What to say to current consultants on networking calls?

Dear A,

I am gonna give you some tips that have worked great for me in the past, and I expect them when I have calls with people who would like to work for BCG.

1. Start by presenting yourself in 1-1,5 minutes. Keep it short and keep it interesting. You will need it for your interviews as well, so please prepare this.

2. Ask very specific questions. Don't start by saying that you just wanted to meet them and make it seem like a casual chat. Consultants are super busy and want to interact with people who know what they want and need. Otherwise, they'll feel that you're wasting their time.

3. They know you need a referral so please don't make it awkward and ask for it. They'll most probably offer to do it if they like you. If you really want to ask though, frame it like this “Do you think that a referral is a must in order to have my CV reviewed, or can I just submit my application on the website and still have a chance to be considered”? By this sentence, you give them the chance to kindly offer you the referral.

4. Keep it as short as possible. When you don't have something else to ask, then just be honest about it and say that you don't have any more questions and that you really appreciate they took the time to talk with you.

5. Show that you understand how busy they are and make very clear how thankful you are they devoted their time to answering your questions.

6. After your call, send a follow-up thank you message.

Best of luck with everything:)

Hi there,

The networking is not connected to the interviews. What networking does it help you get a referral (maybe) that then helps you pass screening (maybe). Once you are at the recruitment tests/games and interviews, everyone starts from 0 again.

To answer your questions, ask about anything that you are genuinely curious to know about. Do not ask questions that sound smart just for the sake of it. The latter is neither authentic nor will it help you get more information about the role/firm to decide where you want to work in the future.

Cheers,

Florian

Largely agree with the other coaches - such calls have 0 impact on the actual interview process. A few things to consider for the calls: 

1. DO show genuine interest in the firm & person you speak to
2. DO use it as an opportunity to learn - industry focus, projects, culture etc etc
3. DO ask to get connected to other people in the firm to speak to, e.g. about a practice or topic you're interested 
4. DON'T be too direct - noone appreciates transactional behavior. Easy to see through and it happens way too often. Respect people's time.

Hope this helps.

Regards, Andi

Hi there,

First of all, networking has nothing to do with your chances on later interviews. Period.

Networking is about 1) Genuinely learning (for YOU) and 2) Improving your chances of getting an interview (not passing the interview).

This is a big topic, but, ultimately, you need to:

1. Be ready to explain why you're interested in the firm/role
2. Be ready to give your own background
3. Have researched the company
4. Have good, genuine questions for the consultant
5. Actually have a conversation and ask them follow-up questions, truly talk/connect with them, etc.
6. Be natural/genuine
7. Get more “tag” calls from them (happy to explain this technique in my coaching session)
8. Get a referral by asking in the right way  (happy to explain this technique in my coaching session)

Hi there,

Going to echo the good advice given here and say that definitely ask questions that you genuinely want to know the answer to.

Typically for me, when I was doing this, I asked questions that I could not get the answer to (or at least I didn't want the ‘marketing version’ of) online, and through official recruiting and branding materials. 

I also used the chance to try and figure out if that firm is the right fit for me, e.g probing in terms of themes that mattered to me.

All the best!

Hello,

1) Ask genuine questions about their experiences at the firm! These insights would help flesh out your cover letter and also paints an image of what it is like to work at the firm. Ask them about their favourite/least favourite project.

2) Learn more about the culture - work life balance? values that the firm prioritizes on tough projects? close-knit team?

3) Learn about the kind of projects that the firm is focussing on recently and what they expect to focus on in the near future - this could help in the interviews

All the best!

Rushabh

Hi there, 

That's a great question. 

I wrote an article on PrepLounge that answers to this directly. Have a look here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/coffee-chat-questions-consulting

Best,

Cristian

Hi there,

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

• First of all, any type of call you might have outside of the actual interviews has no impact on the latter. As such, you cannot increase your chances in the interviews by promoting yourself.
• Instead, I would highly advise you to treat networking calls for what they are - a great way to find out more about the target company and, at best, to receive a referral for your application. Be authentic, show your motivation for the company, and have a genuine conversation with your counterpart.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen