Hi there,
First, congratulations!
Second, what do you think? :)
It'll be a case, but shorter/quicker.
So, prepare for all the same things! I.e. structuring, problem-solving, hypotheses, math, chart reading etc.
It'll likely be more focused on the case prompt + framework aspect AND will have a good amount of brainstorming. You should be prepared for charts/graphs, but they are certainly less likely. They will likely give you your information verbally (as in, yes, it has grown by x %, or yes this is the largest piece changes, etc.), and you will have to evolve your framework/hypothesis along the way.
Obviously, the type of case, as always, is completely unpredictable! With Bain, you always have more of a chance of PE/DD/M&A, but really anything is game!
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There will be a pretty strong emphasis on FIT. How do you nail the fit?
Resume walkthrough
- Needs to be chronological
- Only keep important details that make you look good (i.e. I worked across 7 industries and rose up the ranks twice in the course of that role)
- Keep a theme of "why consulting"
- I.e. at each step you need to show that you both got exposure to aspects of consulting AND thrived + enjoyed them
- Finish with: And that's why I'm here today looking for consulting with your company
Why Consulting
- You need to summarize what you did before along the theme of consulting aspects you liked and consulting aspects that were missing
- You then combine those two - i.e. I know I like + am good at x, y, and z which is required for consulting, and I really am excited to get a, b, and c
- You finish with a "mini" why x company
Why x company
- Start with a "mini" why consulting
- Then have 2-3 reasons why x company is your target
- Every "reason" needs to incorporate 1) That you know they value x 2) That you not only value x but have exhibited it and done it in the past
- Be very very mindful of what they want you to want
Personal Stories
Step 1 - Categorize the main stories
There are 5-10 "themes" you need to prepare for. i.e. Leadership, teamwork, challenge, etc. Figure out this list and make sure your stories cover this range (PM me and I can provide you with a template for this list)
Step 2 - Create FLEXIBLE stories that cover a range of categories
You need to create 4-6 stories that each cover a range of topics. They need to be powerful stories that can be adjusted and adapted based on the question asked.
One of my "core" or "killer" stories was usable for Initiative, Achievement, Leadership, Challenge, Change of direction, AND Persuasion.
Write down these stories along STAR or similar format...use bullet points
Step 3 - Organize these stories so you know which ones can be used for what and PRACTICE
Make sure you cover the whole gambit. Then, practice getting asked a question and thinking of which stories apply. I can assure you, no-one is coming up with full stories in a few seconds. Rather, they have practiced how to adapt an existing story to the question asked.