If you have an upcoming BCG first round interview, no need to worry because we have you covered. In this complete guide to BCG first round interviews, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

 

We’ll walk you through the BCG first round interview format, questions, and provide valuable last-minute tips so that you can perform your best.

 

I’m a former MBB interviewer that has helped thousands of people break into consulting. If you are struggling with consulting case interviews, I’d highly recommend checking out my case interview course to get 3x better at case interviews in as little as a week.

 

BCG First Round Interview Format

 

BCG first round interviews typically consist of two 40- to 60-minute interviews. These interviews are typically back-to-back, so you’ll only have at most a few minutes in-between interviews. Here’s how that time is typically spent:

 

• Introductions (5 minutes)

 

• Behavioral or fit interview question (0 to 5 minutes)

 

• Case interview (30 to 45 minutes)

 

• Opportunity to ask questions (5 minutes)

 

Introductions

 

During your BCG first round interview, only about 5 minutes will be spent on introductions. Your interviewer will briefly introduce themselves, telling you their name, role at the company, and office that they work at.

 

They may or may not ask you to briefly introduce yourself as well. This depends on if they are running low on time in their interview schedule.

 

Your interviewer will then briefly cover how the two of you will spend the remaining time and what to expect.

 

Behavioral or fit interview question

 

Consulting behavioral or fit interview questions are asked to get to know you on a deeper level, beyond what is listed on your resume.

 

The interviewer wants to learn more about your background, experiences, and motivations. They’ll use this information to determine whether you would be a great fit for consulting and for BCG.

 

For example, you may get asked:

 

• Can you walk me through your resume?

 

• Can you tell me about a time when you used data to solve a problem?

 

• Why are you interested in consulting?

 

• Why do you want to work at BCG?

 

While these questions are more commonly asked during BCG final round interviews, you may get asked one of these questions at some point in your BCG first round interview.

 

However, expect to spend at most about 5 minutes quickly answering a behavioral or fit interview question. Most of the time is focused on the case interview.

 

Case interview

 

80% of the BCG first round interview will be focused on case interviews. This is about 30 to 45 minutes with each interviewer.

 

If you’re unfamiliar with case interviews, they are a special type of interview question that all consulting firms use. In a case interview, you’ll work with the interviewer to solve a broad business problem for a hypothetical or real client.

 

For example, you may be asked to determine how to improve profitability, advise on whether to enter a new market, or provide a recommendation for what to do in response to a competitor.

 

Case interviews are by far the most important thing to prepare for. If you haven’t prepared for them before, they’ll feel like a completely foreign type of interview question.

 

The primary goal of the BCG first round interview is for interviewers to assess whether you can solve case interviews proficiently.

 

Being able to solve case interviews well is an indicator for how you’d perform as an actual consultant. The types of case interviews that you solve are reflective of real consulting projects that you could work on in the future.

 

Opportunity to ask questions

 

The remaining 5 minutes of the interview will be spent giving you an opportunity to ask questions. BCG always tries to leave time at the end of the interview for candidates to ask questions.

 

You can ask questions to learn more about consulting and BCG. However, we find that it’s best to ask questions about your interviewer’s specific background and experiences to get to know them better.

 

BCG First Round Interview Questions

 

Below are the most frequently asked questions in BCG first round interviews. We highly recommend preparing for each of these because there’s an extremely high chance that you’ll be asked a few of these in your BCG first round interviews.

 

1. Profitability case interview

 

Profitability case interviews focus on identifying the reasons behind a company's declining profits and proposing viable solutions. These cases require an in-depth analysis of revenues, costs, and market conditions to determine the root cause of profitability issues.

 

Examples of profitability cases include:

 

• Identify the reasons behind declining profits at a mid-sized restaurant chain

 

• Analyze why a luxury hotel is experiencing a drop in its profitability

 

• Determine the cause of reduced margins for a consumer electronics company

 

• Investigate the profitability issues of a regional airline facing increased competition

 

• Assess the declining profitability of a manufacturing company despite stable sales

 

Profitability cases are by far the most common type of case interview. I can almost guarantee that you’ll be given at least one profitability case in your BCG first round interview.

 

So, make sure that you are familiar with the two main drivers of profit: revenue and costs. You’ll need to dive deeper into each of these components to determine what is causing the profitability issue.

 

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.

 

2. Market entry case interview

 

Market entry case interviews focus on developing a strategy for a company to enter a new market. A new market can be defined as a new geography, customer segment, or a new type of product.

 

These cases assess a candidate's ability to evaluate market potential, understand the competitive environment, and identify barriers to entry.

 

Examples of market entry cases include:

 

• Develop a market entry strategy for a European car manufacturer entering the US market

 

• Recommend an entry plan for a food company expanding into Asia

 

• Create a strategy for a fashion brand to launch in a new international market

 

• Assess the feasibility of a tech company's entry into the African market

 

• Suggest an approach for a healthcare company to enter a new regional market

 

Market entry cases are the second most common type of case interview.

 

So, make sure you understand the drivers that make a market attractive. These factors may include: a large market size, a rapidly growing market, weak competition, synergies with existing capabilities, and minimal risks.

 

3. Growth strategy case interview

 

Growth strategy case interviews involve developing strategies for a company to achieve growth, whether through market expansion, product diversification, or other strategic initiatives.

 

Examples of growth strategy cases include:

 

• Develop a growth strategy for a clothing retailer looking to expand into new regions

 

• Propose ways for a tech startup to increase its user base

 

• Recommend growth strategies for a financial services firm aiming to diversify its offerings

 

• Suggest a plan for a beverage company to enter a new product category

 

• Create a strategy for an e-commerce platform to boost its market share

 

Growth strategy case interviews are the third most common type of case interview. Be prepared to brainstorm ideas for how a company can increase revenues.

 

4. Tell me about yourself

 

In BCG first round interviews, the "tell me about yourself" question serves as an important icebreaker and an important starting point for both the interviewer and the interviewee.

 

While the question might appear to be a simple request for an introduction, it's a carefully designed question that serves multiple purposes.

 

By asking this question, BCG interviewers can assess your communication skills, contextualize your resume, identify any differentiating factors, and assess your cultural fit with the firm.

 

To answer this question, we recommend that you start with a strong opening statement that summarizes your areas of expertise and number of years of experience. Then, highlight your most relevant and impressive experiences and accomplishments.

 

Finally, take the time to connect your experiences to why you’re interested in consulting and why you would be a good fit for BCG.

 

5. Why do you want to work at BCG?

 

The “Why BCG” question is one of the most important questions in a BCG first round interview that assesses your fit with the firm.

 

Your answer should demonstrate deep research into the firm and genuine personal connection to BCG's values and work.

 

Here's how to structure a strong response. Start with BCG's unique attributes:

 

• Emphasize BCG's distinctive approach to consulting, such as their focus on transformative change and innovative solutions

 

• Reference specific BCG initiatives or practices that align with your interests (e.g., BCG Digital Ventures, BCG Gamma, or their sustainability practice)

 

• Highlight BCG's strong emphasis on personal development and mentorship

 

Connect these to your background and goals. In other words, how does BCG fit into your career path and long-term aspirations?

 

If possible, be specific about office choice. You can reference recent BCG work in that region if it is applicable.

 

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.

 

6. Tell me about a time when you…

 

These types of questions are called behavioral interview questions. BCG uses behavioral questions to assess your leadership potential and cultural fit. Common variations include: tell me about a time when you…

 

• …led a team through a challenging situation

 

• …dealt with conflict in a team

 

• …failed and learned from an experience

 

• …influenced others without formal authority

 

• …managed multiple priorities under pressure

 

We highly recommend that you use some kind of structure to make your answer easier to follow. A common approach that candidates use is called the STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

 

When answering behavioral questions, keep your answers concise. They should be around 2 to 3 minutes. Make sure you are using specific examples and metrics. Lastly, practice your delivery so that it sounds natural and not too rehearsed.

 

7. Do you have any questions for me?

 

You might think that the BCG first round interview is over once you finish the case interview and the interviewer asks if you have any questions.

 

However, asking questions at the end of the interview is an opportunity to leave a positive and memorable impression. This is the only time when you can ask almost any question that you want.

 

Asking questions at the end of the BCG first round interview is another opportunity to show how interested you are in consulting and in BCG.

 

Asking the right questions can leave the interviewer with a positive and memorable impression of you. Asking the wrong questions can leave the interviewer with a negative impression or they may forget who you are by the end of the day.

 

So, make sure that you prepare a few good questions beforehand of what you’d like to ask your interviewers at the end of the interview.

 

BCG First Round Interview Tips

 

Here are our best tips for helping you ace your BCG first round interviews.

 

1. Practice case interviews as much as you can

 

Consistent practice is critical for mastering BCG case interviews. Aim to complete at least 20-30 practice cases before your interview, focusing on diverse business scenarios across multiple industries.

 

Partner with other candidates or use case prep platforms to simulate real interview conditions.

 

Pay special attention to your structured problem-solving approach, math skills, and ability to synthesize insights.

 

Remember that BCG particularly values creative problem-solving and the ability to identify unique insights that go beyond the obvious.

 

2. Practice candidate-led style of case interviews

 

BCG typically uses a candidate-led case interview format, which differs significantly from interviewer-led cases.

 

In this format, you're expected to drive the analysis and actively structure the problem-solving approach. Start by developing a clear problem statement, create a comprehensive framework, and proactively identify the key areas to investigate.

 

Practice transitioning smoothly between different branches of your analysis and maintaining a logical flow throughout the case interview.

 

Remember to regularly summarize your findings and check in with your interviewer to ensure you're on the right track.

 

3. Master your math fundamentals

 

BCG cases frequently involve quantitative analysis. Practice doing math until it becomes second nature. Specifically, focus on: percentages, growth rates, market sizing, and profitability calculations.

 

Write out your calculations clearly and verbalize your mathematical approach. Interviewers want to see both accuracy and your problem-solving process.

 

Consider keeping a small cheat sheet of common business formulas fresh in your mind, such as break-even analysis and percent change formulas.

 

4. Focus on hypothesis-driven problem solving

 

BCG values consultants who can form and test hypotheses throughout the case interview. Practice developing initial case interview hypotheses early in your cases and refining them as you gather more information.

 

Be explicit about your hypothesis-testing approach and be ready to explain why you're pursuing certain ideas over others.

 

5. Prepare answers to commonly asked behavioral and fit questions

 

BCG places significant emphasis on fit interviews to assess your leadership potential and alignment with their values.

 

Prepare detailed STAR format answers for questions about leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, and personal failure.

 

Focus on scenarios that demonstrate your ability to drive impact, work collaboratively, and learn from challenges.

 

Be ready to discuss your motivation for consulting and why you're specifically interested in BCG. Keep your answers concise but detailed, typically 2-3 minutes long.

 

6. Ask good questions at the end of the interview

 

Use the Q&A portion at the end of your BCG first round interview to demonstrate your genuine interest in BCG and consulting.

 

Prepare 3-4 thoughtful questions that show you've done your research and are thinking deeply about your potential career at the firm.

 

Focus on areas like BCG's approach to specific industries, recent initiatives, or the interviewer's personal experiences.

 

Avoid basic questions about information readily available on BCG's website. Instead, ask about current projects, office culture, or specific learning opportunities for new consultants.

 

7. Bring energy and enthusiasm

 

BCG values candidates who show genuine enthusiasm and positive energy. Maintain good eye contact, demonstrate active listening, and show excitement about solving complex problems.

 

Your energy level can significantly impact the interviewer's perception of your fit with BCG's culture. Be professional but authentic. Let your personality shine through while maintaining appropriate business demeanor.

 

Remember that consultants often work long hours with clients and teams, so showing that you're someone people would enjoy working with can really make you stand out.

 

Land a Consulting Offer at BCG

 

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

 

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.

 

For help landing more consulting interviews

 

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