So you’ve submitted your resume and cover letter to Bain – what’s next? Many offices use online assessments, such as the Bain TestGorilla assessment, as the next step before interviews.
You’ll need to pass the standardized test and prove basic quantitative and critical thinking skills to get a chance to land a consulting job with Bain.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- What to expect from the TestGorilla Bain assessment
- Why consulting firms, like Bain, use TestGorilla (or similar online assessments)
- How to study for the Bain online assessment
- Our top 3 tips on maximizing your chances of landing a Bain interview
Let’s get started!
What is the TestGorilla Bain Assessment?
The TestGorilla Bain Assessment is a new evaluation designed to assess candidates’ cognitive abilities and business acumen. It’s part of the screening process to identify candidates who have the analytical aptitude, critical thinking skills, and strategic mindset necessary to excel in the consulting world.
Consulting firms’ online tests are a crucial screening step, either between resume screening and interviews, or used to complement the resume screening process. The primary goal is to filter out candidates who may lack the necessary skills or qualities before they reach the interview stage, which helps to make the recruiting process more efficient.
The TestGorilla Bain Assessment comprises a series of timed exercises and tasks, each tailored to assess different aspects of a candidate’s capabilities. Candidates will face 4 tests, each 8-15 minutes in length, in a digital format similar to the GMAT. While specifics may vary, candidates can expect the following sections:
- Numerical reasoning: Assesses your ability to interpret and analyze numerical data and evaluates the quantitative reasoning skills essential for data-driven decision-making.
- Logical reasoning: Assesses your ability to identify patterns, draw logical conclusions, and solve complex problems.
- Verbal reasoning: Evaluates comprehension, critical reasoning, and communication skills and gauges your ability to analyze written information and articulate clear and concise responses. This is a vital skill set for effective client communication and report writing in consulting.
- Business Acumen: Requires candidates to select the best next step from options presented based on “mini-cases” with a brief description of a client’s problem.
It’s unclear which offices consistently use the TestGorilla Bain Assessment. However, some European offices, such as Amsterdam, have recently tested it. Some offices are still using the Bain One-Way Interview, and others are using either the Sova online test or the Pymetrics online test. It is safe to assume, though, that you will face some kind of online assessment as part of the Bain recruitment process.
Benefits of Online Tests for Recruiting, Like the Bain Online Assessment
These types of assessment offer several benefits to both the organizations using them and the candidates being assessed:
- Standardization and fairness: Online tests provide a standardized way to evaluate candidates, ensuring that everyone is assessed objectively and fairly based on the same criteria. This helps to reduce bias in the hiring process. It also creates a more level playing field for candidates who might otherwise not be considered if the screening was based purely on the resume, which can be subjective. For example, there may be differences in university grading systems.
- Efficiency & Cost-effectiveness: These online tests streamline the initial screening process, allowing companies to assess many candidates efficiently. And, because they can be completed from anywhere with an internet connection, applicants can take the tests at their convenience without needing to travel to a physical location. This is particularly useful if candidates want to apply for global locations.
- Accessibility: Modern online tests are much more accessible to a wide range of applicants, including those with disabilities who may require accommodations.
- Data-driven decision-making: These tests generate detailed data on candidates’ performance in the areas that consultants need to be skilled in, which can then be analyzed to make informed hiring decisions. This data can provide insights into candidates’ strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit for the role. It also allows candidates to familiarize themselves with the format and types of questions typically asked by top consulting firms like Bain, McKinsey, and BCG.
Nail the case & fit interview with strategies from former MBB Interviewers that have helped 89.6% of our clients pass the case interview.
How Can You Best Prepare for the Bain TestGorilla Assessment?
Once you get confirmation that you will be taking Bain’s TestGorilla assessment, and even before then, if possible, you can do the following steps to prepare:
- Familiarize yourself with the format: Develop an understanding of the assessment’s structure, timing, and the question types by reviewing sample questions or practice tests provided by TestGorilla or Bain. You can also use these test-prep guides: a GMAT strategy guide, a GMAT prep book focused on quantitative questions, and a primer on Economics.
- Hone in on the required skills: Practice numerical, logical, and verbal reasoning exercises to develop your problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Math questions are always going to part of the consulting assessment process, so this is an area you should feel comfortable with before taking the test.
- Practice time management: Practice working under timed conditions to improve your efficiency and accuracy in completing tasks within the allocated time frame. The tight timing usually catches people off guard, so being aware of this and improving your ability to think quickly should be a key part of your preparation.
- Make sure you have a fast computer and a strong internet connection.
- Find somewhere quiet to take the test where you know you won’t be interrupted.
- Get a good night’s sleep so you feel rested and alert.
- Don’t risk anything else interrupting you, such as needing the bathroom halfway through.
- Have one more read of the instructions so you’re completely clear about what to expect.
- Allocate your time effectively. Don’t waste your time on questions you can’t answer.
Top 3 Ways to Maximize Landing a Bain Interview
1. Do Your Research
Make sure you understand how Bain’s specific recruiting process works for your target offices. Some offices may use TestGorilla vs. Sova or Pymetrics or no online assessment. Ask the recruiter for more details if needed.
Connect with consultants and peers who have recently completed the recruiting process for that office. Raise the question in online forums, such as Fishbowl, to ensure you have all the information and tips you need.
2. Tailor Your Application to Bain
Make sure your resume and cover letter are specific to Bain. Learn how to write a good consulting resume and ask yourself, “Why Bain?” If you can communicate these in your application, you have a stronger chance of moving onto the online assessment stage.
3. Prepare & Practice
Don’t underestimate the need to prepare for the application, online assessment, and interview. And practice for these online assessments. A LOT. Just know that the effort you put in can be utilized across different firms’ online assessments and prepare you, to some extent, for consulting-style interviews.
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In this article, we’ve covered:
- What the TestGorilla Bain assessment looks like
- Why consulting firms use online assessments like TestGorilla
- How you can prepare for the Bain online assessment
- Our top tips for improving your chances of landing an interview with Bain
Still have questions?
If you have more questions about the TestGorilla Bain assessment, leave them in the comments below. One of My Consulting Offer’s recruiters will answer them.
Other people prepping for TestGorilla Bain found the following pages helpful:
Help with Case Study Interview Prep
Thanks for turning to My Consulting Offer for advice on the TestGorilla Bain assessment. My Consulting Offer has helped 89.6% of the people we’ve worked with to get a job in management consulting. We want you to be successful in your consulting interviews too. For example, here is how Aaron was able to get his offer from Bain.
Nail the case & fit interview with strategies from former MBB Interviewers that have helped 89.6% of our clients pass the case interview.
