BCG Interview Process

Question

What is the typical interview process for BCG consultant level? Is there a big difference between MBA level and experienced hire? How many rounds are there normally?

I have the first round coming up, which includes a chat bot case and a separate fit interview, and would love to know if this is typical. Also, are calculators allowed for the chat box case portion?

Also, would love ideas on how to prepare. Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi there,

I recommend with these sort of questions to always reach out directly to the recruiter and the firm's website. There are sometimes differences between offices / geographies so to ensure you have the latest accurate info it's best to be in contact with those who run it.

BCG's website is of good help as well. Including for case prep, which you'll find here: https://careers.bcg.com/case-prep

Answer 2

Hi there,

The classic process (no change between MBA and experienced hire) is 2 rounds with 2 interviews each, all of which consist of fit and case.

Sometimes the chatbot is included as a 1st stage (prior to interviews) and sometimes it's included with the 1st interview.

Calculators are allowed for the chat bot, but not for the interview itself.

If you already have the 1st round coming up and aren't sure the format nor how to prepare I'm a bit concerned! Given your short timeline and seemingly limited preparation to-date, your best bet is well and truly a coach at this point.

Answer 3

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on being invited by BCG!

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

Generally speaking, the process is normally the same unless you have a very strong focus as an experienced hire (i.e. it might be that more people of the practive want to interview you). The best way to eventually find out is to contact the recruiter and politely ask to lay out the process for you.
Contradictory to what other coaches said, while you normally have 2 rounds of interviews, the number of interviews per round differs by country/ region. For instance, in Germany, you have 2 rounds of each 3 interviews (where you'll have the online case with the chat bot in 1st round and “BCG Real Life” format in 2nd round).
To my own experience, the ones of my coachees and my personal network, it is very common to have the “online case” with the chat bot, however, a pure personal fit interview is rather uncommon.
When it comes to the use of calculators, again, contradictory to what other coaches said, rules differ by country/ region. For instance, in Germany, calculators are not allowed in the “online case” since it is mostly a regular case study interview yet with a chat bot.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your upcoming BCG interviews, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

Answer 4

Hi there,

1. What is the typical interview process for BCG consultant level?

Usually two round of interviews. In the first, you normally have to do the Online Case (chatbot version in most countries)

2. Is there a big difference between MBA level and experienced hire?

It depends on what you mean by experienced hire. If you are hired at manager level you may not have to do the chatbot, plus you may get more questions on managing a team. You can find more here:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/interviewing-for-a-associate-vs-em-role-at-mck-in-us-11814

3. How many rounds are there normally?

It depends on the country but usually 2

4. I have the first round coming up, which includes a chat bot case and a separate fit interview, and would love to know if this is typical. Also, are calculators allowed for the chat box case portion?

Yes, chatbot + fit is pretty standard now in the US for the first round. In other countries, they may use a different process though. Yes, you can use a calculator during the chatbot if you do it remotely and not in the office (they would not have ways to check anyway)

5. Also, would love ideas on how to prepare. Thank you!

For the chatbot, you can find the guide I created below (full disclosure: I am the author ;) ):

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

If you have any questions please feel free to PM me.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 5

Typical BCG process is as follows:

Round 0 - Online case (non-proctored)
Round 1 - with 2 interviews
Round 2 - with 2 interviews (at least 1 interview with a partner)

There is typically no difference in MBA and experienced hire processes.

Happy to help you prepare!