BCG reference check call

Question

I just received an offer from BCG, and they've asked me to provide contact information for three references. Is this standard practice? From what I’ve read here, it seems like most people mention that MBB firms typically do “background checks” rather than “reference checks,” so I was surprised that BCG specifically requested three references and plans to contact them.

A couple of questions:

1) Is it acceptable to list all three references from my current or most recent company?

2) What kind of questions should my referees expect? Will they be asked about my reasons for leaving and my job performance?

Answer 1

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer from BCG!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

First of all, it is of course acceptable to list all three references from your current or most recent company, as long as they can provide comprehensive insights into your work ethic, skills, and achievements.
Moreover, your referees should expect to answer questions about your job responsibilities, performance, teamwork capabilities, and overall contribution to the company. They may also be asked about your reasons for leaving, particularly to understand your professional trajectory and decision-making process.
Lastly, I would highly advise you to prepare your referees by informing them of the call and discussing the key attributes and achievements you would like them to highlight. This preparation can help ensure that their testimonies are aligned with the narrative you've presented during your interviews.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

I got asked for 2 references when I was interviewing for BCG as an experienced hire.

I think it is fine to list all references from your most recent company.

In terms of the questions - it is not a guarantee that they call up your references, i know mine were not contacted. But I would guess they would ask standard questions around their experience working with you, their impression of you, plus questions to validate whether you say you are who you are in your application.

All the best!

Answer 3

Hi there,

Congrats!

This is more of a formality. You already have the offer so don't worry.

1) Yes!

2) They check if what you have listed on your resume is accurate and might ask some standard fluff questions. Nothing to worry about.

All the best,

Florian

Answer 4

Yes you can have references from the same place of work. If you are unsure just ask HR, they may specify something different if that does not work.

I don't think they typically call up references unless there is a need to do so to check the validity of something you have submitted.

Answer 5

Hi there, The timeline you've outlined for the application process at firms like McK, BCG, and Bain is quite accurate... (read entire answer)

Hi there, The timeline you've outlined for the application process at firms like McK, BCG, and Bain is quite accurate. Typically, the recruitment process from submitting your re... (read entire answer)

Answer 6

Hi there, I would say a typical timeline from submitting your application to ultimately receiving an offer (if that w... (read entire answer)

Hi there, I would say a typical timeline from submitting your application to ultimately receiving an offer (if that were to happen) is often between 6-8 weeks. If you apply in... (read entire answer)

Answer 7

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Sorry to hear the experience didn't go as well as you would have hoped. Best to check with the recruiting team, but typically once you are in the BCG online case, you are alread... (read entire answer)