Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 448,000 Peers!

Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!

Informal chat with partner

partner
New answer on Jan 14, 2021
6 Answers
2.1 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jan 12, 2021

Hello,

I am talking to a BCG partner in a few days. We have nothing in common honestly and he only replied to my cold emails.

What kind of questions can I ask him? How do I ask him for input on my application and resume?

Thank you!

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Denis
Expert
updated an answer on Jan 17, 2021
Goldman Sachs Investment Banker NYC | Ex-Bain 5 yrs| MBA Chicago Booth | Passed > 13 MBB > 20 IB interviews

Hi all,

it should be on you to prepare the call as much as possible.

Basics:

  • Try to find out as much as possible about his education, his focus at BCG (i.e. practice), his add'l roles at BCG (e.g. office head, recruiting, mentor, etc.). Ideally you had more time to first network your way into BCG with more junior people and ask them about that specific partner.
  • Most partners (not all) also regularly publish articles either on the firm's website or are even guest authors (ghostwritten by their industrious consulting teams) in industry and segment specific literature (e.g. insurance, banking, consumer/ retail, healthcare, digitization, etc.).
  • Make sure you can talk about current trends, prepare smart questions that also show that you put in the effort to find out as much as possible about BCG. Definitely ask him about his opinion on certain topics.

Add'l:

  • On top of that, it is totally fine and desired to try to bond with him on a more personal level. If he is willing to talk about it, surely talk about "softer" topics (work life balance, how he spends his sparetime etc).
  • Certainly draft a couple of questions around his clients (obv not asking names, but questions around his clients' performance, current trends / threats (apart from COVID) that "typical" clients are thinking about, how he manages to be ahead of the game to best service them etc.

Key should be not to view this as an interview (i.e. you asking him random questions with no clear "thread" throughout the call), but to have a natural, developing flow in the conversation and have him think positively about you after the call.

Best,
Denis

(edited)

Was this answer helpful?
Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 13, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Congratulations on organizing the call in the first place.

You should prepare three main things before the call:

  • Your own pitch. 3-4 lines should be enough
  • 3-4 questions on the personal experiences of the person. Avoid to ask questions on the company only
  • A closing question for the referral. It should be an indirect request to avoid to be too pushy

Before the call, you should have your CV and Cover ready – in this way you can send them right away if the person wants to refer you

If you are interested to know the exact questions to ask and how to indirectly close to land the referral, please feel free to PM me, I offer a 30 min session at 50% discount to cover that – including the written script to follow.

Best,
Francesco

Was this answer helpful?
Vlad
Expert
replied on Jan 12, 2021
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

What is your objective? If it is just the inputs on your resume - show it to him and ask for feedback.

The best strategy is to ask for advice. Share your background, make sure you highlight your expertise. Ask him if consulting is the right fit for you. Ask what is the best strategy to prepare. If you want a referral - ask how to make sure that the resume makes it through

Best

Was this answer helpful?
Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 14, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Congrats, that is not easy!

I would direct the conversation towards getting to know the company, the industries he works in, challenges... referral would come naturally if the conversation goes well by the end of the call

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Was this answer helpful?
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Jan 13, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

First, well done on getting that call! Second, don't be nervous and try to be yourself as much as possible! I have the following tips:

Ask For Yourself

While an informational call is a way for you to make a good impression, please remember that it's also about you making sure this job + path are right for you!

To prepare, think about things you'd like to learn about the company. Ask about your person's experience at the firm, where they've come from, if they have any advice for you etc. Be inquisitive and interested in what they have to say, and feel free to ask thoughtful follow-up questions.

Most importantly, remember this is a conversation! Keep it dynamic, two-way, etc.

Have Your Pitch Ready

In terms of what they'll ask you, make sure you have your 30 second pitch prepared! Who are you in a nutshell and why are you interested in Bain and strategy consulting?

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?" "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?"

------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL NETWORKING TIPS

a) Reach out to people in your network

b) Reach out to people once removed from your network

c) Reach out to people with a similar backgorund to you (i.e. same alma mater, same historically underrepresented demographic i.e. gender, orientation, ethnicity, etc., same career switch, etc.)

d) Tailor a message to them specifically both showing interest in them and their journey and demonstrating that you have done your research and could be a valuable hire

e) Play "tag" across calls you get so that you can work your way towards the company/office/role you want

f) Never directly ask for a referral, but "hint" at needing one (this is nuanced and important...happy to talk through wording)

(edited)

Was this answer helpful?
Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Jan 13, 2021
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there,

What was your goal in sending him an email in the first place? Build your speech around that.

Most probably, you need some help regarding application / CV / position / interview / referrals etc.

  • Start by telling him about yourself, your current situation, your education and experience.
  • Talk about your challenge at the moment and ask him for advice based on his experience.

Don't try to be what you're not and be honest. These calls are a common practice and you don't need to come up with crazy explanations, but don't be too direct about your request. If the partner has a good feeling about you, he'll propose his help himself.

Hope it helps,

Cheers,

GB

(edited)

Was this answer helpful?
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely