The Boston Consulting Group is a respected leader in the management consulting industry. It was founded as a one man show by Bruce Henderson, a graduate of Harvard Business School. The company has grown through the decades by advancing unique concepts and extending its services to various parts of the world.

If you want to get a job at BCG, here are some pointers:

How and When to Apply

Your cover letter and resume are vital documents that will help you get a job at BCG. Applications for various positions in all BCG offices are accepted online. They will automatically be sent to the target offices for further assessment. University and business school students may submit their cover letter and resume to a designated representative as scheduled. Firm representatives visit select schools so stay abreast of all career-related activities.

Case Interviews

BCG conducts two case interview rounds with three separate interviews in the first round and another two in the second. Interviewers utilize problems that are based on the projects BCG’s professional consultants have worked on. The purpose of using practical scenarios is two-fold: to give you a glimpse of what BCG consultants deal with on a daily basis and to give the interviewers a valid basis for deciding whether you will be a good fit with the company.

If you are competent enough to be called in for an interview, remember the tips below to help you crack the case and consequently, get a job at BCG:

Networking Strategy

Establishing connections is an effective way to get a job at BCG. Your contacts are aware of your qualifications and can easily recommend you for any BCG job opening if you have proven you are prepared for the role. Below are a couple of tips for building your professional circle:

Learn More

For additional tips on how to get a job at BCG, download this management consulting guide. It describes the general process most management consulting firms use in screening and hiring candidates and outlines what qualities firms look for in applicants. A case interview script is also provided in order for you to picture out what it is like in the actual interview.

Reference

• BCG on Wikipedia
• BCG – How to Apply

Just like any other renowned management consulting firm, you need to work your fingers to the bone to get a job at Bain. The selection process is tough—a typical Bain office usually receives thousands of job applications and only a small percentage of candidates are invited to interview.

This fact can be discouraging, but if you’re determined to work in the management consulting industry, consider the following tips:

Never Miss Bain School Visits

Bain visits approximately 900 universities located around the world each year. Recruiters usually arrange the event with the career office of each school. Consult with your coordinator about upcoming visits or search for your university on Bain’s campus recruitment web page. Campus visits are a perfect opportunity for you to gain information about Bain’s operations, culture, and values from an insider’s point of view. You will also have the chance to network with professional experts who can provide valuable feedback on how to get a job at Bain.

For Bain reps, this is a perfect time to spot prospective consultants. When attending these events, rehearse your elevator pitch ahead of time and come up with sensible questions; a recruiter remembers someone who practices the art of inquisition. As Voltaire said, “It is better to judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.”

Understand the Recruitment Process

Generally, those who get a job at Bain are individuals who have excellent problem solving, teamwork, and leadership skills. An applicant’s passion to make a difference is also essential as unmotivated candidates will never survive in the field of management consulting.

Bain considers the level of the applicants who are interested in breaking into the firm. Their website clearly outlines the requirements, expectations, and interview process for undergraduates, MBA candidates, and experienced professionals. Each level has a different set of documents to submit in the online application. The interview process may also differ but it’s usually a mix of the applicant’s qualifications and case interview performance.

Prepare for the Case Interview

In order to get a job at Bain, you should pass the case interview, a classic tool used to gauge your ability to resolve problems. The interview allows you to apply your critical thinking and creativity to a realistic situation. The interviewer will provide you with slides describing the scenario; you will then have a set amount of time to review the information and write your recommendations.

After you have formulated your answer, you will have a chance to present your solutions. Interviewers might challenge your ideas in order to determine if you can handle a client situation. Be sure that you are flexible, quick, and open-minded. Be calm, pragmatic, and concise in communicating your ideas. There’s no right answer for the case presented. You will be judged on whether you arrived at a solution in a logical manner.

Expect to have a few case interview rounds. As expected, there will also be a fit interview where the recruiter will ask about your experience, education, and values.

Consider your McKinsey cover letter as a marketing document that will help you land a job with the firm. In order for your cover letter to stand out with recruiters, it should contain professional language and correct grammar in conveying your relevant qualifications.

Numerous graduates and professionals vie for a position at McKinsey because it is one of the most reputable global consulting firms in the world. Therefore, it is essential that you are able to communicate your value in your cover letter in order to convince the recruiters that you deserve to be interviewed. Here are some questions to guide you in crafting a McKinsey cover letter:

What Do You Know about McKinsey?

In order for a building to be unshakable, it must have a strong foundation. The same thing goes for your McKinsey cover letter. Your foundation is your knowledge of the industry and the company. Conduct research on the firm’s goals and expertise by reading its website, attending its events, networking with its employees, and following its social media profiles. Read stories about the firm’s successful research projects and strategies they have developed for clients. With the information you gather, you will be able to answer the next question.

What Qualities Do You Possess that McKinsey Will Find Interesting?

Your cover letter is not only a narration of your strengths and accomplishments; it must contain qualities that are relevant to McKinsey’s day-to-day operations. On their website, the firm states that they prefer applicants who are:

If you have networked with McKinsey consultants, you may be able to add more specific qualities to the list. However, regardless of the number of qualities McKinsey is looking for, the most important question is, “Which ones do you possess?” The answer to this question will guide you in choosing information that will move your cover letter to the top of the pile.

How Should You Structure Your McKinsey Cover Letter?

After you thoroughly research the firm and reflect upon your skills, you can begin structuring your cover letter. Use the table below as your guide:

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The BCG case interview process usually consists of three parts: The first part concentrates on your personal background; the second revolves around business cases; and the final part provides you with the opportunity to ask questions about the management consulting giant.

In most cases, BCG applicants spend a few months getting ready for the second part (business cases). This is where your analytical thinking, communication skills, and business knowledge are measured, so the results have a significant bearing on the final hiring decision of the firm. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to prepare for this challenge; some of which are listed below:

Review Practice Cases

Chris Bradford’s historical novel, The Way of the Warrior, says that tomorrow’s victory is today’s practice. You cannot impress the interviewer if you don’t apply this message in your preparation and practice resolving various business cases. To attain success, you should be familiar with real-life business problems in marketing, human resources, strategy, merger and acquisitions, product development, branding, and other areas of BCG consultant expertise.

Apply Consulting Frameworks

Frameworks such as Porter’s Five Forces, Growth-Share Matrix, and the DICE structure help you organize your answers. The problem that will be presented to you may be vague, or you might be given too much information to process within the time restraints. The frameworks will help you determine the necessary steps to take in order to arrive at a sound conclusion. However, during the actual BCG case interview, don’t stick to the frameworks you’ve practiced or learned at school. At times, they may seem relevant but not applicable to the case. Feel free to combine ideas and think outside the box.

Try BCG’s Interactive Online Case

As part of your preparation for the BCG case interview, try the firm’s interactive online case. It illustrates how its consultants handle client assignments. Moreover, it guides you in analyzing facts to come up with sensible recommendations. It consists of four steps:

Rehearse with a Friend

Find time to rehearse with a friend or preferably someone who is familiar with the BCG case interview process. This is an excellent way to build your confidence and convey your ideas effectively. Your interview buddy can also provide objective feedback on your logical thinking skills, how you assemble important details, and your verbal and non-verbal messages. You may learn a lot on your own, but a well-known idiom insists that two heads are better than one.

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Aspiring consultants continually develop their consulting skills in order to gain an edge over the other candidates during the application process. One proven strategy they utilize is reading highly recommended books written by experts.

Here are the reasons why reading recommended books prepares you for a management consulting position:

We have compiled a list of recommended books which contain valuable information about how you can succeed in the management consulting industry:

#1: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

In this book, author Stephen Covey guides the reader on how to incorporate values such as self-improvement, productivity, teamwork, and determination. This book has been read by aspiring consultants throughout the world and will help you develop an optimistic outlook and practice proactive habits in your everyday life. Covey provides anecdotes that will inspire you  to bring out your personal and professional effectiveness.

View Book on Amazon

#2: Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office

Author Lois Frankel wrote this book to empower women and help them succeed in the corporate world. It enumerates the detrimental behaviors women have unconsciously developed during their childhood. Frankel introduces effective ways of overcoming these roadblocks to success. By applying her strategies, you increase your chances of finding viable career opportunities.

View Book on Amazon

#3: Influence

“How will you convince a person to say ‘yes’?” is the question author Robert Cialdini addresses  in this book. Cialdini believes that persuasion is a science, not an art and introduces six principles of persuasion: reciprocity, scarcity, authority, commitment, liking, and social proof. Based on his intensive and rigorous research on what motivates people to make changes, he wrote this book not only for marketers but for everyone working towards personal change and success in their lives.

View Book on Amazon

#4: Getting Things Done

This is one of the most recommended books on improving productivity. David Allen, a management consultant, has written this with the premise that productivity and the ability to relax are direct proportional variables. He provides insights on how to attain efficiency, tips for strategically focusing your energy, and techniques to complete tasks on time.

View Book on Amazon

#5: Purple Cow

Seth Godin used a metaphor for the title in order to summarize the main message of his book—be remarkably different. He asserts that your product should have a unique factor for it to be marketable, interesting, and popular among consumers. He encourages readers to emulate organizations that consistently launch incredible products.

View Book on Amazon

#6: Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies

In this book, McKinsey & Company provide updated and practical ideas on how to create, manage, and measure an organization’s value. Case studies are provided to illustrate how to apply the techniques and principles. Students who are interested in business and entrepreneurship will find the expert advice of managers and investors useful in understanding the industry.

View Book on Amazon

#7: How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships

In this book, author Leil Lowndes shares some tips for effectively communicating with others. She provides ideas on how to make a positive impression and establish rapport during the first meeting and techniques on how to project confidence, be credible, and take advantage of your body language. This is a good read for people who need to improve their social skills.

View Book on Amazon

Management consulting refers to the industry that provides guidance to businesses and organizations in developing strategies to improve critical areas of their enterprise such as marketing, operations, pricing, and human resources.

Two prominent consulting firms in Canada are listed below:

OPTIMUS | SBR’s

The consultants at OPTIMUS | SBR’s have provided custom recommendations to their clients in the areas of strategy, process improvement, resource augmentation, governance and leadership, project management, and research and analytics since 1979. They serve a diverse client base, the majority of which are leaders in the areas of financial services, energy, infrastructure, health care, and nonprofit and government agencies. In December 2012, the firm was acknowledged by Queen’s School of Business and Aeon Hewitt as one of “2013 Best Small & Medium Employers” in the country.

Stratnet

Located in Ontario, Stratnet is one of the consulting firms in Canada that provide services in the fields of strategic planning, enterprise management, information technology, and program management to both the public and private sectors. For every project, their professional consultants aim to provide exceptional service that generates relevant, necessary, and practical improvements. Stratnet employees are trained to be client-focused, team-oriented, commercially-driven, ethical, and excel in what they do. They keep their interaction with their clients simple but informative.

Additional Consulting Firms in Canada

Listed below are the other management consulting firms in Canada:

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The answer to this question seems obvious: You waste time that you could have been spending on activities that create more value. For someone who wants to pursue a career in management consulting, this habit is a deal breaker. Clients expect professional consultants to be efficient and timely deliver output.

Apart from the issue above, procrastination also leads to the following negative results:

Procrastination is an unhealthy habit and must be put to a stop; otherwise, you will ruin your career ambitions. Here are five steps to minimizing, if not eradicating, procrastination:

Step 1: Avoid Distractions

The primary sources of procrastination come from the outside and distract you from focusing on important tasks. In general, it’s information that you do not need at the present moment. Ask yourself this question: Is the information I am consuming right now necessary, or am I just making up excuses in order to put off what is really important?

Examples of distractions can include:

• Emails;
• Facebook, Twitter, and other social media;
• Mainstream media; and
• Unnecessary web-surfing.

One method you can employ to  stay focused is to use a service such as RescueTime to track how you spend time on your computer. You will be surprised at the results!

Step 2: Create an Actionable To-do List

Many people write very general items on their to-do lists like “arrange a dinner event” or “apply for the job”. We have made these mistakes ourselves. Including general items on your to-do list makes it easy to procrastinate. An item like “apply for the job” seems like a huge task and if you are the least bit tired, you will probably put it off.

What if the tasks on your to-do list were split into smaller, actionable items? Take a look at the following examples:

• Research application deadline at XYZ Firm.
• Decide if I will apply at other firms.
• Call Jeanne and ask her to send me her cover letter.
• Research the website of XYZ Firm for information about its company culture.
• Write first draft of cover letter.
• Review and edit the first draft of cover letter.
• Send the cover letter.

Did you notice that these items are all actionable? “Apply for the job” can include thousands of different actions, but the items above are very precise. “Research application deadline at XYZ Firm” seems like an easy task to accomplish. Actually, all of these tasks individually seem like easy things to do. By compiling a list of actionable tasks, you will start executing them and gaining momentum. Consider using a task management system like Nirvana to keep your to-do lists simple.

Step 3: Do the Worst Things First

There are some things we just don’t like to do. But we feel great after they are out of the way. This habit might be the best of the five steps listed in this email. Begin every day by doing the one thing on your list that you hate. Get it done and enjoy the rest of your day!

Step 4: Exercise Your Execution Muscle

You have removed the distractions, made an actionable to-do list, and are beginning your day by completing the tasks you hate doing. Still, you might experience procrastination and hesitation from time to time. It takes some time to strengthen your decision making and execution muscles. It’s like any other sport— you need to practice and practice to improve.

Our advice is that you focus on executing the important tasks, and whenever there is any hesitation or fear of failure, ask yourself “what is the worst that can happen?” Things are usually never as bad as they seem.

Step 5: Take a Break!

Don’t allow time and task management to control your life. Taking a break and doing things you enjoy is the best motivation for being productive.

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Booz & Company, one of the prestigious consulting firms, offers a stimulating and fulfilling work environment. If you pass the screening process, you will be surrounded by people who will intellectually challenge you, enhance your skills and inspire you to reach your ambitions.

But how do you beat competent candidates who aspire to join one of Booz’ 58 offices spread throughout 33 countries? How do you prove you have the ability to advise top organizations, businesses, and governments? How do you craft a cover letter that summarizes your credentials and proves you will be an asset to the management consulting firm? Below are some tips on how to sell yourself:

Personalize Your Cover Letter

Recruiters have gone over thousands of cover letters during their career; only those which are well-written and customized usually merit their time and effort. To make this possible, ensure that your letter conveys the following:

You can also insert the following keyword phrases in your cover letter:

• Strong analytical skills;
• Desire to make a difference;
• Excellent academic record from an outstanding academic institution;
• International work experience;
• Business-level fluency in the language of the target location; and
• Willingness to adapt to the culture of Booz.

Customizing your Booz cover letter is the best way to demonstrate your sincerity, interest, and company knowledge. Focusing on your achievements alone, without considering Booz’ priorities is pointless because the document won’t reflect how you can contribute to the growth and success of the firm.

Include the Right Information

Your cover letter and resume have different purposes—that’s why the former must not be a repetition of the latter. Your cover letter can include the following:

• Summarize your expertise and experience in a few sentences;
• Elaborate on an achievement that proves your marketing brand;
• Explain your motivation for applying at Booz;
• Express what you expect from the recruiting team; and
• Clarify obvious working gaps or any information that may bring up questions about your resume.

Your cover letter’s main goal is to persuade the screening team to review your resume in detail.

Mention a Consultant’s Name

Applicants who have networked have an edge over the competition. If you have interacted with a Booz consultant in a school or social event, mention that person in the letter and how the encounter inspired you to pursue a job with the firm. This unique and interesting experience tells the screening committee you’ve taken your research one step further.

Proofread Your Cover Letter

Before submitting your Booz cover letter, review it thoroughly and correct any grammar and spelling errors. Check the content as well to ensure that the aforementioned pointers are integrated in the message. Evaluate the language you used; it should be professional enough to convey your capabilities and credibility. You can approach a friend or a professional to help you with proofreading for objective feedback.

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Management consultants use terms unique to the industry. If you want to pursue a career in the management consulting field, you should start familiarizing yourself with the phrases, words, and abbreviations consultants use on a day-to-day basis. You can begin with our list of favorite terms below:

Blue-sky Thinking

When you look at the sky, it seems limitless; it has no boundaries. Accordingly, blue-sky thinking means thinking outside the box or with an open mind. It connotes a creative and unconventional mental exercise.

“Consultants don’t use the same solutions for their clients. They make use of blue-sky thinking to generate effective and customized recommendations.”

Boil the Ocean

Boiling the ocean is impossible. Even if you use an intense level of heat, you will never achieve the desired result. In management consulting, boiling  the ocean means you are undertaking a task that is too difficult to accomplish with the available resources. Despite the time and effort you exert, you will never be able to reach the target outcome.

“Making a valid report about the main causes of the bankruptcy based only on these financial records is like boiling the ocean. You’ve got to have additional resources.”

Close the Loop

Commonly used during meetings, closing the loop means ending a topic or an issue with everyone in agreement. It is utilized to confirm a solution or an idea that has been thoroughly explored.

“Shall we close the loop on this marketing strategy?”

MBB

MBB is an acronym for the world’s most prestigious management consulting firms— McKinsey, Bain, and BCG. These firms are also referred to as the Big 3.

“Only competent candidates land a job at MBB.”

MECE

MECE is short for Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive. It is a grouping principle that originated at McKinsey and refers to creating subsets of items to ensure all relevant information is covered. This is typically utilized when conducting research or designing presentations.

“I think we can apply MECE in analyzing this case.”

On the Beach

When management consultants are on the beach, it implies they have plenty of time for recreation—a rare occurrence in an industry known for its long work hours. Hence, when this phrase is used to describe a consultant, it means he or she is not receiving billable projects from clients.

“In 2009, many consultants were on the beach. It was a ripple effect of the Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy.”

Ping

Ping is defined as a high-pitched sound or to make such a sound. However, in the computer and Internet world, to ping someone means to get in touch with a person about a particular matter. It is generally done via email, but the term can also be applied to instant messengers, mobile phones, or other media channels.

“I’ll ping you once I’m done with the presentation for our client.”

Scope Creep

Also known as function creep, this term refers to subtle and uncontrolled changes in the requirements of the project, often leading to longer project duration. This negative occurrence usually happens when the project is improperly defined or documented.

“The project is clearly described so I expect there won’t be any scope creep this time.”

SWAG

This term is an acronym for Some Wild-Ass Guess—an opinion or idea that pops up without any supporting facts, usually based on personal experience. It’s similar to POOMA (pulled out of my ass).

“How do we validate his SWAG? It makes sense to me.”

Takeaway

Literally, the term takeaway refers to food that’s bought for eating elsewhere. In management consulting, however, it refers to a summary of key points that the audience can take away with them after the presentation or meeting. Consultants who fail to ensure their clients understand the gist of their message may be considered unsuccessful.

“She seems to be beating around the bush. What’s the takeaway of her presentation?”

View from 30,000 Feet

When you view something from a distance, you see the bigger picture. Thus, to view a case, factor, or an issue from 30,000 feet means to consider all relevant perspectives and to think more strategically.

“Before we go into the details of this product development case, let’s view it from 30,000 feet.”

When you decide to pursue a career in management consulting, you accept the fact that you will need to ace a few case interview rounds before you can sign the employment contract. A business situation will be presented to you; you are expected to analyze the scenario and generate sensible recommendations within a limited period of time.

This type of interview aims to assess how you apply logic in resolving an ambiguous and stressful situation. The prospective firm wants to know if you are analytic, organized, and sharp enough to handle the responsibilities and duties of a consultant. Your communication skills will also be evaluated as this ability is crucial in conveying important messages to both client employees and top management.

Importance of Practice

The key to mastering this challenge is practice. Familiarizing yourself with various business cases and frameworks equips you with an in-depth understanding about the nature, requirements, and process of the interview. Take full advantage of the free resources on the websites of top consulting firms such as McKinsey, Bain, BCG, and other reputable firms.

As an additional preparatory material, below is a private equity acquisition case taken from Consulting Job Academy, one of the best online courses for management consulting applicants. This excellent example details the logical process of arriving at the final conclusion, thereby giving you concrete guidelines on how to manage your actual case interview.

Scenario

Greystone Partners, a North American-based private equity firm, is considering the acquisition of Deluxe Cane, the leading manufacturer of walking canes for the elderly in the US. Greystone Partners has engaged your team to help determine whether to proceed with the investment.

Here is the data we have:

Case Questions

Below are the questions you should answer to resolve the case:

1. Estimate the market size for walking canes in the US. Is the market attractive?
2. How is the financial performance of Deluxe Cane?
3. You have just run additional competitive analysis and found that Deluxe Cane’s two largest competitors operate as part of larger organizations that sell related mobility devices. Using all the information you have collected thus far, do you believe Deluxe Cane is competitively positioned?
4. What other issues would you want to analyze before making an investment decision?
5. Should Greystone Partners invest in DC?

Case Solutions

Below are the detailed answers to the aforementioned questions:

Question 1

Firstly, you need to establish the structure you will use for estimating market size:

Secondly, you will make the estimations. You can either make your own assumptions or ask for inputs.

• US Population: 300 million
• Population over 70 years: 15%
• Percent of >70 population needing a cane: 40%
• Average life of cane: 5 years

Now you can do the actual calculations. The population over 70 years is 45 million and 40% of these need a cane. That is 18 million. Assuming that the average life of a cane is 5 years, one-fifth of these 18 million buys one cane every year. That is 3.6 million canes annually.

The second part of the question leads to the discussion of market attractiveness. The four factors that drive this are market performance, competition, suppliers, and customers. Because you do not have any information about suppliers and customers, you would make your analysis based on the remaining two factors.

• Market performance. You already know the size of the market, and you can see that at least Competitor 1 and Competitor 2 have solid operating margins. You should also make a comment about market growth, which is typically population-driven at about 3% per year. Aging populations will likely cause the market growth to increase.

• Competition. The competition is limited with 3 large players with about 1/3 market share for each. It would be hard for customers to find substituting products, and the fact that there are only 3 players indicates that the market is difficult to enter for new players. This is a good competition situation.

Based on this analysis, the market seems attractive. You would want to comment that an analysis of suppliers and customers is also necessary to make a sound recommendation.

Question 2

Discuss that revenues are larger than the share of volume. The prices of Deluxe Cane’s canes are higher than the prices charged by the competition. Does this matter? Yes, walking canes are largely a commodity product and the elderly, living on fixed-incomes, are price sensitive.

You should also comment that the gross margin is significantly lower for Deluxe Cane than for its competitors. This means that Deluxe Cane has much higher production costs. Don’t be tricked by the fact that they are able to charge slightly higher prices.

The financial performance is quite bad compared to the competition.

Question 3

Knowing that Deluxe Cane’s competitors are a part of larger organizations selling mobility devices should worry you. Both competitors will be able to benefit from economies of scale, and they have already priced their walking canes lower. This allows them to win market share. Deluxe Cane has lost 9 percentage points market share in the last 5 years to these competitors. As discussed earlier, Deluxe Cane’s cost structure is high relative to its peers, and Deluxe Cane has a significant material procurement disadvantage.

The conclusion is that Deluxe Cane is not competitively positioned – although it is in an attractive market.

Question 4

To answer this question, you need to analyze the target company, market performance, strategic fit and deal economics. A private equity fund does not need to have a strategic fit (as it is not a market player), but needs an exit strategy.

You have already discussed market performance and also done some analysis on Deluxe Cane. So, the two major issues left for analysis are the deal economics and exit strategy. Here are some questions that you want to analyze before making an investment decision:

• What is the likely pricing?
• Will Greystone be able to meet its return hurdles (about 20% IRR)?
• Does Greystone have related portfolio companies that might allow for procurement synergies along the lines of what the competition is able to achieve?
• Can the transaction be financed?
• What is the exit strategy?

Question 5

This should be a pretty easy conclusion to make.

No, Greystone Partners should not invest in Deluxe Cane primarily due to a difficult competitive position. Deluxe Cane is losing share to two competitors who are lower-priced and have significant built-in cost advantages.

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