What about the silence?

Question

I was recently invited by BAIN (South Africa) to take part in one of their induction programs two months ago, and subsequently flown out for a weekend and as part of a select group in what the comapny calls "Strategy Unlocked"

Following my return home, I was further invited to write the numerical reasoning test which i was informed would be challenging, and that few people in the same select group could finish (this now includes myself).

Despite this I was told by HR that my Maths is of a competent level and I shouldn't worry too much. I should have expected a letter comfirming my results and progression to first round case interviews but haven't recieved any formal notification.

I've been 'told' by HR however, that my case interview would be in November - preferably middle of the month. I'm a tad worried that perhaps I was blown off in a polite way since I haven't received formal notification. Is this normal or should I just carry on prepping, as if....everything is normal?

Answer 1

Hi Jonathan,

I would definitely either email or, even better, call the HR department. If they confirmed you are going to have the interview, it is highly unlikely they will reject you; however, you may have just not been included by mistakes in the selection process for November. An email/call would be the best thing to clarify the next steps and provide a gentle reminder.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 2

You should carry on preping and email to follow up with HR.

However, generally silence isn't a good sign for Bain. In my case, when I didn't pass to next round they just stay quite.

Answer 3

Hi,

You should definitely write to Bain and check with them for the following reasons:

Bain interview process, in general, is much longer than in other BIG3 companies
There is always a "human" factor. Don't rely too much on HR
The only people who are important to you in a consulting interview process are your interviewers. You can contact HR if needed to verify interview info or even to reschedule an interview

Good luck!

Answer 4

You said the induction program was two months ago, but you didn't give a timeframe for the subsequent interactions. Depending on when you were informed on about your first round interview, there may not be an issue. However, since it tomorrow is November 1, I suspect you do have an issue.

Vlad is right that the interviewers are the most crucial part of the equation here. However, you haven't made it that far yet! Right now, HR is your only point of contact and controls the schedule as far as you are concerned. In reality, there may be more going on behind the scenes. So, the only option at your disposal right now is to reach back out to HR (if you haven't done so in the past week or so). Obviously if you had "new news" (e.g., another offer), that would greatly improve your chances of accerlerating the process, if they haven't dismissed your case altogether.