BCG interview "Internal discussion", long should I wait? What are the chances? What can I do?

Hi,

The explanation from HR suggests that the delay is driven by internal hiring considerations. It could mean that the office is assessing whether it has the capacity and business need to hire additional Associates. It could also mean that they are comparing several candidates before deciding who should progress. Unfortunately, there is no way to estimate your chances from the delay itself.

From your side, I would suggest:
--> Follow up politely every 10–14 days, unless HR has given you a specific date by which to expect an update.
--> Reconfirm your continued interest
--> If your referrer knows the recruiting team well, you could ask them to make one internal inquiry.
--> Continue interviewing elsewhere and do not put other opportunities on hold.
--> Keep practising in case BCG invites you to an additional round with limited notice.

Best,
Franco

Hi there,

Here's what's happening. You are stressed/anxious and therefore trying to get some control of the situation.

You can't.

Your fate is in their hands and there is nothing you can do at this point.

You are still being considered, but nobody outside BCG can tell you your chances of a fourth round or an offer. The delay could be due to leadership alignment, hiring capacity, projects, other candidates, or any number of internal factors. Knowing which one would not change what you should do.

HR has told you it may take another month, so wait for that timeline before following up again. When you do, just ask when she thinks would be a good time to touch base again.

What can you do? Stop worrying! Focus on things you can control! Keep networking with and applying to other firms, and keep case prepping in case another round does happen.

If you need help keeping the wider search moving, my Applications course includes the full application strategy, including referrals, networking, and an application tracker with 40+ firm options.

Fingers crossed for you!

Hi,

Until the definitive answer is given that they are failing you / rejecting you, I would still think that there is a chance. 

Unfortunately what really goes on in this and the real cause of the delay is not something that anyone is privy to.

It is indeed a frustrating situation, and I talk about this and more in my article:
Haven't Heard Back After Your Interview? Here's What To Do!

On the bright side, this shows that your profile is interesting to MBB, and therefore you can always consider the other 2 firms as well. 

All the best!

Oh, I'm sorry to hear about this. 

These things do happen sometimes, especially when recruitment is done outside of 'regular' windows like a cohort recruitment process. Most likely that particular office is trying to figure out if they have the necessary capacity or need to take somebody like you on at the moment, and whether it would be the right decision. 

From how you explain it, there's not much that you can specifically do. I would instead invest my energy into generating opportunities with other firms. 

Best,
Cristian 

Hi Vanshika:)

I wouldn’t interpret “internal discussions” as a rejection. It sounds like BCG is still aligning on headcount, staffing and seniority, which can genuinely delay decisions, especially at this stage. Reaching the MDP round is also a positive signal.

Unfortunately, there’s no reliable way to estimate your chances of a fourth round or offer from the delay alone. I’d continue following up periodically, but otherwise there isn’t much you need to do. If you have a strong relationship with your referrer, you could also ask them whether they can get any informal update.

I know the waiting is frustrating, but I would definitely not assume it’s over yet.

Best, Alessa 

Hi Vanshika,

First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process with BCG thus far!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

• First of all, unfortunately, no one can quantify your chances of proceeding in the application process, and there is nothing you can do at this point. It is brutal, and also understandable that you try to gain control over the situation, but you really cannot.
• Moreover, I would strongly advise you to to keep interviewing with other consulting firms in parallel, so that you have options and less pressure while waiting.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen