Hey all,
I just got an email invitation to interview with Bain for the ACI position and the dress code for the interview said business casual. I was always under the impression these situations were business professional. Is this a new trend due to changing office cultures and an increase in digital meetings?
Hi there,
You're safe to go business casual here! (suit with no tie).
Make sure to prepare properly for this!
Here's some case reading: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case
And some fit reading: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question
Hey,
Congrats on getting an interview - sure you will smash it.
My advice is to still keep it business professional - you can always dress smart and then tone down (i.e remove jacket, where a sweater etc.) if needed. Most offices don't have mandated dress codes but Bainees usually wear business professional as they can often be called into meeting clients at short notice.
Business professional clothes can also vary by office a lot - on the west coast might be shirt and jeans whilst in London/New York it is always suit. Hence tailor this to your geography.
The advice is to remove any unconscious bias in the interview - interviewers are human and hence can have biases. My advice would be to always project a professional image as you cannot guarantee the age, profile of your interviewer.
Good luck with the interview!
Hello,
Congratulations on your interview! Dress codes vary a lot by geographies - when I worked at McKinsey SF, business casual was essentially the standard dress wear (unless you worked on a client site where business formal was the norm). If the email said business casual, you are definitely ok to go in business casual!
Hi there,
Q: Is this a new trend due to changing office cultures and an increase in digital meetings?
Dress code really depends on the geography. For example, in the US West coast consulting companies tend to be less formal.
If they suggested business casual I would follow the advice. A suit without tie for men (bringing the tie with you just in case) or business casual suit / dress for women should work well.
Good luck!
Francesco
Hi there,
Yes, there is a trend towards more casual. My recommendation would be to have at least a shirt and jacket (and no tie if they said business casual). It always sends a good message if you are slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Best,
Cristian
McKinsey in the US started asking candidates to come in business casual, but eventually stopped and turned it back to formal dress as it was stressing people out so much! You’re not alone….
Wear something smart that you’re comfortable in. So a suit without a tie, or if you’re a woman, a trouser suit or dress with a slightly less fitted jacket. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter as long as you look smart and like you made an effort, and are comfortable.
Good luck!
Business Casual means suit and no tie (for men) - and the equivalent for women.
Yes, offices are becoming a bit less formal. But if nothing was said, one should always assume business professional in an interview.
Congrats! Which office did you hear back from and when are your interview dates?
Hello!
I know what you mean… I would also be super skeptical!
I would go business casual with the ability to upgrade if needed (e.g., for a guy, show up without the tie but have it in the bag that you bring with you, in case you see that it would be better with).
Cheers,
Clara
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