Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

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?

1
< 100
0
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Alessa
Coach
3 hrs ago
30% September discount | xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | xRB | >400 coachings | feel free to schedule an intro call

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 :)