Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone difficult.
2. How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously?
3. Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a changing environment.
4. Can you give me an example of a time when you failed?
5. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
6. Why do you want to work at BCG?
7. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a commonly used method for answering behavioral interview questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. When answering a behavioral interview question, start by describing the Situation in which you were faced with a challenge or problem. Then, explain the Task that you were responsible for completing. Next, describe the Actions that you took to address the challenge or problem. Finally, discuss the Result of your actions, highlighting what you achieved or learned. This framework allows you to provide a clear and concise answer that demonstrates your skills and abilities.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone difficult.

Question: Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone difficult.

Answer:

Situation: I was working on a project with a team member who was constantly negative and uncooperative. They would often complain about their workload and refuse to help out other team members.

Task: My task was to ensure that the project was completed on time and within budget. I also needed to maintain a positive and productive work environment.

Action: I spoke to the team member privately and tried to understand their concerns. I also made it clear that their behavior was not acceptable and that they needed to be more cooperative. I also spoke to the project manager and asked for their support in dealing with the situation.

Result: The team member eventually changed their behavior and became more cooperative. We were able to complete the project on time and within budget. I learned the importance of being assertive and setting boundaries when dealing with difficult people.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework and provides a clear example of how I dealt with a difficult situation. I also highlighted the positive outcome of my actions.

2. How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously?

Question: How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously?

Answer:

Situation: I was once responsible for managing three large projects simultaneously. Each project had its own deadlines and deliverables.

Task: My task was to develop a system for prioritizing and managing the projects so that I could meet all of the deadlines and deliver high-quality work.

Action: I created a project plan for each project and identified the key tasks that needed to be completed. I also assigned deadlines to each task and created a schedule for myself. I used a project management tool to track my progress and stay organized.

Result: I was able to successfully manage all three projects simultaneously and meet all of the deadlines. I also received positive feedback from my clients on the quality of my work.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it demonstrates my ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously. I also highlighted the positive outcome of my actions.

3. Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a changing environment.

Question: Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a changing environment.

Answer:

Situation: I was once working on a project when the scope of the project suddenly changed. I had to quickly learn new skills and adapt to the new requirements.

Task: My task was to complete the project on time and within budget, even though the scope of the project had changed.

Action: I quickly learned new skills by taking online courses and reading books. I also spoke to experts in the field to get their advice. I also worked closely with the project manager to ensure that we were on track to meet the new deadlines.

Result: I was able to successfully complete the project on time and within budget, even though the scope of the project had changed. I also learned new skills that have been valuable to me in my career.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it demonstrates my ability to adapt to change. I also highlighted the positive outcome of my actions.

4. Can you give me an example of a time when you failed?

Question: Can you give me an example of a time when you failed?

Answer:

Situation: I was once working on a project when I made a mistake that caused the project to be delayed.

Task: My task was to correct my mistake and get the project back on track.

Action: I immediately owned up to my mistake and apologized to my team members. I then worked extra hours to correct my mistake and get the project back on schedule.

Result: I was able to correct my mistake and get the project back on track. I also learned from my mistake and took steps to ensure that I would not make the same mistake again.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it demonstrates my ability to learn from my mistakes and take responsibility for my actions. It also highlights my commitment to my work.

5. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Question: What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Answer:

Strengths:

* I am a hard worker and I am always willing to go the extra mile.
* I am a team player and I am always willing to help out my colleagues.
* I am a creative thinker and I am always coming up with new ideas.

Weaknesses:

* I can sometimes be too detail-oriented and I can get bogged down in the details.
* I can sometimes be too hard on myself and I can be my own worst critic.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it is honest and it highlights both my strengths and weaknesses. It also shows that I am aware of my weaknesses and that I am taking steps to address them.

6. Why do you want to work at BCG?

Question: Why do you want to work at BCG?

Answer:

Reason: I want to work at BCG because it is a prestigious consulting firm that offers a challenging and rewarding career. I am also impressed by BCG’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it is specific and it highlights my reasons for wanting to work at BCG. It also shows that I have done my research and that I am familiar with BCG’s values.

7. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Question: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Answer:

Goal: In five years, I hope to be a senior consultant at BCG. I also hope to be leading my own team and working on complex and challenging projects.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it is ambitious and it shows that I am motivated and driven. It also demonstrates my commitment to BCG and my desire to grow and develop my career.