Inquiry on BCG Ban If Applying To Different Country

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about the rejection from BCG!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

• First of all, consulting firms typically have sophisticated tracking systems in place, and they typically flag multiple applications from the same candidate, across regions and accounts.
• Moreover, while a referral might indeed help, it is not guaranteed to remove the ban period. It's always best to communicate openly with your potential referrer about your situation, as they might be putting their reputation on the line for you.
• Lastly, waiting for the ban period to end and reapplying for the next recruitment cycle could be the safest option. This also gives you additional time to further improve your profile and prepare for the application process.

You can find more on this topic here: How to deal with a rejection from a consulting company.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

I wouldn't take the risk. 

Yes, you could do it. And yes, most likely nobody will figure it out. But what if they do? 

I suggest two other things.

1. Reach out to the BCG recruiter in the new location. Explain the situation. Make an argument for your situation and the added experience that you have. Tell them that you're committed and prepared and particularly keen on interviewing with them. And then go with whatever decision they give you. Worst case scenario, apply when the 12 months have elapsed.

2. Apply to other firms. There are so many other ones. This way you can diversify your risk better. Here's a guide that might help you in developing this approach:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Based on the information you have shared, it is not clear to me why the rule (and your chances of getting caught) matters in this case:

• You have assessed that the most likely chance for reapplication is around your 12 month anniversary
• It doesn't sound like you believe there is a current opportunity to apply in different locations 

So what justifies the additional risk to apply now?

If there is an opening, it will likely be very competitive in today's job market. If you don't get an offer now, you will push your timeline even further OR have to circumvent again, maybe at a time when markets have recovered and you have a much better chance for any office. In the event that there is an opening today and ace the interviews, there will be a risk that may preclude your changes of working at BCG forever (being found out). 

So all in all, if everything works to your favor, you get a job offer. In all other scenarios you do more harm. Coaches have suggested better options below.

Hi there,

Generally, trying to bypass any recruiting ban is a bad idea as there are systems in place to check for that and MBB recruiting systems are global. If they detect it, might lead to a permanent ban.

However, there are ways to do it transparently and openly:

1. Network with high-ranking people in the target office and score a referral. This can decrease your ban period and increase your chances of receiving a new invite

2. The first only works if you can show significant progress in your resume (usually 2 out of the 4 dimensions: school, work, extracurricular, time spent abroad); something that should apply in your case.

Fingers crossed for a second chance!

Cheers,

Florian

Thanks for sharing you question!

I would like to build on what previous experts have expressed here. 

Based on your information, it really doesn't seem like there is a significant reason to try this ban bypass. There are other firms in the same location and the same Tier that you could go for.
I would add that ethics isn't about getting caught or not, but about doing the ethical thing. I'm not sure how you'd feel knowing you got this opportunity in a unethical way and have it hanging over your head the whole time. 
I agree that reaching out to the target office and presenting the reasons you think you should be considered is the best option, especially if there was a significant improvement in your CV.

In any case, good luck in your effort.

Best,

Yuval

Hi there,

Q: Is there any way this can be found out, maybe by scanning my Resume or something and this negatively affecting me? 

Yes, they might find out. I heard cases where people applied with a different name (Chinese vs Western name) and different email and they still found out. It might or might not happen though.

If you want to apply earlier, I would rather recommend the following:

1. Look for a referral, if possible in a different country.
2. Talk to the person and disclose the previous rejection.
3. Ask if there is an opportunity to apply.
4. If they say there are no options to apply, wait until the end of the ban. If they suggest that you can apply, ask them to speak with HR to confirm if there is indeed an option.

Good luck!

Francesco

Please don't do this. If you didn't get in then, not enough has changed for you to get in 6 months later. And, you run the risk of being blacklisted.

The bans are here for a reason. You won't die by waiting 6 months.

Instead, apply to all those other consulting firms out there. Do pro bono/experiential consulting. Network a ton. And then apply when the 12 month ban is up.

Hey,

Usually, bans at MBB are global. And even if you apply from a different profile they can still match your name in the system.

The better idea would be to network in your target office in order to get a referral after your ban period is over. In the meantime, concentrate on getting new relevant work experience and preparation.

Good luck!
Nick

BCG uses a global applicant system. Plus, I wouldn't try and 'circumvent' policy - just doesn't read well for you.