Interview with BCG Partner ex McKinsey

BCG McKinsey
Recent activity on Oct 04, 2018
2 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Oct 04, 2018

I am going to have my last round with a BCG Partner who has worked for McKinsey for several here before joining the firm.

I am currently interview with McKinsey as well.

  • If asked about interviews with other firms, should I tell him that I am interviewing also with McKinsey?

Any suggestions on how I should answer to the "classical" questions:

  • Why BCG?
  • What will make you prefer BCG over McKinsey?

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Guennael
Expert
replied on Oct 04, 2018
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews

Just one more thing to add to Vlad's solid response: don't ask for a straight comparison. At BCG, we are reminded every year to not compare ourselves to the other two. All three companies are great, and there's just no upside to talking smack about the others.

Asking what makes BCG special is fine; asking why the other two aren't the right place for you is not.

Good luck!

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Oct 04, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

It doesn't really matter whether he is ex McKinsey or not. The answer will be similar to any partner:

  1. If asked about interviews with other firms, should I tell him that I am interviewing also with McKinsey? - yes, you are a smart candidate who understands the probabilities of getting a particular offer and who wants to work in consulting.
  2. Why BCG? What will make you prefer BCG over McKinsey?

Why "Company" question can include the following arguments:

  • The general marketing story the company is trying to sell (e.g. Bain is a small "Family" company)
  • Brand / positioning / market share in the region
  • More clients / projects / expertise in the industry you are interested in
  • More well-known stories of success in your city
  • Your friends working there
  • Your interactions with the other consultants before the interview
  • Your prior experience of working with the Firm on a client side
  • Office traditions
  • Work experience with firm alumni
  • etc

Best!

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Guennael gave the best answer

Guennael

Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews
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