What is the dress code for an interview ?

1stround Bain BCG Case Interview dress code Interview MBB
Recent activity on Jan 25, 2018
17 Answers
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John asked on Jan 18, 2018
Looking for regular practice partner j17_m@hotmail.com

Hello,

What is the best dress code for a case interview ? Some firms pride themselves in not requiring suits (unless meeting a client) but should a candidate go in a dress shirt/chinos or full suit with a tie?

What about grooming ? Is a trimmed beard ok ? Traditional clean shave ?

I assume that in the MEA the big firms are a bit more lenient on the matter.

Thanks.

(edited)

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Originally answered question:

Attire for final round interview

Xavier replied on Oct 12, 2017

You always dress in a suit for an interview. Casual Friday are for employees only !

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Anonymous on Dec 06, 2017

Well said mate!

Retired
Expert
replied on Jan 18, 2018
Former BCG interviewer

For males full suite and tie, even if consultancy prides itself of being more relaxed. Always dress to impress in interviews. Groomed beard is ok.

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John on Jan 18, 2018

Thank you Andrea. I get to keep a light beard !

(edited)

Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 20, 2018
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi John,

I agree with the previous comments, suit (blue, gray) + tie for man and pantsuits or suit with a matching skirt for women with dark colours are always the best dress code in consulting interview. As more tips:

  • Limit the amount of jewellery to watch and wedding band
  • Avoid cologne (interviewer may be allergic)
  • Standard shirts (white, French blue are always safe bets)
  • Ordinary pen, bags, shoes, and other gadgets
  • Standard haircut
  • For men: Standard tie (no cute symbols)
  • For women: Avoid excessive make up/fingernails

I would personally avoid beard – some interviewers/firms are ok with that, but why risk?

Best,

Francesco

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Jan 18, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Totally agree with the previous. Your look should be:

  1. Professional (Suit, fresh haircut, clean shoes, etc)
  2. Mature (e.g. no piercing)
  3. Should impress (No cheap and poor looking Zara suits)
  4. Should help you to project confidence - make sure that you feel comfortable in a suit. If not - practice solving cases in a suit.

Best,

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John on Jan 18, 2018

Thank you. It's time to get a new suit !

(edited)

Monika on Jan 19, 2018

Hi Vlad, how about dress code for women? Is a smart black dress + jacket ok or is a shirt/suit necessary?

Originally answered question:

What to wear to a BCG 1st Round Case Interview?

Anonymous replied on May 14, 2018

I wouldn't over think it - wear a suit and tie, and don't over do it. As long as you don't stand out for being badly dressed, you will be fine - no one has ever passed a consulting interview because they wore the best suit.

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Originally answered question:

What to wear to a BCG 1st Round Case Interview?

Anonymous E replied on May 14, 2018

Hi, I just had an MBB interview and progressed to final round.

Here is what I wore. I was very happy with my choice of attire. Aim to impress and stand out with your case and fit quality rather than your attire - I would avoid the red tie. I feel that if you put in the effort to look great, you'll have more confidence and perform well. Body language is a huge indicator for interviewers and as such; dress code and the way your present is important.

  • Navy Suit.
  • Brown suit shoes / Brown belt - (Black shoes and navy does not match if you're fussy) Polish the shoes enough so that you can see your nervous face in the reflection (Only kidding!)
  • Light blue shirt / Plain spotted navy/white tie
  • Discrete watch
  • Plain socks

Don't dress too flashy - no cufflinks, Gucci or Rolex type accessories. Don't wear a tie clip either.

Good luck!

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Originally answered question:

What to wear for an interview?

Guennael
Expert
replied on Sep 25, 2016
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews

Go for the suit & tie for every interview expect maybe high tech / startup environment. You can't be overdressed on the big day!

Good luck w/ Bain!

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Originally answered question:

Attire for final round interview

Ray replied on Oct 12, 2017

Hi,

I'd go for a suit but not include other accessories (e.g. pocket square, tie, cufflinks etc.).

You want to be on the safe side but what you don't want is to visually overwhelm your interviewer, who is dressed smart casual.

Best of luck!

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1
Originally answered question:

What to wear to a BCG 1st Round Case Interview?

Anonymous replied on May 31, 2018

Yes 100% must wear a suit. Keep it convserative and simple. Blue and red are great colors.

Good luck!

Josh

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Originally answered question:

What to wear to a BCG 1st Round Case Interview?

Anonymous replied on May 13, 2018

That sounds perfect - best of luck!

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Originally answered question:

Attire for final round interview

Anonymous replied on Oct 31, 2017

You definitely want to go the suit route. However, make sure to be on the conservative side and avoid things like pocket squares and cuff links. You don’t want to come across to flashy as you can turn interviewers off. Don’t be surprised if most of your interviewers are dressed business casual. Consultants dress business casual in the office almost always, but this also varies by office, with some European offices being more business formal.

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Originally answered question:

Attire for final round interview

Odeh replied on Oct 17, 2017

Dress the way you would meet a client and represent your employer. Period!

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Originally answered question:

What to wear for an interview?

Anonymous A replied on Sep 27, 2016

Thanks guys!

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Originally answered question:

What to wear for an interview?

Anonymous replied on Sep 27, 2016

Business formals. Can't go wrong with a suit + tie. 3-piece not needed / too over the top. For women: pantsuits / pencil skirts. Darker shades preferred.

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Originally answered question:

What to wear for an interview?

Anonymous D replied on Sep 26, 2016

Definitely suit, tie depends on client company´s dress code. Office Friday is casual day

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