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McKinsey Interview

Hello, 

The question is weird, but do I have to wear a tie in the interview like does it look more professional or would have any slight .5% value added? 

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Top answer
Ian
Coach
on Dec 03, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

The short answer is why wouldn't you? It's always better to be 1 level over dressed than underdressed. It can only help, not hurt.

If you don't have a tie slash can't get one, it won't be a dealbreaker, but I would personally always wear a tie and not even think about it.

Udayan
Coach
on Dec 03, 2021
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

Follow the guidelines - if it says formal wear a tie, if not then there is no real need to. Can it impact how people perceive you? Maybe no one can really tell how people will react to your tie, but if you are relying on your tie to improve your chances of getting in then that is not an optimal strategy.

Florian
Coach
on Dec 04, 2021
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

Better play it safe and wear a tie. 

Depends a lot on the office though. I had a couple of candidates where the interviewers said they should take it off to feel more comfortable since they are at home in front of Zoom anyway. :-)

All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

on Dec 04, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Definitely wear a tie unless they specifically clarified a different dress code. As Ian said, better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Best,

Francesco

Pedro
Coach
on Dec 04, 2021
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

If they didn't state the specific attire for the interview (e.g. business casual, etc.), then you should wear a tie.

You always overdress a bit. When I meet a client the first time, I wear a tie. When I go for a job interview, I wear a tie. After that, I'll dress as they do dress, or just slightly more formal.

This shows not only professionalism but also good judgement / good client relationship skills. And yes, you'll look a bit older / more mature, and that is also helpful. People (used to) wear ties for a reason.

Hagen
Coach
edited on Dec 04, 2021
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on being invited by McKinsey!

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

  • Generally speaking, I would advise you not to risk standing out because of your attire since this normally is always negative.
  • As such, in case you are not provided any information, I would advise you to wear a tie since it seldomly comes off negative to be slightly overdressed.
  • In case you want to be on the safe side, though, I would advise you to call the recruiter and ask about the dress code (especially given you do not need to wear a tie anymore with most consulting companies).

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best preprare your upcoming McKinsey interviews, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

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