I applied through university. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Bain & Company (San Francisco, CA) in Oct 2018
Interview
My interview process was very smooth and straightforward. Two rounds -- the first round had 2 30-minute cases, and the final round had 3 45-minute cases/behavioral Q sessions. In addition to the interviews themselves, Bain hosted 2 case workshops before each round at their SF office. As for the interview content, I thought the cases were very fair with an emphasis on quantitative profitability questions. The interviewers were incredibly kind, and I made a point to smile a lot/crack jokes/come off personable (a big factor in who gets final offers). My biggest advice is to keep a positive composure and always drive the case forward even if it seems interviewer led.
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?
2 rounds, 1st round 2 small cases, not very difficult , market entry cases.
2nd long case with a deck to read and prepare answers..45 mins to read, 15 mins to answer