Bain online interview - Should you wear a tie?

It also depends on the region where your interview is taking place. In Germany, wearing ties has become less common, while in the Middle East, it's still considered more standard.

Warm regards, Frederic

Hi there,

Honestly, interviewers don't really care. They're people like me, who have a 1,000,000 other things to worry about…

By the way, Bain certainly likes to portray themselves as “laid back”, but no consulting firm actually is (and certainly no MBB). That being said, I haven't seen a single tie during 3ys at McKinsey as far as consultants go.

The only times I saw ties was on the candidates' side during interviews I conducted for the firm. Once remote interviews became the norm, they became less common and that's OK.

Bottom line, I see it as optional. Consultants generally don't wear ties and by not wearing one, you look like a consultant. That being said, you can only gain something by wearing one, never lose.

The choice is yours. Do what feels more comfortable/natural.

Best of luck!

Moritz

Hi,

I highly second what Moritz mentioned. As an interviewer you are also at least a manager, and managers really have a thousand things on their plate. In fact when candidates cancelled last minute on me, that was a great thing as it meant a block of time time got freed up for me :)

Personally for me, unless the dresscode is explicitly defined, I would still wear a tie as I want to put on my best front all the time.

All the best!

Hi there,

It's genuinely optional. Do what makes you feel most comfortable/confident.

Here's some more reading on Dos and Donts!

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/dos-and-donts-in-a-case-interview

Hi there,

Q: I’m thinking that just wearing a suit but no tie might be a better fit. What do you think?

Unless they indicated a different dress code, if you are not sure I would recommend wearing a tie. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed and you have nothing to lose by wearing a tie. 

Best,

Francesco

Hi,

I believe candidates and employees are held to different standards regarding certain things. 

Even if the firm you are applying to portrays itself as laid-back with nobody wearing a tie in their profile picture, I would still wear one during an interview, just to be on the safe side.

Good luck!

Nick

Hi there,

Despite this depends on regions, firms and offices, from my experience I see this more as optional. 

I suggest you ask your recruiting contact and if they confirm it is optional, do whatever makes you feel more comfortable.

Best,

Alberto

—

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Hi there!

If in doubt, always dress more formal rather than less formal. 

So wear a tie. 

You'd rather not be in the situation where the interviewer has a tie and you don't. The opposite is not as bad. 

Here's also a guide on how to lead the chit chat during the interviewer - this will help in terms of how you position yourself against the interviewer:

• Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals

Best,
Cristian

———————————————

Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies