When you finally show up for your case interview with McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, you don’t want anything to be left to chance. Apart from the skills you display in the case interview and the fit interview, it is all about your appearance and mindset. We cover both in the following article.
What should you wear for a case interview?
In general, the dress code for a consulting interview is business professional. This means wearing a suit or a business professional outfit that is conservative, well-fitting, and in good condition.
For men, this might mean a suit jacket and pants, a dress shirt, and dress shoes. For women, this might mean a skirt or pants suit, a blouse, and dress shoes. It is important to pay attention to details such as grooming and hygiene, as well as the fit and condition of your clothing.
While the dress code for a consulting interview is typically more formal than that of other types of job interviews, it is also important to consider the culture and dress code of the specific consulting firm you are applying to. If you are unsure about the appropriate attire, it is a good idea to do some research on the company or to ask the recruiter or hiring manager for guidance. Some firms and offices include a dress code recommendation in the email invite to the interviews.
What is the best mindset for a case interview?
Preparing your mindset for a case interview is an important step in the application process. I see many candidates prepare for the intricacies of the case interview and the associated hard skills, yet fall apart in front of the interviewer due to nervousness, a lack of confidence, and stress. Here are some tips for getting your mindset in the right place before going through your first live case interview:
- Focus on the positive: Try to focus on the positive aspects of the job and the opportunity to interview, rather than on any negative thoughts or anxieties you might have.
- Practice mindfulness: Take some time to practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help calm your nerves and stay present in the moment.
- Set realistic expectations: It is normal to have some nerves before a job interview, but try not to set unrealistic expectations for yourself. Instead, focus on doing your best and being prepared. Focus on what you can control.
- Be confident: Remember that you were selected for the interview because the consulting firm is interested in your skills and experience. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and try to project confidence during the interview.
- Prepare: The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel. Take the time to research the company and the position, practice cases, and prepare examples of your skills and experience.
By following these tips, you can help prepare your mindset for a successful case interview. Remember to stay positive, stay present, and be confident in yourself and your abilities.
How we can help you break into top-tier consulting
We have specialized in placing people from all walks of life with different backgrounds into top consulting firms both as generalist hires as well as specialized hires and experts. As former McKinsey consultants and interview experts, we help you by
- tailoring your resume and cover letter to meet consulting firms’ highest standards
- showing you how to pass the different online assessments and tests for McKinsey, BCG, and Bain
- showing you how to ace McKinsey interviews and the PEI with our video academy
- coaching you in our 1-on-1 sessions to become an excellent case solver and impress with your fit answers (90% success rate after 5 sessions)
- preparing your math to be bulletproof for every case interview
- helping you structure creative and complex case interviews
- teaching you how to interpret charts and exhibits like a consultant
- providing you with cheat sheets and overviews for 27 industries.
Reach out to us if you have any questions! We are happy to help and offer a tailored program to help you break into consulting.
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