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Hi PrepLounge, I've just flown into City X for my McK final round interviews, checked into the hotel, unpacked.... and realised I've forgotten my tie.

It's now 12am so all shops are closed, interview is at 10am tomorrow, called hotel reception and they can't help. Does anyone have a good suggestion? How bad is it to show up to the Partner interview without a tie?

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Top answer
Sidi
Coach
edited on May 14, 2018
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 400+ candidates secure MBB offers

Out of the box thought - go to the hotel lobby very early tomorrow morning and just ask someone if you could borrow or buy his tie. Be open about the situation, and I'm sure you will find someone kind enough. Alternatively, ask the concierge (not the reception). Good luck!  ;)

Cheers, Sidi

Anonymous B
on May 14, 2018

Hey mate, I've gone to a couple interviews in suit but without a tie - hasn't seemed to be a problem so I wouldn't worry about it, just relax and work the case 

3
Vlad
Coach
on May 14, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi, 

I believe you can by one before 10 am in most of the cities. But it's better to have no tie, than being in a rush before the interview

Best!

Anonymous A
on May 14, 2018

Situation update: Hotel has offered me a bow tie. 

Do I show up looking like James Bond, or should I just go without tie / bow tie - currently leaning towards the latter.

1
Deleted
Coach
on May 15, 2018
Definitely don't show up with the Bowtie. check if there are any shops near the McK office or hotel and go early tomorrow to get a tie, if it is not super inconvenient
on May 19, 2018
If you are in the US, not wearing a tie into the interview is not a big deal. Relax and crush the interview rather than wasting time to find tie at the last minute
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