BCG People Expert/Consultant Interview

Question

Hi,

I am a experienced management consultant who specialized in HR/people consulting and change management. I got an interview with BCG for People Expert position.

Given my busy schedule at work, I wonder if I should focus my time in preparing the general business strategy case interviews (which is most of the case interviews are) or preparing and reading up all the best practices for HR/people consulting? because I dont think I will have the time to prepare for both.

Any advice from current consultant or past interviewees would be highly appreciated.

Thanks and cheers.

Song

Answer 1

Hi there,

You're not going to like my answer. Definitely both. Why?

Well, obviously you're being hired for your skills and knowledge, which means the BCG will expect you to demonstrate fluency regarding HR/People consulting. So reviewing that body of knowledge is a must.

Furthermore, you're being hired as a management consultant, so the ability do demonstrate skills required to be successful as a management consultant is critical. This means classic case interview performance.

So there's no shortcuts here for you, in my opinion.

That being said, I think the HR/People consulting review will take much less time for you, especially relative to the classic case interview skills, so I'm not even sure your either / or question is correct.

Hope this helps. I can share my experience as an experienced hire if you are interested.

Best,

Allen

Answer 2

Hi Song,

I'm sorry but it's really not an either or question. You need to do both. You are evaluated on both. There's no shining in one and failing in the other. You have to succeed on both.

You need to make time by taking time off work, and/or pushing back your interview date, and/or hiring a coach (they are a time lever).

Now, remember, preparing for the case is more intensive so your time split will likely be 80/20 or even 90/10.

Answer 3

Prep for both. If you really dont have time and if you feel more confident with the people ones and feel you could wing them somehow then practise the other cases more, you will most likely also get unrelated cases if you progress through the rounds. best of luck and well done for having the invite

Answer 4

Hi Song,

I am an experienced hire at BCG myself. If you are applying for a consulting track (even as an expert) you may eventually get 1st case from your expertise, the rest will be any strategic case as applying for a generalist role. Your expertise is checked based on your CV but also during the FIT part.

If you want to find out more, please feel free to reach out directly.

Good luck!

Lucie

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Answer 5

Both please. Dont cut corners if you really want that job.

Answer 6

Hello!

Your case is truly unique! I wouldn´t know, so I would probably just reach out to HR and ask them! They are there to help, and asking about the type of question is perfectly legit for a candidate.

Cheers,

Clara