The BCG experienced hire interview process consists of an HR screening followed by two rounds of interviews with two to three interviewers in each round. Throughout the BCG experienced hire interview process, you’ll be asked a mix of resume, behavioral, fit, and case interview questions.

 

If you’re an experienced hire trying to land a consulting offer at BCG, we have you covered. I’m a former MBB interviewer and this is a comprehensive guide to BCG’s experienced hire interview process.

 

In this article, we’ll cover:

 

• What is a BCG experienced hire?

 

• BCG experienced hire interview process

 

• BCG experienced hire interview questions

 

• BCG experienced hire interview process tips

 

Before we get started, if you’re feeling uncomfortable with BCG case interviews, I highly recommend going through our step-by-step  case interview course. These insider strategies have helped thousands of students get 3x better at case interviews in as little as a week.

 

What is a BCG Experienced Hire?

 

An experienced hire at BCG is someone who joins the firm after gaining significant professional experience at another company or consulting firm. Unlike traditional hires, who come directly from top undergraduate and graduate programs, experienced hires are typically recruited off-cycle while they are still employed.

 

Experienced hires at BCG typically bring 2 to 10+ years of work experience across industries such as technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and finance. They often come from roles with substantial responsibilities, such as management positions, technical expertise, or specialized functions.

 

Experienced hires may join BCG at various levels, depending on the scope and relevance of their work experience to consulting.

 

Experienced hires play a key role at BCG, contributing to a diverse range of perspectives and approaches. BCG recruits experienced hires to address talent gaps, acquire technical expertise, leverage industry experience, and utilize their professional networks.

 

• Filling talent gaps: Experienced hires help BCG meet immediate business needs by bringing specialized skills and industry knowledge, allowing the firm to maintain a well-rounded talent pool and quickly address client challenges

 

• Technical expertise: Many experienced hires possess expertise in areas like data analytics, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and AI, enhancing BCG’s ability to offer advanced solutions

 

• Industry experience: With deep knowledge of market dynamics, regulations, and operational challenges, experienced hires enable BCG to develop tailored, industry-specific strategies

 

• Professional networks: Experienced hires bring valuable industry connections, strengthening BCG’s business development efforts and enhancing the firm’s credibility and reach

 

BCG Experienced Hire Interview Process

 

The BCG experienced hire interview process includes submitting an application, completing the BCG Pymetrics test, passing an HR interview, passing BCG first-round interview, and then advancing to BCG final-round interviews.

 

1. BCG application

 

The BCG experienced hire interview process begins by submitting an online application through BCG’s experienced professionals career portal. This typically includes:

 

• Resume: Highlight your professional experience, achievements, and skills relevant to the role

 

• Cover letter: Explain your interest in BCG, career aspirations, and why you are a strong fit for the firm

 

• Educational background: List the schools attended and degrees earned

 

• Work experience: Provide details on companies you’ve worked for, your roles, responsibilities, and tenure

 

• Unofficial transcripts: Upload a copy of your school transcript, including courses, grades, and GPA

 

• Test scores: Report standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT) if applicable

 

• Office preferences: Indicate your top three office location choices

 

2. BCG Pymetrics Test

 

After submitting your application, you’ll be invited to take the BCG Pymetrics Test, an online assessment designed to evaluate cognitive and behavioral traits.

 

This test consists of a series of neuroscience-based games that measure attributes like risk tolerance, cognitive flexibility, attention control, and decision-making style.

 

BCG uses this assessment to gauge your problem-solving approach and personality fit with the firm’s consulting environment.

 

While the Pymetrics test does not have a “pass” or “fail” score, poor performance may reduce your chances of moving forward in the BCG experienced hire interview process.

 

3. BCG HR Interview

 

If you advance past the BCG Pymetrics test, you’ll have a 30-minute HR interview with a BCG recruiter. This interview assesses your background, experience, and motivations for joining BCG.

 

You can expect questions about:

 

• Your previous roles and career progression

 

• Your interest in consulting and BCG

 

• Your ability to work in a team-oriented, problem-solving environment

 

This is also a chance to ask questions about BCG’s culture, the role, and the recruitment process.

 

4. BCG First-Round Interview

 

If you pass the HR interview, you’ll be invited to the first round of interviews, the first major evaluation step.

 

BCG first-round interviews typically consist of two interviews with BCG consultants or project leaders. These interviews include:

 

• Case interviews: You’ll be given a business scenario and asked to break it down, develop a structured approach, and provide data-driven recommendations

 

• Behavioral interview questions: You’ll be asked to share a time when you demonstrated leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving skills

 

5. BCG Final-Round Interview

 

The BCG final-round interview involves multiple interviews with senior BCG consultants, such as Project Leaders, Principals, and Partners.

 

Like the first round, these interviews will include case interviews and behavioral interview questions. Additionally, expect additional fit interview questions such as:

 

• “Why consulting?”

 

• “Why BCG?”

 

BCG Experienced Hire Interview Questions

 

The BCG experienced hire interview process consists of three key components: case interviews, behavioral questions, and fit questions.

 

Case interviews

 

The case interview is a 20- to 40-minute problem-solving exercise where you are presented with a hypothetical business scenario and asked to develop a strategic recommendation. Case interviews are a key component of the hiring process at all top consulting firms, including BCG.

 

Common types of case interview questions include:

 

• What is causing profitability to decline, and how can we fix it?

 

• How can we increase revenue?

 

• Should we enter a new market?

 

• Is launching this new product a good idea?

 

• Should we acquire this company?

 

• How should we respond to a competitive threat?

 

These cases can be drawn from a variety of industries, including retail, healthcare, financial services, and technology.

 

However, prior industry knowledge is not required. Case interviews assess problem-solving, logical reasoning, and business judgment rather than domain expertise.

 

BCG uses case interviews because they closely simulate the consulting role. Throughout the interview, you’ll need to apply analytical thinking, structured problem-solving, quantitative skills, and clear communication to arrive at a well-supported recommendation.

 

By evaluating candidates through case interviews, BCG can assess a broad range of skills essential for success in consulting, ensuring they hire individuals who can think strategically, work under pressure, and deliver value to clients.

 

Behavioral questions

 

BCG behavioral interview questions require you to reflect on past experiences where you demonstrated specific skills or qualities. Some common examples include:

 

• Describe a time when you led a team

 

• Tell me about a situation where you went above and beyond

 

• Share an example of a time when you faced failure

 

• Explain how you used data to solve a problem

 

• Describe how you managed a conflict while working in a team

 

BCG uses behavioral questions to assess how you’ve handled challenges in the past, as these experiences often predict how you’ll navigate problems in the future.

 

Additionally, these questions give interviewers insight into your personality, values, and leadership qualities. They also serve as an opportunity for BCG to delve deeper into your resume, ensuring that your listed achievements reflect actual accomplishments.

 

Fit questions

 

BCG asks fit questions to evaluate your passion for consulting and your interest in the firm.

 

Since BCG invests significant time and resources in hiring experienced professionals, they want to ensure that candidates are genuinely motivated to pursue a long-term career in consulting with the firm.

 

Two key fit questions you should prepare for:

 

• Why are you interested in consulting?

 

• Why do you want to work at BCG?

 

The first question assesses whether you understand the consulting profession and the nature of the work. Interviewers look for candidates who are driven by the challenge of solving complex business problems rather than external factors like prestige or compensation.

 

The second question determines if you’ve researched BCG specifically. Successful candidates should articulate what makes BCG unique compared to other consulting firms and why they see a strong fit between their goals and BCG’s culture and expertise.

 

BCG Experienced Hire Interview Process Tips

 

Below are the most important tips to follow to maximize your chances of landing a BCG consulting offer.

 

1. Perfect your BCG resume

 

Your BCG resume is the most critical factor in securing a BCG interview. A strong resume can make the difference between landing an interview or being overlooked.

 

To maximize your chances, dedicate several days to refining your resume. Seek feedback from peers, career advisors, or even consultants who have successfully navigated the process.

 

Follow these essential tips to craft a compelling BCG consulting resume:

 

• Keep it to one page: If your resume exceeds a single page, refine your content to be more concise and impactful

 

• Start each bullet point with a strong action verb in past tense: This demonstrates that you have successfully completed or achieved something

 

• Quantify your accomplishments: Incorporate metrics or numbers in each bullet point to make your achievements more tangible and impressive

 

• Showcase both quantitative and qualitative skills: Highlight experiences that demonstrate data analysis and problem-solving abilities, as well as leadership and teamwork

 

• Avoid technical jargon and vague buzzwords: Use clear, professional language that is easily understood by recruiters and consultants

 

• Prioritize relevant work experience: Highlight your professional background, especially roles at well-known companies, to make your resume stand out

 

• Include personal interests: This gives interviewers a glimpse of your personality and provides a potential conversation starter

 

If you need professional help crafting the perfect resume that will land you consulting interviews, check out our resume review and editing service.

 

2. Prepare for BCG case interviews

 

You must excel in every BCG case interview to secure a BCG offer.

 

Case interviews are challenging and demand significant preparation and practice. Unlike behavioral or fit interview questions, succeeding in a BCG case interview is highly unlikely unless you have practiced at least 5 to 20+ cases.

 

To help you get started, we’ve put together a 30-minute video that provides a comprehensive introduction to case interviews.

 

If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to learn case interviews quickly and save yourself hundreds of hours, make sure to check out our comprehensive case interview course. Whether you have no business background, rusty math skills, or are short on time, learn the most effective case interview strategies and become a top 1% caser.

 

The course also includes plenty of practice cases that you can do without a case partner. This will significantly speed up how quickly you can master case interviews.

 

3. Prepare stories for BCG behavioral questions

 

You can expect to be asked a few BCG behavioral questions during the BCG experienced hire interview process. Taking the time to prepare thoughtful stories for these questions can significantly improve the quality of your responses.

 

Here are some tips for answering BCG behavioral questions:

 

• Prepare 6-8 stories in advance: This way, you’ll have ready-to-go examples for any behavioral question that arises

 

• Choose only your most impressive and impactful experiences: Highlight the standout moments of your career and personal life, focusing on the most unique and meaningful examples

  

• Ensure your stories are diverse: You’ll want to have at least one example each of leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, resilience, integrity, decision-making, communication, and interpersonal skills

 

• Structure your responses: Most candidates use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) to keep their answers clear and concise.

 

If you want to learn how to answer 98% of behavioral and fit questions in just a few hours, check out our behavioral interview course.

 

4. Have a genuine answer for “Why BCG?”

 

In addition to BCG behavioral questions, you’ll definitely get asked “Why BCG?”

 

When answering this question, it’s important that your answer is credible and genuine. Avoid giving cookie cutter answers that sound forced and unconvincing.

 

There are many compelling reasons you could give for why you’re interested in BCG:

 

• BCG works with large, globally recognized clients on high-impact, strategic issues

 

• BCG offers a diverse range of projects across nearly every industry and function, providing exposure to a variety of business challenges

 

• BCG attracts some of the most ambitious and intelligent professionals, making it an inspiring and dynamic place to work

 

• BCG invests heavily in professional development and mentorship, ensuring continuous learning and career growth

 

• BCG’s global presence provides opportunities for international exposure

 

BCG Experienced Hire Interview Resources

 

Here are the resources we recommend to land a BCG or other consulting offer:

 

For help landing consulting interviews

 

• Resume Review & Editing: Transform your resume into one that will get you multiple consulting interviews

 

For help passing case interviews

 

• Comprehensive Case Interview Course (our #1 recommendation): The only resource you need. Whether you have no business background, rusty math skills, or are short on time, this step-by-step course will transform you into a top 1% caser that lands multiple consulting offers.

 

• Case Interview Coaching: Personalized, one-on-one coaching with a former MBB interviewer.

 

• Hacking the Case Interview Book (available on Amazon): Perfect for beginners that are short on time. Transform yourself from a stressed-out case interview newbie to a confident intermediate in under a week. Some readers finish this book in a day and can already tackle tough cases.

 

• The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook (available on Amazon): Perfect for intermediates struggling with frameworks, case math, or generating business insights. No need to find a case partner – these drills, practice problems, and full-length cases can all be done by yourself.

 

For help passing consulting behavioral & fit interviews

 

• Behavioral & Fit Interview Course: Be prepared for 98% of behavioral and fit questions in just a few hours. We'll teach you exactly how to draft answers that will impress your interviewer.