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Bain North America interview format

The invite says there will be "2x 40 minute case interviews". But I read case interviews don't run beyond 15-20 mins. Does this mean within the 40 mins, it'd be 15-20 mins for case and 15-20 mins for behavioral Qs?

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Top answer
on Jun 29, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

The typical structure of a case interview is the following:

  • Fit: 5-15 min
  • Case: 20-35 min
  • Your questions: 5 min

The case part is usually longer than the fit.

Best,

Francesco

Ian
Coach
on Jun 29, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Yes, you should expect a portion of the case interview to be fit/behavioral.

That said, please don't go in with deadset expectations - you truly never know, and having hard expectations just leaves you unprepared to react!

I would expect you have some fit to start off the case, but I've also seen interviews that were 5 min case and 35 min behavioral, and the reverse.

Florian
Coach
on Jun 29, 2021
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

In general, the Bain interview format is much less standardized than in other firms.

Usually, you would go for 10min fit, 25min case, and 5min questions to the interviewer, however, this can deviate significantly due to interviewer preference, stage in the application, type of application, etc.

The timing of each section has no impact on your prep. I'd still prepare for all three sections accordingly.

Fingers crossed!

Cheers,

Florian

on Jun 29, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, I confirm it is usually fit + case + your final questions. However, in recent months Bain is changing the standard structure of the first round maintaining only the business case part, leaving all the fit to the final round. I would clarify it with HR without worrying about bothering them: they are there to help

Best,
Antonello

Deleted user
on Jun 29, 2021

Antonello got it right. Expect a first section in which you'll be able to ask questions, then a case interview (25-35 minutes). The behavioral part will be done in a separate interview the second round. But I also agree with his advise: Always better to double check with HR.

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