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Background Check

Does anyone know what is included in a MBB background check once an offer has been made? I.e. should I prepare official transcripts, test scores, or be cognizant of drug tests, credit checks?

No one I’ve spoken to has been able to answer this.

Thank you!

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Top answer
Ian
Coach
on Apr 27, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

It really does depend on the company/region! That said, in general, there's normally nothing you need to do on your end (they will often just run the background check in the background).

If they do need referral's, contact info, transcripts, etc. they'll reach out and you can just sort through that then!

I have yet to hear of a drug test or credit check.

Basically, they're making sure you haven't lied about anything (your education, work history, and criminal background)

on Apr 26, 2022

It is usually handled by a 3rd party vendor through their portal, where you add in your info (Education, (paid) Experience (s) etc.), and they will do the background check to validate this info. You can make the process easier for yourself and them if you can  upload documents that can verify these pieces of information – transcripts with grades, W2s or offer letters for employment verification etc. The vendor or more likely, your recruiter, will get in touch with you if they need more info or if something is missing. But overall, it's fairly simple and straightforward (and in general, do no involve drug tests).

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Deleted user
on Apr 26, 2022

This tends to vary by country of offer. Like SJ mentioned it is carried out by a third party and it is best to be prepared for it when it comes. The employer will give you sufficient time to prepare and having the documents handy will save you time. The documents I have needed in the past are 
1. Referee and contacts of previous bosses/ employers 
2. Transcripts and degree certificates 
3. National IDs and passport photocopies

Drug tests and solvency checks are not common. They do run a criminal check in the background 

7
Clara
Coach
on Apr 27, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Written case interviews are indeed becoming very fashionable nowadays as a way to interview!

Remember that the skillset tested is the same than in the "usual" cases, hence, all the practice you may have done totally plays in your favor. 

One important point to add is the need to be very 80-20, structured and to the point, since the prep time is very short, so we need discipline with the analysis to have enaugh time to prep the communication strategy. 

There are many many entries in thsi same Q&A regarding written cases, hence, I would recommend you to look with the keywords "written case"

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Andi
Coach
on Apr 30, 2022
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | Experienced Hires

Hi there, 

the specifics of background checks can vary a bit by country / region.

Generally speaking, yes, you should have transcripts, test scores, diploma's, work references ready. In terms of drug tests and especially credit checks (why would that even matter?) - rather unlikely / uncommon to say the least. 

Regards, Andi

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