Are you going to take the McKinsey PST and do you want to make sure you’re not only prepared for the pen & paper test, but ace your overall presentation as well? Good: because it’s not just you analytical skills that are being tested during the Problem Solving Test, but your overall presentation as well.
Follow the advice from HR and/or recruitment
Often, your invitation from McKinsey specifies the dress code required for the occasion. It will often be either (business) casual or business formal: everyday attire or full suit and tie, respecitvely. If you want to make sure, you can always call to check what the dress code is for your McKinsey PST session or follow the rules below:
Only Problem Solving Test
If you’re invited for the McKinsey PST but there is no round planned following the test, you can assume that the attire should be (business) casual. Just wear a suit without tie, or conventional clothes that do not stand out and still look professional. But what to do if you are invited for both the PST and a (case) interview?
McKinsey PST and Case Interview
If a possible case interview round has been planned to directly follow up the McKinsey PST session, be sure to wear business formal attire: suit and tie for men, suit for women. Even if it is not specified, you can assume that business formal is the dress code.
McKinsey PST Dress Code: Final Words
It might not seem important “how you look” when you are going to take a pen-and-paper test, but dressing unprofessionally might disqualify you for further interview rounds. If you’re going to take the McKinsey Problem Solving Test, be sure to check the advice from recruitment or HR. When in doubt: wear formal business attire, because it can never be hold against you. Even if you are overdressed for the occasion, you can always remove your tie.