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oatman13

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 14, 2013
233
72
I have an onsite interview with Apple in Cupertino as a Software Engineer coming up and I'm a little perplexed as to what I should wear. At every other company I've interviewed for I've dressed in a suit and tie and that seemed to always work out. However for Apple, I feel as if it might be best to dress differently. Most of the employees wear jeans and a button up with a belt at Apple. Obviously I want to look better than them, but at the same time I feel like a suit would make me come off as a stiff.
 

keysofanxiety

macrumors G3
Nov 23, 2011
9,539
25,302
Smart/casual IMO. You can wear nice shoes, black trousers and a clean ironed white shirt with no tie. It's a step above jeans and shirt, looks smart, and you won't come across as a stiff.
 
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Butchie-T

macrumors regular
Oct 29, 2014
149
35
Colorado
I have an onsite interview with Apple in Cupertino as a Software Engineer coming up and I'm a little perplexed as to what I should wear. At every other company I've interviewed for I've dressed in a suit and tie and that seemed to always work out. However for Apple, I feel as if it might be best to dress differently. Most of the employees wear jeans and a button up with a belt at Apple. Obviously I want to look better than them, but at the same time I feel like a suit would make me come off as a stiff.

I would go through the process of an interview as you know it. Wear a suit and tie, go through the full gamut. Then figure out what you can do after you get the job. Don't make a faulty assumption based on what you think, wear the suit, get the job and figure it out after you are there.

Good luck on the interview!
 

lowendlinux

macrumors 603
Sep 24, 2014
5,456
6,776
Germany
If your comfortable wearing a suit during an interview do that better to look stiff and ace an interview than be uncomfortable and bomb it.
 

malvicus

macrumors member
Jul 28, 2013
77
2
You can always just ask what would be most appropriate. Ask the recruiter or executive assistant or the person who will interview you.
 

oatman13

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 14, 2013
233
72
Has anyone here actually worked in Cupertino? My buddy who interned there was kind of sarcastic and said: "Apple doesn't care what you wear, as long as you know what you are doing."

I feel like that's kind of biased because people are people no matter where you go. If someone is going to judge my appearance at a law firm, wouldn't they also judge it at Apple? lol
 

IndoX

macrumors 6502
Oct 12, 2011
269
53
Has anyone here actually worked in Cupertino? My buddy who interned there was kind of sarcastic and said: "Apple doesn't care what you wear, as long as you know what you are doing."

I feel like that's kind of biased because people are people no matter where you go. If someone is going to judge my appearance at a law firm, wouldn't they also judge it at Apple? lol
Appearance is a factor but not the end all be all. Remember you need to show the recruiter you care. A good compromise is business casual. Wearing dark grey fitted slacks, any button down with a nice cardigan over it is a good look.

I wouldn't ever recommend a suit (or tie). If you're going to use a jacket, a nice blazer with dark jeans and a belt is a great look as well.


In hindsight when I went to interview at apple I wore a t-shirt, jeans and sneakers. I got the job. But looking back I would've probably dressed up a bit.
 

redman042

macrumors 68040
Jun 13, 2008
3,063
1,657
Black turtleneck and jeans, of course!

Just kidding. Don't actually do that.
 

oatman13

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 14, 2013
233
72
Alright had my interview. Just for future reference for anybody else... You should dress casual but at the same time sharp. I wore nice dark jeans with a button up, tucked in, and I had a good belt. For shoes I wore Sperry's. Apple honestly doesn't care too much about how you dress, they care about what you know and your experience.

I made it to the VP/Director interview and then was escorted out. So I'm not sure if I was hired, but I should know in 3 days since they're going to get together tomorrow and make a decision.
 

malvicus

macrumors member
Jul 28, 2013
77
2
Alright had my interview. Just for future reference for anybody else... You should dress casual but at the same time sharp. I wore nice dark jeans with a button up, tucked in, and I had a good belt. For shoes I wore Sperry's. Apple honestly doesn't care too much about how you dress, they care about what you know and your experience.

I made it to the VP/Director interview and then was escorted out. So I'm not sure if I was hired, but I should know in 3 days since they're going to get together tomorrow and make a decision.
Good luck!!!
 

oatman13

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 14, 2013
233
72
So what happened?
I was told by my H.R. recruiter that my interviews went really well, then 3 days later I was informed that they decided not to make an offer.

My recruiter was confused, so she had me apply for another team. I did 2 more phone screens, the first with the manager, the 2nd was 1hr with two people and it was technical. I was then flown out last week, and so far I've been told everything was positive. I'll be given my final answer tomorrow (Monday). If they give me the green light Monday, I'll have a final interview with the Vice President of Quality Assurance for OS X. If he likes me, then I'm hired.

I'll keep you guys posted up until the point I sign the N.D.A. and have to stop using this account.
 

oatman13

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 14, 2013
233
72
Alright, well an offer was made, and I accepted the offer!
Next steps are completing the background check and from there I'll let you guys know.

As of this moment I haven't signed anything, so I'm not officially hired yet.
 

Flow39

macrumors 68000
Sep 7, 2014
1,784
1,753
The Apple Store
Alright, well an offer was made, and I accepted the offer!
Next steps are completing the background check and from there I'll let you guys know.

As of this moment I haven't signed anything, so I'm not officially hired yet.

If you get the job, tell Tim to simplify the product lines, release bug-free updates, and stick to their core! JK, good luck though, hope you get the job!
 

smacrumon

macrumors 68030
Jan 15, 2016
2,683
4,011
Be yourself. Skinny jeans or regular trousers. Shirt without tie. V-neck jumper or jumper vest. In the end its not really going to be about the clothes that you're wearing it is about how you present yourself, your professionalism, ideas and expertise. Congrats and good luck!
 

IndoX

macrumors 6502
Oct 12, 2011
269
53
He's probably already signed the NDA and can't officially say anything. Congrats! :)
 
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