Bain test ( Associate Position) - London office

Hi there,

Online assessment tests are more and more used by consulting firms to filter candidates appying for junior positions (fresh graduates). The best way to prepare for it is to practice Integrated Reasoning quesstions from GMAT. Many people found this useful and it prepared them well to passe the online assessment.

I hope it was helpful, please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any question.

All the best,

Mehdi

Hi there,

The best way is to really find online tests / questions and practice. Regardless as to whether is a new or old test, the principles are mostly the same:

• Time management (need to think quick)
• Business knowledge/context (incl key formulas)
• Critical thinking (answers that are very similar to each other...clues "hidden" in the text)
• Ability to interpret data/charts

Think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.

You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.

You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/

https://www.shl.com/shldirect/en/practice-tests

https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp

Honestly, all of these online tests are very similar

Format? Somewhat. Content and what's required from you ability-wise? Not at all.

The best way is to really find online tests / questions and practice. Regardless as to whether is a new or old test, the principles are mostly the same:

• Time management (need to think quick)
• Business knowledge/context (incl key formulas)
• Critical thinking (answers that are very similar to each other...clues "hidden" in the text)
• Ability to interpret data/charts

Think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.

You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.

You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/

https://www.shl.com/shldirect/en/practice-tests

https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp

Hello Anonymous,

Thanks for reaching out.
There are 3 sections: numerical, logic and business sense. Time is untimed, although consideration will be given to time (i.e. they will not stop you at any time, but how long it takes you to complete the test is still factored in). 

You can prepare with the following:

- GMAT/GRE tests for the numerical part

- logic GMAT part

- for business situation, I would recommend using SHL/investment banking tests

Any questions, do not hesitate to reach out,
Best
Norah

Hi Vivek,

until few months ago the test was structured as follows, I would check with HR if that's the case for you as well:

• Based on SOVA
• Requires around 75 minutes
• Parts include:
  • Personality test – Have to rate what seems closer to your personality
  • Numerical – SHL based. They provide a graph and have to perform calculations based on that
  • Verbal – SHL based. Have to state if answer is true/false/cannot say
  • Logical – More challenging than the equivalent SHL part. Have to identify the pattern in series identifying what’s next

I would recommend to practice on SHL simulations covering the parts above to prepare.

Hope this helps,
Francesco

Hello!

It´s a comprehensive test that includes quant and verbal problems, integrated reasoning and interpretation, etc. Hence, very similar to the GMAT exam -I even got some data suficency questions, that are literally from the GMAT exam-. 

There are free exams in the internet that you can use for practice (the one of LBS MBA page, Verits prep, as well as some free trials for courses such as the one of The Economist (https://gmat.economist.com/)

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Hi,
the interview will be structured in 3 parts:
- Personal Experience Interview: fit and CV questions to assess your personal impact, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial spirit
- Case Interview: typical business case to evaluate your structure in approaching problems, problem-solving skills, and business sense
- Your final questions to the interviewers

Feel free to text me for some tips about the preparation. I have supported tens of experienced professionals in crafting impactful stories and structuring business cases.

Best,
Antonello

Hello Vivek,

Can you tell me how long after you apllied did you receive the invitation to the assessment?. I applied about a week ago nd although they state that I should receive the link within a week, I haven't received it yet. Is it not part of the initial screening? Or only those who pass the CV screening receive it?

Thank you!

Hello!

I struggled with the same thing.

I would strongly recomment you practice it with the Integrated Reasoning part of the GMAT exam.

There are free exams in the internet that you can use for practice (the one of LBS MBA page, Verits prep, as well as some free trials for courses such as the one of The Economist (https://gmat.economist.com/)

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara