This is the complete guide to boosting your BCG case interview prep in 2023.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn:
- How to effectively prepare for the specifics of BCG (Boston Consulting Group) case interviews
- My best interview tips to turn your BCG case interviews into job offers
- How to avoid the mistakes that lead to rejection
- And lots more
So, if you want to secure a BCG offer, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
BCG case interview fundamentals
The BCG case interview is a test to evaluate applicants’ problem-solving and communication skills.
The interview simulates a situation with a client asking you to address a particular issue they have.
The interview, like those at other companies, consists of a conversation between you and the interviewer.
And during this conversation, you must:
Structure an approach to solve the client’s problem
Ask questions to gather data and information
Derive insights from charts
Answer quantitative questions
Generate ideas or hypotheses
And communicate your thoughts in a clear, professional, and concise manner.
But there’s a catch.
In contrast to McKinsey case interviews, where you would respond to a series of questions from the interviewer, the BCG case interview requires you to independently drive the case and move through the various layers of analysis.
This means you are in the driver’s seat.
How many case interviews can you expect to have?
Before landing a full-time offer, you must pass four to six case interviews, depending on the particular office and role.
Besides, each case interview is eliminatory and can lead to a 2-year ban.
The image below shows the BCG interview process:
As you can see in the above image, each interview includes PEI questions (also known as a fit interview) and a case interview.
How will BCG interviewers assess your performance?
The skills assessed by BCG do not fundamentally differ from those assessed by other firms.
So, let’s define what (hard and soft) skills are scrutinized in a case interview.
Eventually, we will cover what being in the top 1% of candidates means (besides getting a job offer).
Hard skills: the 4Cs and business acumen
During the screening phase, HR professionals check your resume and cover letter to establish if you have the potential to be a good candidate.
If you pass the screening phase and during the case interview process, Consultants then test this potential to establish if you’ll become a best-in-class consultant.
In other words:
In a case interview, an interviewer assesses if you have the skills and characteristics to become a successful consultant.
Case structuring
Interviewers assess your ability to identify all the relevant components of a problem, to organize these components in a MECE way, and to explain clearly how each of these components helps solve the overall problem.
Case leadership
Interviewers assess your ability to prioritize the issues to analyze. You must demonstrate your 80/20 thinking (your ability to identify the 20% of issues that will solve 80% of the problem).
Case analytics
Interviewers assess your ability to transform data into insights. If data is the “what,” then the insight should be the “so what.” In other words, your ability to say what the implications of data are.
Communication skills
Interviewers assess your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and keep the interviewer engaged and aligned with your thinking process during the entire case discussion.
Also, clear and concise communication shows your interviewers that you are client-ready.
Business acumen
Business acumen – or business sense skills- is the top 1% factor.
This is how:
An issue tree is more tailored to the problem to solve
Only the most impactful issues are addressed
The interpretations of data are more insightful
In short, this is your ability to understand what moves the needle in problem solving.
Soft skills: personal characteristics
Besides the above hard skills, consulting firms check if you have the personal characteristics demonstrated by the best-in-class consultants.
Coachability
Feedback is a significant part of the culture in consulting.
Consultants receive formal feedback every 3 months (after each project) and informal feedback throughout the project.
So, interviewers check how you react to feedback.
Do you listen well, understand, and implement feedback?
Or do you defend your opinion at all costs?
And be careful: lack of coachability is a red flag for many interviewers.
Curiosity
Are you excited about working on a new project (in a new industry) every 3 months?
If the answer is yes, consulting can be a good career option for you.
A curious mind (or “growth mindset”) is an important characteristic of being a successful consultant.
Therefore, your answers in fit interviews or your attitude during case interviews should showcase your burning desire to learn new things.
Comfort with ambiguity
In management consulting, you’ll have to solve tough business problems while having incomplete information.
So, your case interviewers test how you deal with ambiguity.
And a consulting case interview is full of ambiguities!
Check this article to learn how to clarify a case prompt.
Confidence & maturity
Consulting is a client-facing job.
And top consulting firm clients – corporations or public organizations – pay tons of money for their services.
So, interviewers ask themselves, “Do I feel comfortable putting this person in front of my client?”.
How does the BCG case interview differ from other consulting case interviews?
Before diving into your case prep, you must understand what sets BCG case interviews apart from other consultancies.
The candidate-led case interviews
Most consulting firms opt for candidate-led case interviews.
And BCG is one of them.
In candidate-led interviews?
You, the candidate, take the reins, guiding the interviewer through your thought process and problem-solving approach.
It’s your stage, and interviewers are more spectators.
Therefore, knowing how to identify the key issues to analyze is critical to getting a BCG offer.
Focus on your creativity
Regarding case interviews, BCG stands out for one compelling reason: creativity.
While McKinsey and Bain focus on structured problem-solving, BCG takes it a step further.
They value consultants who can solve complex problems from a blank page.
You’re not just applying frameworks; you’re creating new ones.
In a rapidly evolving business landscape, cookie-cutter solutions don’t cut it anymore.
BCG seeks candidates who can think outside the box and offer innovative solutions.
Creativity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical skill that can make or break a consulting project.
As a future BCG consultant, you must demonstrate that you have your place in the brainstorming sessions you’ll have with your colleagues.
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The different types of questions asked in a BCG case interview
BCG case interviews are famously hard.
A study from Glassdoor has recently ranked BCG’s recruiting process as one of the most challenging recruiting processes (for consulting and non-consulting jobs).
A BCG case interview is not just about solving problems; it’s about how you approach them, dissect them, and articulate your insights.
So, let’s discuss the 5 types of case interview questions you might encounter during a BCG case interview.
Structure Questions: The Foundation of Your Case
This is likely the first question you’ll get:
“Which factors do you want to analyze to solve this problem?
And, like with any consulting firm, your answer to this question should be an issue tree (or the case structure).
This issue tree is your problem-solving guide throughout the case.
How to move from the problem to a solution.
Your structure should be exhaustive and insightful, covering the problem at multiple levels.
Brainstorming Questions: Your Creative Playground
Brainstorming questions are your opportunity to showcase another facet of your case interview skills.
Here are some examples of brainstorming questions:
“What factors can influence the market growth?
“What reasons can explain the decline in sales?
“What data do you need to analyze this issue further?
A brainstorming question (or creativity question) can pop up at any stage of the interview and focus on specific parts of the case.
But don’t be fooled; these aren’t casual musings.
Approach these questions with the same rigor as structure questions.
Your answers should be broad, deep, and innovative, all wrapped up in a logically coherent MECE framework.
BCG wants to see how you think outside the box while staying within the lines.
Chart Interpretation: The Art of Reading Between the Lines
Exhibit interpretation questions require you to analyze one or two exhibits and relate them back to the case question.
In other words, you must interpret (not just comment!) data presented as charts or tables.
This means you must translate the data and insights into actual implications and recommendations.
The best candidates interpret these findings in the case context and use them to sharpen their hypotheses, deduct implications, and plan a way forward.
There’s no specific answer the interviewer is looking for; it’s all about the quality of your arguments and how well you connect them to the bigger picture.
Math Questions: Where Numbers Meet Narrative
Math questions in BCG interviews are threefold:
Set up your calculations,
Perform them accurately,
And then interpret the data in the context of the case.
Yes, there’s an objective truth to every math question, but BCG wants more.
They want the story behind the numbers.
Your interpretation and next steps should be imaginative and contextually relevant.
Can you qualitatively investigate the reasons for a numerical result?
Can you derive specific recommendations from the outcome?
BCG wants to see how you weave numbers into a compelling narrative.
Recommendation: The Final Act
“Your client has just entered into the room and wants to know what to do
Those words are the signal sent by your interviewer to end the case.
Picture this:
You are not speaking to your interviewer anymore.
Instead, you’re presenting your solution to your client’s management team in a board room.
And they are eager to know how to solve their problem.
This is the moment when you share your recommendation based on the insights you have developed through the case.
How to prepare for a BCG case interview
Preparing for a BCG case interview can be a daunting task.
And landing a BCG offer can seem like a landmine.
And it is…
So, if you don’t know where to start and how to structure your preparation, this chapter is for you.
The BCG preparation time and interview time
You can find in this article a comprehensive preparation plan and its three mandatory phases:-
Discovery: understanding the landscape and the rules of the game.
Practice: practice case interviews and turn your knowledge into skills.
Mastery: get feedback to fine-tune your skills.
Note that the above timelines may vary given the following factors:
Market conditions
Geography
Period of the year
Role (experienced hire, MBA, specialized role, etc.)
Hence, these timelines are just here to give you an estimate of what to expect.
BCG case interview preparation tips for success
Case interviews are challenging, but they’re far from insurmountable with the right approach.
Start early, ditch the memorized frameworks, develop consistent routines, build your business sense, seek qualitative feedback, and practice with those who’ve been in your shoes.
Start Early: The Marathon, Not the Sprint
Time is of the essence.
Preparing for a case interview isn’t something you can cram into a week.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
You need to develop a range of consulting skills that meet the high standards of firms like BCG.
The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to refine these skills.
Ditch the Frameworks: Why Memorization Kills Your Chances
You might be tempted to memorize frameworks to tackle case questions.
Don’t.
Learning frameworks by heart stifles your creativity and limits your adaptability.
Real-world cases are complex and varied; a one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it.
Memorized frameworks can actually hurt your chances of success by making you seem robotic and unoriginal.
Develop the Right Routines: Consistency Over Intensity
Think of it as training for a sport.
Practicing mental calculations should be a daily routine.
It’s a muscle that takes time to develop.
Consistency trumps intensity.
Ten minutes of mental calculations per day for two months is far more effective than cramming three hours of calculations into a single day.
Business Sense: The Non-Negotiable for Non-Business Applicants
Developing a strong business sense is crucial if you’re transitioning from a non-business background.
Why? Because you’re not just solving problems; you’re solving business problems.
Read business news, analyze market trends, and understand financial metrics.
The more you know about the business world, the better you’ll perform in your case interviews.
Get Detailed Feedback: The Mirror to Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Feedback is your best friend in case interview preparation.
But not just any feedback—qualitative feedback.
Get detailed insights into your performance as soon as possible.
Know what you’re doing right and where you need improvement.
This feedback will serve as a roadmap for your preparation, helping you focus on areas that need the most attention.
Mock Interview: The Final Frontier
Once you’ve honed your skills, it’s time for the real test:
Mock interviews with former consultants.
Why a former consultant?
Because they’ve been where you want to go.
They can provide invaluable insights into what consulting firms are really looking for and give you a taste of the real interview experience.
16 additional case interview tips
This article details 16 case interview tips for solving cases like a pro!
In addition, this article details 16 case interview mistakes to avoid at all costs.
Get 4 Complete Case Interview Courses For Free
You need 4 skills to be successful in all case interviews: Case Structuring, Case Leadership, Case Analytics, and Communication. Join this free training and learn how to ace ANY case questions.
4 BCG case interview examples
In this chapter, you’ll find 4 BCG cases.
BCG wants you to succeed and practice before your interviews.
Hence, BCG shares practicing cases you can use during your preparation.
The first four examples can be found on the BCG website.
Here are the four examples shared on the BCG website:
- BCG’s interactive case tool
- BCG case interview example: climate change challenge
- BCG case interview example: GenCo
- BCG case interview example: FoodCo
Additional free resources: 280 case interview examples from McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.
Besides the above practice cases, I’ve compiled over 280 case interview examples on this page.
Whether you plan to interview at McKinsey, BCG, Bain, or any top firms, these case interview examples will give you an opportunity to practice mock interviews.
And here is the best part:
I’ve categorized these 280 sample cases into buckets.
Each bucket is a different type of business problem (market entry, profitability, declining costs, etc.)
Here is a teaser of what you’ll find in this article:
McKinsey practice cases:
- Diconsa
- Electro-light
- GlobaPharma
- National Education
- Beautify
- Talbot trucks
- Shops corporation
- Conservation forever
Bain practice cases:
The above free resources can be first-round interviews or second-round interviews.
But the most important question is:
How to use these practice cases in your preparation journey?
Go through these practice cases at the beginning of your journey (in the first phase: Discovery).
Read the questions and answers many times.
Understand the underlying principles behind each answer.
Ask yourself why the interviewer asks these questions.
Beyond BCG case interviews
BCG screening tests (also known as BCG online assessment)
Your resume is polished to perfection.
Think you’re prepared?
Think again.
There’s a new hurdle between you and your BCG dream job:
The BCG screening test.
BCG uses an online test to assess your potential to become a successful BCG-er.
Unfortunately, the format and type of online test used by BCG differ from one location to another.
Some offices use a GMAT-like test.
While others use an online case.
And other offices use a Pymetrics test.
Therefore, you must do some research (or directly ask the HR team from the office you target) to know what specific test you’ll have to take.
Finally, you can find an example of a BCG test here.
BCG written case interviews
A written case interview differs from a live case interview.
There is no interaction with an interviewer.
Instead, you are handed a deck of slides with information about a company, a problem faced by this company, and the goal they want to achieve.
To answer the questions and provide a recommendation, you need to go through the deck of slides provided, perform several analyses (within 30 minutes to one hour), as well as draft 3 to 5 slides to support your recommendation.
Once the preparation time is over, you must present your slides to a consultant and answer their potential questions.
BCG fit interview questions
Your case interview performance counts for 50% of the interviewer’s decision.
The other 50%?
Your performance during your BCG fit interview.
So, you can’t overlook your fit interview preparation.
And each BCG interview starts with fit interview questions.
For instance:
- Tell me about yourself
- Why consulting?
- Why BCG?
- Tell me about a time you had to present complex ideas to an audience.
With these fit interview questions, BCG interviewers assess your motivation to join BCG and if you have the characteristics to become a best-in-class BCG consultant.
This doesn’t make any sense to you now?
Don’t worry: I’ve got you covered.
This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know to ace fit interview questions, including how to communicate in a structured manner during an interview.
Remember to demonstrate your business knowledge and strategic thinking skills even in fit interview interviews.
How to get BCG interviews?
Acing case interviews require a ton of hard work.
And you don’t want to put all this hard work into the trash by not being invited for interviews.
Unfortunately, the odds are against you: less than 30% of applicants are invited for interviews.
And don’t fool yourself:
Your prestigious college name and high GPA are insufficient.
Consulting firms look at a combination of factors to select the applicants invited for interviews.
So, how to pass the screening phase and be invited for interviews?
But don’t worry, I’ve written comprehensive guides that tell you how to do it.
Write a consulting resume
How to make your resume stand out?
By writing EPIC bullet points!
So, check this step-by-step guide to turn your resume into an outstanding resume.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
What matters the most to recruiters in consulting
How to stand out from the hordes of other applicants
What are the most common mistakes that lead to rejection (and how to avoid them)
Also, you can download templates for McKinsey, BCG, and Bain & Company.
And here is the best part:
You’ll get an exhaustive checklist to assess the readiness of your CV.
Write a consulting cover letter
At the beginning of the interview process, recruiters from top consulting firms want to know you better.
They want to know who the person is beyond the amazing achievements on your CV.
So, if you wonder how to express your motivation to join a firm, this step-by-step guide is for you.
Also, you can download winning cover letter examples that passed the screening phase at top consulting firms.
See you there!
BCG interviews: final words
I hope you enjoyed this complete guide on BCG interviews.
And I sincerely hope this guide will help you land a job offer at BCG (Boston Consulting Group).
Now I’d like to hear from you: what’s your biggest challenge in acing BCG interview?
Is it being MECE?
Performing data analysis?
Or maybe it is the whole process?
Leave a comment right now, and I’ll answer your questions.
Get 4 Complete Case Interview Courses For Free
You need 4 skills to be successful in all case interviews: Case Structuring, Case Leadership, Case Analytics, and Communication. Join this free training and learn how to ace ANY case questions.