thinking brand new Carharts with suspenders (classy, yet more practical than belts no, not both), over button-down shirt-sleeves so they can see my physical health.
I think I’ve talked myself through this, but I should ask your thoughts.

Opinions?

 

[Charles Dana]

Hi, Andy.. interviewing for a mobile technician role at a successful Silicon Valley startup. All founders are from this area - I’ll bet ties are a universe away from this culture, packed behind glass that says ”break in case of emergency,” with a little hammer to do so, and maybe hidden away in a 50-year time capsule so we can laugh at perhaps the most ridiculous and useless piece of attire whose impracticality eclipses any good reason for even having them. They go out of style, they get into everything from soup to door jambs, are never comfortable and always out of adjustment. I showed up in one in 1995 for my new inside sales role. When the top dog saw me, he actually laughed, so I told him I was going out for an interview. I found myself at SunMicrosystems working for a contractor there. The regular employees wire tie-dyed and cutoffs with Sandler, and hated seeing the throng of us “visitors” wearing ties and dress shoes. A definite culture-clash. These days, no one here in SV wears a monkey suit without regretting it, and dress ties are detestable except for food servers, theater attendants and limo drivers.
If Silicon Valley startup culture is anything, it’s fast-moving no-nonsense practicality. I can already feel their eyes having hands that are removing the non-essentials (eyesores).
I’m interviewing for a mechanic’s role and really want to fit in. I want to feel natural, not overstated and want to give them the visual impression of me fitting well into the role. I want them to see me as naturally native, of having essential qualities inherent in their company.
I intend to go with new work boots so they don’t have to ask if I have steel-toes. I’m thinking brand new Carharts with suspenders (classy, yet more practical than belts no, not both), over button-down shirt-sleeves so they can see my physical health.
I think I’ve talked myself through this, but I should ask your thoughts.

Opinions?

Suspenders, as practical as they are, might be a bit much for the interview. It should be fine to dress casually, but the interviewer might regard the suspenders as an eccentricity. Wear them after you get the job.

Good luck!

 

[fishertw]

Somebody's leg is getting pulled.
(just sayin!)

 

[Charles Dana]

Somebody's leg is getting pulled.
(just sayin!)

Could be. I have such a blind spot when it comes to trolls.

 

[triklops55]

Dress like the other employees: wear tied dye and cutoffs, with workboots. And wear those suspenders proudly. I live in Silicon Valley, and though I don't work in high tech, a guy in that outfit is the one I'd want to hire.
But seriously, I don't know exactly a mobile technician does, but if it's a blue collar job crawling on floors, under desks and working with machinery, a button up work shirt and Dickies, with work boots is what you should wear. And do yourself a favor and wear a belt. I'd never hire a guy who doesn't wear a belt, or who has suspenders showing.

 

[Flanderian]

Channeling the voice of Beerbohm:

Definitely wear the Carharts and suspenders, but make it shorts -

And of course work boots, but be sure you leave them untied.

A grimy T-shirt, stubble, uncombed hair and perplexed expression should largely complete your ensemble.

But if you want to be extra special, throw in a one-eared elephant!

 

[challer]

As the founder and CEO of numerous startups in various locations around the country, shorts are out unless the founder is less than 30. Denim and a polo shirt or button down, shoes of choice (no lights or sparkles please)