BCG Round 2

Hi there,

In BCG, both interviews carry weight, but the second interview, especially with a senior partner, can significantly influence the final decision. If you excel in your second interview, it can compensate for a weaker first performance, as BCG values improvement, resilience, and strong potential. Decisions are made collaboratively, and a standout second interview can tip the scales in your favor.

To prepare, focus on addressing gaps from your first interview, practice structuring and clear communication, and walk in with confidence. Show growth, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit to leave a strong final impression. You can absolutely turn things around!

Best of luck!

Evelina

Hey there, 

For the most part, general principle is that both interviewers count equally. So you would really need the approval of both interviewers to go through to the next round or get an offer

That said, there is nothing we can do now about your 1st interview, but you need to go into the 2nd one and give the best performance you can. Because it is still possible that if the second interviewer really likes you, they may try convince the 1st to give you a chance or maybe you can even get a 3rd read. All that counts now (from the point of view that you can still change and affect it) is the performance of your next interview, and just how well you do in that will influence potential options and success. 

None of these are guaranteed, but then again what choice do you have now? This is time now to be success focused and go after it!! 

All the best

Hey!

Based on my experience at BCG, each interview in the final round carries significant weight, and strong performance in your second interview can absolutely help balance out a weaker first one. BCG looks at your overall potential and progression across interviews, so focus on delivering your best in the next round. Stay confident, structured, and show strong problem-solving skills—you still have a great shot!

Alessa 

I served as a decision round interviewer for BCG, and I can share some insight into what typically happens after your interviews:

1. Evaluation and Scoring: Each decision round interviewer submits a score for you based on several key dimensions of your performance.
2. Debrief and Discussion: All your decision round interviewers, along with the recruiter, get together for about 15 minutes to discuss your performance. During this debrief, any concerns raised by your first interviewer will likely come up. This is where your performance with your second interviewer becomes critical. Not only you need to deliver a stellar performance, but your second interviewer also needs to advocate strongly on your behalf. I once had a candidate where their other interviewer was a BCG senior partner. Despite some initial concerns, I fought for the candidate because of their excellent performance in my interview. After a challenging discussion, the candidate eventually received an offer. It wasn’t an easy fight, but it underscores how important it is to make a strong impression with both interviewers.

Hey,

Usually both interviews carry more or less equal weigh, though the opinion of a more senior interviewer may be a decider.

If you perform poorly (but not terribly) during the first interview and really well during the second one, you might get a third interview which you must ace in order to get an offer. If you perform poorly during both interviews it's almost always game over. 

Good luck!
Nick

Hi, 

First of all - I would strongly advise you to discount what some coaches without MBB experience are saying. They have not been there and frankly that's not how it works. Eric and Thabang's responses are on point - listen to those.

Sorry to hear that you felt you performed poorly. What I will say is that we really don't know what our score is, only the interviewer does. I've been in interviews where I felt i didnt do well, but I passed, and vice-versa (failed when I felt i did okay). 

So what you should do now is just focus on doing your best for the next interview. All the best!

Hi there,

Q: If my second interview goes really well and the interviewer is impressed, could it compensate for the poor performance in the first interview? Or is the outcome already significantly influenced by my first interview performance?

In general, all interviewers have to agree that you should get the offer. If they have doubts, sometimes some companies allow for an additional interview.

Good luck!

Francesco