You are what you wear and clothes make the man, so they say. While you got your management consulting interview based on your hard work and credentials, you can’t discount the impact that visual impressions contribute to the overall picture. Your appearance and the attractiveness you wear will send a serious message to your hiring committee. There are a few simple ways to ensure that you will look professional. Just follow some basic rules of what to wear and what not to wear.
Human resources executives at McKinsey and BCG, among others, widely agree that simplicity is key when choosing your interview wardrobe. You should avoid wearing anything flashy or exaggerated. You want to look classy and elegant, which means you need to pay attention to details, like ironing your suit the night before. You don’t want to show up for your management consulting interview looking like you’ve picked up your clothes from the bottom of your laundry basket or a suitcase. This may all seem basic in terms of etiquette in interviews, but according to Boaz’s current employees, they’ve seen it all. Wrinkles, among other small visual details, can leave a lasting and negative impression on the hiring committee’s mind.
Men should name themselves conservatively with a suit and tie. Iron your shirt and steam your suit before the interview. A crease that arises from sitting during the waiting period is fine, as long as the suit has been professionally ironed prior to the interview.
Men’s dress shoes must be clean and dusted or polished. You don’t want to arrive with mud on the sole of your shoe. It will make sure to leave an unpleasant and lasting impression on the secretary who is forced to clean up her mess.
Women must meet similar wardrobe expectations. Wrinkled pantsuits or skirts and low-cut tops are terrible for a job interview. Women should stick to neutral colors and avoid too much jewelry. A simple navy or charcoal blue pantsuit with a flawless white or cream blouse and a silver chain is a nice touch. Likewise, conservative, comfortable but professional-style footwear is favored.
For both men and women, avoid overdressing for your management consulting interview. Underestimating and flying “under the radar” visually is preferable to dressing too much or wearing too little (dressing revealingly). Wearing a European-style suit with a vest and scarf will scream more fashionista than management consultant. Stick with muted colors, like shades of blue, browns, grays, and white. Avoid strong, flashy colors like red, orange, or green. It is important not to go any further when choosing your interview wardrobe. You want to leave a lasting impression and stand out from the rest, but achieving it with your clothes is not the way to go.
It is important to avoid strong smelling perfumes or colognes in the management consulting interview. A Bain consultant reported a story about a woman who showed up for her consulting interview smelling like she just left the perfume factory. The interview committee members had to go out for some fresh air once she left due to the lingering scent. A light spray of deodorant is necessary, but going overboard with perfume is a misstep during the interview.
AT Kearney consultants recommend, as most management consulting teams do, that the key to dressing appropriately for the interview is to keep it simple and comfortable. You don’t want to wear restrictive clothing that cuts off circulation mid-meeting or trip over your own feet because you insisted on wearing four-inch high heels that are practically impractical.
Dress for success and never overdo it. The last thing you want to do during your management consulting interview is worry about a wardrobe malfunction or if your outfit is costing you work. By focusing less on your wardrobe and paying attention to the overall impression you’re making, you can spend more time honing your interviewing and research skills.
Take the path of least resistance when choosing your wardrobe. Think that the business attracts and do not deviate from the plan. Better to be a little underrated than exaggerated.