Bain and BCG fit questions

Hi there,

Yes, the interviewer can essentially ask anything! If you think about it, that's no different to a case either!

Like cases, these questions can be organized against themes! So, be prepared with "Resume Walkthrough", "Why Consulting" And "Why X Company". In addition to that, there are a range of personal questions they'll ask, for which you can also prepare.

Personal Stories

Step 1 - Categorize the main stories

There are 5-10 "themes" you need to prepare for. i.e. Leadership, teamwork, challenge, etc. Figure out this list and make sure your stories cover this range (PM me and I can provide you with a template for this list)

Step 2 - Create FLEXIBLE stories that cover a range of categories

You need to create 4-6 stories that each cover a range of topics. They need to be powerful stories that can be adjusted and adapted based on the question asked.

One of my "core" or "killer" stories was usable for Initiative, Achievement, Leadership, Challenge, Change of direction, AND Persuasion.

Write down these stories along STAR or similar format...use bullet points

Step 3 - Organize these stories so you know which ones can be used for what and PRACTICE

Make sure you cover the whole gambit. Then, practice getting asked a question and thinking of which stories apply. I can assure you, no-one is coming up with full stories in a few seconds. Rather, they have practiced how to adapt an existing story to the question asked.

Hey there,

Correct, the interviewers may ask whatever they find interesting in theory. In practice, most of the time the questions are the same and are along the lines of (in decreasing order of importance and relevance):

• Tell me something about yourself / can you guide me through your resume / how did you end up applying at our firm
• Why do you want to work in consulting?
• Why do you want to work for us?
• Tell me about a time you failed and what have learned from it (very common at BCG)
• What are your strengths / weaknesses?
• What was your biggest achievement?
• Tell me about a time you led a team during a difficult situation
• Tell me about a time you influenced a senior leader or group of people
• How do your skills match the job description? How can your previous experience benefit us?
• What are you enjoying outside of work? What drives you?

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

It depends on the office. For most offices, I found the fit questions my mentees got are often the same. If you can clarify your office it will be easier to provide suggestions.

The most common fit questions you may get are the following, with frequency and type dependent on the particular office:

1. Tell me about yourself
2. Why consulting
3. Why us
4. Give me an example of when you led a team
5. Tell me about a time when you had to convince someone not agreeing with you
6. What has been your major achievement so far when you started something
7. Why should we hire you

Best,

Francesco