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application question

How should I structure my application question answers (350 word limit) e.g. “what impact you expect to bring in this role?"

Can I use a similar format to my cover letter answers or should I go deeper on a specific example that demonstrates a quality e.g. leadership? 

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Top answer
Ian
Coach
edited on Aug 03, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

In every point that you make about the imapct you would bring, you need to provide evidence! As in, always make sure to tie in why they should believe you'll bring that impact. List out skills/knowledge, roles, etc. Bring in past roles/projects.

Ultimately, you're saying “Why me"…you want to have a calorie-dense explanation of how great you are, backed by your past.

The “Why Me” section of this article should help: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question

Paul
Coach
on Aug 03, 2023
PL-level BCG experience (6 years)|Interviewer at BCG| 6/6 personal + 95%+ candidates offer success rate

Hi there,

would personally use 2-3 examples I hope you have in the cover letters on specific, real-life examples of relevant projects/experiences you did that should 

1)  have been built in your cover letter to closely align with the target role, firm and office relevant, also based on your contact with people from that firm/office

2) be crisp in terms of tangible actions and business impact generated (possibly also quantitative)

3) enable you to really pass to the reader you key selling points and shine

Hope it helps

on Aug 05, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hello,

You should approach this in principle no differently from whether this was a written question or verbal question. It is best practice to think of your key messages and follow the pyramid principle and be answer first in terms of the impact you expect to bring, and then substantiate each point with data/justification which is typically an elaboration of your previous experience.

The key consideration now is the word limit - hence that will ultimately determine how many key messages you can include and the depth of elaboration of each of them.

All the best!

Udayan
Coach
on Aug 03, 2023
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

In my experience it is usually better to demonstrate your abilities through real life experiences. That approach adds a lot of depth to what you are saying and makes your qualities tangible/real. You should do the same for your cover letter as well.

on Aug 04, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

It's always best if you provide an actual version that we can give feedback on. You'll get more out of it this way ;)

What works in general if you figure out what are the 3 things that you stand for, that have to do with your value proposition and then talk about these through an anecdote from your professional or personal background.

One could be around your extensive expertise in petrochemicals. You can then show your knowledge in this area by talking about an example when you showed this skill or developed this skill. 

Best,
Cristian

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