Tips for 2nd round interview

2nd Round Bain PhDtoConsulting
New answer on Dec 22, 2020
7 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Sep 23, 2020

Hi,

I have a second round interview soon at Bain and was wondering if there is anything different about the second round that I need to consider? I'm aware that the interviewers will be Partners or more senior employees than in the first round, but I'm otherwise unsure of how different the structure may be. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

The office is in Europe and I am an Advanced Degree Candidate (PhD).

Thanks!

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Clara
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replied on Sep 25, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Its very similar, but stronger emphasis in the FIT part, as outlined before by other coaches.

On top of the insights already shared in the post, the "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" has been recently published in PrepLounge´s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/integrated-fit-guide-for-mbb-34)

It provides an end-to-end preparation for all three MBB interviews, tackling each firms particularities and combining key concepts review and a hands-on methodology. Following the book, the candidate will prepare his/her stories by practicing with over 50 real questions and leveraging special frameworks and worksheets that guide step-by-step, developed by the author and her experience as a Master in Management professor and coach. Finally, as further guidance, the guide encompasses over 20 examples from real candidates.

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Francesco
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replied on Sep 24, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

In general, the structure of the rounds is the same (fit + case+ your questions); however in finals there is usually more emphasis on communication and fit.

Specifically, the main differences you may find in a final round with partners is that at that stage they:

  1. Spend more time on fit questions and your alignment with the company
  2. Check more closely your communication (eg how you react to challenging questions)
  3. May not have a “proper” structured case to present – during one of my MBB finals I had one interview which was made by two market sizing questions and a brainteaser, without any business case. That's because during the final they know you can structure and crack a case (you passed 1 or 2 rounds already) and are more interested in your logic, personality and fit with the company

So in order to prepare I would concentrate on the following:

  • Review in detail your fit stories – they will matter more than in the first round. In some finals I had almost exclusively behavioral questions
  • Work on your communication (reaction under pressure, how to gain time when you do not have a structure ready, connect with the interviewer, etc). This is something you can do almost exclusively in interviews with peers.
  • Prepare cases as you did for the first round. If you got feedback on a specific area, focus more on that part.

Best,

Francesco

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Ian
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replied on Sep 24, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

The process is the same, but it can be tougher; you are interviewing with Partners who will likely press further/deeper and move from the table stakes of can you do a case, to are you clever, curious, and a good cultural fit for the firm. Furthermore, extensive notes were taken, including marks on various categories. The Partners see this and will specifically look to test anything you appeared shaky on.

Two Points:

  • More focus on fit
  • "Deeper" level questions and level of investigation / testing of knowledge...true expertise testing
  • More focus on any weaknesses you may have exhibited in the first round​

Your Response

  • Make sure you have your story down, a strong set of responses to questions, and you know what personality traits to highligh
  • If they gave you feedback from the first round, focus hard on improvement areas. If they didn't, try to reflect on where you weren't as strong, and practice that
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Mehdi
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replied on Sep 23, 2020
BCG | Received offers from all MBB & Tier 1Firms | Supporting you secure your top tier consulting offer

Hi there,

Final round interviews are similar than the ones of the first round in format. The only minor difference is that Partners tend to give more importance to the fit part, so make sure your personal experience stories are compelling & well-tailored!

All the best,

Mehdi

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Anonymous replied on Sep 24, 2020

Dear A,

The structure is basically the same - fit questions, case and question to the interviewer. Although interview with partners mught be less structured, case will be more advanced level and you will be tested more on your personal fit and on value integration to the company. So prepared with stories.

Also, since PhD is considered as an experienced hires you may asked some specific question about your area.

Best,

André

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Anonymous replied on Sep 24, 2020

There won't be big difference in terms of how you prepare for it.

If anything, some partners might be more high level during the case, e.g. not going into much details or math, but focus more on your thinking / approach. But that should change how you prepare.

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Gaurav
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Content Creator
replied on Dec 22, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there,

2nd round interviews have basically the same structure, although the importance of the personal fit part is higher. Make sure to go through your 1st round interview and work on eventuall weaknesses and parts that can be improved.

Best,

GB

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Clara gave the best answer

Clara

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McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
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