Bain case interview

Hi,

There are some common traits amongst all Bain offices for interviews, i.e.
 

• Candidate-led cases are the most common types of cases at Bain
• Also numerical / hybrid cases with e.g. info presented in the form of tables / graphs (to be used for calculations and case argumentation) are also common type
• Market sizing are used in some offices (e.g. UK, Italy) but not in all
• Vs Mck BCG (generally) less quant-based type of cases
• The type of cases used include - but do not limit to - the ones you mentioned. For instance comomn type also include M&A, operations case etc

But that said, there are also some key differences depending on

1. Which office you are interviweing with 
2. The round you are in

Generally, case choice from interview might be influenced by your performance& feebbacks  in the previous round. 

Then, final round tends to be more inclined towards checking your
a) fit
b) communication

In terms of cases also they tend to be
i) more difficult (they will put under pressure / challenge more)
ii) shorter (time pressured) and
ii) more high level (e.g. strategy one or more complex sizing are more common here).

If you are still in the phase of preparation, i would encourage you to build a proper plan for , including fit as well. I remain available if you have further questions,

Best
Riccardo

Hi,

First of all - almost all Bain cases are interviewee led. Thus you have to drive the case and you have to come to a certain number and the conclusion in the end. 

It may seem to you that these 2 types of cases are different, however, the interviewer-led type is just a simplified version of the interviewee-led case. My advice is to prepare a lot in the interviewee-led format so that you could solve both easily.

Here is some information according to 100+ Bain cases my candidates had on the interviews. However it may be not representative geographically, but according to my experience:

Most common types of case:

• Private equity (due diligence)
• Synergies
• Profitability + market sizing as a part of a case
• Market Entry

Most common industries:

• Retail
• CPG
• Airlines
• HORECA - hotels, restaurants, coffeeshops, etc
• Diamonds (Might be specific to the particular office)
• Agriculture (No specifics, closer to CPG)

At Bain, they'll give you printed charts and tables, so the cases are quite data heavy and have a particular answer (are not open-ended)

Best