Please help! - Reference check BCG

hey there!

It's very unlikely BCG will revoke your offer over slightly exaggerated KPIs, especially if your overall performance and references are strong. To mitigate risk, align with your referee in advance by letting them know what you included on your resume so they're not caught off guard. Stay calm and professional, unless the info was clearly false or misleading, this is usually not a major issue. Don’t try to change referees or block the check, as that could raise concerns. If asked directly, be honest and clarify the context without over-defending. You’ve earned the offer—just keep things consistent and transparent. 

Best, Alessa

I understand the concern. And congrats, by the way!

I would be very transparent with them in providing the references they should reach out to. 

In case BCG then asks you about the KPIs, I suggest you should be transparent here too. I would appeal to their understanding of how the recruitment process goes, and that in the process of writing the CV most candidate end up emphasizing their impact and contribution. What I wouldn't do is purposefully hide it from them. 

If you dug yourself into a whole, don't make it way way deeper by doing something even worse.

Best,
Cristian

Hi there, 

Usually the background check wouldn't go into very specific details on your resume. Typically the reference call would ask whether the person knows the candidate, what was the role or responsibilities of the candidate, how would the person rate the candidate's capabilities, does the person believe the candidate would be a good fit, etc. 

I don't know to what degree were those KPIs being exaggerated and hence hard to comment. If you are feeling really uncomfortable, you might want to give a heads up to your mentor beforehand...

Best,

Emily

Hey there, 

The reference check is usually to confirm that you did indeed work there during the period and role(s) you stated in your resume. Then there may be (but not always) a few additional questions to get a sense of your strengths, capabilities, development areas, whether or not they would re-hire you if an opportunity presented itself etc. They are unlikely to get into pure details of the KPI's you set

But if you are worried about this, it would be good to give the person you assigned as your referee a quick heads up to expect the reference to manage that situation

All the best

Hi there,

They don’t tend to go into details.

However, it is good that you have done this question as other candidates may read it. Not a good idea to exaggerate on the CV, there are other ways to make it work without being preoccupied after with the possibility of having these information questioned.

I wish you a great journey! 🤞 

Best,

Mari

I addition to the already provided answers - I think what might help is discussing this matter with your mentor (and/or other referee contacts) and take them into your confidence.

The risk also depends on the extent of the hyperbole. Conceptual changes, or changes in your actual contribution are usually red-flags. USD 10M impact vs USD 20M impact - may not be so much of an issue.

Happy to discuss any specific details over Direct Messages - if you'd like.