Hello WSO,
I sent in my application to Bain a couple of weeks ago, and recently, I sent a follow up email asking if there was somebody I could talk to so that I could get more information about Bain.
Now, when I did this with BCG/McKinsey, they set up a time for me to talk with a consultant and we talked about the position I was applying for (undergrad) and the compay. Bain on the other hand seems to have skipped this step and asked me to do a phone interview on Nov. 2nd.
Is this going to be a case interview or a resume/behavioral interview? I'm from a non-target so I don't really know what's going on.
Any help and advice is appreciated!
general consensus on WSO is be prepared for anything when you ask for these "informational interviews." Either way, their giving you a chance to impress them. So impress them.
First Round Bain interview Over the Phone (Originally Posted: 10/06/2010)
I have one in a few days--what should I expect? All I know is I have two 30 minute cases.
Just remember to be really, really enthusiastic with your voice. Read the other posts about how to prepare for a case interview.
It won't be a case yet.
Have you answers to the typical behavioral questions down solid as well as notes for the cases. Bain has some decent prep stuff on their website, I would go through that. Also, and this may sound simple, but use a land line if possible. I did a case interview on a cell phone once and my reception started crapping out on me, I made it through to the next round but having to ask the interviewer to repeat themselves repeatedly didn't help. They are more interested in how you think and approach problems than getting the exact right answer so structure your replies and think out loud.
I just find it strange that they schedule it so far away for just a informational interview. Isn't it getting late in the season?
They said it would only consist of 2 cases and would be 1 hour, 30 minutes a piece. How mcuh behavioral stuff should I expect?
I've seen this happen with a number of my students, and 9 times out of 10, they do not receive a case interview, it's just a behavioral interview. You do need to be prepared for a case however, because it is possible. I don't think it's likely though because they are evaluating your presence and confidence, and this would be a challenge over the phone.
And perhaps the reason why they are scheduling it a few weeks from now is due to resource constraints. It's not easy to find someone to conduct an interview!
Expect almost no behavioral stuff. With just 30 minutes, will likely jump right into the case after maybe a quick question or two about your background.
had a friend in a similar situation: behavioral + mini case/market sizing questions.
be prepared.
Is it a good sign or a bad sign that i got a phone 1st round interview as opposed to an in-person interview?
Even after contacting a Consultant at McKinsey by email (after open day) in his reply he asked fit questions :) what other firms I am interviewing with for example...so be prepared for even a case on phone
Don't read so much into it. Probably a scheduling issue - people are busy, you know?
Besides - could work to your advantage. You can have a few notes/reminders/key points you want to bring up about yourself etc. in front of you for the call.
What?
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