Is there really such a thing as a Software Engineer dress code? The truth is every company is different. Some are more casual and others are more formal. However, every company will have an expectation of how you present yourself to others…especially customers. Learn the unspoken rules by researching the company culture and observing people who work there. And then, if you are keen to move up the ladder, dress at least two levels above your role.
What is the best dress code for a software engineer?
The best dress code for any software developer is one that meets or exceeds the expectations of his co-workers and customers.
Look around you and figure out what everyone else is doing.
Over the years, I have found the best approach is to dress up during interviews…and then I observe how the interviewers are dressed for clues. If I’m unable to gain any hints from the interview then I’ll wear similar clothes to my first day of work.
On my first day, I’ll carefully observe how my co-workers and management dress. Over the course of the week, I will align with what I observer…while always preferring to dress classy.
Some places I’ve worked have casual Fridays where more casual attire is permitted. To be safe, I usually don’t participate in the first casual Friday…or at least participate very conservatively…until I’ve had a chance to gauge the clothing culture.
Or…
If you can find someone in leadership that you trust, feel free to have an open conversation about what is expected…but then be sure to exceed expectations.
Sometimes what you wear will depend on if you interact with customers. At one place I worked, because it was possible that customers could visit the office, I was required to have a full suit available every day just in case a customer arrived. We were permitted to dress casually all day as long as we changed if a client was going to visit.
Dress Two Levels Above
Here’s the thing…
If you’re interested in climbing the ladder…position or payment wise, you should be aiming for where you want to be rather than where you are now.
Sure, if you’re happy where you are now…go ahead and ignore this advice… it’s up to you if you want to leave money on the table.
But if you’re serious about reaching the pinnacle of your career, then dress like those you aspire to be like.
It will set you apart…
Which gets you noticed.
You want to be top of mind…
…not the last resort.
Trust me…this strategy will really help you along the way.
Junior Software Engineer Dress Code
Here’s how to dress for a Jr Developer position:
When you first become a programmer, you have a lot to learn.
My advice would be to keep things simple and focus on what is important.
Copy the dress code of your co-workers and then turn all of your focus on learning how to become an awesome developer.
Here’s what I’ve seen over the years:
Junior Developer Casual Dress Code
- Jeans
- T-shirt
- Sneakers
Junior Developer Formal Dress Code
- Dress pants
- Business shirt (no tie)
- Business shoes
But really, at this stage, the details don’t matter… just copy and look smart!
Senior Software Engineer Dress Code
Here’s how to dress for a Senior Developer position:
When you gain more experience, you need to move away from being just another code monkey.
You’ve spent a number of years focusing on and perfecting your craft.
You have opinions…backed by experience…
…and your judgements can make or break the software you are helping to create.
Now you need to up your game and make yourself stand out.
Clothing is just one part of your strategy for standing doing just that.
Don’t believe me?
Think of a judge.
If y ou were in a courtroom awaiting sentencing by a judge…
How confident would you be in the judge’s ability to do his job if he entered into the courtroom in skinny jeans and a Metalica t-shirt while sporting a dazzling mohawk?
Sure it’s the same person, with the same competencies and years of experience but…
…something would just seem off to you.
Like it or not, clothing speaks volumes about who you are and what you represent.
As a Senior Developer, there are going to be many times when managers, business people, and customers will be relying on you to guide them.
Don’t let clothing be something that takes away from your aura of expertise and authority.
Yes, the world seems to be getting more casual every year…
but…
That’s no excuse to think that what you wear never matters.
Adapt with the times for sure…but also learn to dress with style so you stand out.
Here’s what I’ve seen over the years:
Senior Developer Casual Dress Code
- Jeans (or better, slacks)
- Polo shirt
- Sneakers (or better, dress shoes)
Senior Developer Formal Dress Code
- Dress pants
- Business shirt (consider tie)
- Business shoes
What should a software engineer wear to an interview?
Dress as best you can. Dress to match the style of the people who will be interviewing you. If in doubt…and research doesn’t yield any clues, dress formally.
Truth is, most people won’t worry too much if you’re dressing too formal.
On the other hand, some people will think twice if you’re dressed too casual.
How should I dress for a code interview?
Honestly? No differently than you would for any other type of interview.
As long as you are able to comfortably write code, you should be fine.
Even if you are dressed very formally, you can still remove clothing like your jacket or tie if you find them overly restrictive.
Do you dress formally or casually for a programming interview?
Prefer to dress formally. It is the safest bet in my view. It shows respect for the people interviewing you and gives you one less thing to worry about during the interview.
A good first impression can go a long way to helping you stand out from the crowd.
Can you overdress for an interview?
Mostly no…but sometimes yes.
Truth is it is easier to quickly dress down than it is to dress up at the last minute.
For example, if you’re dressed in a suit and tie you can easily change to business casual by removing your jacket and tie… But what would you do if you found yourself in a meeting with suits and you’ve come to the table in jeans and a hoodie?
Personally, I prefer to dress as formally as I can. Dress to impress as they say.
However, that isn’t universally valuable advice because I’ve consistently worked for banks, telecommunication, and big government clients where suits are the norm.
With a little research, you’ll easily strike the right balance for whatever culture you’re trying to fit into.
No matter how you dress, own it and be confident in who you are.
