What is the typical process for Bain interviews? What should I prepare and also what is the difference from McKinsey? Is the market size that difficult?

Hi :)

The Bain process is usually two rounds, each with a mix of case and fit. Cases tend to be interviewer-led but with more back-and-forth than McKinsey, so you drive parts of the structure yourself. Compared to McKinsey’s fully interviewer-led style, Bain expects you to show initiative, test hypotheses, and be pragmatic. Market sizing often comes up, but it’s not about the exact number, more about showing a clear, logical approach.

When I went through Bain interviews myself, I found the key was to stay structured but also conversational, they value creativity and practical thinking a lot. If you prep both classic profitability/market entry frameworks and brush up on quick mental math for market sizing, you’ll be in a strong position.

best,
Alessa :)

Market size is not difficult... if you are well prepared. Let me put this differently. It is a highly learnable and coacheable skill, and once you understand what you have to do and how... it is actually quite easy, in my opinion.

However, most candidates don't understand they key objective (you are solving a problem, not trying to reach an exact number, and the implication of the result is more important than the result itself), what is the right level of complexity... that helps driving an answer, nor how to actually approach the communication part of the interaction (if the interviewer does not understand what you are doing that's the equivalent of doing it wrong).

Fortunately, market sizing is one of my strengths as a coach, so feel free to reach out if you want a focused session on that topic.

Hi there, 

The key differences would be:

1). Bain style is interviewee-led, not interviewer-led. So you need to be on the driver seat to solve the problem and move the case along. 

2). Bain cases tend to have more exhibits / charts in general. So be prepared to read many more and complex exhibits. 

Feel free to DM to discuss more details. 

Best,

Emily