BCG: Profile matches, but no current openings – What should I do next?

Hi Nicola,

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

• First of all, I would strongly advise you to apply to other consulting firms in the meantime. This will maximize your chances of receiving at least one offer by the end of your application process.
• Moreover, I would advise you to follow up with the recruiter after a meaningful amount of time if you haven't heard anything by then. This gives them space while also keeping your name on their radar. Keep the message short and polite, just showing you're still very interested.
• Lastly, I would strongly advise you to not read anything into this. Treat this message as a "maybe" rather than a "yes". It’s a positive signal, but not a firm commitment. Until you eventually have the offer, your best move is to stay proactive on multiple fronts.

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 pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best

Hagen

Hi Nicola,

To answer your questions:

• Send them a response ASAP - respond positively, thanking them for the response and asking them about expected timelines.
• Follow up every month, I'd say - recruiting teams work on a monthly basis and they're busy so following up once a month is timely and not annoying at all.
• It really is a sign of future interest - I had a friend contacted 6m after her initial application. Consulting is a bit slow at the moment, so a hiring slowdown or a freeze is not uncommon; these are all external reasons. 

Good luck and congratulate yourself!! Most people would never get an email like this. MBBs are not afraid to reject outright, so if it was a rejection, they would say.

Happy to chat:)

Hey,

Well done - you must have a very strong profile.

I'd suggest continuing to follow up every month or two; it's likely that positions will open and you're well positioned to recruit for them.

If you're not set solely on BCG, this likely means you also have a good chance at McK and Bain, as well as more boutique consultancies. I'd recommend applying to those also.

Best of luck

Hi,

It is likely that they already hired for the role or have many strong profiles to choose from. This has very little to do with you. Additionally, it just is a bit of a stagnant market these days for consultants with limited opportunities. In my opinion - some good next steps to take

1. Set up alerts for new roles so you get to know about them as soon as they are posted (LinkedIn has an easy way to do this)
2. It is fine to follow up with the recruiter, but they are unlikely to really help much unless roles open up. However, doing so keeps you on their radar so that is good. I would do it once every 2-3 months unless you see interesting job posts
3. This reply is neither a sign of future interest or a rejection. Only when there are real roles open and interviews etc happening will it be a rejection.

In my opinion it is a good time to build specific domain knowledge/skills while you wait for the right consulting opportunity. The market is rapidly moving towards specialized skills/knowledge and away from traditional consulting roles.

Best,

Udayan

Hi,

1. Yes, but in active way (see 2)

2. Yes, every month. Be polite and friendly.

3. Real sign of interest, MBB is straightforward regarding rejections.

Keep your eyes open to other opportunities, apply for other companies as it will take the load of one interviewing with one single company.

Best,

Mari

Hi there,

That's good news and it's good that you have this sort of clarity.

Basically, what I'd do is write to the recruiter again in about 3 months for an update. 

In the menatime, scan the market for other firms you might be interested in. Try and have a similar conversation with the recruiters from these ones to validate that they are actively recruiting. 

This way you build a pipeline of opportunities.

You might also find this article useful:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

1. As a generic answer, yes

2. Answer back immediately. Follow up after 2.5 months to make sure you are on their top of mind.

3. It's clearly a sign of future interest.