BCG Application

Hi, 

I can answer this because I know of an exact situation for an EMEA office for BCG and Bain. 

This sort of situation is definitely based on your extracurriculars that they screen for on your CV. I've been reliably told that at BCG and Bain, even if you do an internship at another MBB, it is of no interest to them because they place a strong emphasis on extra-curriculars, awards, interests etc. 

They highlighted two exact situations like yours in the EMEA screening and said that candidates were rejected due to a lack of extracurriculars. 

I'm really sorry to hear that this happened to you but I hope I have provided more insight first-hand from what I heard and hope that it provides some clarity on your situation. 

Best wishes,

Anonymous B. 

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about the rejection. In terms of your question:

Q: Does anyone know what might have gone wrong?

I assumed you applied after the end of the ban period. There are a few possible reasons for the rejection:

1. The CV/application material was not good enough to pass the bar (unlikely from what you shared).
2. The CV/ application material was good but other candidates had a better profile.
3. The company doesn’t need to hire additional candidates for that position.

Unfortunately, only someone in the firm might be able to clarify which is the case. Given that your profile looks good, I would recommend moving forward and continuing the process with the other firms.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear about this.

Did you have a referral/network beforehand?

Look, honestly, every single application is always an odds game. Every single interview is also always an odds game.

Like anything in life, nothing is ever 100%. Maybe you had a 90% chance and just were on the 10% “bad luck” side.

This is why we always apply to lots of firms and not only maximize our odds on each application but have many “rounds” to play.

It sounds like you do indeed have a great profile, and therefore don't sweat it! Accept the MBB offer from your internship…you're already in a position so many envy :)

Hi there,

I am sorry to hear you didn’t pass the screening this second time.

Unfortunately, there are many factors that may have led you to this:

• You applied before the end of the ban period (12 months) before previous rejection
• Your application was reviewed by a different recruiter with other criteria (recruiters are not machines)
• Your application competed with tons of others this time and it didn’t stand out

As Ian said, I strongly suggest you always work on a comprehensive application strategy considering other firms and that you also consider accepting one of your internships or full time offers to keep building a better CV.

Good luck!

Alberto

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Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Yes - it's a tough time for recruitment.

They're taking in fewer people past screening. They're tougher on those who they interview. And you also applied towards the end of the year when they're even less likely to hire. 

So, overall, not a great context. It doesn't necessarily reflect on you.

What I'd recommend is to broaden your application scope - diversify. Here's how to do it:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Second, if you haven't done so already, make sure that you get referrals for all the top firms that you apply to (this will increase your chances of passing screening). Here's how to do it:

• Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals
• Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals Via LinkedIn? 

Best,
Cristian

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Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies  

Hi,

Sorry to hear the application didn’t work out for you. I’ve got a couple assumptions here:

1. You applied before the official ban was over, therefore you got automatically rejected;

2. This year is especially tough in consulting and they are snowed under with other applications.

Keep your head up and continue applying to other fIrms.

Goof luck!

Nick

The market changed, which means the bar to get an interview is now higher.

Tough luck, do not take it personal!