I applied through an employee referral. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Bain & Company (Chicago, IL) in May 2015
Interview
The interview was made of two rounds. The first round comprised of two 30 minute interviews on the phone. The cases were back to back, lightly focused on fit. After a successful first round, I was flown to the Chicago office for a final round, which had 4 interviews. The first was a fit interview while the rest were on cases, with little time spent on a couple fit questions - why consulting; why Bain; why did you wait till off cycle to apply? Because the interview was with partners, less emphasis was spent on structure compared to the first round.
I thought I didn't do well as well on the first case interview in the last round and therefore picked the pace for the last two. However on my offer call, I was told I did really well on that case -- sentimental feeling after a case isn't always the best judge.
My final commentary on the interview process is that Bain wants to see the REAL you so don't forget to show your passion, poise and energy. They respect those so much so that those make a HUGE impression and they will remember.
Three rounds of interviews, generally 2 rounds in person or remote with live consultants. Each round involves a 2-3 case interviews each, which generally also include a set of behavioural questions.
Drei Interviewrunden, je ein Interviewer: zwei englischsprachige Case Studies (Interviewer-geführt, strukturiert) sowie Personal Fit mit situativen Fragen ohne CV-Bezug - keine Angaben zu Praktika oder Uni gefragt. Stattdessen Reaktionsfragen à la „Wie würdest du in Situation XYZ reagieren?". Mit solider Vorbereitung nichts Unerwartetes. Alle Interviewer sehr freundlich und aufgeschlossen — angenehme, entspannte Atmosphäre throughout.
2 rounds of 3 interviews.
The first round includes a fit interview.
All interviews feel very relaxed, but they still expect you to move through the case fast and in a structured way.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you handle a client who is feeling anxious/fearful?
