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Result of BCG first round is postponed to Monday, is that normal?

BCG First Round Result
New answer on Nov 30, 2023
7 Answers
5.9 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Nov 17, 2018

Hi,

I had first round interview at BCG on Friday. I was supposed to hear about the result by phone from one of the consultants (as it is usual in most of consulting firms). However, I recieved a call from HR instead and she told me that I have to wait until Monday. She told me that consultants were very busy today and they didn't have time to finalize their decision. I was wondering

1. how usual this situation is in consulting interviews? and does it mean anything?

2. On monday I have a long flight and during the day I won't be available except a few hours. I told this to HR, but I don't know how much that will go through. Is it usual to recieve the result per email?

To be honest, I think I performed well during the interview. But I also know it's MBB and it might be that it was not good enough for them. If anyone had similar experience and could share the thought, it would be great! thanks.

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Jacopo
Expert
replied on Nov 17, 2018
Project leader BCG, Bain and A.T. Kearney / 200+ real interviews

Hi,

  1. Very usual :) - it normally takes between a few minutes up to a week to get the outcome of an interview. In the event of two interviewers, they must have a quick discussion to agree on the outcome…they also have to fill the feedback form and share it with the HR recruiting team; agendas of consultants can be very busy and so it is not uncommon that that has to be pushed by one or two days
  2. That is not a problem, I am sure the HR team will take your availability into account with no issue…regarding receiving the feedback via email, that usually happens in case of a negative one…but there is not really a written rule about it

I hope this helps,

Best of luck!

Jacopo

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Pedro
Expert
replied on Nov 30, 2023
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

Yes, this is perfectly normal.

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Anonymous replied on Nov 17, 2018

I agree with Jacopo.

1. The timing of the decision can be influenced by a lot of factors. In general, the recruiters like to have the interviewers discuss the interviews in person (or via phone) that day. But, consultants schedules sometimes don't align at the end of the interviewing day due to prior commitments (e.g., travel, personal commitments). Also, things just come up like medical emergencies. In both of those cases, the interviewers have to find an alternative time to connect to make a decision.

2. In terms of the form of communication, an offer is almost always communicated via a phone call and a turndown is office / consultant dependent. It can come via an email or even a mailed letter (rarely). So, don't be surprised if it you don't hear from them until even Tuesday with a decision.

Matthew

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Anonymous replied on Nov 17, 2018

You will be notified of the result by email and then get a call from your interviewer with feedback, so I wouldn't worry about being busy during the day on Monday.

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Nov 18, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Please relax and wait till Monday. If you pass the interview - they will find a way to reach you. The delay is absolutely normal.

P.S. this is the most common question that people ask here, so try to use search if you want to succeed in a consulting role;)

Best

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 28, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Anything between 1 da and 1 week is more than normal. Think that all the stakeholders (HR, partners, even sernior partners) need to meet and debrief, and their agendas are not precisely easy.

Best of luck :)

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Allen
Expert
replied on Nov 29, 2020
Ex-McK Experienced Hire and EM - I show you how to perform at your best

Don't worry about it, they will reach you.

Either positive or negative, MBB will respect you enough to give you a phone call with the result and feedback.

If you're flying Monday, they'll leave you and message and you will be able to connect.

I remember my own nerves, good luck!

Allen

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Pedro gave the best answer

Pedro

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