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

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