Advice for Bain Study Plan | Interview/Online Assessment

Question

Hi all,

I just got invited to submit an Online Assessment with Bain in the Middle East. I have been invited to the exam before (last year) and did not pass, but am a bit confused by the language of the email I got from HR (see below) because this exam, this year, does not seem like a screening component. I have been given until Sunday to submit, but asked for more time (due to personal reasons - just moved this week, and started in a new role, and juggling a lot of different plates).

Wanted to ask, if I do have to submit by Sunday, how you all would best advise preparing for it?

On-top of that, I am also currently preparing for Round 1 interviews with BCG in the Middle East as well - and know that I should prioritize prep for that (and am actively preparing), which is tentatively slated for next week.

A bit overwhelmed with managing my time, would love advice/feedback from the PL community. Thanks all!

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Also, as a question, I got this email from HR: “The assessment is not a test, nor does it require studying. It is merely a corporate assessment on soft & hard skills that can help us further assess you during the interviews. You will not be graded and it won’t contribute to your interview performance.” Should I assume this is a greenlight for an interview?

Answer 1

Hi,

I just got the test now for the Middle East Office as well with a deadline on Sunday. First time I am invited to such test from Bain and unsure how to prepare for it! Feedback will great from anyone willing to. Thanks

Answer 2

Hi there. Based on experience, the Bain online assessment should be the one very similar with the old McKinsey PST. To be safe, I suggest below options:

1st option: treat it as the same test you've taken before. Find some sample test online and practice intensively. There are ton of resource for this. If you prepare like this, even if the test turns out to be some simpler behavioral type written assessment (which seems unlikely), you will be fine.

2nd option: Email the recruiter who sent you this invite, clarify with him/her whether it's the usual Bain online assessment or is it something else. I'm sure he/she would be happy to answer this for you.

If I were you I would email the recruiter (option 2). Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Hi there,

If I were you, I would reach out to HR/ recruiter to clarify about the test. No harm done by doing so. Only upsides.

Best of luck :)

Answer 4

Hi!

Try reaching out to HR for clarification. I think they're in the best position to give you an accurate answer.

Best,

Anto