Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

What are Bain's HR office selection criteria?

Hi, I'm 29 and I've been working for a communication and markerting consulting firm for two years. On december 2019 I decided to attend a one year MBA program (not a target school for MBB) in order to apply to one on the top consulting firms.

I'm clear that I'll need a strong referral to get one of the MMB's attention. Specifically reagardig Bain, are there any particular selection critiria that I have to keep in mind in its recruting process (age, background etc)?

Many thanks!

6
1.8k
8
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Clara
Coach
on Apr 20, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Don´t worry for Bain in particular, in this aspect they are all the same. What works for Bain, works for the rest. 

However, as you say, the challenge would be to get a referral if you are not coming from a target school. Other options are to attend recruiting events -they are still happening, like online-, for which you don´t need to come from a specific school. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Emily
Coach
on Apr 20, 2020
9 years in MBB Southeast Asia & China| 8 years as MBB interviewer | Free intro call

Hi,

From my personal experiences (I received offers from both BCG and Bain), there is no notable difference between Bain's criteria vs those of BCG or McK. If anything different in intake stats, it would be more due to office/country specific situation (supply vs demand at the particular time), rather than one firm's criteria vs another. 

Hope it helps,

Emily

on Apr 21, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

for post MBAs, the requirements are equivalent for all the MBB companies. Just be sure to personalize your cover for Bain in your target geography if the person who is going to refer you asks for one.

Best,

Francesco

Deleted
Coach
on Apr 21, 2020
150+ interviews | 6+ years experience | Bain, Kearney & Accenture | Exited startup| London Business School

Hey,

The requirements are the same throughout the firms. It does depend on the level you want to join at, but as a post-MBA, you will need to demonstrate the consulting toolkits and way of thinking. 

Deleted user
on Apr 28, 2020

Hi A,

Every HR including Bain will look for your top grades and experience. So it' very important to show your high GPA, awards and distinctions. Maybe you will get on Dean's list in your school, or be among the top5/top10% of alumni. This is very important.

On the other hand, I think your experience in BBDO or company like this could be also valued, if you apply to specific marketing practice from McKinsey, BCG or Bain.

I wish you best of luck,
André

1
on May 01, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,
the interview will be structured in 3 parts:
- Personal Experience Interview: fit and CV questions to assess your personal impact, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial spirit
- Case Interview: typical business case to evaluate your structure in approaching problems, problem-solving skills, and business sense
- Your final questions to the interviewers

Hope it helps,
Antonello

Similar Questions
Consulting
How much do MBB referrals matter for target school applicants?
on Jul 31, 2024
Global
9
1.5k
Top answer by
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
32
9 Answers
1.5k Views
+6
Consulting
BCG PIPE Case
on Feb 28, 2025
Global
7
2.2k
Top answer by
Ariadna
Coach
BCG | Project Leader and Experienced Interviewer | MBA at London Business School
50
7 Answers
2.2k Views
+4
Consulting
Which Bain App Deadline?
on Jul 09, 2024
Global
4
1.3k
Top answer by
Dennis
Coach
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
36
4 Answers
1.3k Views
+1
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.