Dressing For The MBA Interview

You’ve just received an invitation to interview for your top MBA program. You’ve researched and prepared your talking points, polished your resume, and studied your notes. The last thing you need to do? Figure out what you’ll wear.

Fortuna Admissions recently discussed how applicants should dress for the MBA interview.

“Being mindful about appearance ties into your broader strategy, and success is directly linked with your situational awareness and professional presence,” according to Fortuna. “Remember that your audience, from admissions committee interviewers to alumni, wants to see that you’re astute and discerning about how you present yourself in a professional context.”

On-Campus Interviews

When it comes to on-campus interviews, business formal is the way to go.

“For men, this means a suit AND tie,” according to Fortuna. “For women, it can be a pantsuit, a skirt suit, or my personal favorite, the dress-and-jacket combination.”

Experts say attempting to “stick out” with your attire is a poor strategy.

“You don’t want to be remembered for the clothes you wear. If that sounds ironic, it’s not,” according to MBA Crystal Ball. “Remember, dressing appropriately is not only a comment on yourself; it’s a comment on how you regard the person/s seated across the table. It’s a subtle way of saying that you respect them as well as the reason that brought you there.”

Video Interviews

Video interviews call for the same attire. Somewhat.

“For an on-camera interview, the guidelines for attire are nearly identical, though no one will be the wiser if fuzzy slippers are warming your feet,” according to Fortuna.

As always, it’s important to know how you’re being seen via video.

“Do a simulation prior to the interview, sitting in a way that you have good posture and can maintain eye contact, are able to be heard at a consistent volume and that the room is appropriately lit so the assessor can see your face,” according to Fortuna.

Sources: Fortuna Admissions, MBA Cystal Ball