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How to answer "WHY questions" in a fit interview?

I have my Bain interview tomorrow and want to prepare questions like

Why Consulting?

Why Bain?

Why Middle East?

Thanks 

4 Answers
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Top answer
Vlad
Coach
on Mar 06, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

When answering “Why consulting” questions, provide three reasons why you want to pursue a career in a consulting firm. A general rule is to find the reasons that are important for you and logically fit everything you have done before (e.g. you want to grow further in financial services and get exposure to these clients). You can always use some personal rationale like your experience of working with consultants on a client side.

"Why this company" is a more specific question and can include the following arguments:

  • The general marketing story the company is trying to sell (e.g. Bain is a small "Family" company)
  • Brand / positioning / market share in the region
  • More clients / projects / expertise in the industry you are interested in
  • More well-known stories of success in your city
  • Your friends working there
  • Your interactions with the other consultants before the interview
  • Your prior experience of working with the Firm on a client side
  • Office traditions
  • Work experience with firm alumni
  • etc 

Best!

Sidi
Coach
on Mar 06, 2019
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers

Hi!

Step 1: Define your objectives over a 5-10 years horizon - both career-wise and personal.

Step 2: Think about why and how Consulting/Bain/Middle East can help you achieve these objectives.

Cheers, Sidi

on Mar 06, 2019
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews

These are deeply personal questions, which only you can answer properly. Sidi's framework will work well: Where do you want to be in 5/10 years, what do you like to do, what are your strengths / areas of development. This will help you design a specific answer that won't looked canned and similar to candidates before and after you

Anonymous
on Jul 29, 2020

Dear A,

These kind of questions are to assess your motivation to be a consultant in general and to work in that particular firm, region etc. You will be checked on how you've learned about this firm and assess you true intention to work there. 

For each of the question prepare an introductory sentence with 3 bullets to show you sincere motive. 

Best,
André

1
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