Hi!
I have recently received an online interview test for the Associate Consultant Intern position at Bain & Company Greater China. I was wondering if there are any tips on how to practice for this test and what would it consist of? What more should I be doing to increase my chances of an interview?
I was also surprised at receiving this test as I have a low GPA, while being in a competitive School pursuing a degree in E&F.
Thank you!
Hi James,
First, good luck!
I recommend the following:
I have a number of written case I'd be more than happy to share with you! What I generally do with my candidates is, give them a written case x hours before our scheduled session (adjust # of hours based on the specific interview they're going to have), and then review their work during the session (as well as talk through tips+tricks to get better).
Other helpful Q&As
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/scenario-interview-presentation-prep-9325
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-practice-written-case-interviews-9199
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/case-interview-9228
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-practice-written-case-interviews-9199
Hi there,
I have a few retired written cases for you to practice if you are interested and I will be happy to share the tips as well (I have recently managed to get someone into Bain who went through the written case). Feel free to reach out if you are interested and best of luck.
Cheers,
David
Hi! Thank you for your reply! Can you help me out with the contents of a online written test for the Associate Consultant Intern at Bain and Co.? Would be the same as an interview where I will be asked to analyse cases? Or more of a numerical and objective based test? Since they have asked me to set-up with two devices, I believe it will be more like a test and hence I am unclear in terms of how to prepare for them.
Hi there!
Congrats on being invited! It's always nice to be surprised in a positive way :)
You'll find lots of answers to this question if you search within the Q&A (likely more resources than the answers you're going to get here).
Best of luck!
Cristian
Hey there,
For the written case practice I'd recommend you to look at regular case interview samples (there is a ton here on PL) and then work through them on your own. Look at the prompt and core question you are trying to solve, then look at the data provided and work on your recommendation.
Follow these rules:
#1 Already have a plan when you go in for the written case
Since time is usually limited, you should have a plan on how long you want to spend on each task of the assignment beforehand. For practice, use 20 minutes for the analysis and 5 minutes for the recommendation communication. For the real case adapt accordingly based on the time budget provided.
#2 Focus – quickly separate crucial information from the noise
Written cases usually present you with an information overload that you need to sort out
#3 Graphs and charts – interpret and distill key insights from graphs and charts
Written cases bombard you with charts, graphs, tables, and other visual depictions of data that you should use to test your hypotheses. Learn how to quickly read and interpret them
#4 Math – quickly draft equations and conduct pen-and-paper math
Get into the habit of quickly setting up and simplifying calculations
#5 Storyline – draft a compelling storyline and tell it with visually appealing outputs
Create a top-down storyline of your recommendations. State your primary recommendation, then use supporting arguments to strengthen your position
#6 Presentation and defense – communicate and defend your recommendation top-down
If you have to present your findings at the end of the case, follow the top-down approach of your slide deck. Be confident and engaging when going through your recommendations and supporting arguments.
All the best!
Cheers,
Florian
