What to wear for MBA interview?

Originally Posted by Metlin

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Unless you can pull them off.

I've a friend who wore khaki pants, button-down shirt and a navy blazer with loafers to a top tier b-school interview and got in.

When asked, he said that he's not in it for the image -- and that (obviously) impressed the interviewers enough to disregard his attire.

Nice. Sometimes it doesn't hurt to stand out from the pack.

Originally Posted by tqd1

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Nice. Sometimes it doesn't hurt to stand out from the pack.

Just usually.

Originally Posted by Metlin

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When asked, he said that he's not in it for the image -- and that (obviously) impressed the interviewers enough to disregard his attire.

To say this (truthfully), and still look good, is the best of both worlds.

Originally Posted by tqd1

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Nice. Sometimes it doesn't hurt to stand out from the pack.

And, for b-school, that sometimes translates into having come from an alternative background. One might assume that having come from a top-tier i-bank or management consulting firm - and dressing like it - might both impress and guarantee a positive impression, but the fact of the matter is, there is probably an over-supply of that.

There are plenty of applicants that have excelled in different fields such as working in non-profit orgs, top research centers, amateur sport where success is not defined by how well one dresses. For them, "dressing up" very well might mean khaki trousers and throwing on the only blazer they own. (I know this is primarily a fashion forum, but it's true)

The most important thing to do is dress to also put yourself at ease. It does no good if you start second-guessing the fit of your suit (which is why I'd rule out suit #1) while trying to make a good impression.

Originally Posted by blackjack

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And, for b-school, that sometimes translates into having come from an alternative background. One might assume that having come from a top-tier i-bank or management consulting firm - and dressing like it - might both impress and guarantee a positive impression, but the fact of the matter is, there is probably an over-supply of that. There are plenty of applicants that have excelled in different fields such as working in non-profit orgs, top research centers, amateur sport where success is not defined by how well one dresses. For them, "dressing up" very well might mean khaki trousers and throwing on the only blazer they own. (I know this is primarily a fashion forum, but it's true)
don't disagree with you at all. but the interviewer will get that impression from your resume, not from your clothes. there are always exceptions (or people so talented that an interviewer decides to overlook certain things), but more often than not, i think showing up underdressed shows a B-school that you don't do your homework or you don't "get it". and there's nothing that makes B-school management more skittish than a student who could potentially embarrass them in the future...

I had an interveiw once, and the receptionist said "I like your shoes, you're the only candidate we have had that has shine to their shoes".

But did I get the job?

Originally Posted by jobro

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I had an interveiw once, and the receptionist said "I like your shoes, you're the only candidate we have had that has shine to their shoes".

But did I get the job?
Probably not, since I presume the receptionist wasn't conducting the interview


/U.

Last quote was the best quote, dark suit with white shirt for the MBA interview, if you're hoping the academics remember your clothes (they won't) the bigger question is whether or not you're truly ready for B-School

Originally Posted by Chim12

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Last quote was the best quote, dark suit with white shirt for the MBA interview, if you're hoping the academics remember your clothes (they won't) the bigger question is whether or not you're truly ready for B-School

Aren't most interviews with alumni or administrators (not academics)?

Bland is best. I've even seen people sneer at candidates for wearing French cuffs...

That said, polished shoes and a crisply ironed plain shirt can only help.

Originally Posted by Oligarch

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Aren't most interviews with alumni or administrators (not academics)?

Bland is best. I've even seen people sneer at candidates for wearing French cuffs...

That said, polished shoes and a crisply ironed plain shirt can only help.

I have also seen people sneer at candidates for wearing french cuffs, and it is very rare to see them in the "interview rooms". Additionally, wearing stuff that is obviously a brand like Hermes or Ferragamo gives off an overly flashy "look at me" impression. That's fine if everyone in your office wears that stuff... but most people don't wear them in a B-School setting from what I've seen because they're trying to impress recruiters with how hard they're going to work and how they need to pay down their loans... not how well off they are.

Originally Posted by tqd1

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So... did you get in?

I'm going for the same league of schools this year and this is my likely ensemble:

Suit: Solid Navy Hickey Freeman 2-button or Charcoal Pinstripe Oxxford 2-button

Shirt: Solid white, bespoke, 2 button cuff

Tie: Light blue Brioni

Shoe: Allen Edmonds Park Avenue

I don't have a huge stock of stuff, but I'm fortunate to have a few quality items. I'll buy a lot more once I get the acceptance letters.

Excellent, except the tie.

Wear a darker tie, with a subtle pattern. Those brioni satin ties are a bit much for an interview.

A burgundy based pattern will work for both.

Originally Posted by HRoi

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don't disagree with you at all. but the interviewer will get that impression from your resume, not from your clothes. there are always exceptions (or people so talented that an interviewer decides to overlook certain things), but more often than not, i think showing up underdressed shows a B-school that you don't do your homework or you don't "get it". and there's nothing that makes B-school management more skittish than a student who could potentially embarrass them in the future...
I honestly think that everything comes into play in how you present yourself, you're mannerisms, your clothing, you're resume and how you present yourself are all very important. That being said, dont over do it, they're expecting a student, they're not expecting a CEO. I shy away from a good majority of the advice given on this board about interviews because they over do it, you'll look too perfect, same with all the blogs about interview attire. I like to look good with a few things in mind, i like to wear a button down collar shirt, I'll wear brown shoes. I never wear a pocket square to an interview anymore (i love squares, but I changed my evil ways about wearing them to interviews). Never french cuffs, Always a repp stripe, and i also wear a tie bar. Its key to look like this is nothing new to you, and that you arent going out of your way to handpick every little nitty gritty detail, but instead working on getting yourself ready to present solidly that you'll fit the mold and that you've a lifetime of experience in working hard. Put together a nice resume', its says alot about you, and will obviously be one of the main talking points, make sure that you have all of your materials in order for a presentation.

Great advice. This is the tie I had in mind (Brioni). Let me know if you still think it's too flashy.

Also, is a bright red tie too flashy/out of the picture? I generally wear red ties to interviews, but like you mentioned, it sometimes gives off the impression that "this is your only suit and tie combo". I'll look into maroons.



And, yes. I totally agree with you. Although these are top schools, I am interviewing to be a STUDENT. I will either be interviewing with university administrators or successful alumni. You want to avoid coming off as high and mighty as much as possible to both of these groups of people -- I want to come off as someone who still has a lot to learn, but has the basic etiquette down and won't be a misfit.

Originally Posted by tqd1

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Great advice. This is the tie I had in mind (Brioni). Let me know if you still think it's too flashy. Also, is a bright red tie too flashy/out of the picture? I generally wear red ties to interviews, but like you mentioned, it sometimes gives off the impression that "this is your only suit and tie combo". I'll look into maroons.

And, yes. I totally agree with you. Although these are top schools, I am interviewing to be a STUDENT. I will either be interviewing with university administrators or successful alumni. You want to avoid coming off as high and mighty as much as possible to both of these groups of people -- I want to come off as someone who still has a lot to learn, but has the basic etiquette down and won't be a misfit.
I have a red blue and silver repp stripe that I like specifically for interviews. It's subtle, nice to look and forgettable. Exactly what you want for an interview. Don't wear that Brioni for an interview.

- B