Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 448,000 Peers!

Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!

Suggested BCG interview attire (virtual)

BCG BCG Case Interview
New answer on Oct 12, 2023
7 Answers
4.5 k Views
Anonymous A asked on May 14, 2021

Hi, I have a BCG interview on Monday and just received information about my virtual interview from the recruiter. The email says "Suggested Dress: Business Casual". I thought that typically men wear a formal suit, pants, tie, and shirt. Does "Business Casual" mean I can skip the tie? I would prefer to skip the tie because the tie is uncomfortable, especially with the nerves of the interview. But at the same time, I don't want to look "underdressed" relative to other candidates who may be wearing a tie. What do you suggest?

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 14, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

If they are saying Business Casual, you can opt for no tie. Really, in this case, given the flexibility they've given, you can do tie or no tie, depending on what makes you feel more comfortable/confident.

That said, I would probably wear a jacket just to balance out the professionalism.

Good luck!

Was this answer helpful?
Allen
Expert
replied on May 14, 2021
Ex-McK Experienced Hire and EM - I show you how to perform at your best

Business casual means skip the tie. You can wear a real nice shirt, or perhaps a non-formal jacket along with a nice button-down shirt.

You definitely don't need pants.

Best,

Allen

Was this answer helpful?
Anonymous B on May 17, 2021

no pants needed

Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 15, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

You don’t need a tie for business casual. You may still wear one if you want, but it doesn’t need to be the standard formal one for suits (knit tie and no jacket for example would be fine).

If you opt for no tie, I would wear a jacket to still look professional as mentioned by Ian.

Best,

Francesco

Was this answer helpful?
Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 16, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

business casual = no tie but with shirt and also the jacket.

In these ocasions, it´s much better to be overdressed than underdressed tbh.

Cheers,

Clara

Was this answer helpful?
Henning
Expert
replied on May 15, 2021
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate

No tie needed.

Was this answer helpful?
Benjamin
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 12, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

Business casual means no tie is needed. If it is truly uncomfortable, I would just ditch it and not worry about it.

End of the day your actual performance matters infinitely more than a tie.

 

Was this answer helpful?
Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 14, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, I confirm tie is not included in the business casual dress code. A white shirt will be enough, a dark jacket is great in case you want to appear more formal

Best,
Antonello

Was this answer helpful?
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely