Can I get a second chance with BCG in 6 months?

BCG
New answer on Oct 26, 2020
10 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Sep 27, 2020

I prepared really well for case interviews. Unfortunately, I stressed out and completely bombed the very first question on the first case and freaked out, messing up the entire first case.

I did reasonably well on the second case.

I regret what happened on the first case - it was my fault. How soon can I even think of reapplying and when I do reapply, will BCG even consider me given how poorly I performed on the first case in the first round?

(edited)

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Robert
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updated an answer on Sep 29, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

This depends more on BCG's perspective concerning your performance level, than your own evaluation of it.

Unfortunately it happens that candidates are well prepared and would make excellent consultants, but are just too stressed out during the interviews and still don't get an offer. The uncomfortable truth is that it doesn't matter you well you were prepared and how close you felt to an offer - it's all about what your interviewers see and feel.

Based on your summary it doesn't seem very likely that you can circumvent the 12-24 months waiting period, but in any case it's all just speculation here.

The only reasonable way to proceed is grabbing your phone and calling (yes calling, not emailing...) your HR contact to discuss your individual situation to see if there is any fasttrack possible for you, and what is BCG's perspective on when you can re-apply.

Hope this helps - if so, please be so kind to give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

(edited)

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Francesco
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updated an answer on Sep 28, 2020
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Hi there,

Normally you cannot reapply after only 6 months. The only exceptions I saw are:

  1. When the company clearly stated a candidate could do so – that’s usually when he/she is very close to an offer but needs some minor refinements
  2. When a candidate applied in a different country with a referral - this doesn't always work though as the recruiting system is centralized

In standard cases, you will have a ban of 12 to 24 months.

You can definitely be considered again, but you should:

  1. Show growth and improvements in your CV with experiences that show consulting skills
  2. Ideally apply via referral

I would suggest to apply to the other MBB and/or Tier 2 companies for the time being. If you keep a long-term vision and prepare well you can definitely be successful, regardless of this rejection.

Best,
Francesco

(edited)

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Mehdi
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replied on Sep 28, 2020
BCG | Received offers from all MBB & Tier 1Firms | Supporting you secure your top tier consulting offer

Hi there,

You will certainly not receive an invitation to interview in the next 6 months, the only exception is if you get a referral (even for this, it might be difficut given it has only been 6 months since you were rejected).

I would invite you to consider other options (another firm, Tier 2 company, etc.) and then reapply in 12-18 months. Going through this process can definitely better prepare you for another BCG interview in a year from now.

All the best,

Mehdi

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Udayan
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replied on Sep 27, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience

Very unlikely - Francesco's answer makes a lot of sense. 24 months is the minimum I would wait. The only other exception is to start an MBA program at a top 10 school and apply as part of that.

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Anonymous A on Sep 27, 2020

Udayan, thank you. I am already at a top 10 MBA program. That is how I got the BCG interview. Is the ban for MBA graduates as well?

Udayan on Sep 27, 2020

So it depends - if you applied for an internship and did not get it then you can usually apply for the full time role next year. However if this was for a full time role then I am afraid you won't be able to apply any time soon

Ian
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replied on Sep 28, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Sorry to hear...unfortunately you only get the one shot :/ You'll need to wait 12-24 months to re-apply.

When you do, make sure you've shown real progress in your career and have networked sufficiently to improve your chances of being invited.

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Anonymous replied on Sep 27, 2020

Dear A,

No, you can't apply in 6 month. Usually ban period longs for 12-18 months.

For the next time, I would strongly recommend you to have significant improvement of your CV and apply with referral.

Also, that's reasonable to make an MBA and apply as a part of that.

Best,
André

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Clara
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replied on Sep 29, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Unfortunately no.

I would say at least a year until they would re-consider your application.

The rationale behind this is to give you time to add relevant new experinece to your CV.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Henning
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replied on Oct 26, 2020
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate

Unlikely that you'll get invited for a second round such short time later.

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Gaurav
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replied on Oct 26, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi A,

The freeze period varies by the office, but usually, it lasts at least a year. So, unfortunately, you won't be able to reapply until then.

You don't have to worry about this failure when reapplying next time if you spend this year upgrading your profile, getting relevant work experience, and networking hard. Concentrate on how you can maximize your chances in a year!

Besides, another good option would be hiring an experienced coach.

Do you need any further help?

GB

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Anonymous replied on Sep 29, 2020

Unfortunately I don't think you can re-apply in 6 months.

The general rule would be around 2 years (though it might vary by country). It is best to ask the HR about the rule in your country. They are not likely to make exception to the rules though.

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Robert

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