BCG traning session - Expected attire / Preparation?

Question

I've been invited by HR to a BCG training session to explain how case interviews work. They say it's independent from the selection process, but I assume nothing is really independent from the selection process.

What is the expected attire? Should I wear a suit and tie? How should I properly prepare for this?

How much attention should I draw to myself? Are candidates expected to introduce themselves? Should I prepare a question to ask at the end?

Answer 1

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the invitation from BCG!

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

First of all, I believe you are overthinking the upcoming training session. As mentioned by the recruiter, since it is not assessed in any way, I would highly advise you to act the way you would in any other situation, including attire.
Moreover, these training sessions are really just meant to inform candidates about how - in a very general way - case studies look like and can be solved. While it might be informative here and there, please do not expect to receive any information you should not already know by now.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hi there,

I ran some of those sessions and

1) Can confirm is more of an “attractor” than a screening stage: to inform and entice candidates. If you have been selected there is already underlying feeling you could be a valuable candidate

2) Confirm the below suggestions from the other coaches in full

Hope it helps

Answer 3

Hi there,

Here are general rules I like to follow:

Even if companies say it is not evaluatory, any interaction with any firm is, in some sense, evaluatory. Here, that actually probably just means you might have a chance to make a positive impression on someone
It's better to dress 1 level to high than 1 too low
Dress in a way where you will be comfortable+confident
Always be prepared with a short, natural pitch about yourself

For this event specifically, I recommend business casual and I recommend you do “normal” attention mode…as in, just be normal! Have regular conversations. Don't hide in the corner, but no need to be the peacock in the room either (this essentially always holds true)

Answer 4

Hi there,

when in doubt, it is safer to over-dress than to under-dress!

You should come across as professional and use this session to inform yourself about the process. No need to shine - you will have time for that later. Just ask questions that are actually relevant for you.

You should also always be prepared to introduce yourself in any situation - you are an adult after all. Just read the room - more often than not a brief and to-the-point introduction is all that's warranted.

Good luck

Answer 5

Hi,

These type of sessions are first made to attire candidate. Of course sometimes they detect a good candidate. If they detect a good candidate their objective will be the this candidate start the interview process and that's it. It will not give the candidate any advantage for the interviews.

Also if they don' specifically detect you during the session, it doesn't mean you won't have access to the interviews if you go via the classic process.

In other words be serious during these sessions, don't try to bring too much light on you (it will be seen as negative), go there to learn and connect and I would says that you need to wear a suit and tie (it's better to be over dress than the opposite), if other candidates don't have a tie, it's not a problem, HR will see you as serious and it's never a problem…

Cheers

Answer 6

Hi there!

These sort of events are great opportunities to learn more about the firm, the industry and the recruitment process so I always recommend candidates to attend them.

In terms of dress style, check with the organisers whether there is a code that is suggested, Otherwise, go for a suit without a tie. That's what consultants wear in 90% of cases.

They expect no prior preparation.

And on the day, try to be curious, humble and have a sense of initiative. But most importantly, try to be yourself.

Doing ‘well’ in the event is not going to get you an offer, but it can have an ‘influencing' effect if one of the firm members turns out to also be an interviewer for you on the day.

Best,
Cristian

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