I applied online. The process took 1+ week. I interviewed at Bain & Company (Johannesburg) in Oct 2012
Interview
I applied online, which was fairly easy and straightforward. I was asked to join them for an initial interview at their Johannesburg offices (Melrose Arch). The days leading up, I was constantly sent emails regarding the interview, what it would entail, and whether i had any queries. They are very quick to respond to emails and are excellent at assisting you with any prep. We were even invited to join a conference call to hear from a senior consultant what to expect in our interview.
The first interview consisted of 2 case studies and an online evaluation. The first case study was to do with a development bank and how to calculate an estimate loan amount in 5 years time for government projects. It was fairly tough, but the interviewer was very helpful and understanding.
The second case was a bit easier. It was to calculate the cost of parts for a plastic supplier to a bumper manufacturer. The interviewer was younger and was easy to relate to.
The online evaluation was fairly easy but long. It consisted of a standard problem that required solving in various ways.
All-in-all a very good place to interview at, and an extremely warm and welcoming team of people!
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
This consisted of qualitative questions to do with case 1, which were to brainstorm a means to calculate the total expected loan amount of a development bank in 5 years time toward government projects.
Three rounds of interviews, generally 2 rounds in person or remote with live consultants. Each round involves a 2-3 case interviews each, which generally also include a set of behavioural questions.
Drei Interviewrunden, je ein Interviewer: zwei englischsprachige Case Studies (Interviewer-geführt, strukturiert) sowie Personal Fit mit situativen Fragen ohne CV-Bezug - keine Angaben zu Praktika oder Uni gefragt. Stattdessen Reaktionsfragen à la „Wie würdest du in Situation XYZ reagieren?". Mit solider Vorbereitung nichts Unerwartetes. Alle Interviewer sehr freundlich und aufgeschlossen — angenehme, entspannte Atmosphäre throughout.
2 rounds of 3 interviews.
The first round includes a fit interview.
All interviews feel very relaxed, but they still expect you to move through the case fast and in a structured way.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you handle a client who is feeling anxious/fearful?