Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!

Anonymous A

on Jul 31, 2018

Global

Dress code for McKinsey interview in the US

Hi all,

I made it to in-person interviews with McKinsey. A few specific questions on my attire for the day of the interview:

1. Suit: What suit colors do you recommend? I understand the standard color is Black, but are there other equally safe options?

2. Shirt: Does it matter if the shirt has cuff links? Color - I am thinking of white or light blue, any thoughts?

3. Tie: Any rules here? Color/pattern/etc.?

4. Shoes and belt: Any preference here on black vs brown?

5. Watch: What are your thoughts on wearing an analog watch (like a Fossil, etc.)?

6. Pocket square: Yes or No, what are the pros/cons of this?

Thanks a lot!!

6.6k

Be the first to answer!

Nobody has responded to this question yet.

Top answer

Deleted

Coach

on Jul 31, 2018

You are definitely over thinking this. Nobody has ever been rejected by McKinsey because of the suit or tie they wore (unless presumably someone went completely off the books) To answer your questions:

1) Any conservative colour will be fine. More important is the fit of the suit - don't wear a suit that is comically big on you, you have to look sharp

2) This does not matter and is just a matter of preference - on the job it's about 50/50 cufflinks vs no cufflinks

3) Any tie (just try make it fit the suit and shirt

4) As any suit-lover will tell you, the answer to this question depends entirely on the suit you wear.

5) Wear a watch if you normally wear a watch. Would probably refrain from wearing anything too flashy (e.g. a gold rolex). Benefit of watch of course is you can monitor time between interviews.

6) Up to you - if you normally wear a pocket square, go ahead, otherwise don't worry about it. I have never worn a pocket square to the office, only to drink events/ office parties.

Don't stress about your clothes, focus on the interviews!!

Vlad

Coach

on Jul 31, 2018

McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

I believe you are going too much into details. There are no standard guidelines or rules here at all. Your look should just be:

Professional (Suit, fresh haircut, clean shoes, etc)
Mature (e.g. no piercing)
Should impress (No cheap and poor looking Zara suits)
Should help you to project confidence - make sure that you feel comfortable in a suit. If not - practice solving cases in a suit.

Best,