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BCG process for experienced professionals

BCG
New answer on Nov 15, 2020
6 Answers
943 Views
Anonymous A asked on Nov 14, 2020

Hi everyone,

I am a startegy consultant at a Big Four (senior consultant - 3 years of experience). I was recently contacted by a head hunter to apply for BCG. I quicky got a response from the HR saying that "they are very interested in my profile" and proposing a 20-min discussion in the coming days over the phone to discuss my application and the process.

1) Is this a common thing for experienced hires (the call I mean)? Should I prepare something in particular? I didn't for example discuss with the 1 or 2 friends I know at BCG; should I do that before the HR call or can it wait until before my first round (that I want to be in January)?
2) Do you know anything about the process for experienced consultants? How many rounds for example?

3) Given that I wish to remain discreet for now about my process at BCG, may I only talk to 1 or 2 persons at BCG to get insider info or should I network more before my 1st round?

Many thanks

(edited)

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 15, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

My thoughts:

  1. Yes, it´s most common. You should prep for a FIT interview mostly.
  2. Unless you are very very senior, it´s the standard (2 rounds x 2 interviewers each)
  3. At this point the network is not useless anymore. The important thing is the performance. Hence, in your shoes, I would be super discreet.

For the interviews/20 mins discussions that you have comming up, FIT should be the focus of you prep. For these cases, the "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" has been recently published in PrepLounge´s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/integrated-fit-guide-for-mbb-34)

It provides an end-to-end preparation for all three MBB interviews, tackling each firms particularities and combining key concepts review and a hands-on methodology. Following the book, the candidate will prepare his/her stories by practicing with over 50 real questions and leveraging special frameworks and worksheets that guide step-by-step, developed by the author and her experience as a Master in Management professor and coach. Finally, as further guidance, the guide encompasses over 20 examples from real candidates.

Furthermore, you can find 2 free cases in the PrepL case regarding FIT preparation:

Intro and CV questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/introduction-and-cv-questions-fit-interview-preparation-200

Motivational questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/motivational-questions-fit-interview-preparation-201

Behavioural questions (ENTREPRENEURIAL DRIVE) >https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/behavioral-questions-entrepreneurial-drive-fit-interview-preparation-211

Feel free to PM me for disccount codes for the Integrated FIT Guide, since we still have some left from the launch!

Best,

Clara

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Mehdi
Expert
replied on Nov 14, 2020
BCG | Received offers from all MBB & Tier 1Firms | Supporting you secure your top tier consulting offer

Hi there,

This first call is for HR to understand your motivation and interest in joining BCG. You will probably have to walk him/her through your CV and they can potentially ask you some questions about the practices and types of engagements you already worked on.

The process should be similar as everybody else (5-6 interviews split in 2 rounds).

I hope this helps. Do not hesitate to reach out to me should you have any questions. I personally joined BCG as an experienced professional and I can definitely share with you my experience.

All the best,

Mehdi

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14
Anonymous A on Nov 14, 2020

Thank you !

Anonymous replied on Nov 14, 2020

Hi,

The HR call would only be to discuss general matters and at high level - e.g. general experience, basic motivation to move to BCG, and if you have any questions related to the process. Usually HR will also explain the process and what to expect. I would not worry too much about this call.

In South East Asia the process for experienced and non experienced is the same, 2 rounds of case interview and each round you will meet with 2 people.

I would really focus all effort to prep for the case interview.

Hope this helps :)

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11
Anonymous A on Nov 14, 2020

Thank you

Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 14, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

  1. As mentioned by Iman you can expect few questions such as “Why BCG”, “Why change now” and some explanation of the next steps. I would prepare the traditional fit questions
  2. Given your seniority, usually it is 2 rounds. May differ according to the office
  3. 1 or 2 people should be enough for the initial chat to get a solid answer for “Why BCG”

Hope this helps,

Francesco

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Anonymous A on Nov 14, 2020

Thank you

Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 15, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

This is great. Most people spend hours and hours trying to get a conversation with BCG and you have the luxury of getting contacted by them!

1) Yes, this is common. This is essentially the HR screening. Be prepared with a resume walkthrough, why BCG, and why strategy consulting.

2) Same as everyone else. In general, 2 rounds of interviews with 2 interviews per round. All interviews should be fit +case.

3) Perfectly fine for you to just speak to 1 or 2 people if that makes you feel more comfortable

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Anonymous A on Nov 15, 2020

Thank you Ian!

Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 14, 2020
#1 Career Coach for Aspiring, Practicing & Ex-Consultants|The Only 360° Coach - Ex-Mckinsey, Certified Coach & Recruiter

Hi Anonymous,
I would recommend you not to focus on the differences between tests because the format of testing within the company is usually quite similar
It seems like it is going to be a standard call with HR about your motivation, goals, commitment, and some details from your CV. . So, I don't think that you need something particular.
Good luck!
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GB

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Hilda on Nov 14, 2020

Very helpful thank you

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