Bain Rejection pre assessment

Hi there, 

I don't see what you could lose from applying. Worst case scenario, they reject you then and tell you about the cool down period. Best case scenario, you go ahead and get the offer. 

That aside, I do think it's important to apply to multiple firms and have a smart approach to your application strategy. I wrote a guide here on how to do that. Hope you'll find it useful.

• Maximising your chances of getting a consulting job during an economic downturn

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

Please wait a year.

Remember that saying by Einstein ““Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” ?

In a few months, not enough will have changed. Here's what you need to do:

1. Actually significantly improve your experience (internships, part-time roles, experiential learning programs, etc.)
2. Get your resume prefessionally reviewed
3. Network a ton (aiming for a referrall)
4. Select a “better” office
5. Wait for the market to improve

Here's some reading to help you in your next attempt (internship rules apply to full time rules)

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about the rejection. In terms of your question:

1) There's no mention of a cool down period in the rejection email. If I was able to improve my CV significantly, would it be reasonable to re apply in a few months?

If you don’t pass the CV screening you normally still have a ban period.

If you want to try again, I would recommend the following:

• Wait at least 6 months
• Look for a referral
• Talk to the person and ask if there is an opportunity to apply again given the improvements in the CV. Disclose the previous rejection to them (as most likely they will find out anyway). If they say no, wait for the end of the expected ban (12 months). If they say yes, let them talk with HR to check if there is an option

You can find more on referrals here:

▶ How to Get an MBB Referral 

2) Would the current hiring situation have also contributed to this, I was surprised to have not got to the Online Assessment

That’s possible. Alternatively, there might be an issue with your CV. It is difficult to assess without further information.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

just a few months is typically not enough to ‘significantly improve' your CV. Even if you started a relevant internship now, you would only accrue very little experience time for it to make a real difference in a few months. 

The hiring situation is not rosy currently anyway. Depending on your situation, this might actually be a good time to weather the downturn by further building out your resume and then try again later. Once the economy picks up again, consulting firms will actually be hiring like crazy - happened after the first Covid scare as well.

I also agree with the others, next time, put in the effort to secure referrals for the firms you are targeting. That will improve your chances to make it to the interview stage.

Good luck

I'm sorry to hear about your rejection, that sounds very frustrating. Unfortunately recruiting is generally quite slow right now, which may well have contributed to your case. I fully agree with Udayan's advise, and would advise you to wait for a year before reapplying. Trying to get a referral would also be incredibly helpful. In the meantime, keep applying to other positions!

Personally I would wait for a year, primarily because hiring has really slowed down and you want to apply at a time when it is picking up again.

For next time whenever you apply, go through a referral instead of applying directly on the website. Especially getting a partner referral is the best way to be invited to interview.