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!
Back to overview

Application photo: better w/ or w/o tie?

Hi guys,

for consulting internships and entry-level position applications: Should the application photo better be still with a tie? Or are times changing and its totally cool to have an application photo without tie? (in Germany and Western Europe if relevant to answer this question)

At least on websites I see more and more photos of partners without tie.

7
11.0k
123
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Ian
Coach
on Jun 21, 2019
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Either is fine - just look professional.

Deleted
Coach
on Jun 21, 2019
I will get you an offer|McKinsey Senior EM|Offers from MBB|100+ interviews at McKinsey|Recruiting Lead|Experienced hire

Without tie is fine

on Jun 21, 2019

As you mention Germany: Definitely include a photo, that is the standard there. I know a few people in hiring positions in Germany, and that is the one thing they all agree on. I would also recommend wearing a tie, as the work culture is still pretty formal. A partner can get away with not wearing one, but he's in a very different position than you are. I would argue that wearing a tie is never going to be perceived as negative, whereas not wearing one can be.

1
Vlad
Coach
on Jun 21, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

You don't need to have a photo in your resume. Pls, don't waste your time and concentrate on the preparation process.

Best

Deniz
Coach
on Jun 21, 2019
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 600+ Trainees | 900K+ YouTube Views

I would agree with Vlad, consulting companies are not looking for photos on CVs, keep it plain and simple. 

Best,

Deniz

Deleted user
on Sep 07, 2020

Hi A,

It is the last thing you should worry about. If you look tidy and professional, that's quite enough. Better concentrate on preparations for the real thing.

Best,

Andre 

0
Raj
Coach
on Apr 30, 2021
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK

A photo really shouldn't be necessary and could even breach some disclosures

Similar Questions
Consulting
Can I apply for internships in consulting even after graduation?
on Jul 29, 2024
Global
7
4.6k
Top answer by
Pedro
Coach
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session
116
7 Answers
4.6k Views
+4
Consulting
BCG Application status
on Nov 26, 2024
Global
5
3.9k
Top answer by
Achal
Coach
How to Break Into MBB 101: Mastering the Interview (Ex-McKinsey EM with 5+ years of consulting interviewing experience)
132
5 Answers
3.9k Views
+2
Consulting
Applying to Mck after Edad rejection
on Apr 24, 2025
Global
5
300+
Top answer by
Daniel
Coach
Ex-McKinsey, Bain & Kearney | 5+ yrs consulting, coaching & interviewing | 95%+ candidate success
10
5 Answers
300+ Views
+2
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.