This question is similar to one you will see in almost any banking organization’s interview questions. They want to know that you have the ability to conceptualize and manipulate foundational financial concepts. Your answer will prove your financial statement familiarity.

Sample Answer:

“Net income will decrease by $8, assuming a 20% tax rate. Total assets and retained earnings will also decrease by $8. Cash then will increase by $2.”

You will often be working in a team environment to solve complex problems. An interviewer would like to see that you have experience with this already. Solving a seemingly unsolvable task will also show that you have mettle in the face of adversity.

Sample Answer:

“In my club at school, we were holding a conference with multiple speakers. With 15 minutes to go, we learned that two of our speakers could not be there. I immediately pulled together some of our other club members.

With no spare time, we decided that I would speak for the first person, and one club member mentioned that they had seen a previous speaker in the crowd that night. One person was deployed to ask them to give a brief speech. Amazingly, everything worked out.”

This question is one that will challenge your ability to spin a seemingly negative thing into a positive one. Answer the question honestly, but also point out how that experience may give you unique insights into the role you are currently shooting for.

Sample Answer:

“My past work with a medical technology startup would probably be the biggest departure. I did more behind-the-scenes programming tasks, whereas this would be more client-facing. However, I think this helps me have an appreciation for the minutiae of a decision.”

This question will allow you to provide some context to different resume items you may have. It may also be a chance for you to talk about things that don’t generally fit on a resume, but that increase your attractiveness as a candidate nevertheless.

Sample Answer:

“My proudest accomplishment was having my college career paid for with scholarships that I had earned.”

Your persuasiveness is an important soft skill to have in your career. It can speak to your ability to connect with coworkers and clients while also being a person who can get others to see their point of view and buy into a convincing argument.

Sample Answer:

“In a previous job I had, several employees were pretty cold to me based on a preconceived notion. I made it a point to work hard and be dutiful in helping them out, never reacting to any passive-aggressive comments. Over time, they became more friendly to me.”

You will likely face this question in any interview at any company you apply to. Take the time to show your interviewer that you know what makes BCG unique and why you think that you fit in well with that culture.

Sample Answer:

“I have a couple of good friends who have spoken very highly of their time at BCG, and that fueled my initial interest. As I have learned more about the organization, it has become clear to me that my values mirror those at BCG and that I would love to contribute to the culture here.”

An interviewer will want to know that you have experience dealing with projects that have ambiguous and difficult circumstances attached. This will show them that you will be prepared for similar projects in the future.

Sample Answer:

“My capstone project included a consultation endeavor overseas with a group from my class. This required travel, constant coordination, and a steep learning curve. Ultimately we achieved our goal and performed well with the project.”

Similar to other technical questions, this one will be posed to ensure that you have a clear understanding of business dynamics and what professionals are essentially tasked with doing in all realms.

Sample Answer:

“There are a handful of basic ways to maximize shareholder value which include growing revenue, using capital more efficiently, and increasing operating margin.”

This behavioral-type question will allow an interviewer to see whether or not you have been through trying experiences and whether or not these experiences have helped you improve. Make sure to highlight your learned lesson as your answer.

Sample Answer:

“I had a manager in a previous job that expressed to me, after a couple of months on the job, that they lacked confidence in my abilities. I was taken aback initially, and it surprised me. It caused me to do some serious self-reflection.

After talking with this manager about what I had resolved to improve, I had a chance to grow professionally and personally. My manager later commended my improvement and expressed their restored confidence in my capabilities.”

You will likely face many professional situations where you have unclear expectations other than completing a task. Let your interviewer know that you have dealt with this ambiguity before and that you have performed well in these situations.

Sample Answer:

“In my previous work, my direct manager was often out of the office. Much of the work I was expected to do--and direct others to do--was done under unclear expectations. I learned to implement my own high expectations and use common sense and critical thinking.”

This question may throw off those who have never faced it before. However, you don’t need to know any official leadership designations to answer it. Simply make sure you talk about a specific example and talk about principles that you use to guide others.

Sample Answer:

“I like to make sure I connect with the team members individually first. Then I like to lead by example; if corrections need to happen, I do those in private settings to avoid disenchanting anyone on the team. I learned and applied this method as the president of my college club.”

The answer to this question probably goes without saying, but an interviewer may nevertheless ask it, especially if you don’t have very similar work experience. Put their mind at ease by explaining that you have thought through your professional future.

Sample Answer:

“I have family members and friends in this line of work, and I aspire to a lifestyle akin to theirs. I have considered different paths that require less demanding work, but I return over and over again to this. I have fully considered my options and know that I am willing to devote the time.”

Like in similar questions, make sure to answer with a specific past experience. This will help you show forth as someone who will be ready to act in group conflict situations, as opposed to wilting or waiting for others to solve the problem.

Sample Answer:

“While I was the president of a club in school, I had to mediate between group members regularly. Everyone was very opinionated, and at first, we didn’t have much of a leadership structure, so members battled constantly.

My method for approaching these conflicts was to address the group and let everyone voice their uncontested opinion and feelings. Then we would sift through them and discuss their merits. This allowed us to reach a consensus and let everyone feel heard and valued.”

However, if you choose to answer this question, make sure you don’t spend time on negatives, and definitely ensure that you finish off on a positive. Talk about things you are working on and already strengthening.

Sample Answer:

“In the past, I have lacked passion for my work. That would hurt my effort. After that experience, though, I resolved to find the kind of work where I could engage fully and be passionate. This led me here, where I can see the things that drive my passion.”

This technical question will tap your reserve of financial foundational knowledge. Explain the formula to your interviewer. Also, take the time to review the formulas for other basic financial ratios prior to your interview.

Sample Answer:

“Divide the ending value of the investment by the beginning value. Your result from that, you will raise to the power of 1 over the number of years. Then subtract one from this result, and multiply by 100 to get a clear final answer in the form of a percentage.”