How impactful is a Partner's opinion for getting an offer?

Hey there, 

The general principle is that you would need both the approval of the Partner and Principal in this case to get the offer. So if one went well and the other didn't, more often than not, the outcome would be a no. However, in that situation, it is possible that the Partner could motivate heavily that you should (or could) be given a chance and the Principal could agree to you getting an offer

The likelihood of any of these outcomes depends on the extent of how well (or not) you did with the Partner. Also will depend on the practices in that BCG office regarding their recruiting policy and discretions. So whilst in theory it is possible that the Partner could sway the Principal, it's best to stay away from speculation too (especially considering that candidates are not always the best judge of actual performance in a case)

Wishing you all the best! 

Hello,

In my opinion, it’s absolutely possible to outperform a weaker interview with a stronger one. Firms like BCG evaluate candidates holistically, and a strong Partner interview can carry significant weight, especially if you demonstrated clear potential in problem-solving and fit.

For example, during my EY-Parthenon process, one of my four interviews didn’t go as well as I hoped, yet I still received an offer because my overall performance was strong. Your second interview sounds very positive, and that can help offset the challenges you faced in the first one.

Focus on the strengths you showcased, and don’t let one less-than-perfect interview define your confidence!

Best,
Evelina

Hi,

The offer is depending on the performance during both interviews. There is not much you can do for now. 

Hope this helps.

Mattijs

Hi there, 

After each interview, the team typically discusses their impressions and votes on the candidate. If someone has doubts about hiring you, it’s often up to another person, to vouch for you. Their support can outweigh others' opinions and impact the final decision in your favour - and it’s certainly beneficial if the person advocating for you is a Partner.

Best of luck!
Kairavee

Doesn't matter what the persons position is. The scorecard is the same. If you didn't do well, you didn't do well. My advice - you really just have to wait, it's impossible to predict what the outcome will be

Hi there,

Q: How impactful is a Partner's opinion for getting an offer?

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

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on going through the entire application process with BCG!

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

• First of all, it depends. Ultimately, both interviewers in your final interview round, who carry equal weight, must agree to make you an offer. If one of them does not feel comfortable with it, you will not get the offer, no matter how well you did in any case study or personal fit part.
• Moreover, since all you can do at this point is wait, I would advise you to apply to other consulting firms if you haven't already, to maximize your chances of getting at least one consulting offer in the end.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

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

Best,

Hagen

Hey!

Yes, a Partner's opinion can carry significant weight, especially in the final stages of the interview process. While the Principal's interview is important, the Partner’s feedback can strongly influence the decision, especially if they felt you were a great fit. A good Partner interview could outweigh a less-than-ideal performance in the first round, but it depends on how both interviews are balanced. Ultimately, it's about demonstrating potential and fit across the entire process.

Alessa

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. 

P.S. Don't always judge a book by its cover. If one of the interviewers seemed uninterested, it doesn't necessarily mean that he/she didn't like your performance. This can work the other way, though: having a good connection with the interviewer does not automatically mean you passed (those things correlate though).

Better not overthink it and wait for the official decision. You've done everything you could.

Good luck!
Nick