How do BCG decide to hire v. not hire a candidate

Hi Abdullah,

Each firm will have specific evaluation frameworks that assess you along with a standard set of criteria. In the case interview part of the interview, it is typically your structuring skills, analytical ability, communication skills, coachability, or some similar combination.

Then you also have the fit component where you are assessed on your ability to tell compelling stories in a structured way and show how you deal with adversity. 

In order to pass, you will need to have both of the principals agreeing and they will be comparing notes once both interviews are completed. This is why it's really important to not make the same mistake twice across two rounds of interviews! Sometimes they will be comparing notes already between your interviews and make sure to test any weaknesses that they have identified in your first interview.  

-A

Hi,

Sad to hear that. 

1) They make a decision based only on your performance during the interview. Your background doesn’t play much role here. 

2) They make the decision together and in case of doubts they will invite you for an additional interview

3) The assessment criteria would involve fit and cases

• Fit: absence or red flags, structured speech, strong storytelling skills, etc
• Cases: structuring skills, business sense, analytical and maths skills

Best,

Anton

Hi Abdullah,

To move to the next round or get an offer, all the interviewers have to agree on your performance. If they disagree they may organize a further interview, although that’s more typical at McKinsey.

In the interview, you are evaluated on fit questions and the case. You are also judged on your general communication.

Consulting companies have usually a hiring target, however if you perform well it is unlikely that they will reject you even if there is no immediate need – rather they may propose to join later. That’s what happened for example with the COVID when the need for new hires changed.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Hi Anonymous,

1. Yes, they need to agree on the decision. Agreeing here meaning having a fact-based opinion ('I don't like this guy' is not enough) and discussing that with observations from the other interviewer.
2. Yes, also consulting firms are profit-oriented companies and thus need to balance demand of consulting services with supply of human resources. Altogether it's marketing/recruiting bullshit that the firm will hire all people if they are good enough hires, but it's technically correct since the 'good enough' bar floates with the demand side.

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind to give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Hi,

Sharing my perspective having been an interviewer and part of the recruiting team in my region.

• Both interviewers have to agree on the decision yes, but that is determined by the scores that they give you
  • You need to have 2 strong scores in order to pass the interview
• There is always a quota - but in normal times it is rare that the quota really gets hit. Pre-COVID, firms will hire anyone who is a star performer at the interviews.

Hope this helps to clarify for anyone facing a similar situation!

Hello there!

Yes to both: 

1. Agreement is fundamental, and if there are doubts they would make you another interview -even if it´s exceptional, happens-. 
2. Numbers are set, depending on the business plan for the year, +/- 1 person 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara