MBA student invited for first round BCG interviews. The first case is a 30 minute online case - what should I expect?

Hi there, 

The 30 mins online test includs a mini case that you would interact with an AI enabled chatbot, and a short video recording of your recommendation. In essence it would be similar to how you do a normal case, but you need to get comfortable with the format and manage your time wisely. 

I have example. Feel free to DM me. 

Best,

Emily

Hi there,

Great question!

Honestly, you prepare in exactly the same way. So:

1. ​Be very clear on the objective
2. Create a strong structure for approaching the problem
3. Form hypotheses and test them
4. Ruthlessly drive towards information that matters / is relevant and eliminate/ignore information that isn't
5. Be clear + crisp in your recommendation and use supporting information to defend your position

Hi there,

I have coached some people recently who went through a similar exercice for BCG and McKinsey. The feedback I got is that it is similar to a typical 1st round case, and they use that to filter more the candidates and see if they are well prepared to get into the first round. Some people had to do a case with an HR person (round 0), before they got approved to move to round 1 with the consulting team.

I feel that firms added this new "round 0" to ensure that candidates are well prepared for case cracking, before "investing time" of their consulting team to conduct those interviews.

I hope this helps, please do not hesitate to reach out to me should have further questions.

All the best,

Mehdi

This might just mean that they want to minimize risk in times of COVID. Unless they communicated anything different in their upfront communication, you can expect a regular case, just being delivered through Zoom.

This means preparation is exactly as for any other case. However, there are a few things to pay attention to in an online case:

• Overcommunicate! The interviewer can't see your notes, so you need to explain to them what you are doing. This is especially important when you explain the framework and the math section.
• When explaining the framework, be even more structured in your communication that you would be in a real case. Tell the interviewer very explicitly "I want to look at 3 aspects. 1st...., 2nd.... 3rd...."
• Don't try to hold your notes into the camera to explain your framework. It doesn't work.
• Use a computer with a camera, not your mobile phone.
• Test the audio & video connection before the intreview. Dial into the call through a phone line if there are connection issues.
• Make sure you move the screen back so you have enough space for taking notes in front of the camera - not visible to the viewer, but between the camera and yourself. This comes across as more natural than constantly looking to the side of the screen.

Hi A,

I think you are completely familiar with the standard case interview structure, so this one is going to be very similar. Just make sure you are really well prepared as if you were going to crack a case in a regular interview in person.

I would recommend the following approach:

• make sure your internet connection is secure and is not going to drop randomly;
• give full and clearly structured answers so there will be no misunderstandings left;
• use fitting frameworks and keep your explanations consistent;
• do not get carried away and always drive it to the key points.

Best, André

Hello!

It´s the very same, but without FIT and jumping directly to the case. 

As per the prep, same as with the in-person usual interviews. 

Cheers,

Clara

Hi there,

Since BCG started to use the Online Case (also called the Chatbot Interview) in 2019 I have found candidates have a hard time to prepare for it. 

Many of the tips online mention that it is similar to the GMAT or to just do standard cases.

While it is true that some of the same basic skillset applies, specifically:

• Prioritisation / 80-20 thinking
• Graph interpretation
• Math skills
• Logical reasoning

There are a lot of nuances that such advice fails to capture. For example, math calculation skills are not that critical for the Online Case as you are allowed to use a calculator.

I felt that there was a better way to prepare for the Online Case, so I worked hard with my mentees and created a guide to prepare in the best possible way for the Online Case.

This guide will:

• Show you the perfect strategy to answer the 5 types of questions in the Chatbot
• Offer you a clear strategy to optimally structure the One-Way Video Assessment
• Provide insider information from previous applicants who succeeded the Online Case
• Structure a clear preparation plan based on 6 FREE PSTs and Potential Tests
• Replicate the same experience of the interview thanks to 2 FREE Complete Chatbot Cases (Casey-style)

And much more ;)

You can download the guide instantly here:

 https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/bcg-online-case-secrets-69

As an extra bonus, I am currently offering the BCG Potential Test #1 (worth $39) and Graph Analysis Cheat Sheet (worth $29) for free with the guide. That may change in the future so hurry up if you are interested ;)

If you need additional support or have any questions on the guide please feel free to PM me, I will reply within 12 hours. 

Best, 

Francesco