Dress code for McKinsey interview in the US

Question

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!!

Answer 1

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!!

Answer 2

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,

Answer 3

Hallo, in Deutschland wurde er laut HR in den meisten Büros abgeschafft und wenn, dann wird ein Test nur für bestim... (read entire answer)

Hallo, in Deutschland wurde er laut HR in den meisten Büros abgeschafft und wenn, dann wird ein Test nur für bestimmte Practices verwendet. Die Aussage war von September '15.

Answer 4

Neil, I was an experienced hire as well, so can definitely relate. The hardest part for your will likely be to get... (read entire answer)

Neil, I was an experienced hire as well, so can definitely relate. The hardest part for your will likely be to get an interview. McK is probably most open, assuming you have a... (read entire answer)

Answer 5

Let me take a crack at this (in English) since no-one has addressed this. Top consultancies typically want the best... (read entire answer)

Let me take a crack at this (in English) since no-one has addressed this. Top consultancies typically want the best people regardless of their background. Yes, some roles are... (read entire answer)