Hello all,
As part of the MBB recruiting process, I will be meeting with some current consultants from different offices. What are the best questions you recommend asking them during these informal meet and greets? I want to gain useful information but also appear knowledgeable and interested. Some that come to mind include the person's path to consulting, the projects they've worked on, the leadership and support at their company, etc. Appreciate any thoughts and ideas!
Hey there,
I think they're all fine points you're raising and if you're genuinely interested in the answer, you should absolutely ask!
As for a more refined answer, let's consider two areas:
Questions not to ask: It might actually a bit easier to think of question that shouldn't be asked. And that's not because they're not relevant, but because they have a negative undertone. This includes things like:
You get the idea… Stay away from those things! Instead, ask about what's important to you and make sure it has a generally positive undertone.
Strategic relationships: What's your networking objective? For most people, it's a first step toward filing a better application through relevant insights and/or getting referrals. In that case, try to build a relationship with the person as opposed to just asking questions, which is ultimately just very transactional. Just make sure to find the right balance and don't lead with “Hey, how are you? Can you be my referral?” :) You get the point…
Hope this helps a bit! Best of luck!
(edited)
Hi there,
Ask about them
People love to talk about themselves. Just ask them what they've worked on recently or what their journey at BCG has been like. Importantly, do your research beforehand - find out what they've done and try and pick something from their past that looks interesting to you. Tailor your questions just like they tailor their FIT questions to your resume."So, how did you end up in the Industrial Goods sector?"
Ask insightful questions
Ideally, your questions should also show them that you're insightful, inquisitive, bright, thinking about current topics, etc. For example:
"I saw you worked on a big digital transformation for a financial services company - I experienced one myself and it seemed so hard to move such a big organisation. What did you see as the major challenges and breakthrough moments?"
"I know that x big trend is happening. I also know that y types of companies exhibit z traits. How do you reconcile this difference when ensuring y companies adopt x trends?
Summary: Ask about THEM and ask insightful questions!
Hey,
These questions you mentioned are good ones.
Overall, it is about being genuine and showing a true interest in themselves - the one thing that consultants love talking about is their experience
I would inquire them about the most interesting project and why? I see it as a nice ice-breaker for the discussion (as it brings good memories to them).
Additionally, another very relevant question to make is on the stakeholders they have met during their consulting career and how this has enabled them to grow.
Finally, it is also interesting to ask how covid (remote work) has asked the modus operandi in their projects and interactions with client.
I see also a few areas on what NOT to ask:
- International mobility options: this one can backfire, as it can be seen that you regard the office to whom you are applying as a temporary platform and your focus might be since day 1 on making a transfer.
- Negative parts of consulting (e.g. hours, pressure)
- Questions on the industry/topic where the consultant is focusing if you are not very knowledgeable: appearing smart is too risky, as the consultant can quickly find out if you actually know about the topic and making any statements that are wrong can potentially make a bad impression of you (the consultant would see that he cannot potentially leave you in front of the client). Cheers!
Hey there,
This is really simple and often overcomplicated:
DO: Ask questions you are genuinely interested in to receive a proper answer.
DON'T: Ask questions that make you appear smart in front of the interviewer for no other reason than that.
Keep it authentic and real. :-)
Cheers,
Florian
These are excellent questions. And what really helps is to understand the type of projects available in the respective office, the working styles, the culture. For any personal fit question you want to answer later in more detail than in just generic terms, get some content during these meet and greets, but of course emphasize networking and making a good impression as your goals over getting the information :). It just helps tremendously in providing interview answers that are more interesting than the average answer. Also try to build valuable, personal connections, you might even discuss common interests. Most importantly, be confident, friendly and approach others proactively, do not wait for someone to talk to you first
Hi there,
I would recommend being frank and honest and asking what is truly on your mind. People at consulting are usually open and honest and you can get a much better feel of what you can expect. Just think about what interests you (recruiting, life as a consultant, work-life balance, progress opportunity, mentoring & training, culture, etc.). It is your time!
Good luck!
Lucie
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