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Have I ruined my chances with BCG?

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG Actively preparing for interviews with Bain and BCG BCG BCG 1st round BCG Case Interview bcg consultant bcg london currently preparing for MBB London MBB
Most recent answer on Feb 26, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 22, 2024) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 22, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
This is the importance of networking AND coaching! There are 100s of things we just don't know unless we know. Look, if you have a strong resume + referral, your odds are not zero. However, please do learn from this mis ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
425
Views
58
Total Upvotes
on Feb 26, 2024 on Feb 26, 2024
Last Activity

Does teaching count as a leadership example?

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG leadership Personalfit
Most recent answer on Dec 30, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 30, 2023) is from:
Alberto
Expert
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Alberto
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 30, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Hi there, Being asked for a leadership story at a McKinsey interview you should focus on your best experience leading a team (of any size), either on a personal or professional situation. Keys here: You leading style is ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
6.0 k
Views
23
Total Upvotes
on Dec 30, 2023 on Dec 30, 2023
Last Activity

MBB different region

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG Actively preparing for interviews with Bain and BCG BCG Case Interview
Most recent answer on Feb 14, 2023
The best answer (on Feb 14, 2023) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 14, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, I was in New York, as an American-Kiwi, interviewing for BCG Australia. They flew me from New York to Boston where they interviewed me. So, the answer for me was both (they interviewed me “locally”, but also h ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
561
Views
68
Total Upvotes
on Feb 14, 2023 on Feb 14, 2023
Last Activity

All three different PEI questions?

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG Mck McKinsey PEI Personal Fit Preparing for final round at McK
Most recent answer on Aug 31, 2022
The best answer (on Aug 18, 2022) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 18, 2022
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there, The PEI selection is not random. Interviewers talk to each other and align beforehand. Usually, this it how it goes for Germany: The first three interviewers will cover one dimension each. For the fourth inte ... (read entire answer)
15
Answers
1.6 k
Views
132
Total Upvotes
on Aug 31, 2022 on Aug 31, 2022
Last Activity

Numbers to know for interview

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG benchmarking numbers
Most recent answer on Mar 31, 2022
The best answer (on Mar 27, 2022) is from:
Andi
Expert
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires
Andi
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 27, 2022
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires
Hi there,  I'm with Ankit on this one - it is definitely NOT A MUST to memorize such stats and numbers. A case interview is not an exam that tests memorization skills.  That said, when a candidate comes across as genera ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.2 k
Views
58
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2022 on Mar 31, 2022
Last Activity

McKinsey - 1st round Interview

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG BCG McKinsey and Bain frameworks mckinsey I'm preparing to McK coming next week McKinsey & Company
Most recent answer on Mar 01, 2022
The best answer (on Feb 27, 2022) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 27, 2022
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hi Simona, That is the wrong way to approach the McKinsey interview. McKinsey has moved away from typical business cases and traditional frameworks as described in most case books and the focus is rather on creative cas ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
2.8 k
Views
87
Total Upvotes
on Mar 01, 2022 on Mar 01, 2022
Last Activity

BCG casey chatbot

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG BCG BCG 1st round BCG Aptitude Test BCG Case Interview
Most recent answer on Nov 19, 2021
The best answer (on Nov 18, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 18, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, First, learn to case. (You need to know the same business concepts, ways of thinking, etc. Second, practice with real tests. Allocate your 30 minutes just like you would a normal test - try to move quickly thr ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
1.6 k
Views
23
Total Upvotes
on Nov 19, 2021 on Nov 19, 2021
Last Activity

McKinsey 1 round of interview - consultant

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG Risk Management
Most recent answer on Aug 30, 2021
The best answer (on Aug 28, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 28, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, I highly highly recommend you get reading up on McKinsey Insights “Risk and Resilience" page. Click into each of these below topics to build up your knowledge and see what types of questions may be asked. For ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
1.0 k
Views
24
Total Upvotes
on Aug 30, 2021 on Aug 30, 2021
Last Activity

Invited to an Event with Partners for McKinsey Canada. What should I do ?

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG
Most recent answer on Aug 19, 2021
The best answer (on Aug 16, 2021) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 16, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there, Cool opportunity! What to expect? An informal event with some short presentation about the sector, McKinsey, trends, etc. The opportunity to ask questions and network with consultants and partners What to pre ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.3 k
Views
29
Total Upvotes
on Aug 19, 2021 on Aug 19, 2021
Last Activity

Interview cut short

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG
Most recent answer on Aug 09, 2021
The best answer (on Aug 06, 2021) is from:
Sophia
Expert
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| 6+ years of coaching
Sophia
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 06, 2021
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| 6+ years of coaching
Hello!  It depends, of course, but generally this just means that you ran out of time. This could be because you rambled - or it could be because the interviewer lost track of time and didn't guide you through the case ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.4 k
Views
49
Total Upvotes
on Aug 09, 2021 on Aug 09, 2021
Last Activity

Should I ask after the PSG, how long till I expect a case interview?

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG McKinsey & Company McKinsey Imbellus Recruiter
Most recent answer on Jun 29, 2021
The best answer (on Jun 26, 2021) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Jun 26, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, I don’t think that’s needed as they will notify you in due time. Normally you should get a reply from McKinsey within 2 weeks whether you passed or not. However, the time varies according to the office – the ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.1 k
Views
74
Total Upvotes
on Jun 29, 2021 on Jun 29, 2021
Last Activity

Are there any unique differences in McK case interviews for a research analyst position?

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG McKinsey
Most recent answer on Mar 16, 2021
The best answer (on Mar 15, 2021) is from:
Clara
Expert
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Clara
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 15, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello! +1 to Gaurav pointing you in that direction. Most of the interviewing process is going to be the "classical", hence you have 2 main workstreams ahead: 1. FIT INTERVIEW The "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
1.6 k
Views
3
Total Upvotes
on Mar 16, 2021 on Mar 16, 2021
Last Activity

Excel Skills

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG Actively preparing for interviews with Bain and BCG Actively preparing for Mckinsey & AT Kearney and Bain ATKearney MBB
Most recent answer on Mar 14, 2021
The best answer (on Mar 04, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 04, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Teach yourself: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/learn-excel-resources Q&A: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/free-online-resources-to-learn-excel-basics-6946 Pay for a Course: ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
2.5 k
Views
99
Total Upvotes
on Mar 14, 2021 on Mar 14, 2021
Last Activity

When does McK London send out invitation for 2nd round interviews and offers?

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG MBB
Most recent answer on Dec 31, 2020
The best answer (on Nov 16, 2020) is from:
Clara
Expert
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Clara
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 16, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello! This is an excellent question -and also, it´s an excellent problem to have, hahahaha-. Whenver you are interviewing, each company asks precisely whether you are in this situation (e.g., have you received ano ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.0 k
Views
51
Total Upvotes
on Dec 31, 2020 on Dec 31, 2020
Last Activity

Are market sizing questions common in McK and BCG final rounds?

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG
Most recent answer on Dec 30, 2020
The best answer (on Nov 23, 2020) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 23, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Absolutely! That being said, it won't always be "obvious" i.e. it could be embedded within a case. Furthermore, even if they weren't common, you should prepare! In general, for interviews, if your question is "is x or ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
775
Views
18
Total Upvotes
on Dec 30, 2020 on Dec 30, 2020
Last Activity

How to prepare for case interview in one week time?

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG
Most recent answer on Dec 30, 2020
The best answer (on Dec 06, 2020) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 06, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Zou, I agree it is a good idea to postpone the interview. The ban at McKinsey is from 12 to 24 months, so it makes sense to be prepared well. I would recommend to postpone 1 month if possible. I usually recommend ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
7.7 k
Views
81
Total Upvotes
on Dec 30, 2020 on Dec 30, 2020
Last Activity

McK London 1st round interviews

1st round interview Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG Actively preparing for interviews with McKinsey Decision interview feedback
Most recent answer on Nov 21, 2020
The best answer (on Nov 21, 2020) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 21, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, In general it should take a few days. However, you shouldn't get to concerned if it does take up to 1-2 weeks. After 2 weeks, if you haven't heard anything, you should feel free to reach out to HR for an upd ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
927
Views
38
Total Upvotes
on Nov 21, 2020 on Nov 21, 2020
Last Activity

MBB 2020/2021 Recruiting timeline with COVID-19?

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG Bain BCG COVID-19 Hiring freeze Hiring Timeline MBB United States western europe
Most recent answer on Oct 09, 2020
The best answer (on Oct 06, 2020) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 06, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Welcome to the platform as well as the recruiting journey! In Terms of Preparation In general, I find candidates need 2-3 months to feel ready (some need more, some need fewer). Of course, it depends p ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
3.2 k
Views
19
Total Upvotes
on Oct 09, 2020 on Oct 09, 2020
Last Activity

invited to BCG interviews

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG
Most recent answer on Sep 18, 2020
The best answer (on Sep 13, 2020) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 13, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Honestly, I think you're good. Remember, this is about quality over quantity. I fear you're thinking "If I buy more materials, I will be better". This isn't true! You need to pick the 1-2 tools / platforms ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.4 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Sep 18, 2020 on Sep 18, 2020
Last Activity

BCG cases vs McKinsey cases

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG
Most recent answer on Sep 09, 2020
The best answer (on Sep 08, 2020) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 08, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, You don’t need to use different structures for the two companies. Plus your issue may not be related to structuring at all, given what you presented. Specifically: You may get cases without much time to ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
2.6 k
Views
28
Total Upvotes
on Sep 09, 2020 on Sep 09, 2020
Last Activity
1 - 20 of 29 results

Consulting Q&A – Ask Questions about Your Career

In this overview, you will find all the questions asked so far by the PrepLounge community. Anyone can ask questions and write answers. Our coaches are also happy to share their expertise. If you like an answer, give it an upvote so that it rises to the top. Here you can also find our guidelines and FAQs for the Consulting Q&A.