Live data from Hacker News

Never Be a Programmer in a Suit

thecodist.com

1–10 of 15 posts

Re: Never Be a Programmer in a Suit

#6
I don't quite get the point of this article... If you like wearing suits, then go for it. A suit makes you no worse and no better as far as strictly technical skills go. Almost any employer has a fairly liberal attitude towards programmer attire. No one expects programmers to look like they just walked out of a NASA control center during a moon landing.

However, a suit (or the lack of one) can affect how people think of you. Its always good to be aware of your choices and how they affect other's perceptions.

One other comment, as far as the suit thing goes, It can look very different, depending on what look you are trying to go for.Do you look like a famous actor between movies? A rockstar? A Houston oil mogul? English professor? Southern gentleman? Mafia hit man?

Personally, I like suits and some formal elements mixed in with casual stuff, too. But I'm also an artist, with blue eyes and long blonde hair and can pull off a movie star look. T-shirts and crappy jeans are ok, too, but I got tired of looking like a college student. Personally, I like looking good. And, to be totally honest, I get a lot of compliments and I like the additional attention from women.

Also, sometimes it's appropriate to go for sameness. Suits are goid at formal events. Weddings and funerals, for example.

Re: Never Be a Programmer in a Suit

#7
If someone (regardless of their avocation) wears their clothes well, I treat them with more respect than someone who looks like they have a sink full of dishes at home. It's an indicator that a person has their act together. Not at all foolproof but important when first impressions matter. BTW, the "suit" in SV is just a polo or a logo shirt and Bonobos.

Re: Never Be a Programmer in a Suit

#8
Uniform helps most of people, there is something magical behind it. It puts your mind in to productive state. Just a branded t-shirt for audio guy will make him behave and feel more professional.

Re: Never Be a Programmer in a Suit

#10
I don't like being forced to wear formal attire every day, but this guy has stronger feelings about it than I do.

You can be a good programmer in or out of a suit. I just did a Google image search for Vint Cerf, and didn't find any pictures of him in anything other than a suit.

Post reply on HN