Could someone please explain to me how BCG ME referrals work?

BCG Middle East referrals
Neue Antwort am 2. Feb. 2023
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Anonym A fragte am 31. Jan. 2023

So I'm applying for a position of summer associate at BCG middle east. My school (in western Europe) has a special “application link” to BCG. I've talked to a recruiter who encouraged me to apply after looking at my CV. I still wanted a referral because I have a special situation with my transcripts, which are required for BCG application. 2 people have offered me a referral so far, but I just want to know how it works. They're both consultants so that's Mckinsey Associate level.

1.  In particular, I want to know what happens after I get the referral. If it works, do I just get an invitation to the interview?
2. What about the initial test? One person who referred me said that after referrals I will still get an initial test but she asked me to confirm with the recruiter because she wasn't sure. I emailed the recruiter, and she hasn't replied in days (side question, should I follow up?).

 

Appreciate your help!

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Francesco
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antwortete am 1. Feb. 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Well done on securing the referrals. In terms of your questions:

1) In particular, I want to know what happens after I get the referral. If it works, do I just get an invitation to the interview?

If you pass the screening, then HR will reach out to organize the next step (most likely the test).

2) What about the initial test? One person who referred me said that after referrals I will still get an initial test but she asked me to confirm with the recruiter because she wasn't sure. I emailed the recruiter, and she hasn't replied in days (side question, should I follow up?).

Yes, unless otherwise communicated you will still have to go through the Casey Chatbot Test.

I reported some info below on the test.

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The BCG Casey Test (also called Chatbot Interview) is an 8-10 questions test BCG now used globally. It is structured in 2 parts:

  • 8-10 questions to be taken in 25-30 minutes
  • 1 video interview question at the end, where you usually have to provide a recommendation in 1 minute

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

You can find 10 key tips to prepare for the test here:

▶ 10 Must-Know Tips to Master the BCG Online Case

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If you want to prepare for the Online Case in the best possible way, I created a software simulation replicating specifically the chatbot and one-way video interview.

It includes the following and more:

  • 4 Casey Software Simulations of the Chatbot. These are live chatbots simulating exactly the same chatbot environment of the test (meaning you will receive questions from an actual chatbot with a flow equivalent to the one of the test).
  • 4 One-Way Video Interviews. These come with Artificial Intelligence reports, so that you can see how the software will perceive your performance in terms of voice, speech clarity, energy and more.
  • 2 PDF Simulations of the Chabot. These are additional tests Casey-style, meaning you will have 6 different Casey Chatbots to train with overall.
  • Free access to 6 PSTs and Potential Tests for further practice.
  • Deep explanation of all the 5 types of questions asked in the BCG Online Case thanks to the complimentary 144-page guide.

You can get access to the software simulation and guide instantly here:

▶ BCG Online Case Software Simulation

For any questions on the test please feel free to PM me, I will reply within 12 hours.

Best,

Francesco

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Victoria Christine
Experte
antwortete am 1. Feb. 2023
1st&2nd session 33% off|Incoming BCG Consultant ME|President of the Consulting Club|Esade MBA|Offers from McKinsey & BCG

Hello A,

I have read the rest of the answers and agree with everything, but there is one more thing you need to know.

You cannot both use a referral AND apply through the special link provided by your university. It’s either one or the other. If you ask your campus recruiter, they will confirm.

Having said that, if you’re doing your MBA, I would suggest that you apply through your university. If you’re doing something else, I believe that a referral is the way to go. 

I can provide you with more information if you tell me a bit more about yourself (which school, which program etc.)

Have a great day!

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Rushabh
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antwortete am 1. Feb. 2023
Limited Availability | BCG Expert | Middle East Expert | 100+ Mocks Delivered | IESE & NYU MBA | Ex-KPMG Dxb Consultant

Hello,

Here are my thoughts:

1) From what I've heard, a referral only ensures that your CV will be screened, and it does not guarantee an interview. Will defer to other coaches here, since I personally have not applied through a referral.

2) I think you would still have to do the online test. Especially for BCG Middle East - where the online test has essentially replaced one of the interviews in Round 1.

Hope this helps!

Rushabh

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Ian
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bearbeitete eine Antwort am 1. Feb. 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

It works the same as anywhere else!

Ultimately follow the guidance of your referrers.

Here's a bit of reading to help you with your prep: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation

1.  In particular, I want to know what happens after I get the referral. If it works, do I just get an invitation to the interview?

Correct! Or the online test.
2. What about the initial test? One person who referred me said that after referrals I will still get an initial test but she asked me to confirm with the recruiter because she wasn't sure. I emailed the recruiter, and she hasn't replied in days (side question, should I follow up?).

Follow their guidance! 

You should get a test regardless, so just make sre you're prepping for that. If the recruiter doesn't answer I wouldn't bother them with such a small question. Just following the process (they will tell you when they have reviewed your application)

(editiert)

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Lucie
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Content Creator
antwortete am 1. Feb. 2023
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader

1.  In particular, I want to know what happens after I get the referral. If it works, do I just get an invitation to the interview?

→ Referrals do help make sure your CV will be checked, but all candidates are treated equally it doesn't help you to skip any step. Also each referral must be filled with an info by the referee and you can choose how much you recommend and put quite a significant comments. Unless the person doesn't know you really well, it will unlikely put “strong recommendation” and then… well is not so helpful. 


2. What about the initial test? One person who referred me said that after referrals I will still get an initial test but she asked me to confirm with the recruiter because she wasn't sure. I emailed the recruiter, and she hasn't replied in days (side question, should I follow up?).

referrals (the strong one) helps you to get your CV viewed, but it doesnt help you from there, definitely not to skip any step

I wish you all the best,

Lucie

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Benjamin
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Content Creator
antwortete am 1. Feb. 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hello,

Sharing based on my experience referring candidates/interviewing referred candidates for BCG (although in SEA, not in ME).

1. A referral means your CV will be screened, but there is no guarantee to the interview. That will depend on the quality of your application, AND also the information that is filled up by the referrer on the referral form

2. Expect to go through the same interview process - no exceptions here

Hope this helps!

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Florian
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antwortete am 1. Feb. 2023
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hi there,

  1. A referral increases your chances to be invited, yet it is not a guarantee. If the referral is from an entry-level consultant or similar it helps with getting screened. If it is from someone more senior in the organization, it could also lead to a lower threshold on the content of your resume.
  2. BCG is currently employing two types of tests, the Casey and a numerical reasoning test similar to the GMAT. I have more info available on both if you are interested.

Cheers,

Florian

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Hagen
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bearbeitete eine Antwort am 1. Feb. 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on securing a referral for your BCG application!

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

  • After you receive a referral and hand in your application, your application is likely to be reviewed more thoroughly and prioritized, increasing the chances of getting an invitation to an interview.
  • You can expect to follow the same recruiting process as everyone else, including taking the BCG Casey pre-interview assessment. However, I would advise you to reach out to the recruiter you previously spoke with to inquire about the specifics as recruiting processes can change frequently.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for the BCG Casey and your upcoming BCG interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

(editiert)

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Pedro
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antwortete am 1. Feb. 2023
30% off in March 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

1.  In particular, I want to know what happens after I get the referral. If it works, do I just get an invitation to the interview?

They will still evaluate your CV, so it increases your chances to get an interview, but is not a guarantee. 

2. What about the initial test? One person who referred me said that after referrals I will still get an initial test but she asked me to confirm with the recruiter because she wasn't sure. I emailed the recruiter, and she hasn't replied in days (side question, should I follow up?).

Yes, you still have to go through the test.

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Cristian
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Content Creator
antwortete am 2. Feb. 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

Congrats on getting the referrals! This puts you in a great spot. 

1.  In particular, I want to know what happens after I get the referral. If it works, do I just get an invitation to the interview?

Yes, if HR considers that you passed the screening, they will send you the test invite with a deadline that mentions by when you need to do the test.


2. What about the initial test? One person who referred me said that after referrals I will still get an initial test but she asked me to confirm with the recruiter because she wasn't sure. I emailed the recruiter, and she hasn't replied in days (side question, should I follow up?).

Do ask the recruiter. This process differs between regions, roles and offices. And do give them a week to answer before following-up.

Best,

Cristian

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Francesco

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