Hi! Could you please advise how many PEI questions I should expect per 1 60min interview in BCG? Thanks!

BCG doesn't use the PEI approach that McKinsey does. That means fit and PEI are the same thing for BCG. Even at McKinsey in my first round interview, there was only a quick chat (if at all) and then PEI with both interviewers.

My colleague who went to the final round at BCG said they focus much more on why consulting and why BCG than other MBB firms. She also recommended to prepare 1-minute to 1.5-minute answers on leadership and teamwork. However, you should always prepare more details in advance in case you get follow-up questions.

Hi there,

I think there is a bit of confusion in the questions you asked:

1. The PEI (Personal Experience Interview) is a component of the interview with McKinsey, not BCG
2. The PEI is considered part of the fit interview

Having said that, some companies (including BCG) may ask questions similar to the ones present in the PEI (ie, related to leadership, impact or driver).

Normally you get 2-3 questions in the fit part, including the ones in the PEI.

The PEI answers tend to be longer than the ones to standard fit questions – usually 3 to 4 minutes, with additional time for follow-ups from the interviewer and to add details to the story.

Best,
Francesco

Hi,

Be very careful with terminology when interviewing. Be sure not to use McKinsey/Bain terms during a BCG interview. PEI is McKinsey.

That being said, you should expect around 2 "story" questions during your interview. You should be prepared with 4-6 stories that can be flexible and adapted to the question at hand. You need to make sure you cover some key topics such as Leadership, Teamwork, Challenge, Proudest Achievement/Accomplishment, Difficult Client, Persuasion, Initiative/Entreprenuership, etc.

You also need to 100% be prepared with "Why Consulting", "Why BCG" and "Walk me through your resume"

Dear A,

Ideal answer is around 1-1,5 min. And it sould be structured. So you have to take some time to prepare your stories ahead. I would recommend you to use STAR approach for buiding your stories. STAR stands for: situation, task, action and result. This method will help you prepare clear and concise responses using real-life examples.

Best,

André

Hi,

For BCG, PEI is part of fit.

Usually the fit part would be around 10-15 mins. You can expect 4-5 questions. For each situational question, try to make your answer within 3 mins. You can go into further details if interviewers probe more specifically. 

Best,

Emily