bain client case study

47 case interview examples (from McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.)

One of the best ways to prepare for   case interviews  at firms like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain, is by studying case interview examples. 

There are a lot of free sample cases out there, but it's really hard to know where to start. So in this article, we have listed all the best free case examples available, in one place.

The below list of resources includes interactive case interview samples provided by consulting firms, video case interview demonstrations, case books, and materials developed by the team here at IGotAnOffer. Let's continue to the list.

• McKinsey examples
• BCG examples
• Bain examples
• Deloitte examples
• Other firms' examples
• Case books from consulting clubs
• Case interview preparation

Click here to practise 1-on-1 with MBB ex-interviewers

1. mckinsey case interview examples.

• Beautify case interview (McKinsey website)
• Diconsa case interview (McKinsey website)
• Electro-light case interview (McKinsey website)
• GlobaPharm case interview (McKinsey website)
• National Education case interview (McKinsey website)
• Talbot Trucks case interview (McKinsey website)
• Shops Corporation case interview (McKinsey website)
• Conservation Forever case interview (McKinsey website)
• McKinsey case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
• McKinsey live case interview extract (by IGotAnOffer) - See below

2. BCG case interview examples

• Foods Inc and GenCo case samples  (BCG website)
• Chateau Boomerang written case interview  (BCG website)
• BCG case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
• Written cases guide (by IGotAnOffer)
• BCG live case interview with notes (by IGotAnOffer)
• BCG mock case interview with ex-BCG associate director - Public sector case (by IGotAnOffer)
• BCG mock case interview: Revenue problem case (by IGotAnOffer) - See below

3. Bain case interview examples

• CoffeeCo practice case (Bain website)
• FashionCo practice case (Bain website)
• Associate Consultant mock interview video (Bain website)
• Consultant mock interview video (Bain website)
• Written case interview tips (Bain website)
• Bain case interview guide   (by IGotAnOffer)
• Bain case mock interview with ex-Bain manager (below)

4. Deloitte case interview examples

• Engagement Strategy practice case (Deloitte website)
• Recreation Unlimited practice case (Deloitte website)
• Strategic Vision practice case (Deloitte website)
• Retail Strategy practice case  (Deloitte website)
• Finance Strategy practice case  (Deloitte website)
• Talent Management practice case (Deloitte website)
• Enterprise Resource Management practice case (Deloitte website)
• Footloose written case  (by Deloitte)
• Deloitte case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

5. Accenture case interview examples

• Case interview workbook (by Accenture)
• Accenture case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

6. OC&C case interview examples

• Leisure Club case example (by OC&C)
• Imported Spirits case example (by OC&C)

7. Oliver Wyman case interview examples

• Wumbleworld case sample (Oliver Wyman website)
• Aqualine case sample (Oliver Wyman website)
• Oliver Wyman case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

8. A.T. Kearney case interview examples

• Promotion planning case question (A.T. Kearney website)
• Consulting case book and examples (by A.T. Kearney)
• AT Kearney case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

9. Strategy& / PWC case interview examples

• Presentation overview with sample questions (by Strategy& / PWC)
• Strategy& / PWC case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

10. L.E.K. Consulting case interview examples

• Case interview example video walkthrough   (L.E.K. website)
• Market sizing case example video walkthrough  (L.E.K. website)

11. Roland Berger case interview examples

• Transit oriented development case webinar part 1  (Roland Berger website)
• Transit oriented development case webinar part 2   (Roland Berger website)
• 3D printed hip implants case webinar part 1   (Roland Berger website)
• 3D printed hip implants case webinar part 2   (Roland Berger website)
• Roland Berger case interview guide   (by IGotAnOffer)

12. Capital One case interview examples

• Case interview example video walkthrough  (Capital One website)
• Capital One case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

13. Consulting clubs case interview examples

• Berkeley case book (2006)
• Columbia case book (2006)
• Darden case book (2012)
• Darden case book (2018)
• Duke case book (2010)
• Duke case book (2014)
• ESADE case book (2011)
• Goizueta case book (2006)
• Illinois case book (2015)
• LBS case book (2006)
• MIT case book (2001)
• Notre Dame case book (2017)
• Ross case book (2010)
• Wharton case book (2010)

Practice with experts

Using case interview examples is a key part of your interview preparation, but it isn’t enough.

At some point you’ll want to practise with friends or family who can give some useful feedback. However, if you really want the best possible preparation for your case interview, you'll also want to work with ex-consultants who have experience running interviews at McKinsey, Bain, BCG, etc.

If you know anyone who fits that description, fantastic! But for most of us, it's tough to find the right connections to make this happen. And it might also be difficult to practice multiple hours with that person unless you know them really well.

Here's the good news. We've already made the connections for you. We’ve created a coaching service where you can do mock case interviews 1-on-1 with ex-interviewers from MBB firms . Start scheduling sessions today!

The IGotAnOffer team

Partner Sites

Inspiring and informing your business school journey

Case study interview | tips from bain, bcg & mckinsey.

Bain, BCG, or McKinsey, the case study interview is a key part of the consulting interview process ©Philip McMaster

If you want to work in consulting, you’ll have to sit a case study interview. Here’s everything you need to know about the case study interview with tips from experts at Bain, BCG, and McKinsey

Mon Oct 11 2021

The consulting case study interview might just be one part of the application process, but it’s where you can stand out to your prospective employer and show you’ve got what it takes to crack cases day in day out.

Whether you have your eyes set on Bain, BCG, or McKinsey, or a smaller boutique consulting firm , here’s everything you need to know about the case study interview: 

What is the consulting case study interview?

The consulting case study interview requires you to solve a simulated problem for a client. There are two types of case interview: The interviewer-led approach and the candidate-led approach.

“We use a client-like problem such as how to reduce a carbon footprint, how to make a workforce more diverse, how to leverage technology, or how to grow a customer base, and ask you three questions that simulate the kind of problem-solving our teams do in a client engagement,” says Amy Ross ( pictured) , senior expert in McKinsey’s global assessment team based in New York.

The three questions aren’t in a set order, but you can expect to focus on identifying the issues, then doing analysis based on information the team collects (that McKinsey provide), then coming up with insights and developing a conclusion. The McKinsey case study interview is consistent across global offices.

The interviewer-led approach of the McKinsey case interview means you’ll be guided through the process by your interviewer. However, there’s a caveat, explains Eugene Goh, the cofounder of HR tech startup, HireQuotient, who worked as a principal for BCG for more than eight years.

“They’re expecting a lot more detail and depth,” says Eugene, who’s recently cowritten From the Interviewer’s Seat: The Insider’s Guide for Aspiring Consultants , a book on the consulting interview.

Candidate-led approach

The candidate-led BCG case study interview will similarly present you with a real BCG case from previous client work. You’ll then be presented with the client’s challenges and have 45 minutes to walk your interviewer through your solution, rather than being led question by question. The BCG case study requires you to build your solution step by step. 

“They’re looking for people who can structure their approach from end to end,” Eugene explains.

How can you stand out in your case study interview?

The case interview is supposed to simulate the problem-solving approach of the firm you’re interviewing with, which at McKinsey involves a lot of back-and-forth between team members, says Amy. You'll need to tackle case study interview questions that mimic a real consulting case. 

“Candidates should listen to the client context and think about what it means, rather than repeat back everything the interviewer says.

“If the case covers an industry that is unfamiliar, candidates might consider whether there is an analogous industry they are familiar with and see if that helps them think of good ideas.

You should ask questions to clarify your understanding of the data and the issues at hand. Amy advises that you take a moment before speaking to collect your thoughts. 

“Listen carefully, making sure you consider the information provided and the meaning behind the specific questions. You’ll stand out by putting the client front-and-center and by sharing interesting insights.”

The Bain case study, like the BCG case study, is often  candidate-led. To stand out, your interviewers are looking for your analytical skills; the ability to break down challenging problems into parts you can tackle in a sequence; strong communication skills; the ability to simplify complex concepts; teamwork; and the ability to work successfully among others. That's according to Keith Bevans, head of global consultant recruitment at Bain & Company. 

He explains that tackling a Bain case study is akin to playing in a jazz quartet. There’s no script, so you’re going to play a bit, and improvise. Improvisation is a key thing interviewers are looking for when you're solving a Bain case study. 

“I think some students want to be perfect and play classical music and don’t want to share their insight or preliminary analysis until it’s right," says Keith. "The truth is I need them to share because what they share may not be perfect, but it’ll spark something in somebody else. I need students who are comfortable in that sort of environment.”  

That's why MBA and business master's graduates are so well placed to enter consulting. They develop the skills that the Big Three consulting firms are looking for through live consulting projects, and constant group work that tests their ability to manage and lead diverse teams of peers to solve complex business problems. 

Skills that will help you stand out

How to prepare for your case study interview?

The best thing you can do ahead of your consulting case study interview is prepare. Make sure you work with real case study interview examples. 

Your business school will likely have a consulting club that offers consulting case study prep sessions, which will give you ample opportunity to work through mock case study interview questions. You may also have on hand a network of business school alumni who likely work in consulting, as well as professors—use them.

Amy from McKinsey recommends going to the website of the firm you’re applying to—McKinsey have case interview examples you can use to brush up on your casing. That way, you’ll know what to expect when you face your case study interview questions in real time.

She adds that there are many coaches and preparation services available to candidates, but the firm doesn’t expect you to use them. 

“Frankly, we are worried there’s a lot of misleading advice out there so, again, we advise to consult our website, and feel free to ask your recruiter to arrange for you to meet one of our consultants who can be your interview coach,” she asserts.

Approach the case study interview like a McKinsey consultant

→ Make sure you understand the information provided.  

→ Ask questions.

→ Collect yourself before diving into your answer.

→ Alongside logical ideas, challenge yourself to provide a few that are more ‘out there’, things you and a client team would want to test first. Sometimes, those bolder ideas are the best ones and often they really show McKinsey how you think.

Beware though, as you can see too many case study interview examples and overprepare. Angela Michalik, MBA recruiter at BCG, says that to avoid being overprepared focus on the quality not quantity of your prep.

Do one case, then get feedback, she says. At the end you should know where you were weak, and then in your next case go hard on the areas in which you’re weakest. 

“I feel by doing that, students really improve,” she says. “You have to reflect on what you need to work on and practice.” 

If you notice that you’re going straight into applying a framework to a case before you take the time to think, you might be overpreparing. 

“Each client problem is different and deserves an initial approach that meets their needs. We realize interviews are filled with uncertainty, but the link between preparation and success in our process is not so strong,” Amy from McKinsey notes. 

“Practice enough so you know what to expect, stay current with what’s new in the business world, and then bring curiosity and an open mind to your case interview.”

READ:  Bain, BCG, McKinsey: How To Get Hired By The Big Three Consulting Firms

Granted, you need to be ready for ambiguity, something that can be hard to prepare for. But there’s a step-by-step approach Eugene says can help break away from the fixed framework approach:

- Define the objectives. What are you trying to do? Understand a bit about the client’s constraints. What’s the timeframe for the project, their budget, for example.

- Dive into the diagnosis. Why does the client have a problem? 

- Option generation. What approaches could the client take?

- Option evaluation before coming to a decision

“It sounds generic but almost every problem, even in the real world, requires you to roughly go through those steps,” Eugene ( pictured ) says.

“That is a more helpful approach as it applies to all problems, therefore all cases.”

Case study interview prep is a key component of your overall application. But don’t stress. Focus on the quality of your preparation and lean on your business school network of MBA alumni in the consulting sector, as well as the resources available from your school’s consulting club.

Run through case interview examples from the firm’s you’re interested in and breathe before you approach a problem. That way, you’ll be best placed to ace your interview and launch your post-business school career as a consultant.

Where Do McKinsey, Bain, BCG Hire The Most MBAs?

Main image in this article is credited to Philip McMaster and used under this  license  

• MBB Consulting

You might like:

20 Good Company Culture Examples From Google, Uber & More

Top 10 Companies With The Best Work-Life Balance

‘Problems’ With Gen Z In The Workplace: How To Bridge The Soft Skills Gap

Bain Case Interview: Process, Criteria & Preparation (2024)

Bain & Company are among the  top three largest and most prestigious management consulting firms  and  ranked as the best consulting firm to work  in by Glassdoor. To land the desirable offer from Bain&Co, the candidates must pass the stressful yet compelling consulting interviews known as the  Bain case interview .

In this article, we willl walk you through the fundamentals, techniques, tips and tricks you can use to ace the Bain case interview in an effective way.

What is Bain case interview?

Bain case interview is a screening tool used in Bain interviews to evaluate a candidate's problem-solving and analytical skills . It is used to predict how well the candidate may perform as a consultant if they are hired. This assessment typically takes 40 to 60 minutes and can consist of multiple cases.

Bain case interviews are candidate-led . In this format, candidates are expected to lead the case by breaking down problems, hypothesizing the root causes , and collecting data from the interviewer to test their hypotheses. Candidate-led case interviews, therefore, are less structured than McKinsey’s interviewer-led , in which the candidate must answer given questions instead of deciding their own approach.

To gain a better understanding of the Bain case interview format, here are some important features of candidate-led case interviews to keep in mind:

• Candidate-led cases focus on one big problem . In these cases, you solve the problem as a whole, instead of addressing it through each question like in interviewer-led cases.
• Candidate-led cases are more flexible : You are free to analyse the problem in the way you think is best.
• Candidate-led cases focus less on giving the right answer : There is a large margin of errors allowed as you have very little assistance from the interviewer.

Another consulting firm using the candidate-led case interviews is BCG. Learn more about this interesting case interview format in our Complete Guide to BCG Case Interview .

When does Bain case interview take place?

Bain case interviews are the third stage of the company's hiring process. The hiring procedure is divided into three stages: Application ⇒ Online tests ⇒ Interviews . The whole process usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks, with usually 14 days between phases. Each level of Bain's selection is described briefly below:

Stage 1: Application

The first stage of Bain’s hiring process is resume and cover letter screening . Usually, candidates can apply via Bain online application form , allowing them to collect all the data quickly and easily, as well as submit any necessary documents. Check out Bain's FAQs for more credible information about the application round.

The resume and cover letter should showcase your consulting attributes, and qualities Bain looks for, apart from educational background or work history. You can equip yourself with guidelines and templates for a perfect consulting resume with our Complete Guide to Consulting Resume .

Stage 2: Online tests

After submitting your application form, you will progress to Bain Online Tests. The Bain Online Test, sometimes known as the Bain Online Assessment, is a set of pre-interview screening tests used by Bain & Company, assessing skills and traits necessary for consulting work: cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, or cultural fit.

Bain Online Tests is not uniform across offices worldwide. The question types, format, and design can vary from place to place. Fortunately, most tests' format and underlying purposes at different Bain offices are similar. The common tests are:

• Aptitude test
• Analytical test
• Business case test
• Personality test
• One-way video interview

You can dive deeply into the fundamentals of each one and practice common question types in our Bain Online Test Overview .

Stage 3: Interviews

Typically, the Bain Interview process consists of 2 interview rounds : the first conducted by junior consultants or managers, and the second carried out by Bain partners to make a final decision. Both rounds include 2 common types of interviews:

• Fit interview : often lasts 10-15 minutes, assessing a candidate’s experience, competencies, motivations as well as personality fit.
• Case interview : often lasts 30-45 minutes each, up to 6 case interviews, and usually divided into 2 rounds.

What does Bain & Co look for in a candidate?

According to the Bain official website, the 4 qualities that the company seeks in a candidate are:

Problem-solving skills

This is one of the core values of a Bainee, yet a consultant in general, as they constantly find pragmatic solutions for clients. Therefore, the company is trying to find a candidate with the ability to analyze problems and resolve any problem efficiently and systematically.

The ability to lead

Bain employees must be able to manage individuals from diverse backgrounds and create a sense of belonging where everyone can perform to their full potential. When applying to Bain, emphasize how you've been a leader in the past, whether at work, school, or via extracurricular activities.

Results delivery

Bain is proud of its legacy of offering solutions that have a positive, quantifiable impact on our customers' objectives and reputations. Thus, they want to hear how you've made an impact in your previous work, along with significant results to an organization, project or team's success.

Candidates who push themselves to be exceptional and have the ability to motivate others are sought after by Bain. Throughout the selection, you should showcase your enthusiasm for the job, willingness to contribute, and entrepreneurial drive spirit.

Five steps to approach a Bain case interview

Though the question types in Bain case interviews might vary, there is a standard process that you can apply for any case you encounter: Taking notes ⇒ Clarifying ⇒ Structuring ⇒ Hypothesizing ⇒ Pitching .

Taking notes

You will be given the case background at the beginning of a case interview. Make sure you pay attention to every piece of information interviewers give you, and t ake careful notes of key details about the client, the problem they are facing, and the objective they want to achieve. Moreover, keep your notes neat and organized to ease the storing and arranging information.

To get a case interview going in the right direction, it's crucial to ask the appropriate clarifying questions . If you skip this important step, you can misinterpret the objective, the business context, or technical terms. Make sure there is nothing unclear or unfamiliar before attempting to solve any case.

Structuring 

In a case interview, structuring is breaking down a complex business problem into smaller components , allowing you to solve it more efficiently and professionally. Below are several helpful techniques to stay organized:

• Keep the map habit : The map habit means regularly and explicitly checking where you are and where you're doing next. It also makes you sound structured and organized, which is a defining characteristic of a consultant and will immensely impress the interviewer. One helpful trick is to pause at each step.
• Number your items : Numbering each item is a simple and efficient method to make your pitches sound organized. The formula is straightforward: "There are the items I want to discuss, they are: No.1... No.2... No.3...". This habit also creates an impression of MECE , a key principle in solving case interviews.
• F ocus on the big problem : If you feel like you're "derailing," check your progress on the issue tree and get back on track right away. Make sure that whatever you do, doesn't deviate from the main problem.

To learn more about how to keep structured, and different frameworks to approach case interviews, check out our Case Interview Guidebook .

Hypothesizing

To solve the client's issue, you must now develop a working hypothesis , which is an educated guess based on evidence and available data. Since you will be gathering information and testing your idea continuously, it need not be the final, definite solution to the problem. Along the way, your hypothesis will be refined and most answers the question.

A closing pitch is the summary of all your findings and delivery of recommendations to the client CEO. Your final pitch, regardless of the wording, must include these 4 factors:

• Introduction / Lead-in
• Summary of the root causes
• Summary of the solutions

Throughout the solving process, you can apply some helpful tips below to optimize your performance:

Bain case interview practice example

To excel in Bain case interview, you should familiarize yourself with common question types, especially candidate-led case interviews. Below is a comprehensive candidate-led example case from our Case Interview End-to-End Secrets Program , which thoroughly examines sample cases and uncovers step-by-step guidelines!

Bain also provides official case interview practice materials in their website. Let’s try out some of examples from the company:

• Coffee Shop Co.
• Associate Consultant Mock video

If you want to practice more example cases, discover instant-result tips and techniques for Bain case interviews, check out our Case Interview End-to-End Secrets Program . Besides mock cases and video guides, we also provide fundamental theory and intuition exercises to develop your case interview expertise!

Bain written case interview

Bain written case interview is an extension of the regular case interview. In this case interview, you will be given 20+ powerpoint slides that provide a client's situation. Before the interview begins, there will be about 55 minutes to review the slides, highlight key information, and script your suggestion(s) into slides. Then you'll have about 40 minutes to pitch your ideas.

Bain written case interview is required for applicants to specific roles . Bain uses this case interview format to assess your comprehension of written information , as a large amount of clients' data is in the form of reports and documents. Also, a written case interview requires you to summarize your results in slides and then deliver them logically , which are parts of consulting work.

How to prepare for Bain case interview

Familiarize with candidate-led case examples.

To become familiar with Bain candidate-led case interviews, you can watch official examples from Bain itself,

or practice further examples with MConsultingPrep’s coaching service. Book a mock case interview with former consultants from MBB and other prestige consulting firms. Our experts will provide you "quality" practice with reliable case interview resources and actionable feedback to help you ace every case!

Practice consulting math

Consultants need to deal with a huge amount of quantitative data, so consulting math skill is a must. Here are some tried-and-true methods for making math practice easier and producing better outcomes:

• Use Your Head : Do all your daily calculations mentally unless an EXACT answer is required.
• Flatten the Learning Curve : At the start, a piece of scratch paper and a 5% margin of error really help; once you are confident, discard the paper and narrow down the margin.
• Establish a Routine : Allocate some time for daily practice this may seem hard at first, but once you’ve overcome the inertia, you can literally feel the improvement.

Develop business intuition

Having business intuition makes you a much better candidate for case interviews. Improving business intuition is a gradual process; start early, practice every day and be patient. Step by step, these business insights will become ingrained in your instinct. There are 2 ways to sharpen your business intuition:

• Written Sources : It's a good idea to read business papers every day. You can also find excellent articles on the McKinsey , Bain , and BCG websites. Be careful, though, because the important thing is not how many pages you read but what you learn from them.
• First-hand Experience and Observations : Don't just show up to work; try to figure out what the senior managers are doing, the reasoning behind each decision they made, and how it has affected the organization.

Learn the basics and frameworks

To ace Bain case interviews, it is crucial to have a good grasp of the basics and structured approaches. Case interview principles like hypotheses , MECE , issue tree , and other frameworks are the backbone of any case, so make sure you master the use of those fundamental knowledge.

Equip yourself with basic terms, concepts, and problem-solving fundamentals in our in-depth Case Interview Guidebook .

Perform mock interviews

To familiarize yourself with common question types and improve your performance in case interviews, one proven way is to practice as many mock cases as possible. Find a former consultant to support your practice; they've been through numerous case interviews, both real and mock, so apparently understand what's expected of a candidate. Book a coach now to ease up your practice process!

During your practice, take time to study and review your cases thoroughly. Along the way, ask consulting experts for reliable feedback on your performance, take careful notes of your coach’s comments, and focus on the areas of improvement.

Bain Fit interview

What is bain fit interview.

Bain fit interview covers a wide range of questions designed to assess a candidate’s experience, skills, motivations as well as personality fit . The questions are divided into 2 types: traditional resume questions to better understand the candidates, and behavioral questions examining past experiences and how candidates handled them.

Long ago, consulting fit interviews were viewed as "just procedure" by interviewers and were only a small component of the consulting recruitment process. However, Bain fit interview is now drawing a lot of attention as it can demonstrate personal motivations and soft skills , the secret ingredients of a successful consultant.

Bain fit interview questions

Bain fit interview questions are classified into 2 common types: Why-our-firm questions and Personality questions . Let's look at several samples and learn how to ace each question type!

Why-our-firm questions

This question type can be asked under the form of:

• Why are you joining the consulting industry?
• Why are you interested in Bain?

Almost any employer, not just consulting firms, would ask you something like that. They want to ensure you won't leave once you've become helpful to the company. The ideal response should cover 4 characteristics: unique, specific, authentic, and appropriate . You can check out our comprehensive article about Bain Fit Interview to learn how to best demonstrate each factor.

Personality questions

Personality questions is the least predictable and can vary from interview to interview; however, there are 3 topics that do come up repeatedly: Hobbies and interests; Workplace preferences; and Values & plans/traits & skills . Below is a table including examples and suggested approaches for each topic:

Scoring in the McKinsey PSG/Digital Assessment

The scoring mechanism in the McKinsey Digital Assessment

Related product

Case Interview End-to-End Secrets Program

Elevate your case interview skills with a well-rounded preparation package

The Bain SOVA test is a tailored aptitude test used by UK/EU Bain offices to measure numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning, as well as your personality

The Bain Online Test is a collection of unrelated pre-interview tests used by Bain & Company, most of which are standardized tests with varying difficulties.

At Bain & Company, entry-level consultants may earn up to $120,000/year, while senior ones have salaries up to $230,000 (bonuses and profit sharing included)

Surviving the Bain Second Round Interview: Insider Tips and Strategies

Preparing for the second round interview with Bain can be nerve-wracking, but with our insider tips and strategies, you'll be ready to impress.

Posted May 11, 2023

Consulting Week (Apr 15-18)

Monday, april 15.

10:00 PM UTC · 60 minutes

Table of Contents

Congratulations, you’ve made it to the second round of the Bain interview process! This is a significant accomplishment, and it’s essential to prepare thoroughly to ensure success during this critical interview stage. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know to impress the Bain interview team and stand out from other candidates.

Understanding the Bain Second Round Interview Process

Before discussing interview preparation, it’s crucial to understand what the second round of the Bain interview process entails. This round is typically broken into two parts, with the first part focusing on case study scenarios, while the second part concentrates on behavioral and fit-based questions. While the first round interviews provide an overall assessment of skills and experience, the second round dives deeper and tests how well you solve complex business problems and work with teams.

The case study scenarios in the second round of the Bain interview process are designed to simulate real-world business problems that the candidate may encounter as a consultant. These scenarios require the candidate to analyze data, identify key issues, and develop recommendations for the client. The interviewer will be looking for the candidate's ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and work under pressure.

The behavioral and fit-based questions in the second round of the Bain interview process are designed to assess the candidate's personality, values, and work style. These questions may include asking the candidate to describe a time when they had to work with a difficult team member or how they handle stress in a fast-paced work environment. The interviewer will be looking for the candidate's ability to work collaboratively, adapt to change, and demonstrate leadership potential.

What to Expect in a Bain Second Round Interview

During the Bain second round interview, you can expect to encounter a variety of questions centered on critical thinking and collaboration. Expect to spend time analyzing data and presenting your findings in a concise and structured format. Additionally, you will be assessed on your communication and interpersonal skills, so be sure to project confidence and engage with the interviewer throughout the process.

Another important aspect of the Bain second round interview is the case study. You will be given a hypothetical business problem and asked to come up with a solution. This is where your problem-solving skills will be put to the test. Make sure to ask clarifying questions and think through your approach before presenting your solution.

Finally, the Bain second round interview may also include a behavioral interview. This is where the interviewer will ask you about your past experiences and how you handled certain situations. Be prepared to provide specific examples and demonstrate how you have exhibited the qualities that Bain values, such as leadership, teamwork, and adaptability.

Free trial!

From 91 top coaches

Access a library of videos, templates, and examples curated by Leland's top coaches.

Example resumes.

Example Cases

Casing Drills

Mock Interviews

Preparing for the Bain Second Round Interview: Essential Tips and Techniques

There are many ways to prepare for the Bain second round interview, including researching the company and culture, reviewing interview questions, practicing case studies, and networking with current Bain employees. It’s also essential to hone your problem-solving skills and perfect your approach to teamwork. Focus on developing a structured, logical method for addressing complex business questions. You should also work on effective communication skills and develop strategies to manage stress during the interview process.

Another important aspect of preparing for the Bain second round interview is to understand the company's values and mission. This will help you align your responses with the company's goals and demonstrate your fit with the organization. Additionally, it's crucial to stay up-to-date with industry trends and news, as this can provide valuable insights into the types of challenges Bain may be facing and the solutions they may be seeking.

Finally, it's important to remember that the second round interview is not just about your technical skills and knowledge. The interviewer will also be evaluating your personality, attitude, and overall fit with the company culture. Therefore, it's essential to be authentic, enthusiastic, and demonstrate a genuine interest in the company and the work they do. By following these tips and techniques, you can increase your chances of success in the Bain second round interview.

Crafting Your Answers: Sample Questions and Answers for the Bain Second Round Interview

To help with interview preparation, here are some sample questions you may encounter during the Bain second round interview and ideas on how to craft your answer:

Talk me through how you would approach a client in the mining industry that is experiencing declining revenues?

The first step would be to gather relevant data and try and understand the root cause of the revenue decline. Next, we would look at any industry trends or potential risks that could contribute to the issue. We would then brainstorm potential solutions based on the data and trends identified and present a recommendation based on our findings.

It is important to note that communication and collaboration with the client throughout this process is crucial. We would ensure that we are transparent with our findings and recommendations, and work together with the client to implement the chosen solution. Additionally, we would continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the solution, making adjustments as necessary to ensure long-term success.

Highlighting Your Relevant Skills and Experience

The Bain second round interview provides an opportunity to demonstrate your relevant skills and experience. Try to showcase examples and case studies that highlight your problem-solving ability, teamwork skills, and communication skills. Additionally, consider highlighting ways you have contributed to similar project work or specific industry experience that would make you a valuable addition to the team.

It is also important to demonstrate your ability to adapt to new situations and think creatively. This can be achieved by discussing any challenges you have faced in your previous work experience and how you overcame them. Additionally, highlighting any extracurricular activities or volunteer work that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to work in a team can also be beneficial in showcasing your overall potential as a candidate.

Showcasing Your Passion for Consulting: How to Demonstrate Your Motivation in the Bain Second Round Interview

It's essential to articulate your passion for consulting, why you want to work for Bain, and what appeals to you about the industry. Share stories about challenges you’ve faced in your previous roles and how you’ve overcome them. Speak passionately about what you want to achieve in your career and how Bain aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Additionally, it's important to demonstrate your knowledge of the consulting industry and Bain's specific approach to consulting. Research the company's recent projects and initiatives, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their success. Show that you understand the importance of teamwork and collaboration in consulting, and provide examples of how you have worked effectively in a team environment. Finally, be sure to ask thoughtful questions about the company and the industry to demonstrate your genuine interest and curiosity.

Demonstrating Your Fit with Bain’s Company Culture and Values

Bain has a unique and inclusive company culture, and it's equally important to demonstrate that you understand and embrace the Bain values. Show that you’re a cultural fit by reflecting on how you've demonstrated Bain's core values of passion, impact, integrity, and leadership in past experiences. Be sure to also research Bain’s community involvement initiatives, as community involvement is an essential part Bain's culture.

Another important aspect of Bain's culture is its focus on teamwork and collaboration. In your application, highlight instances where you have worked effectively in a team and contributed to a collaborative environment. This could include leading a team project, working with diverse groups of people, or actively seeking out feedback from colleagues.

Additionally, Bain values continuous learning and development. Demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth by discussing any relevant training or certifications you have pursued, or by sharing examples of how you have sought out new challenges and opportunities for growth in your previous roles.

How to Stand Out from Other Candidates in the Bain Second Round Interview

Standing out from other candidates is crucial in the Bain second round interview. Focus on developing a unique perspective and approach to problem-solving that differentiates you from other candidates. Additionally, pay attention to your presentation skills and try to showcase your personality and enthusiasm for consulting.

Another way to stand out in the Bain second round interview is to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and its values. Research the company thoroughly and be prepared to discuss how your own values align with those of Bain. This will show that you are not only a strong candidate, but also a good fit for the company culture.

Managing Nerves and Stress During the Bain Second Round Interview

The second round of the Bain interview process can be stressful, and it's normal to have nerves. Try to manage your nerves by preparing thoroughly, developing a positive mindset, practicing relaxation techniques, and getting plenty of rest. Additionally, remember to stay present in the moment and focus on engaging with the interviewer.

Another way to manage nerves during the second round of the Bain interview process is to practice visualization techniques. Visualize yourself succeeding in the interview and receiving positive feedback from the interviewer. This can help boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.

It's also important to remember that the interviewer is not trying to intimidate you, but rather to assess your skills and fit for the company. Keep in mind that the interviewer is likely rooting for you to do well, and try to approach the interview as a conversation rather than a test.

Following Up After the Bain Second Round Interview: Best Practices and Strategies

After the Bain second round interview, it's crucial to follow up to reinforce your interest in the position and thank the interviewer for their time. Consider sending a personalized thank-you email or handwritten note within a day of your interview. Also, keep your job search moving by continuing to interview with other companies while waiting to hear back from Bain.

In conclusion, the Bain second round interview is a crucial stage of the interview process. By preparing thoroughly, demonstrating passion and cultural fit, showcasing your unique problem-solving skills, and staying present in the moment, you can set yourself apart from other applicants and secure your place at Bain. Follow these tips and strategies in this article, and you'll be on the right track to succeeding in the Bain second round interview. Good luck!

It's important to note that following up after the interview doesn't mean bombarding the interviewer with emails or phone calls. One or two follow-up messages are sufficient, and they should be spaced out over a reasonable period of time. If you don't hear back from Bain within the expected timeframe, it's okay to send a polite email asking for an update on the hiring process. Remember to remain professional and courteous in all your interactions with the company, as this will reflect positively on you as a candidate.

Browse hundreds of expert coaches

Leland coaches have helped thousands of people achieve their goals. A dedicated mentor can make all the difference.

Browse Related Articles

May 11, 2023

Mastering Consulting Cases: A Step-by-Step Approach

If you're looking to become a successful consultant, mastering consulting cases is a must.

How to Ace the PWC Assessment: A Detailed Guide

If you're preparing for the PWC assessment, this detailed guide is a must-read.

Cracking the McKinsey Digital Assessment: Strategies for Success

If you're preparing for the McKinsey Digital Assessment, this article is a must-read.

Cracking the Ernst and Young Case Study Interview: A Step-by-Step Guide

Looking to ace your Ernst and Young case study interview? Look no further than our step-by-step guide.

Healthcare Case Interview: A Step-by-Step Approach for Success

This article provides a comprehensive guide for acing your healthcare case interview.

EY-Parthenon Case Interview: Key Insights and Preparation Tips

If you're preparing for a case interview with EY-Parthenon, this article is a must-read.

November 30, 2023

EY Interview Case Study: Key Insights and Preparation Tips

If you're preparing for an EY interview, this comprehensive guide is a must-read with top tips and strategies to prepare for and ace the case study portion.

March 12, 2024

From No Offers to Multiple Offers–How to Take Your Casing to the Next Level

Tips for management consulting case interviews that got one applicant several job offers at MBB and other top firms.

May 18, 2023

IQVIA Interview Process: A Comprehensive Guide for Success

Looking to ace your IQVIA interview? Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to succeed, from the application process to common interview questions and tips for impressing your interviewer.

Making the Move: How to Transition from the Automotive Industry to Management Consulting

Are you considering a career change from the automotive industry to management consulting? This article provides valuable insights and tips on how to successfully make the transition.

June 9, 2023

Mastering Case Interview Math: Essential Formulas

If you're preparing for a case interview, mastering the math is essential.

McKinsey OA: How to Ace It in 2023

Looking to ace the McKinsey OA in 2023? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide provides you with all the tips and tricks you need to succeed.

• Hacking the Case Interview

Bain case interviews are the most difficult part of the interview process. Bain interviews include case interviews , behavioral or fit interview questions, and written case interviews for some offices. You will need to pass every single Bain case interview in order to land a Bain job offer. 

If you have an upcoming Bain case interview, don't worry because we have you covered.

I'm a former Bain Manager and interviewer and in this article, I'll cover exactly what to expect in your upcoming Bain interview and how to crush your Bain case interviews.

Specifically, we’ll go through in detail:  

• The Bain interview process
• What is a Bain case interview?
• What does a Bain case interview assess?
• How to solve a Bain case interview
• The most common types of Bain case  interviews
• Bain case interview examples
• Bain case interview tips
• How to prepare for Bain case interviews
• How to solve Bain written case interviews
• Bain written case interview tips
• Bain behavioral and fit interview questions
• Recommended Bain case interview resources

If you’re looking for a step-by-step shortcut to learn case interviews quickly, enroll in our case interview course . These insider strategies from a former Bain interviewer helped 30,000+ land consulting offers while saving hundreds of hours of prep time.

The Bain Interview Process

The Bain interview process has the following steps:  

1. Resume and cover letter screening

 Bain’s resume and cover letter screening is similar to other consulting firms. Two or three weeks after the application deadline, you should hear back from Bain on whether or not you have been invited to a first round interview.

2. Bain math test  (only used by a few offices in South America)

In a few offices in South America, Bain uses math tests to screen candidates before interviews. For the vast majority of candidates, you will not need to worry about taking a test.

There are two types of tests. The first one is based on questions that are similar to GMAT questions, a graduate level exam for entry into business school. You’ll have 25 minutes to complete 15 critical reasoning, data sufficiency, and problem solving questions.

The second type of test is similar to the McKinsey PST and BCG Potential Test. You’ll get two business cases with text, charts, graphs, and tables. You’ll have 45 minutes to answer 15 questions.

3. First round interviews

First round interviews consist of two 40-minute interviews. The interview may start off with one or two behavioral or fit interview questions, but the majority of the time will be spent on the case interview. You'll be interviewed by a mix of Senior Associate Consultants, Consultants, Managers, or Senior Managers.

4. Final round interviews

After your first round interviews, you should hear back from Bain within a week or two on whether you have been invited for a second round or final round interview.

Final round interviews consist of two to three 40-minute interviews. One of the interviews will be focused on behavioral and fit interview questions with a mini-case if there is time. The remaining interviews will focus primarily on case interviews. You'll be interviewed by a mix of Senior Managers, Associate Partners, and Partners.

In some countries, Bain uses a written case interview in their second round of interviews. You’ll be given 90 minutes to review a 20-page packet of information to fill in 5 pre-made slides.

After completing your final round interviews, you should hear back from Bain within a week on whether or not you are being extended an offer.

What is a Bain Case Interview?

A Bain case interview, also known as a “case” for short, is a 30 to 60-minute exercise in which you and the interviewer work together to develop a recommendation or answer to a business problem.

These business problems can be anything that real companies face:

• How can Amazon increase its profitability?
• What can Apple do to increase customer retention?
• How should Tesla price its new electric vehicle?
• Where should Disney open another Disneyland theme park?

Bain case interviews simulate what the consulting job will be like by placing you in a hypothetical business situation. Cases simulate real business problems that consulting firms solve for their clients. Many Bain case interviews are based on actual projects that interviewers have worked on.

While consulting projects typically last between 3 to 9 months, case interviews condense solving the business problem into just 30 to 45 minutes.

Bain case interviews can cover any industry, including retail, consumer packaged goods, financial services, energy, education, healthcare, government, and technology.

They can also cover a wide range of business situations, including entering a new market, launching a new product, acquiring a company, improving profitability, and growing revenues.

Although Bain case interviews cover a wide range of industries and business situations, no technical or specialized knowledge is needed.

Unless you are interviewing for a consulting firm that specializes in a particular industry or function, cases are designed to be solved by someone that has general business knowledge.

Nailing your Bain case interviews is critical to get a job at Bain. There is no way to get a Bain job offer without passing your case interviews.

What Does a Bain Case Interview Assess?

Bain case interviews assess five different qualities or characteristics: logical and structured thinking, analytical problem solving, business acumen, communication skills, and personality and cultural fit.

1. Logical and structured thinking : Consultants need to be organized and methodical in order to work efficiently.

• Can you structure complex problems in a clear, simple way?
• Can you take tremendous amounts of information and data and identify the most important points?
• Can you use logic and reason to make appropriate conclusions?

2. Analytical problem solving : Consultants work with a tremendous amount of data and information in order to develop recommendations to complex problems.

• Can you read and interpret data well?
• Can you perform math computations smoothly and accurately?
• Can you conduct the right analyses to draw the right conclusions?

3. Business acumen : A strong business instinct helps consultants make the right decisions and develop the right recommendations.

• Do you have a basic understanding of fundamental business concepts?
• Do your conclusions and recommendations make sense from a business perspective?

4. Communication skills : Consultants need strong communication skills to collaborate with teammates and clients effectively.

• Can you communicate in a clear, concise way?
• Are you articulate in what you are saying?

5. Personality and cultural fit : Consultants spend a lot of time working closely in small teams. Having a personality and attitude that fits with the team makes the whole team work better together.

• Are you coachable and easy to work with?
• Are you pleasant to be around?

All of these five qualities can be assessed in just a 30 to 60-minute Bain case interview. This is what makes case interviews so effective in assessing consulting candidates.

How to Solve a Bain Case Interview

Bain case interviews are candidate-led. This means that you will be expected to lead the direction of the case. You will propose what areas to investigate, what analyses to do, and what the next step should be.

There are six steps to solve any Bain case interview.

1. Listen to the case

The case will start with the interviewer giving you the case background information. During this step, make sure you are taking notes on the most important pieces of information. You should focus on understanding the context, company, and the objective.

2. Verify the objective

Understanding the business problem and objective is the most important step of the case interview. Answering the wrong business question is the quickest way to fail a case interview.

Therefore, you should ask clarifying questions to better understand the business situation and issue. Make sure that you confirm the objective of the case with the interviewer. This will ensure that you start the case on the right track.

3. Create a framework

Next, create a framework to help you tackle the business problem. A framework is a tool that helps you structure and break down complex problems into simpler, smaller components. Think of a framework as brainstorming different ideas and organizing them neatly into different categories.

Walk the interviewer through your framework. They may ask a few questions or provide some feedback.

For a complete guide on how to create tailored and unique frameworks for each case, check out our article on case interview frameworks .

4. Develop a hypothesis

After creating a framework, you should develop a hypothesis that answers the business problem. A hypothesis is an educated guess on the answer based on the data and information that you have so far.

Your hypothesis does not need to be correct because you’ll be continuously testing and refining your hypothesis throughout the case. The purpose of having a hypothesis is to guide your analysis and ensure that you are spending your time answering the right questions.

5. Test your hypothesis

The majority of the case will be spent testing your hypothesis. 

Sometimes, your hypothesis will be completely wrong and you’ll need to develop another hypothesis to test. Other times, your hypothesis may be correct, but you’ll need to refine and narrow down your hypothesis further.

Throughout this process, you’ll likely be answering a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions. Make sure that after each question, you explain how your answer impacts your hypothesis and state your new hypothesis.

6. Deliver a recommendation

In the last step of the case interview, you’ll present your recommendation and provide the major reasons that support it. It is also good to include potential next steps that you would take if you had more time or data.

The Most Common Types of Bain Case Interviews

While you can be given any kind of business situation or problem, there are three types of cases that are by far the most common in Bain case interviews:  

• Profitability case
• Market entry case
• Merger and acquisition case

Bain Profitability Case Interview

A Bain profitability case interview might look like this: 

“An electric car manufacturer has recently been experiencing a decline in profits. What is causing this decline and what should they do?”

There are three steps to solving a profitability case.

First, you need to understand quantitatively, what is the driver causing the decline in profits? Is the decline in profitability due to a decline in revenue, an increase in costs, or both?

Next, you need to understand qualitatively, what factors are driving the decline in profitability that you identified in the previous step. You’ll likely need to look at customers, competition, and the market to understand why this decline is happening.

Have customer needs or preferences changed? Have new competitors entered the market? Are there new technology or regulatory changes?

Once you have identified why the decline is happening, you can brainstorm potential solutions and prioritize the solution that is the most effective and practical.

Bain Market Entry Case Interview

A Bain market entry case interview might look like this: 

“ Facebook  is considering entering the smartphone market in the United States. Should they enter?”

For market entry cases, there are typically four major areas you want to investigate in order to develop a recommendation:  

• Market attractiveness: Is this an attractive market to entry?
• Competitive landscape: How strong are competitors and how easy is it to capture meaningful market share?
• Company capabilities: Does the company have the capabilities to successfully enter the market?
• Financial implications: Will the company achieve its financial goals or targets from entering the market?

After determining whether or not the company should enter the market, you can look into potential risks, the market entry strategy, or explore alternative options that the company has. What you choose to do depends on the context of the case.

Bain Merger and Acquisition Case Interview

A Bain merger and acquisition case interview might look like this: 

“Walmart is considering acquiring a company that provides an online platform for small businesses to sell their products. Should they make this acquisition?”

For merger and acquisition cases, you first want to understand the reason why the company is looking to make an acquisition. For example, are they trying to gain access to more customers, acquire intellectual property, realize synergies, or diversify sources of revenue?

Next, there are generally four major areas you want to investigate in order to develop a recommendation:

• Market attractiveness: Is the market that the acquisition target plays in attractive?
• Company attractiveness: Is the acquisition target an attractive company?
• Synergies: Are there significant revenue and cost synergies that can be realized?
• Financial implications: What are the expected financial gains or return on investment from this acquisition?

Afterwards, you can consider potential risks or consider alternative acquisition targets. What you choose to do depends on the context of the case.

Bain Case Interview Examples

Bain provides a few videos that show what their case interviews might look like:

1. Food Co. is a multi-billion dollar client that is looking to enter the alternative milk category. They are trying to determine what is the best way to enter the alternative milk market.

2. PrintCo case interview example : Market entry case focused on helping a restaurant menu printing company decide whether to enter the electronic restaurant menu market. This case is in a video format and is helpful in understanding what an associate consultant-level interview looks like (post-undergraduate role).

3. A company is looking to introduce a revolutionary 3D television. They are trying to determine the market opportunity and how they would go about designing the product and entering the market.

Bain also provides two practice cases that you can do on your own. We've also included our own videos covering how to solve every step of these practice cases.

1. CoffeeCo case interview practice : Market entry case focused on helping a friend decide whether she should open a coffee shop in Cambridge, England.

2. FashionCo case interview practice : Profitability case focused on identifying how a fashion retailer can increase revenues.

For more practice, check out our article on 23 MBA consulting casebooks with 700+ free practice cases .

Bain Case Interview Tips

Here are six Bain case interview tips you should follow to improve your Bain case interview performance:

Tip #1: Don’t rely on using memorized frameworks

Interviewers can tell when you are using memorized frameworks because not all of the elements of your framework will be relevant to the case. You can make yourself stand out from other candidates by creating customized frameworks for each case. 

Tip #2: Have a hypothesis-driven approach

A phrase you’ll often hear Bain consultants use is “answer-first.” Bain consultants develop a preliminary answer before they begin solving a case.

In your Bain case interview, you should do the same thing. State a hypothesis in the beginning of the case based on the limited knowledge that you have. As you answer quantitative and qualitative questions, continue to adapt and refine your hypothesis.

Tip #3: Answer “so what?” after every question

Throughout the case, make sure you are connecting each of your answers back to the overall business problem or question. What implications does your answer have on the overall business problem?

Many candidates make the mistake of answering case questions correctly, but they don’t take the initiative to tie their answer back to the case objective.

Tip #4: Structure your approach before doing any math calculations

When given a quantitative problem to solve, resist the temptation to start crunching numbers immediately. Instead, take the time to write out an approach and walk the interviewer through it. This will help you avoid making unnecessary calculations or reaching a dead-end.

Tip #5: Talk through your calculations out loud

Talking through your calculations out loud provides two benefits. One, it makes it easy for the interviewer to follow your work. If they know exactly what you are doing, they can provide feedback or hints if you get stuck. Two, talking through your calculations out loud decreases the likelihood of you making math mistakes.

Tip #6: Be enthusiastic

Bain wants to hire candidates that love their job and will work hard. Displaying enthusiasm shows that you are passionate about consulting and working at Bain. Having a high level of enthusiasm and energy also makes the interview more enjoyable for the interviewer. They’ll be more likely to have a positive impression of you.

How to Prepare for Bain Case Interviews

There are seven steps to preparing for Bain case interviews.

1. Understand what a case interview is

The first step in preparing for Bain case interviews is to understand exactly what case interviews are.

When you are familiar with what case interviews are, it is important to know what a great Bain case interview performance looks like.

Knowing what a great Bain case interview performance looks like will facilitate how quickly you learn case interview strategies in the next step.

Before continuing onto the next step, you should be familiar with:

• The overall objective of a case interview
• The structure and flow of a case interview
• The types of questions you could get asked
• What a great case interview performance looks like

2. Learn the right strategies

Now that you have sufficient background knowledge, the next step in preparing for Bain case interviews is to learn the right strategies to build good case interview habits.

It is much more effective to learn the right case strategies the first time than to learn poor strategies and try to correct them later.

The quickest, most efficient way to learn these strategies is to go through our Comprehensive Case Interview Course .

If you prefer reading case interview prep books instead, the three I recommend are:

• The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook
• Case Interview Secrets

Hacking the Case Interview provides strategies on exactly what to do and what to say in every step of the case interview. It is a concise and straight to the point guide. I recommend this book as the first book to read for beginners.

Case Interview Secrets teaches core concepts such as the issue tree , drill-down analysis, and a hypothesis driven approach. It illustrates these concepts through stories and anecdotes. If you have read Hacking the Case Interview, I recommend also reading this book to get perspectives from a second author. Check out our full review of Case Interview Secrets .

Case in Point provides a ton of specific and complex frameworks. However, you likely won’t be using many of these in an actual case interview because many of them are overly complex and specific. If you have time, it may be useful to skim through this book. Check out our full review of Case in Point .

At the bare minimum, read either the first or second book. If you have the time, read the first two books so that you can get strategies from two different authors.

Make sure to spend sufficient time learning the right strategies before starting to practice cases. It is ineffective to practice cases if you have no idea what strategies to practice and refine.

Before moving onto the next step, you should at least have strategies for the following parts of a case interview:

• Developing unique and tailored frameworks
• Solving quantitative problems
• Answering qualitative questions
• Delivering a recommendation

3. Practice 3-5 cases by yourself

Once you have learned the right strategies, the next step in Bain case interview prep is to practice.

When practicing case interviews, it is usually better to practice with a case interview partner than to practice by yourself . Casing with a partner better simulates the real case interview experience.

However, when you are just starting to practice, I recommend doing the first 3 – 5 cases by yourself.

There are three reasons for this:

• You can get the hang of the case interview structure and format much more quickly working by yourself rather than having to wait to schedule a time with a partner
• There are many aspects of case interviews that you can practice without a partner, such as structuring a framework and solving quantitative problems. You can get much more practice working through these parts by yourself
• You may have difficulty finding a case interview partner if you are a complete beginner. Without having done any cases, you likely won’t know how to properly give a case or provide good feedback

4. Practice 5-10 cases with a partner

The next step in preparing for Bain case interviews is to case with a partner.

Casing with a partner is the best way to simulate a real case interview. There are many aspects of case interviews that you won’t be able to improve on unless you practice live with a partner.

When practicing cases with a partner, ensure you are spending enough time after cases to deliver feedback.

For a case that takes around 30 – 40 minutes, spend at least 15 – 20 minutes for feedback. Much of your learning and improvement will come from these feedback sessions.

Do not move onto the next step until you have done at least 5 – 10 cases and are beginning to feel comfortable with case interviews.

5. Practice with a former or current consultant

At this point, I highly recommend asking former or current consultants to give you a practice case. This will significantly help you prepare for case interviews.

Doing a mock case with a former or current consultant is highly advantageous because they know exactly how to run cases and give feedback. You’ll receive incredibly helpful feedback that your previous case partners likely missed.

If you feel that you are plateauing with your case partner, that is a sign you should do a mock case interview with a former or current consultant.

You can find former or current consultants among:

• People you met during the consulting recruiting process
• Your broader LinkedIn network

I would not ask a consultant that is involved with the consulting recruiting process for a case too prematurely. Although these practice cases are not evaluative, some firms will actually make note of how well you perform during the practice case.

At this point, you will have accumulated a long list of improvement areas from all of the different people you have cased with.

6. Work on your improvement areas

In this step of preparing for Bain case interviews, you will work on strengthening and fine-tuning your improvement areas. Examples of common improvement areas include:

• Creating a more complete and mutually exclusive framework
• Performing math calculations quicker or more smoothly
• Providing more structure to your qualitative answers
• Leading the case more proactively
• Delivering a more succinct recommendation

Try to focus on improving one thing at a time. This is much more effective than trying to improve everything at once.

For some areas, such as math, it will be better to work independently. For other areas, such as learning to proactively lead the case, it will be better to work with a case partner.

If you are looking for more cases, look at the resources listed in step four. If you are looking for specific drills or practice problems for a particular part of a case interview, check out The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook .

Do not move onto the next step until you have finished working on all of your improvement areas.

7. Stay sharp

If you have progressed this far, congratulations! You have almost finished preparing for Bain case interviews.

Once you feel that you have no more improvement areas to work on, the key is to not burn yourself out by doing too many unnecessary cases.

While each case that you do makes you slightly better, there is a point when doing too many cases can create case fatigue right before your interview. Case fatigue can negatively impact your interview performance.

On the other hand, you also don’t want to go weeks without having done a case. You may end up forgetting strategies or become rusty and slow.

Once you have achieved case mastery, I recommend doing no more than 2 cases per week in the weeks leading up to your interview. This ensures that you remain sharp for case interviews, but don’t have case fatigue.

How to Solve Bain Written Case Interviews

Bain written case interviews are used by several offices as part of the consultant and summer associate second-round interviews.

The written case interview will require you to develop a recommendation based on a business situation and problem. There is no one right answer or recommendation for these cases. The goal is to present a structured, well-supported recommendation and to participate in a rich discussion with the interviewer.

According to Bain, here’s how the written case interview is structured:

• Bain will provide you with 20 to 30 PowerPoint slides describing a client’s situation
• You will have 55 minutes to review the slides and handwrite a brief recommendation before the interview begins
• You will then have 40 minutes to present and discuss your recommendations with the interviewer, who may challenge your assumptions and ask follow-up questions

Follow these eight steps to ace your Bain written case interview.

1. Understand the business problem and objective

The first step in completing a written case interview is to understand what the objective is. What is the primary business question you are trying to answer with the data and information provided?

2. Read the list of major questions

Some written case interviews will provide you with a list of 3 – 4 key questions that you will be expected to address or answer. Read through these questions first since these will be the questions that you will want to prioritize.

If the written case interview is more open-ended and does not provide you with a list of key questions, skip this step and move onto the next step.  

3. Skim the materials

Next, flip through the information packet that is provided to see what information is available. Identify what data you have and what data you do not have.

The goal in this step is not to read and analyze every slide. That would take too much time. Instead, by seeing what information exists, you will be able to better prioritize what you spend your time reading and analyzing.

4. Create a framework

Before you begin reading and analyzing the information in the slides in more detail, you should create a basic framework to help guide your analysis. If you are provided with a list of key questions or pre-filled slide templates, then this will likely be the foundation of your framework.

Else, based on what information exists in the information packet, identify the three to four key questions you need to answer or investigate.

5. Read and analyze the material 

Afterwards, read and analyze the information that is relevant to each area of your framework. As you begin answering questions and drawing insights, make sure to write a one or two sentence summary. This will make it easier to decide on a recommendation later.

6. Decide on a recommendation

Review the list of key takeaways that you have summarized from answering all of the major questions in your framework. Decide on what recommendation these findings collectively support.

Remember that there is typically no right or wrong recommendation. As long as your recommendation is supported by data and evidence, you will be in great shape.

7. Create your slides

Once you have a recommendation, it is time to start filling in your slides. Usually, Bain provides slide templates that you will need to fill in.

If no slide templates are provided, you should use the following structure when creating your slides:

• Slide 1: Present your recommendation and the three reasons that support it
• Slide 2: Present your first reason and the data that supports it
• Slide 3: Present your second reason and the data that supports it
• Slide 4: Present your third reason and the data that supports it
• Slide 5: Summarize everything that you’ve covered so far
• Slide 6: Propose potential next steps

8. Prepare for potential questions

If you have any time remaining, brainstorm potential questions the interviewer may ask you during your presentation. They may want to know how you performed your analysis or how you reached your conclusions.

Preparing for these potential questions will help your presentation go much more smoothly. You will also feel much more confident while presenting.

For a full guide on written case interviews, check out our consulting written case interview step-by-step guide .

Bain Written Case interview Tips

Here are five tips that Bain recommends following to complete your written case interview successfully.

Tip #1: Prioritize your time

You may not have enough time to read everything in the information packet provided to you. Therefore, prioritize your time by focusing on identifying the most important issues. Then, spend your time getting answers to the most important questions that have the greatest impact on your recommendation.

Tip #2: Be concise in the messaging of your slides

It can be tempting to overload your slides with every piece of information that you learn. Instead, outline the most important points that you want to make. Make your slides concise and focused on illustrating the most important findings and takeaways.

Tip #3: Be prepared to do math and conduct analyses

Part of the written case interview will likely involve doing analysis with the numbers that are provided. Do the math that is required and double check your calculations.

Tip #4: Have a practical recommendation

Make sure that your recommendation can actually be implemented in a reasonable amount of time. You can demonstrate sound business judgment by recommending a course of action that is not only effective, but pragmatic. 

Tip #5: Build counter-arguments to potential objections to your recommendation

You can strengthen your recommendation by looking at the major reasons that support the opposite recommendation. If you can acknowledge these points and build counter-arguments to them, you’ll have an easier time defending your recommendation when the interviewer challenges your assumptions and recommendation later.

Bain Behavioral and Fit Interview Questions

Each of your Bain interviews may start with the interviewer asking you traditional resume questions to get a better understanding of your background, interests, and career goals.

Some interviewers may ask specific questions on your professional or academic experiences. You may be asked to describe a project that you worked on and elaborate on the approach you took to solve a problem.

In addition to these questions, your interviewer may also ask a behavioral question, which asks you to describe past experiences and how you handled them. Interviewers want to know that you have displayed qualities of successful consultants in your previous experiences.

Bain suggests preparing answers to these ten behavioral and fit interview questions:

1.  Why are you interested in Bain?

How to answer: Have at least three compelling reasons why you are interested in Bain. Among the top three consulting firms, Bain is best known for its incredibly fun and supportive culture. Bain is also the clear leader in private equity consulting work. In addition, you can mention Bain’s focus on mentorship and local staffing model to build stronger office communities. 

2. What experience are you most proud of?

How to answer: Choose your most impressive, unique, or memorable accomplishment. Structure your answer by providing information on the situation, the task, the actions you took, and the results of your work. Make sure you talk about your accomplishment with passion.

3. What experience do you wish you could do over, and how would you do it differently?

How to answer: For this question, Bain is looking to see if you have a growth mindset and whether you continuously look for opportunities to grow and improve yourself. Pick a meaningful experience in which you felt that you did not take full advantage of. Speak to what you hope you could have learned from doing the experience over again.

4. What is a difficult decision you’ve made in the last year?

How to answer: For this question, Bain is looking to see how you make difficult decisions. You could pick an experience in which you used tremendous amounts of data to make an informed decision. You could also pick an experience in which you had to reconcile differing opinions from different groups of people. Show Bain how you tackled and thought through these decisions.

5. What is an example of a time when you showed initiative and leadership?

How to answer: Pick an example of a time when you were in a leadership role and went above and beyond expectations. Make sure to emphasize the steps that you took that demonstrated initiative and leadership. Also, quantify the results and impact of your work.

6. What aspects of your internship did you especially enjoy?

How to answer: Mention qualities of your internship that you’ll likely also experience at Bain. You can speak to how you enjoyed working closely in small teams, how you were energized by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, or how you felt fulfillment from helping other teams achieve their goals. 

7. What aspects of your internship did you like less?

How to answer: For this question, avoid bringing up aspects that are critical to being a successful consultant. For example, don’t say that you did not enjoy working in teams or working with large quantities of data. 

You should mention aspects that you didn’t like that consulting would fulfill. For example, you can mention how you would have liked to make more of an impact or have more ownership and responsibility. 

8. What do you most like to do in your free time?

How to answer: Bain asks this question to see if you are a fun person that has a life outside of school and work. This is a great opportunity to mention hobbies and interests that you have won awards or recognition for. Avoid mentioning generic hobbies and pick interests that are unique and memorable.

9. What attributes would you bring to a case team?

How to answer: Identify three attributes that make you stand out relative to your peers. You can mention qualities such as initiative, energy, compassion, mentorship, or positivity. Provide examples to make these claims more credible.

10. Describe a role where you changed the direction of a team. How did you do it?

How to answer: For this question, the interviewer wants to see evidence of leadership. Focus on explaining the steps that you took to change the direction of the team and then highlight the results and impact of your work. You may need to speak about your leadership style and how you were able to motivate or persuade others.

For a step-by-step guide on how to best answer all of these questions and more, check out our complete guide on consulting behavioral interview questions .

Recommended Bain Case Interview Resources

Bain case interview books.

After free resources, the next cheapest option to preparing for Bain case interviews are case interview prep books.

Case interview prep books are great resources to use because they are fairly inexpensive, only costing $20 to $30. They contain a tremendous amount of information that you can read, digest, and re-read at your own pace.

Based on our comprehensive review of the 12 popular case interview prep books , we ranked nearly all of the case prep books in the market.

The three case interview prep books we recommend using are:

• Hacking the Case Interview (available on Amazon): Perfect for beginners that are short on time. Transform yourself from a stressed-out case interview newbie to a confident intermediate in under a week. Some readers finish this book in a day and can already tackle tough cases.
• The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook (available on Amazon): Perfect for beginners that are short on time. Transform yourself from a stressed-out case interview newbie to a confident intermediate in under a week. Some readers finish this book in a day and can already tackle tough cases.
• Case Interview Secrets (available on Amazon): This book provides great explanations of essential case interview concepts and fundamentals. The stories and anecdotes that the author provides are entertaining and help paint a clear picture of what to expect in a case interview, what interviewers are looking for, and how to solve a case interview.

Bain Case Interview Online Courses

Case interview courses are more expensive to use than case interview prep books, but offer more efficient and effective learning. 

You’ll learn much more quickly from watching someone teach you the material, provide examples, and then walk through practice problems than from reading a book by yourself.

Courses typically cost anywhere between $200 to $400.

If you are looking for a single resource to learn the best Bain case interview strategies in the most efficient way possible, enroll in our case interview course .

Through 70+ concise video lessons and 20 full-length practice cases based on real interviews from top-tier consulting firms, you’ll learn step-by-step how to crush your Bain case interview.

We’ve had students pass their Bain first round interview with just a week of preparation, but know that your success depends on the amount of effort you put in and your starting capabilities.

Bain Case Interview Coaching

With case interview coaching, you’ll pay anywhere between $100 to $300 for a one-hour mock case interview session with a case coach. Typically, case coaches are former consultants or interviewers that have worked at top-tier consulting firms.

Although very expensive, case interview coaching can provide you with high quality feedback that can significantly improve your case interview performance. 

By working with a case coach, you will be practicing high quality cases with an expert. You’ll get detailed feedback that ordinary case interview partners are not able to provide.

Know that you do not need to purchase case interview coaching to receive a consulting job offer. 

The vast majority of candidates that receive offers from top firms did not purchase case interview coaching. By purchasing case interview coaching, you are essentially purchasing convenience and learning efficiency.

Case interview coaching is best for those that have already learned as much as they can about case interviews on their own and feel that they have reached a plateau in their learning. 

For case interview beginners and intermediates, it may be a better use of their money to first purchase a case interview course or case interview prep book before purchasing expensive coaching sessions.

If you do decide to eventually use a case interview coach, consider using our case interview coaching service . 

There is a wide range of quality among coaches, so ensure that you are working with someone that is invested in your development and success. 

If possible, ask for reviews from previous candidates that your coach has worked with.

Summary of Best Bain Case Interview Resources

Here are the resources we recommend to learn the most robust, effective case interview strategies in the least time-consuming way:

• Comprehensive Case Interview Course (our #1 recommendation): The only resource you need. Whether you have no business background, rusty math skills, or are short on time, this step-by-step course will transform you into a top 1% caser that lands multiple consulting offers.
• Hacking the Case Interview Book   (available on Amazon): Perfect for beginners that are short on time. Transform yourself from a stressed-out case interview newbie to a confident intermediate in under a week. Some readers finish this book in a day and can already tackle tough cases.
• The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook (available on Amazon): Perfect for intermediates struggling with frameworks, case math, or generating business insights. No need to find a case partner – these drills, practice problems, and full-length cases can all be done by yourself.
• Case Interview Coaching : Personalized, one-on-one coaching with former consulting interviewers
• Behavioral & Fit Interview Course : Be prepared for 98% of behavioral and fit questions in just a few hours. We'll teach you exactly how to draft answers that will impress your interviewer
• Resume Review & Editing : Transform your resume into one that will get you multiple interviews

Land Multiple Consulting Offers

Complete, step-by-step case interview course. 30,000+ happy customers.

Written Case Interview - Everything You Need to Know [2024]

• Last Updated February, 2024

Rebecca Smith-Allen

Former McKinsey Engagement Manager

Why Do Firms Use the Written Case?

How Should Candidates Approach the Written Case?

Bain Written Case - What to Expect

Tips to Feel Confident in the Written Case

Are Written Cases Different from Case Questions?

The written case interview is less common than the typical case study interview, which is conducted one-on-one with an interviewer. But even top firms like Bain and BCG use them in some geographic regions, so you’ll want to be prepared for them.

The good news is that the written case is just a different form of the case interview. If you’ve been preparing for the case study interview , then you have the foundations to pass the written case as well. But the things you need to do to ace a written case are not exactly the same as a normal case.

In this article, we’ll provide:

• An overview of the Bain and BCG written case interviews,
• Tell you how they’re structured,
• Share our 9 tips on written case study interviews, and
• Tell you how you should prepare for these types of cases.

Why Do Bain and BCG Use Written Case Study Questions?

Some people are great at talking. Some people are great at writing. To succeed in consulting, you need to be pretty strong at both.

Bain and BCG use written case study interviews to make sure they hire consultants that can absorb key facts whether the data is provided in a conversation or in writing. They’re also looking to see whether you can go through large amounts of data quickly and whether your written communication is effective.

In a written case interview, your interviewer is still looking for the same key problem-solving skills:

• Can you frame the question that needs to be answered?
• Can you drive the discussion of the options open to the client?
• Can you do the quantitative analysis required to support your problems solving?
• Do you display good business judgment in your recommendation?

[EXCLUSIVE FREE TRAINING]

• 3 strategies to pass the case in under a week;
• A proven process for taking your casing from "average" to "exceptional";
• Tips from a McKinsey Engagement Manager on how to land the offer.

Bain Written Case Study Questions — What to Expect

Your written case study at Bain will start with you receiving 20-30 PowerPoint slides that describe a client’s situation .

You’ll have 55 minutes to read the slides, pull key data and insights from the material, and handwrite missing data into 3-5 slides provided to you.

You’ll then meet with one or more Bain interviewers  for about 40 minutes to discuss your analysis and recommendations. During the first half of this time, you’ll present your slides. During the second half, your interviewer will ask questions.

Your interview may challenge your assumptions or conclusions. This does not necessarily mean that you got the “wrong” answer. It only means that your interviewer wants to test whether you can support your recommendations when pressed. 

Over the course of a 6-month study, things change. Your interviewer wants to know that when they do, you’ll be able to react to the situation in a way that shows your insight into the problem, not panic.

As mentioned above, you’ll get a few slides that contain some pre-filled information but they are not complete. These slides might have a title and be otherwise blank. In this case, you’ll be required to find the appropriate information to support the title and to create the page. 

Alternatively, these slides might have graphs and tables that require data to be filled in. In this case, you need to find the information required and do the appropriate calculations to provide the missing numbers.

The good news is that because you’re provided direction on what belongs on the page, you don’t need to create a storyline for the presentation or decide how many pages to present.

During the Bain case interview you are not allowed to use a calculator.  

The quantitative problems in the written cases are not complicated, but your interviewer is looking to see that you can do basic analysis correctly.

Which Candidates Get a Bain Written Case Interview?

Not all Bain recruits are given written case interviews. They’re primarily used in the European and Asian offices, not in North America. They’re very common in Bain’s Greater China offices.

Any recruits—undergraduates, business school students and people looking to transition to consulting from jobs in other fields—could all be given written case interviews. People applying for summer internships could as well.

Bain uses written cases in final round interviews , not the first round. The final round interviews will include a fit interview as well as a written case.

The written cases count as much as “normal” cases do. They can involve any industry and any type of client problem

BCG Written Case Study Questions — What to Expect

The BCG written case question is structured like an email written by a partner at the firm. In the email, the partner asks you to answer 3-4 questions. He or she wants you to prepare slides that could be used to discuss the issues with the client. 

Along with the email, a slide packet of about 40 pages will be provided. These slides will include data charts, graphs, and text. 

You’ll have 2 hours to go through the information you’re provided on your own and create the slides. However, with 40 slides of dense information in your hands, you could easily spend the entire 2 hours just reading and not have anything to show your interviewer. 

Use your time efficiently , skimming for information that’s directly relevant to the questions you were asked to answer. 

Your packet will include a few blank pieces of paper to use to create the slides that answer the partner’s question. Because these pages are blank, you’ll have to decide how many slides to create and how to structure them. This puts a lot more pressure on you to decide how to shape the story about the solution to the client’s business problem than in the Bain written case.

A couple more small but important points:

You’re allowed to use a calculator during the BCG written case interview.

You’re not allowed to write on the slides you’re given because BCG uses the se same slides with other candidates. This can be challenging because you won’t be able to make notes on the slides you’ve pulled data from in case you want to go back and reference it.

After the 2 hours working on your own, you’ll have a 40-minute discussion with an interviewer . 

• During the first 20 minutes: you’ll present your slides to the consultant.
• During the second: they’ll ask you questions about your analysis and conclusions.

Which Candidates Get a BCG Written Case Interview?

BCG does not use written cases in all of its locations. We’ve heard of BCG using written cases in U.S. offices, Russia, Sweden, the Netherlands, and South Africa.

When they do use written cases, it’s always in the second round of interviews and you will know well ahead of time to prepare for them, so no need to worry if it will be a surprise come interview day.

What Are the Differences Between the Bain and BCG Written Case Study Interview Assessments?

The Bain written case is shorter both in terms of the number of slides you’ll need to sort through for information and in terms of the time you have to work on your own. 

The Bain written case also provides slides that are partially filled in, which you will need to complete.

You are not allowed to use a calculator on the Bain written case interview but you are allowed to on the BCG written case interview. 

For the BCG written case, you’ll have more slides to sort through and more time to do it. You’ll be provided with blank slides on which you can provide your answers to the questions from the partner’s email.

Are Written Case Questions Different from Normal Cases?

Written cases are similar to normal cases. The interviewer is still assessing how you structure and solve a business problem.

There are 4 key differences though:

• There’s too much information. The 20-40 slides you’re given will provide more information than you need. Sift quickly through the data to find the information most relevant to the question you need to answer. This tests a skill that is directly applicable to real-world consulting. Clients have tons of data, but if you ask for everything that could possibly be relevant, you’ll take so long answering the question that it could be irrelevant by the time you reach it. You need to sort through what is worth your time and what to set aside.
• You’ll need to focus on your recommendation. In our article on Case Interview Examples , MyConsultingOffer.org founder, Davis Nguyen, discusses the 4 key parts of the case interview , the opening, the structure, the analysis, and the closing. In written cases, focus on the closing or recommendation for the client. You’ll discuss other aspects of the case when you meet with your interviewer.

Don’t use the slides to describe how you did the work.

Don’t document every step you went through to reach your conclusion or every calculation you did. Use headings that speak to the steps you recommend the client takes. On graphs or charts, headings should speak to the implications of data, not simply regurgitate what the chart shows. 

What Written Case Study Questions Tell You About the Job of a Junior Consultant

Look at the structure of the Bain and BCG written cases:

• You get an email from a partner who’s not available to answer questions when you start your work, or
• You’re given a huge pile of data with slides that roughly outline the analysis to be done,
• You’re responsible for quickly finding the key data, doing the analysis and creating the PowerPoint slides for the client meeting.

This is actually a fair representation of the work new consultants do at any of the top consulting firms. Partners work with multiple clients so they will not be around to tell you exactly what to do and how to do it. 

A great consultant will work independently finding and analyzing data and creating slides.

Because of this, a written case is a great second round interview. It will tell your interviewer a lot about how well you’ll perform in the job. It will also give you good insight into what the job is like.

Written Case Study Interview Examples

• Which market should the client enter? Why is this market attractive?
• What would the competitive advantages and disadvantages of the client’s product be in the new market?

A written case study question could focus on any industry and any geographic region, just like a normal case study can.

Writing PowerPoint Slides – The Best Approach

In our intro page on Case Study Interview Prep , we talk about the 4-part process for answering a case. 

The one time we don’t recommend you use this approach is on written case study questions.

If you go through the 4-part process for answering a “normal” case in your PowerPoint slides, you’ll spend too much time on less important topics and not enough on your recommendation for the client. Instead, turn the structure around and start with your conclusion or recommendation. We recommend your written slides follow the following 5 R outline:

• Recap the question.
• State your recommendation.
• Provide the reasoning behind your recommendation.
• Outline any risks to your recommendation.
• Retain the client by suggesting next steps.

Below, we’ll provide more detail on each point.

1. Recap the question.

This is a simple step but it ensures that everyone is focused on the same goal. Don’t skip this step even though it seems obvious.

2. State your recommendation.

The best way to move the discussion forward efficiently and keep the interviewer (and your future consulting clients) focused on what you’re saying rather than on guessing what’s coming next is to simply lead with your answer. 

3. Provide the reasoning behind your recommendation.

Now is the time to show that you thought through your solution and crunched all the necessary numbers. Create a slide with the data behind each supporting argument.

4. Outline any risks to your recommendation.

Many recruits can do steps 1-3. Their computations are correct and they come up with a reasonable recommendation. What will set your written case study answer apart? 

Going above and beyond the average answer. One way to do this is by outlining risks.

Whoa, you might say, if I talk about risks won’t my answer sound weaker?

First of all, any senior business leader knows that all business decisions come with risks. There is risk in doing nothing because your competitors will act faster and come out with better products or better marketing plans. 

There is also risk in acting fast because you might find that with imperfect information, you didn’t make the best possible decision.

But knowing what risks are the most relevant to a business situation will help the client minimize the risks or avoid them altogether.

5. Retain the client by suggesting next steps.

Like outlining risks, suggesting next steps is a way to go beyond the basic answer most recruits provide. In particular, you want to show how you can help with the next steps.

Consultants make money by providing support to their clients. If there are ways that you can help the client with the next stage of the project, that will also create more interesting work for you and continue to help your client’s business.

What Does this Approach to Writing PowerPoint Slides Look Like?

• 1st slide: Client Should Take Recommended Action for the Following 3 Reasons.
• 2nd slide: Outline reason #1. The slide should provide charts or data that support the statement.
• 3rd slide: Outline reason #2. The slide should provide charts or data that support the statement.
• 4th slide: Outline #3. The slide should provide charts or data that support the statement.
• 5th slide: Recap the Recommendation – emphasizing benefits but touching on risks and how the consultant can help with next steps.

9 Tips for Solving Written Case Study Questions

1 | Contact your recruiter or prior applicants to get a solid understanding of what’s expected. Will you be expected to complete slides provides or write slides from scratch? How long is the preparation time, presentation time, and Q&A time? Who will you be presenting to?

2 |  Focus on the question you need to answer. If you start with the end in mind, it will help you zero in on the information that will drive the answer to the client’s question. It will also help you discard irrelevant facts.

The question must be clear in your mind before you go through the slides. The question may be stated in the way that is nebulous or strategic. If so, you should reframe it into something more straightforward that can be answered with data.

Write your reframed question down.

You may think that you will clearly remember the question, but all the information on the slides will look important. Keep the question close to hand as you skim through the information on the slides.

3 | Develop a hypothesis you can prove or disprove. A strong hypothesis will keep you focused on finding data and anecdotes that are relevant.

4 | Prioritize relevant data. Not all facts or slides are equally important. Focus on the key issues and avoid getting lost in the weeds.

5 |  Analyze key numbers. Figure out what data is important for the decision the client must make and perform necessary calculations. Ignore the rest of the data.

6 |  Structure your slides as a client recommendation. While the “normal” case has 4 stages: the opening, the structure, the analysis, and the conclusion, your written case study answer should start with the conclusion or recommendation.

What should the client do?

Don’t waste time describing the tables you created or the calculations you did if they have no bearing on your recommendation. Everyone assumes you can do the math. What they care about is the “so what” that comes out of the math.

7 | Keep an eye on the time. It’s important to make sure you have enough time to write your slides. Allocate the time you’re given to skimming the slides provided for information, doing necessary calculations, and drafting slides. Make sure you don’t run over on reading slides.

Optimally, you’ll want to leave a few minutes to think through how you’ll present the slides to your interviewer as well.

8 | Remember there is no “right” answer. The key to this interview is to make a well-reasoned recommendation and have a rich discussion about how to achieve results for your client. 

Everyone gets nervous during an interview, but second-guessing whether your recommendation is right or wrong will only waste time. Instead, focus on making your argument for the recommendation you’ve chosen as strong as it can be.

9 | Conclude with insights that go beyond the average answer to the case. As mentioned above, most recruits will get the math right and present a reasonable recommendation. Go beyond this by highlighting risks that the client should be aware of as they implement your recommendation and ways your consulting team can continue to assist the client through the next steps. 

Risks and next steps are mentioned by few candidates and will set your answer apart from the rest.

How Should Candidates Approach Written Case Study Practice?

Learn to write presentations like a consultant..

The key to writing presentations like a consultant is to tell a story. Use the 5R framework from above t o create your story.

Start with your recommendation to the client. Back up your recommendation with supporting arguments and the data that lead you to them.

Use message headings rather than titles that just repeat the data in a  chart.

Chart Title: Product C has higher sales than products A or B.

Message Heading: Product C’s success in the domestic market indicated that it is the best product to launch into the new market.

Practice your consulting math skills.

If your basic math skills are rusty and making you nervous, that will slow you down in any case interview. Rusty math skills can be particularly problematic in a written case because there will be no interviewer to coach you that you’ve made a mistake until your slides are already written. Bad math could cause you to create slides with the wrong recommendation and that would be difficult to recover from. 

See our page on  Case Interview Math   for more information on what types of calculations case study questions typically ask for and tips on how to practice.

Preview written case interviews.

Just knowing what to expect in a written case interview is a huge advantage. Take a look at the resources listed in the next section. Reviewing a couple of BCG or Bain written cases will make you feel more confident and allow you to answer the question faster once you’re in the interview.

Additional Resources on Written Case Study Questions

For more information on written case study questions, see:

This Bain video or  BCG’s Guided Consulting Cases .

In this article, you’ve learned about both the Bain written cases and the BCG written cases. You’ve learned what the format is, what to expect and how to prepare for these written case study interview questions. 

We hope you ace that written case!

Still have questions??

If you have more questions about written case interviews, leave them in the comments below. One of My Consulting Offer’s Bain or BCG case coaches will answer them.

Other pages people preparing for written case study interviews found helpful include:

• Group Case Interviews
• BCG Online Case
• Market Sizing Questions
• Case Interview Examples
• Consulting Networking

Want to feel confident walking into your written case interview? Find out how.

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

© My CONSULTING Offer

3 Top Strategies to Master the Case Interview in Under a Week

We are sharing our powerful strategies to pass the case interview even if you have no business background, zero casing experience, or only have a week to prepare.

No thanks, I don't want free strategies to get into consulting.

We are excited to invite you to the online event., where should we send you the calendar invite and login information.

• The 1%: Conquer Your Consulting Case Interview
• Consulting Career Secrets
• Cover Letter & Resume
• McKinsey Solve Game (Imbellus)
• BCG Online Case (+ Pymetrics, Spark Hire)
• Bain Aptitude Tests (SOVA, Pymetrics, HireVue)
• Kearney Recruitment Test
• All-in-One Case Interview Preparation
• Industry Cheat Sheets
• Structuring & Brainstorming
• Data & Chart Interpretation
• Case Math Mastery
• McKinsey Interview Academy
• Brainteasers

Bain Written Case Interview: The Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated on February 5, 2024

Navigating Bain’s written case interview? This guide distills essential strategies and tips to excel in this critical component of Bain’s hiring process. Discover how to analyze written cases, draft persuasive recommendations, and present your analysis with confidence.

Bain Written Case Interview: A Quick Introduction

Bain & Company employs written case interviews during their recruiting process in addition to the traditional face-to-face case interviews .

What Is a Written Case Interview?

A written case interview is a specialized format employed in management consulting to assess how candidates tackle business problems, mirroring real consultant tasks. It usually unfolds in five stages: receiving case documents and questions that need to be answered, analyzing the information, creating analytical slides, presenting findings in front of one or two interviewers, and engaging in a Q&A session.

A unique aspect of the Bain written case is the preparation time allowed, necessitating a thorough analysis of extensive information. During that time, candidates are required to analyze the situation and craft slides to convey their analysis and recommendations, simulating the consultant’s role in client meetings.

More specifically, the Bain written case interview asks you to draft a recommendation for a challenging client situation. You are presented with a lot of information and facts about the problem as well as a few key questions that need to be solved. You will have ~1 hour to prepare your recommendation, which you have to present and defend in front of one or more interviewers afterward.

Your task is to understand the client’s problem, and develop a sensible recommendation, taking into account the various trade-offs. You are expected to engage in a problem-solving discussion with your interviewer, who acts as a fictitious client to ensure a strong outcome for the client.

In the process, you are bombarded with information. You have to work hypothesis-driven and link the questions to the provided information to quickly zero in on the relevant bits of data and then, conduct your analysis.

Based on this analysis, you should draft a short consulting-style presentation, crafting your own storyline and narrative.

When Does the Bain Written Case Interview Occur?

This written interview typically occurs after passing initial resume screenings and the Bain SOVA and other online tests in the recruitment process.

While the traditional case interview is always part of the Bain assessment, the written case interview serves as an equally critical tool in consulting recruitment for several Bain offices. Yet, you should be aware that the written case interview is not always part of the Bain recruiting process as each individual office can adjust their recruiting process.

Keep that in mind when creating your consulting interview preparation plan .

If the written case is included in your assessment, do not worry.

After all, the written case interview presents you with a slight variation of the classic case interview. Hence, preparing for the case interview also helps you with your performance with the written case and vice versa.

Essential Skills for the Bain Written Case Interview

In the written case interview, Bain assesses various competencies that are critical for success:

• Analytical Thinking : Your skill in dissecting complex datasets to extract vital insights and draw informed conclusions is evaluated.
• Problem-Solving : You’re tested on your ability to hypothesize and devise practical strategies for the case’s business challenges.
• Time Management : Your capability to effectively distribute time across tasks, ensuring a comprehensive analysis and well-prepared recommendations, is crucial.
• Communication : Your presentation must clearly and convincingly convey your solutions and the thought process behind them.
• Detail-Oriented Approach : Your knack for pinpointing and assessing even the minutest but impactful data points is scrutinized.
• Innovative Thinking : Your flair for crafting novel solutions and approaching problems from unique angles is observed.
• Business Insight : Your grasp of the broader business landscape, specific industry knowledge, and the viability of your proposals is assessed.
• Quantitative Proficiency : Your adeptness at executing precise calculations and leveraging data to bolster your case is evaluated.
• Grace Under Fire : Your poise and ability to remain unflustered under the interview’s pressure, particularly when challenged, is gauged.
• Presentation Acumen : The aesthetic and structural execution of your slides, coupled with your proficiency in delivering content compellingly, is judged.

Bain Written Case Fact Pack

• Duration: 1 hour 35 minutes in total (55 minutes to prepare, 40 minutes to present and debate)
• Data: 20-30 slides packed with information on a specific client’s issue
• Output: Slide templates to structure and guide your storyline and recommendations. Fill in the blanks on the specific slides (e.g. provide supporting data and points for an action title, fill results calculations, strengthen graphs and tables with data you have calculated, etc.)
• Format: You prepare several slides to present your recommendation and analysis/ supporting arguments and then get challenged by the interviewer to see how you would react in a real client situation
• Math: The numerical problems are simple and should be tackled with classic pen-and-paper math or estimations; calculators are not allowed
• Focus: All industries or functions are fair game
• Target group: The written case interview is currently employed mostly in Asian and European offices during the second round interviews
• Preparation materials: Case study examples and case study examples for students applying at McKinsey, BCG, or Bain

The Stages of the Bain Written Case Interview

Stage 1: case reception.

Bain presents candidates with the case materials, which may comprise printed PowerPoint slides or A4 documents. The information comprises 20 to 30 slides with text, data tables, and charts and a client objective.

Stage 2: Hypothesis Development and Data Analysis

Prior to crafting their slides, candidates should perform an in-depth analysis of the case materials. This stage is crucial for generating and evaluating hypotheses informed by the data.

Here, candidates must demonstrate their analytical prowess by filtering through the material to pinpoint essential data and formulate initial hypotheses that will inform the creation of their presentation slides.

Dealing with the volume and intricacy of the data requires adept hypothesis generation and evaluation.

Stage 3: Crafting Presentation Slides

With data-driven insights in hand, candidates begin to create their presentation slides. This stage involves a careful selection and analysis of data to back up their hypotheses and the creation of slides that concisely capture their analysis, insights, evidence, and strategic recommendations.

Stage 4: Delivering the Presentation

After 55 minutes of preparation, candidates have around 15 to 20 minutes to present their conclusions and recommendations to interviewers. The presentation should be well-organized, featuring a summary of the case, well-defined hypotheses, supportive charts/graphs/insights, and definitive recommendations.

Stage 5: Engaging in a Q&A Session

The interview process wraps up with a 15 to 20 minute Q&A session, which might delve into more personal aspects or clarify particulars of the candidate’s presentation.

Interviewers will examine the candidates’ conclusions and challenge their reasoning to evaluate their level of preparation and comprehensive understanding.

Candidates should understand that intensive scrutiny of their assumptions and conclusions is a deliberate aspect of the assessment, aimed at testing their composure and the robustness with which they can uphold and justify their recommendations when faced with pressure.

Bain Written Case Interview Tips

Bain recommends the following to tackle their interviews. Keep it in mind when you draft your recommendation!

• Trust your gut.  There is no one correct answer. You need to deliver a persuasive recommendation and participate in a rich discussion about how to achieve results for your client.
• Prioritize.  Preparation time goes quickly, so put aside case slides that seem less important.
• Be concise.  Have your key messages outlined in your summary. Save the details for your discussion.
• Do the math.  Figure out what analytics are necessary for your recommendation, and piece together the required data from the slides.
• Be pragmatic.  Craft a recommendation that can actually be implemented by the client.
• Consider both sides.  Strengthen the rationale behind your recommendation by working through the strongest arguments against it.

While these tips are helpful, they do not allow for a structured problem-solving process. Hence, we created one ourselves for our clients to go through.

Bain Written Case Interview Strategy

We’ve developed a proven strategy designed to navigate this specific type of evaluation successfully. Here is our six-step method for approaching written case interviews, tailored to concentrate your efforts, pinpoint the essential elements of the case, quickly process and integrate the information at hand, and formulate a compelling recommendation.

1. Have a Plan Before You Start the Bain Written Case

Since time is usually limited, you should have a plan on how long you want to spend on each task of the assignment beforehand. For the 55-minute case take

• 2.5 minutes for a quick scan of the documents
• 2.5 minutes to plan your approach (i.e. what do you need to figure out, what information is important, what analyses would you have to do, what output documents do you have to draft)
• 10 minutes to draft your output slides (doing this early helps you to focus your analytical efforts)
• 30 minutes to conduct analyses and work through the case
• 10 minutes to populate your slides with your findings and recommendations.

Utilize case study examples and templates available at this link for your preparation.

Considering the time limitations, it’s practical to anticipate that things may not always proceed as planned. Therefore, it’s crucial to assign definite time segments for each activity during your prep work, while also setting aside a contingency period for unforeseen setbacks or to enhance any aspects of the case needing additional attention.

2. Quickly Separate Crucial Information From the Noise

Written case interviews often inundate you with an excess of information that requires sorting. Initially, identify the essential information needed for your analyses to formulate a recommendation. Document the primary question you need to address and continually reference it throughout your work on the case.

Ensure clarity on the questions posed and develop a hypothesis for each possible response. Given the premium on time, it’s not feasible to explore every analysis and hypothesis comprehensively. Concentrate on the critical questions that fundamentally influence your recommendation, aiming to focus your presentation on the most relevant aspects.

This approach allows you to read with targeted objectives, enhancing your ability to process information quickly. Then, gather the necessary data, organize your analysis strategically, and engage deeply. Adopt a hypothesis-driven method to structure your analysis and reasoning, integrating each piece of your analysis to arrive at well-founded conclusions, akin to the process in a traditional case interview.

You can practice this by looking at business school cases, such as

• HBS case studies
• Ivey case studies
• INSEAD case studies
• MIT case studies (includes free materials)

You can also look at case study examples and case study examples for students that we compiled here . There is also a certain overlap with HireVue interview questions .

Additionally, try to increase your reading speed with apps such as Spreeder, Reedy, or Read Me!

Ace written case interviews with our dedicated preparation packages.

3. Interpret and Distill Key Insights From Charts and Data Tables 

Written cases bombard you with charts, graphs, tables, and other visual depictions of data that you should use to test your hypotheses. Learn how to quickly read and interpret them.

• What are the key messages and insights?
• How does the information of several charts/ tables, etc. relate to each other?
• What information is relevant to the case?

To prepare these skills, go through The Economist, the Wall Street Journal or similar and use their graphs or tables to train your reading and interpretation skills. Alternatively, look at practice McKinsey Problem Solving Test or BCG potential test graphs. Time yourself while doing it, e.g. giving yourself 30 seconds before you are able to communicate what the graph is all about and what you would infer from it (what is the ‘so what’?).

You can also use our Consulting Chart and Data Interpretation Course and Drills to improve how consultants analyze charts and generate insights quickly.

4. Quickly Draft Formulas and Conduct Pen-and-Paper Math

Get into the habit of quickly setting up and simplifying calculations. Practice quick pen-and-paper math as well as estimations similar to what you would do in a normal case interview. To prepare and practice, look into McKinsey PST, BCG potential test exercises as well as GMAT questions.

If you need to brush up on your math skills, we have created a program with detailed insider learning materials and close to 2,000 practice drills that mimic the McKinsey, BCG, and Bain case interview math for you here: the Case Interview Math Mastery .

5. Draft a Compelling Storyline and Tell It With Visually Appealing Outputs

Create a top-down storyline of your recommendations. State your primary recommendation, then use supporting arguments to strengthen your position.

In practice, you would have one key slide talking about your finding and recommendation, i.e. what or how the client should solve the problem, Then, you would have several supporting slides, discussing arguments for your solution, i.e. why your approach is the best. Lastly, put a slide talking about the next steps to hedge your bets (what else would you like to know to make your recommendation even stronger) and demonstrate that you think ahead.

As for the slide design, use an action title on each, then some visual aids like a graph (remember to have a graph title as well) and some supporting bullet points, or if not applicable, just bullet points.

• The action title should convey the so-what of your analysis. You need to show the implication of what you present rather than a description of what you have found.
• The headings of each slide together should tell the full story. Everything below the heading are details to the story and should support your key message

6. Communicate and Defend Your Recommendation

If you have to present your findings at the end of the case, follow the top-down approach of your slide deck. Be confident and engaging when going through your recommendations and supporting arguments.

First, present your headlines, e.g. “The client needs to cut cost by x% to break even within the next 5 years”; then move on to the details of the slide such as “Our manufacturing cost has increased by 25% over the last 3 years,..”

Follow this structure:

• Offer your recommendation succinctly.
• Back it up with compelling evidence and reasoning.
• Outline potential risks linked to your strategy.
• Advise on the next steps to further improve your analysis or move towards implementation.

Remember, reiterating the case prompt isn’t necessary—it’s a prudent use of precious time to dive straight into your insights.

This approach is very much like the recommendation you would give at the end of a normal case interview.

Point out when you are using hypotheses and assumptions that you were not able to fully verify.

Lastly, be open and ready to debate. The interviewers will definitely challenge your recommendation. It is important that you confidently stand your ground unless they make you aware of an obvious mistake on your part. In the latter case, demonstrate that you are coachable and save the situation by providing a plan of action on how to re-do the analysis to cross-check and improve your results.

Learn more about consulting case interview communication here .

Practice for the Bain Written Case Interview

Preparing effectively for the Bain written case interview is crucial to securing that coveted consulting role. For Bain case interview preparation, employ consulting case study tips and robust case interview strategies to navigate the challenges and ace your assessment.

If you want to test your ability to work on a written case, click the following link that redirects you to a real example by BCG.

Here are six key strategies to polish your skills for a standout performance:

• Refine Rapid Reading Abilities : Speed reading is essential due to the voluminous information you’ll face. Learn to quickly identify key data, which is vital when under time constraints. Employ techniques such as using a tracker or pacer and practice using speed reading apps on your computer and phone.
• Hone Consulting Math Proficiency : Sharp mental arithmetic is a must for consultants who work with numbers daily. Using a calculator is not allowed. Strengthen your mental math with daily practice, starting with small steps and building up to complex calculations.
• Develop Data Analysis Skills : The core of a hypothesis-driven approach is the ability to analyze data to support your recommendations. Focus on the three key processes: Analyzing the data presented, contextualizing within the case’s framework, and interpreting the results to drive business insights.
• Grasp Case Interview Basics : The fundamental skills of a traditional case interview apply here too. Familiarize yourself with concepts like issue trees, MECE principles, structured communication, and top-down analysis.
• Master Consulting-Style Slide Creation : In consulting, presentations are the end-product of your analysis. Learn to organize content in a clear, impactful way, even if the actual design isn’t your responsibility. Look for resources that guide you through crafting slides that resonate with a consulting audience.
• Practice with Mock Interviews : Simulate the interview experience with mock sessions. Seek out former consultants and expert interview coaches who can provide informed feedback and guidance.

Diligent practice in these areas can significantly enhance your readiness and confidence for the written case interview, setting you apart in the competitive field of consulting.

How We Help You Get Top-Tier Consulting Offers

We have specialized in placing people from all walks of life with different backgrounds into top consulting firms both as generalist hires as well as specialized hires and experts. As former McKinsey consultants and interview experts, we help you by

• tailoring your resume and cover letter to meet consulting firms’ highest standards
• showing you how to pass the different online assessments and tests for McKinsey , BCG , and Bain
• showing you how to ace McKinsey interviews and the PEI with our video academy
• coaching you in our 1-on-1 sessions to become an excellent case solver and impress with your fit answers (90% success rate after 5 sessions)
• preparing your math to be bulletproof for every case interview
• helping you structure creative and complex case interviews
• teaching you how to interpret charts and exhibits like a consultant
• providing you with cheat sheets and overviews for 27 industries .

To improve your skills in all areas of the written interview, check out our targeted offers below.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Florian spent 5 years with McKinsey as a senior consultant. He is an experienced consulting interviewer and problem-solving coach, having interviewed 100s of candidates in real and mock interviews. He started StrategyCase.com to make top-tier consulting firms more accessible for top talent, using tailored and up-to-date know-how about their recruiting. He ranks as the most successful consulting case and fit interview coach, generating more than 500 offers with MBB, tier-2 firms, Big 4 consulting divisions, in-house consultancies, and boutique firms through direct coaching of his clients over the last 3.5 years. His books “The 1%: Conquer Your Consulting Case Interview” and “Consulting Career Secrets” are available via Amazon.

Most Popular Products

Search website

Strategycase.com.

© 2024 | Contact: +43 6706059449 | Mattiellistrasse 3/28, 1040 Vienna, Austria

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Universities & consulting clubs
• American Express

Click on the image to learn more.