BCG Amsterdam Language Requirement

Question

Hello,

I sent an email with my CV to a BCG partner in Norway. A week later I got contacted by a recruiter in Amsterdam planning a call. I anticipate this to be for an Associate or a Senior Associate role. I have two questions:

1) How would my CV have traveled from Norway to Amsterdam. What's their logic?

2) I don't speak Dutch. As far as I know, this is a requirement for the office. Could this have been overlooked by them? What's going on? This is making me have doubts about what the purpose of the interview is.

Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

Hi there,

First, this is a great outcome! You should be happy they'll willing to talk to your further!

Now, this likely happened as you're dealing with the Nordics (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Netherlands)...they're generally fairly integrated and well connected.

Moreover, speaking Dutch is generally not required in Netherlands offices, while speaking Norweigan is generally required in the Norway offices. So, again, this could explain some things.

Now, all this conjecture aside, just ask them! First, express interest in the role as well as a flexible/adaptable mindset, but lightly inquire as to what they're thinking role-wise.

Answer 2

Hello there!

I think it's a good idea to ask them directly.
Don't hesitate to reach out to them to get answers, there's nothing wrong with it.

Hope it helps.
GB

Answer 3

Hello!

Congrats on that interview, in any case :)

My thoughts:

HR is a global function so I am not that surprised
This is somethig you should be upfront about and ask them about. I am not familiar with that market, but I am sure there are people there who only speak English

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 4

Hi there,

McK and BCG indeed normally require Dutch for the Amsterdam office (that’s not always required at Bain instead). Possibly, they really liked your profile and made an exception. It seems strange that HR overlooked such an evident point.

I would prepare well the call with HR with the traditional fit questions, you can then clarify that point during the call.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 5

Hi,

Fully agree with Gaurav - the best approach will be asking them directly

Best