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Reapplying with BCG

I interviewed with BCG at the end of 2020 and I made it to the final round interview but ultimately didn’t get the job. A few months later I finished my MBA and started working in project management as the job fell into my lap and I knew I had to wait to reapply to BCG again. 
Now I am getting ready to apply again and I am wondering how to let them know that I’ve been through the process and had success before to try to increase my chances of getting past the résumé. Last time I name dropped a partner and a project manager who worked at the office I was applying to, neither of them work for BCG anymore. I didn’t have an official referral link but the partner did reach out to the recruiter I was working with to give me a verbal referral. Will all of this be on my account with my new application, should I mention in my cover letter that I’ve done this before and use that to highlight why I know BCG is the company for me? 

 i’m so worried of not even making it past the résumé stage when I’ve already made it so far before. any advice would be extremely helpful. 
 

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Top answer
Hagen
Coach
on Jan 29, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi Emery,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

  • First, it's not necessary to mention that you have previously passed the screening phase of the recruiting process in your new application, as it is not relevant and it is known to the current recruiter.
  • It's also worth noting that the fact that the partner and project leader you name dropped in your previous application are no longer working with BCG is irrelevant. The recruiters will not take this into account when reviewing your application.
  • Moreover, I would strongly advise you to get a referral from someone currently working at BCG, especially when reapplying. Depending on the country you are applying to, a referral can significantly increase your chances of passing the screening phase of the recruiting process.
  • Lastly, when reapplying, you will be asked in the interviews about what changed ever since you interviewed with BCG last time, so make sure you have a clear and compelling answer to that question.

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

Best,

Hagen

Dennis
Coach
on Jan 28, 2023
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi there,

I would definitely address your verbal partner referral in your cover letter and re-emphasize it. One would like to think that all your information is collected centrally but you can't be sure - so why risk it?

I would also proactively mention that you have interviewed with them previously (that they will certainly have in their database anyway). You can highlight the feedback you were given in your interviews back then and showcase how you have been addressing those topics over the past years. 

You were invited to interviews in the past so your overall credentials seem to be sufficient for them. Now you added a few year of project management experience to your CV. Make sure you hightlight how that is highly relevant for a consulting career.

Another piece of advice: If you really want to end up in consulting, don't only apply to BCG. It is often a numbers game in terms of applications.

Best of luck

Ian
Coach
on Jan 29, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi Emery,

You need to try to get another referral. If you can, reach out to the previous referrers and see if they can still get you a referral (potentially through their contacts).

Make sure that it is clear you have put in a lot of work to improve your casing etc. since the last interview.

Good luck!

Lucie
Coach
on Jan 29, 2023
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader

Hi there, 

as other says referral is useful if someone referring you knows you well, not just passing CV as the person get questions to see how well you know the person. 

I would mention it in the cover letter around you ambition to crack it this time and what all you have learned and progress. 

Good luck!

Lucie

Was this answer helpful?

Pedro
Coach
edited on Jan 30, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

They know you interviewed before with them. This is not something you need to worry about. Nevertheless you should get a referral.

on Jan 31, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

First of all, if you've made it past the screening once, it's no guarantee that it will happen again. 

If I were you I'd make sure that the application documents are great - both CV and cover letter. 

Then, try and network to get a referral. Read THIS article I wrote on how to do this. 

Lastly, don't only apply to BCG. In this economic climate, it's best to diversify your risk as much as possible. 

Best,
Cristian

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