Bain & Co. SOVA test insights (European offices/Zurich)

McKinsey, Bain & Company, and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), are known as the ‘Big Three’ of the consulting industry and are the largest and most well-established strategy consulting firms globally. The following article aims to provide a comparison between all three firms, explaining what differentiates each one in terms of the industries they work and specialize in, the kind of projects they have taken on in the past, and the notable alumni from these firms, to give you a better understanding of what sets them apart.

The Bain Sova Test is an aptitude test for applicants to Bain & CompanyIt consists of the 4 areas verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, logical reasoning and personality with about 15 questions per area. There is no time limit, but the time you need for the test is recorded. 1. verbal reasoningIn the verbal reasoning section of the Sova Test, you have to solve and answer multiple-choice questions. The goal is to decide whether the statement is true or false based on the information given in the text. Another possibility is that there is no accurate statement. Accordingly, you need to be able to analyze complicated written information in order to interpret it in the next step.2. numerical reasoningAfter the verbal reasoning part, we continue with numerical reasoning. This part aims to test your mathematical skills. You will have to interpret data presented in graphs and tables. This section tests the applicants' ability to work with quantitative data.3. logical reasoningThe third part of the test consists of completing a logical sequence of shapes by recognizing the pattern of the sequence. This is intended to assess the applicant's ability to deal with abstract concepts and unknown information. It also allows the interviewer to test your ability to solve complex problems through logical reasoning.4. personalityThe last part of the Sova test is the personality test. This is a series of statements that tell the interviewer about your behavior and demeanor towards colleagues in the workplace. Personality traits that are often tested are problem-solving, decision-making, motivation, flexibility, communication, etc. There are 2 types of personality tests. One is the traditional personality test, where you have to read a number of sentences and decide afterward how true or untrue they are for you. You are rated with Least Like Me, Little Like Me, Neutral, Somewhat Like Me and Most Like Me. On the other hand, there is the personality test, in which you have to evaluate a situation. For example, you are shown a video or statement related to your work situation, for which you have to rate statements from Last Favorable to Most Favorable.The Sova Test offers consulting companies many advantagesFirst, it enables a comprehensive assessment of the company and its position in the market environment. On the other hand, the test identifies concrete recommendations for improvements and optimizations in case interviews, which the company can implement. It can also be used to make strategic decisions and plan the long-term direction of the company.The test aims to assess an applicant's analytical skills, reasoning ability, and critical thinking skillsSome of the specific skills that may be tested are:Quantitative Skills: the ability to solve mathematical problems, analyze data, and draw conclusions from quantitative information.Analytical Skills: the ability to analyze complex situations, identify problems, and develop solutions.Logical Reasoning Skills: the ability to draw logical conclusions and recognize patterns.Critical Thinking Skills: the ability to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information to make informed decisions.Time Management: the ability to work effectively under time pressure and set priorities.Communication Skills: the ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely.Teamwork Skills: the ability to work in a team and collaborate effectively with others.It is important to note, however, that the exact content and focus of the test may vary by Bain & Company depending on the position and job profile.