I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Bain & Company (Melbourne) in Mar 2013
Interview
The position was advised to me via university. I applied through their online process; cv, cover letter, transcript. 10 days later (ish) I received an email saying I had an interview and I needed to select a time slot. I interviewed 6 days later. The day before there was a 'networking' evening which was very useful, in terms of meeting my interviewers and feeling comfortable in the office space in which I would be interviewing the next day.
The interview consisted of 2 x 45 minute interviews. Both with behavioural questions, but the focus was definitely more on the case questions.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
My first case question was about the development of a train from Melbourne to Sydney. I firstly had to estimate the market size... and then consider profitability.
My second case question related to a Victorian wine company and declining profits. This related to them having overseas vineyards etc.
2 rounds of interviews, each round consisting of 3 interviews with cases. In the first round 2 case interviews and 1 with HR. In the 2nd round you have 3 interviews with more senior profiles like managers and partners.
Interviewers were really nice, but the process was difficult. Standard level cases and they expected you to take them through multiple business problems. If you practice casing frequently with multiple partners, you should be fine.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Please walk me through how you would approach this case.
2 cases for R1. Pretty straightforward cases about revenue optimization opportunities. There was a little bit of market sizing but all data needed was given. No behaviorals asked in round 1 for me.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What office did you choose and why? Do you have competing offers?