What to wear for an interview?

Question

HI,

I am not from a busines background ( PhD in life science), and I have an interview with bain in the amsterdam office.

However, I have no idea what I'm supposed to wear....

I see 3 options:

1-Suit and tie (dark blue suit with a blue/red tie): very formal, maybe too much

2-Suit without tie: not a big fan of this option, it looks half-finished in my opinino

3- the suit's vest, a tie, and a different pair of trousers. (ex: the guy on the top right picture on that link https://fr.pinterest.com/pin/456904324671771386/). I personnaly like it, but it might be too casual.

What do you think? I'd like too hear fro expert, but also from candidates that allready did some interviews.

cheers

Answer 1

Go for the suit & tie for every interview expect maybe high tech / startup environment. You can't be overdressed on the big day!

Good luck w/ Bain!

Answer 2

Thanks, guennael.

Since we talking about it, what's the dress code for a consultant. Is it suit and tie everyday? only in big client meeting?

best

Answer 3

Definitely suit, tie depends on client company´s dress code. Office Friday is casual day

Answer 4

Actually.... if in the US probably, you would probably never wear a tie unless perhaps your clients were in finance. Once I got my BCG offer, the next time I wore a suit was when I interviewed for my next job. Even meetings with the senior clients are usually done wearing business casual.

This may be different in other countries (I used to wear a 3 piece suit in Germany in my pre-consulting days after all).

Hope this helps,

Guennael -

Ex-BCG Dallas

Answer 5

Business formals. Can't go wrong with a suit + tie. 3-piece not needed / too over the top. For women: pantsuits / pencil skirts. Darker shades preferred.

Answer 6

Thanks guys!