The online aptitude tests for Bain & Company are provided by Sova, one of the leading test providers.
You may find the Sova assessment material difficult, and indeed working under pressure can be challenging.
The subjects required to be tested on the Bain and Company are maths, verbal, abstract reasoning and personality tests.
Let's go over each section so you'll get familiar with the test (including sample questions)
The Bain & Company numerical tests are business-oriented and aim to assess your numerical ability.
With approximately 25 questions to answer in 20 minutes, it is strongly recommended to prepare for this section.
The questions present you with data in either a graph or table form. Using basic maths functions, you may use the data to answer the questions asked.
Practising numerical reasoning questions is the best way to prepare for this test and you can do so with JobTestPrep’s numerical practice tests in this PrepPack.
Bain Logical Reasoning Test is separated into two sections - abstract and verbal reasoning.
The Bain & Company, logical reasoning test, is focused on diagrammatic reasoning.
When taking the actual test you will not be limited on time, but instead tested in your ability to solve the questions in the shortest time possible.
In a series, you are given a sequence of objects that appear in a certain order, and its your task to understand which feature changes and how.
The correct answer is the one that fits the changes and matches the order of the other objects in the given series.
Being familiar with this type of test is the best way to prepare as you will learn the underlying concepts and rules that govern this test.
Which option below follows next in the series shown?
In our full preparation package, you will get hundreds of questions and drills with full explanations, so you will know exactly how to answer each question you will encounter.
This exam evaluates your grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension and text analysis.
This way, the recruiters gain a better understanding of your language abilities and how you process information.
This will show the management team how well you will fit into their job vacancy.
A common thought is that there is no right or wrong answer to a situation judgment question. Why? Because each question places you in a work-related situation to determine how you will react.
The purpose is to analyze your personality, and the only way to do that is to remain truthful. However, this is wrong. The fact of the matter is that some answers are more preferable than others.
The best way to practise is to research the company you are applying to and learn their core values. Here you can try to create a duplication of what they are looking for.
SJT sample question:
The company you work for is experiencing financial difficulties. You have thought of a creative solution that will enable the recruitment of more clients.
However, the downside is that the company will have to let go of a stable, loyal, but not so profitable client (due to conflict of interest). Two out of three marketing people agree with you, while your manager does not because she believes this is too risky.
What would you do in this situation?
This response exhibits your understanding of the organisational structure and demonstrates your ability to work under management, specifically to follow the chain of command, as you stand by your superior's decision.
This is not a bad choice.
However, it shows a lack of determination and effort to achieve your goal, and hence a lack of achievement striving as you easily give up on your idea.
This response demonstrates achievement striving as you try to advance your idea forward.
You present the advantages of your idea in an orderly fashion, using a rational argument, thus demonstrating good persuasion and motivation skills.
You understand that if your manager keeps objecting, you must accept her position and follow her instructions.
This response shows determination, on the one hand, and the ability to conform to the organisational structure and follow the chain of command, on the other.
This therefore shows a balance between the two desirable competencies: working under management and achievement striving.
This response demonstrates conviction and determination.
However, you completely ignore the organisational structure by going behind your manager's back, thus demonstrating your inability to work under management.
Furthermore, if your manager is correct in this step being risky, your actions may have severe ramifications.
This is an extremely negative choice reflecting poor judgement, defiance, and disloyalty towards your superior.
You are positive that you are right. You have the marketing people to back you and will not give up until you convince your manager otherwise.
This response demonstrates achievement striving and is positive in the sense that you are determined to convince your manager that your idea is good for the organisation.
However, this response shows poor social skills, specifically poor persuasion, and motivation skills, as you don't conduct an open discussion with your manager. Rather, you try to coerce her into accepting your idea.
In our full preparation package, you will get hundreds of questions and drills with full explanations, so you will know exactly how to answer each question you will encounter.
With practising for the Bain and Company aptitude and personality tests in addition to the interview process, you will be able to dramatically improve your chances of getting that job.
Our PrepPack™ offers a wide range of materials that include Sova-style numerical, verbal and abstract tests. Also included are situational judgment tests (SJTs), study guides, and video tutorials.
If you are successful in the online tests you will next be invited to the case study interviews.
The first round of case study interviews is held in an assessment centre and consists of two different interviews: a market sizing case study interview and a broad case study interview.
This Bain interview begins with a few basic competency questions such as 'When was a time you failed?' or 'What is your greatest strength?'
In the remaining time, the assessors then ask you to analyse a common industry such as TVs or cars.
This interview is performed by a manager and consists solely of a case study.
The case is more detailed than the previous one and you are asked to analyse data and perform calculations at this point.
If you are successful in the first round, you will be invited to the second round of case study interviews.
Much like the first, the second round is held in an assessment centre and consists of three interviews: a case study, an experience and a written interview.
This is the third case study interview you encounter during your Bain interview process.
The assessor presents you with an issue and you must break down the problem into parts and identify possible solutions. The focus here is your problem-solving skills so there is no right answer.
Assessors are looking at your thought process and if it is suitable for Bain & Company. Make sure to get your Bain case interview practice.
The experience interview is a more traditional CV based interview.
This Bain interview questions will most likely be regarding your CV, work experience and behavioural questions.
The aim of the interview is to get a better picture of how you work and to learn more about you.
The interview is very similar to the case study interviews you have previously done.
The only difference is that you give written rather than verbal answers. You are provided with a 20-30 slide PowerPoint presentation that describes a situation you may encounter with clients.
In approximately 55 minutes you must review the slides and write a short synopsis and give your recommendations. It is a good idea to practise written case studies before this interview to help with time management and giving good, concise answers.
Following this preparation, you must give a 45-minute presentation where you discuss your recommendations with the interviewer. The interviewer may challenge your suggestions in order to simulate a real client situation.
Get advice on how to handle a written exercise on our advice page and to practise presentations with our presentation preparation pack.
The 2 part interview process is the most important stage as it is where Bain & Company assessors can get a full picture of how you work. Bain & Company makes a conscious effort to provide and warm and welcoming environment and the assessors are known for being friendly.
Preparation and confidence are your keys to success in this section and you can use JobTestPrep’s interview preparation pack for your Bain interview prep, and get yourself ready.
Here you will be given true/false/cannot say statements and rate on a scale of 1 to 10.
The purpose of the questions is to measure your characteristics, behaviour, strengths and weaknesses.
The scenarios mostly include work-related situations to recreate and predict possible outcomes of your personality.
The Bain & Company online application is fairly straightforward. You are asked to provide your basic details followed by questions about your academic career.
There is also an opportunity to upload a CV and cover letter.
Throughout the process, it is important to have Bain & Company competencies in mind.
Problem-Solving: As a consultant, a large part of your job is helping clients overcome challenges. Good problem solvers who are able to think creatively and find pragmatic solutions make for strong candidates.
Ability to Lead: Bain & Company looks for candidates who can be leaders in teams as well as guide clients toward effective change. Any leadership experience you have from work, school or extracurricular activities should be highlighted.
Results Delivery: The ability to solve problems and lead are just part of it. Bain & Company seek candidates who can deliver positive, effective results that really make a difference.
Passion: Enthusiasm and commitment to change are what Bain & Company value most. Bain & Company want candidates who show their passion and energy for solving issues and strive for success.