Job search / interviewing tips specifically for Austin

We all know there are plenty of job search and interviewing tips to be found all over the Internet. How about Austin in particular? Anything job seekers and interviewers in Austin need to know? How about those doing the interviewing? Just edit this page and chime in below.

Interviewees

Tips for those being interviewed:

• Find out what the office 'dress code' is. Do folks wear shorts and t-shirts, jeans and polos, slacks and button downs? Whatever it is, try to dress for the interview just slightly nicer than what most folks wear. Showing up in a suit when everyone else is wearing shorts doesn't seem to help.
• Be on time, but not more than 5-10 minutes early. You don't want to appear desperate.
• Do your research! Learn as much as you possibly can about the company and their culture before you get there. Show your enthusiasm for the projects they are working on.
• Speaking of culture, don't forget how important that is in Austin, it can definitely make or break you. Even the companies that aren't headquartered here are mostly plugged in to the "Austin" way of life... most are laid back, outgoing, and looking for a great personality almost as much at technical skill.

A few months ago, I interviewed at a software company whose dress code was casual, but the person I asked about it encouraged me to dress in business suit anyway. I unfortunately did not get the job, but they expected me to wear a suit. My two cents' worth...

Interviewers

Tips for those interviewing someone else:

• Be respectful of candidate's time. Try to give them an idea of how long you expect an interview to take when you are scheduling it. Try to stick within the time allotment.
• Have your questions thought out ahead of time. Make sure you aren't asking any 'illegal' (or unethical) questions, even as small talk. Leave out 'trick' questions, and keep questions on topic.
• If you work in a building where parking is paid or in an area where parking is a problem to find, let the candidate know about that ahead of time. If possible validate or reimburse for parking -- candidates are already giving you their time and probably spent gas money to be there.