Language to write CV and Cover letter in?

MBB Paris interviews
New answer on Oct 19, 2020
5 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Oct 12, 2020

Hi everyone,

I am looking to soon submit my application to the 3 MBBs in Paris. I was wondering which language I should write my CV and cover letter in: English or French? Do they have a preference or do they accept both? I have email Mckinsey (the email address for recruitment provided on their website) but got no response on the matter.

Thanks for the help

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Mehdi
Expert
replied on Oct 13, 2020
BCG | Received offers from all MBB & Tier 1Firms | Supporting you secure your top tier consulting offer

Hi there,

Both would work, byt I would recommend that you go with English. Put both the CV and Cover Letter in English, but expect to have most of the interviews in French (except one or two that you will do in English).

I will be happy to provide you with more info on interviewing for the MBBs Paris offices.

All the best,

Mehdi

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Robert
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 13, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

English language is globally accepted, even though you should have French mentioned on your documents that you are (at least) fluent in French if working in Paris office. In case of any doubts about your French language skills, interviewers might switch for a moment to French just to make sure..

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

Robert

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Henning
Expert
replied on Oct 12, 2020
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate

I'd use English unless stated otherwise. Although French is typically required for Paris offices of all big firms, you're always on the safe side with English. Just in case that e.g. an interviewer get's sick and some other non-French speaker who is in the office gets pulled in to take over.

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Oscar
Expert
replied on Oct 13, 2020
It's all about creativity ! I will give tools to become more creative on your case

The Cover letter is a document that allows the interviewer to verify you language skills. We need to remember that French are always very attached to their language therefore my recomendation is to provide the Cover Letter in the language that is not you first one. If you are french, they will want to check you english skills, vice versa if you are not french they will want to check you french language skills.

Sincerely,
O.

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 19, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi A,

If there is no special requirement I would recommend to write both a CV and a Cover Letter in English.

English is acknowledged as an international language so that would be a neutral suitable option.

I assume that you know both languages because the interviews will be likely held in French and that's not going to be an issue for you, is it?

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GB

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