BCG first round interview(s)

Hi,

First of all, good luck with your interviews, exciting stage to be at. I’ve interviewed quite a bit in SEA as a BCG Principal,so I’m familiar with how things typically work there ;-)

Usually the first round consists of two interviews, but its not a strict rule. If they didn’t mention a second interview as part of Round 1, it’s quite possible that what you had was the full first round.

In terms of timing decisions are often made quite quickly. However, for more specialized roles (e.g. with specific industry or functional expertise)  it can take a bit longer, sometimes up to a couple of weeks, as they may be coordinating across multiple candidates to fill a limited number of targeted roles. This is a bit different from generalist hiring

If you pass the first round, you will  move on to a second round with most likely two interviews with MDs or Senior MDs from your practice area.

If you want to discuss further (e.g., how second rounds differ or how to prepare), feel free to DM me

Best of luck!
Franco

Hi there,

It doesn't matter.

You're trying to have control by understanding... but, you will not know until they tell you.

The classic process is 2 rounds with 2 interviews each, all of which consist of fit and case. So yes, you should expect a 2nd interview as part of Round 1.

You need to perform well in both. You SHOULD prepare for the next round. Always. Worst case: you're preparing for other interviews.

In terms of timing... be prepared for it to take anywhere from a few days to a whole month. Should it take that long? Nope! Can it? Absolutely. So please stop worrying and focus on things you can control.

Worth reading in the meantime:

Most Common Pitfalls in Case Interview Preparation

How to Shift Your Mindset to Ace the Case

And for a deeper dive on the full recruiting journey, my course covers it end to end: 360 Degree Consulting Course

Fingers crossed!

BCG typically has two interviews per round, not one. So you likely have a second first round interview coming, usually with another Principal or a Partner. Some offices combine them on the same day, others space them out.

For SEA specifically, expect to hear back within one to two weeks after both interviews are done. If you have only completed one so far, the recruiter will likely reach out shortly to schedule the second.

If you have not heard anything after a week, a short follow-up to the recruiting team is completely fine.

It's completely normal to feel a bit in the dark after a first-round interview, especially for experienced hire roles where the process can be a little less standardized. What often gets called "Round 1" at firms like BCG isn't always just one single interview; it can involve multiple conversations with different individuals, sometimes even across various levels.

For experienced hires, the firm might want to assess fit with several potential teams or get different perspectives from a Principal or Project Leader, and sometimes even a Partner, before moving you to the final rounds. This means you could have another "first-round" interview, or you might proceed straight to a final round, depending on how their internal calibration went. In terms of hearing back, the general expectation is usually within a week. However, this can fluctuate based on interviewer schedules, internal alignment, and holiday periods common in the SEA region.

My advice is to not overthink it right now. Take a breath, reflect on your performance, and be ready to move forward. If you don't hear anything by the end of next week, it's reasonable to follow up with your recruiter. Hope that gives you some clarity.

hey there :)

for Boston Consulting Group experienced hire roles it’s quite common that “round 1” includes two interviews, often with Principal or Partner level, so if you only had one so far there’s a good chance a second one is coming rather than already moving to final round; timelines are usually pretty fast, you often hear back within a few days up to a week, and if it takes a bit longer it’s typically internal alignment not a bad signal, so I’d stay relaxed and wait for the next step

best,
Alessa :)

Typically, they have 2 interviews in the first round, then 2 in the second round. 

Also, typically, the first round interviewers are more junior. 

The focus changes between the rounds. The cases are similar, but the interviewers care more about the 'soft' skills. Basically, they want to imagine how you'd behave in front of a client. And that then forms a core part of their decision. 

If you're looking to get a full assessment of your readiness for the next round, reach out. 

Best,
Cristian