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New Bain interview format

Hi all,

I've read here that Bain London pioneered a new interview format back in 2018 where 1st round interviews are CV-blind with little to no fit questions. Meanwhile, there would be an entire interview devoted to fit in the final round. Are any Bainies here aware of whether this has been rolled out globally? 

Thanks :)  

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Top answer
on Mar 11, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, I confirm some offices are applying this rule of not sharing the candidate CV to the 1st round interviewers. Therefore no fit questions will be asked (sometimes only why consulting or why Bain). In the 2nd round instead, partners do the standard interview with the initial 15-25 minutes of fit. Sometimes you will be assessed also by the recruiting director with a 30-45 minutes fit interview.

Best,
Antonello

Deleted user
on Mar 11, 2021

It has not. But it is used in most European offices, at least for AC hiring. However, this is nothing you should worry about too much, because:

  • Before your actual interviews, HR should reach out with an email clarifying the format used for you. Then you'll know exactly what expects you based on office and tenure you're applying for.
  • The preparation and approach for you is exactly the same as for the old system where there were a few fit questions before each case and the interview got to see your CV. 
7
Ian
Coach
on Mar 11, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Honestly I'd highly recommend only worrying about this once you get an interview in a specific office. Nothing should really change your preparation in terms of preparing for both case readiness and fit/behaviorals - no matter what order/style they come in you're going to need both!

Gaurav
Coach
on Mar 11, 2021
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi there, 

I recommend you clarifying the format with HR beforehand. Second, the preparation is still the same, no matter when you have the fit part - in every interview or only at the end, so I don't see how that information is that important. Better to be prepared for anything and not expect specific structures. If you are well-prepared, it won't scare you.

Good luck!

GB

Anonymous B
on Mar 11, 2021

Probably best if you just simply ask which Bain office you are considering!

4
Florian
Coach
on Mar 12, 2021
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

That is correct. I am currently coaching a candidate from SEA and he is going exactly through this interviewing format.

The first two interviews are resume blind and fully focus on the case.

However, it makes 0 difference for your preparation strategy or case interview skills.

Cheers,

Florian

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