You Are What You Wear: How To Dress For Management Consulting Interviews

You have fine tuned your resume, brushed up on your interviewing skills and now you are ready to present yourself for your management consulting interview. Or you think you are ready. But first, you need to consider what you plan to wear to your big interview. Your attire is an important component of the interview, and it seems everyone has an opinion on what you should and should not wear.

According to human resources executives at McKinsey and BCG, it is important to keep things simple. You should avoid wearing anything flashy or over the top. You want to look smart and put together, which means you need to pay attention to the details, such as pressing your suit the night before. You don't want to show up for your management consulting interview looking like you gathered your clothing from the bottom of the laundry hamper or a suitcase. All of this may seem basic in terms of interviewing etiquette, but according to current employees at Booz, they have seen it all. Wrinkles, among other little visual details, may leave a lasting - and negative - impression in the minds of the hiring committee.

For men attending a management consulting interview, it is proper to wear a conservative suit and tie. Press your shirt and steam your suit before the interview. Don't worry about things like creases and wrinkles that come from normal wear and use, such as, sitting during the course of your interview; simply make sure that suit you wear is professionally cleaned and ironed before the interview, so that you do not show up appearing disheveled from the get-go.

Dress shoes for men should be clean and dusted off or polished. You don't want to arrive with mud on the bottoms of your shoe. You will be sure to leave an unpleasant and lasting impression on the secretary who is forced to clean up your mess.

Women should comply with similar wardrobe expectations. Wrinkled pantsuits or skirts and low-cut blouses 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 crisp white or cream blouse and silver chain is a nice touch. Likewise, conservative, comfortable but businesslike footwear is favored.

For men and women both, avoid overdressing for your management consulting interview. A classic understatement is better than overdoing when it comes to attire. Wearing a European style suit with vest and handkerchief will scream fashionista rather than management consultant. Stick with muted colors, such as blue tones, browns, grays and white. Avoid loud and flashy colors, such as red, orange or green. Dressing on the conservative side is a better choice than overdressing or wearing something that could be seen as provocative. You want to make a lasting impression and stand out from the pack, but achieving it with your clothing is not the way to go.

It is important to avoid strong scented perfume or cologne at your management consulting interview. A Bain consultant reported a story about a woman who showed up for her consulting interview smelling as if she just left the perfume factory. Members of the interviewing committee actually had to step outside for fresh air once she left because of the lingering aroma. You want to be inoffensive with regard to personal scent; a light deodorant is necessary; perfume is a definite no-no.

AT Kearney consultants recommend, as most management consulting teams do, that the key to dressing appropriately for your interview is to keep it simple and comfortable. You don't want to wear restrictive clothing that cuts off the circulation mid-meeting or trip over your own feet because you insisted on wearing impractically high four-inch high heels.

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 whether your outfit is costing you the job. By focusing less on the wardrobe, and paying attention to the overall impression you are making, you will be able to spend more time honing your interviewing skills and researching the company.

Don't go for overkill in your wardrobe, and look for classic and simple selections. Think business attire, and don't deviate from the plan. It is better to be a little understated than over the top.

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