who to address bain cover letter to

Popular Searches

Your previous searches, recently visited pages.

Content added to Red Folder

Removed from Red Folder

How to write a killer cover letter

• November 16, 2017

Keith Bevans , the head of Bain & Company's global consultant recruiting, warned that a poor cover letter can hurt an applicant's chances of getting the job. "The cover letter becomes an important data point on how good they are at certain skills that might be relevant to the job they're applying for," he said.

Hacking the Case Interview

A well-written Bain cover letter can make the difference between landing a Bain interview and getting rejected. Especially for borderline candidates, a clear and concise Bain cover letter can share your unique background and get yourself through the resume review stage.

I’m a former Bain Manager and interviewer and I’ve read hundreds of different cover letters. If you’re looking for a simple, step-by-step guide to writing the perfect Bain cover letter, then this article is for you.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover what Bain looks for in a cover letter, how to write a Bain cover letter, and insider Bain cover letter tips to help yourself stand out.

If you need professional help crafting the perfect consulting resume, check out our consulting resume review and editing service . Transform your resume into one that will land you multiple consulting interviews.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a brief document sent with a resume to provide additional information about your skills and experiences. It introduces you to the employer, explains why you are a great fit for the job, and expresses your enthusiasm for the position.

A typical cover letter includes your contact information, an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

• Contact information : Provides your email address, phone number, and home address so that recruiters can contact you
• Introduction : Introduces yourself and mentions the job you are applying for
• Body : Highlights your qualifications and how they match the job requirements, providing specific examples to demonstrate your fit for the role
• Conclusion : Expresses enthusiasm for the position and thanks the employer for considering your application

Cover letters are typically tailored to the specific job or company that you are applying to. They should be clear, concise, and professional.

Does Bain Require a Cover Letter?

While Bain does not require a cover letter for most of their applications, a well-written Bain cover letter can significantly help you get past the initial screening stage and land an interview. Including a Bain cover letter can help make your application stand out and make it easier for recruiters to get to know you better.

Bain receives hundreds of thousands of resumes and applications every year. Bain uses cover letters to help screen candidates and narrow down the list of potential candidates to interview. The Bain cover letter is another data point in your application profile.

Additionally, cover letters are occasionally read by Bain consultants that are interviewing you. Interviewers will sometimes read your cover letter to get to know you better before meeting you. Learning more about your background and experiences makes the interview easier to conduct and run more smoothly.

Regardless of whether you decide to submit a cover letter, make sure to spend the majority of your time crafting the perfect consulting resume . Your resume is by far the most important component of your application.

What Does Bain Look For in a Cover Letter?

In a cover letter, Bain looks for problem solving skills, a results-oriented track record, leadership, and passion. These are all skills or qualities necessary to become a successful Bain consultant based on Bain’s interviewing website .

Problem Solving

Bain values problem solving skills because they are essential for diagnosing client issues, developing strategies, and implementing impactful solutions for clients. Strong problem solving skills enable consultants to adapt to a dynamic business environment.

Results-Oriented Track Record

Bain has a long history of achieving results for their clients. Having a results-oriented track record demonstrates an ability to deliver tangible, measurable results when working with clients. Bain places a heavy emphasis on results to ensure that their recommendations are not just theoretically sound, but also practical and effective.

The work at Bain is extremely collaborative and you’ll typically be working in small teams of 4-6 consultants. Bain values leadership because it reflects a consultant’s ability to inspire, guide, and manage teams effectively. This ensures successful project completion and client satisfaction.

Bain values passion because it enables consultants to go above and beyond in their work. Passion enables consultants to stay motivated, committed, and be driven to excel in their work. Additionally, it brings out energy and enthusiasm in people, which positively impacts team dynamics and client relationships.

How to Write a Bain Cover Letter

There are five steps to writing the perfect Bain cover letter: the contact information, the salutation, the opening paragraph, the body paragraphs, and the concluding paragraph.

We’ll cover how to write each of these sections step-by-step below, including what information to include and examples.

1. Contact Information

At the top of your Bain cover letter, you should include your contact information to make it easy for any Bain recruiter to contact you. In order of priority, you should list your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.

To make your name stand out, make sure to bold it and make the font size significantly larger than the rest of your cover letter.

Here is an example of how this should look:

[email protected]

(123) 456-7890

123 Main Street,  San Francisco, CA 94105

2. Salutation

Next, you should start your Bain cover letter with an appropriate and customized salutation.

Do not start your cover letter with “To whom it may concern,” as this salutation is not personalized and feels cold.

Instead, identify which recruiter is the primary point of contact for you and address the cover letter to that recruiter and their team. If you can’t identify the head recruiter, address the cover letter to members of the consulting firm’s recruiting team.

Here are a few examples of salutations you can use:

• Dear [Recruiter] and members of the Bain Recruiting Team,
• To [Recruiter] and the Bain Recruiting Team,
• Dear members of the Bain Recruiting Team,

3. Opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph of your Bain cover letter is the most important part of the cover letter. Most recruiters will likely only read the opening paragraph of your cover letter and skim the rest of the cover letter.

Therefore, you should spend most of your time making this opening paragraph clear, concise, attention-grabbing, and memorable.

The opening paragraph should consist of two sentences:

• A sentence summarizing your background and credentials
• A sentence summarizing why you would be a great fit for the specific role you are applying for

The first sentence of your opening paragraph should be a powerful statement that summarizes your areas of expertise and the number of years of experience. If you had to summarize your entire background and work experience into one sentence, what would it sound like?

This powerful opening sentence is used to grab the reader’s attention and introduce yourself in an impressive way.

The second sentence of your opening paragraph should summarize why you would be a great fit for the specific role you are applying for.

Do your research to ensure that you are using the correct job title since many consulting firms have different job titles for similar positions.

Bain’s post-undergraduate role is called Associate Consultant while their post-MBA role is called Consultant. Their undergraduate summer internship role is called Associate Consultant Intern (ACI) while their MBA summer internship is called Summer Associate (SA).

The second sentence of your opening paragraph should list three reasons why you would be a great fit for Bain and the role. These three reasons will each become a paragraph in the body paragraphs section of your Bain cover letter.

What reasons should you select or pick?

Ideally, you should research the exact qualities or skills that Bain looks for and make these the three reasons you provide. We’ve done this research for you and highly recommend touching upon these skills or qualities:

• Problem solving skills
• Results-oriented track record

Here is an example of what an opening paragraph should look like:

I am a marketing professional with four years of experience working on digital marketing projects that have generated over $100M in revenue at Netflix and Amazon. I believe my problem solving skills, leadership, and passion make me a great fit for Bain.

4. Body Paragraphs

The next part of the perfect Bain cover letter are the body paragraphs. You will have three body paragraphs, one for each of the reasons you provided in the second sentence of your opening paragraph on why you’d be a great fit for Bain and the role.

These body paragraphs should best highlight your qualities and experiences.

Each of your body paragraphs should start with a bolded sentence that summarizes the entire paragraph. We bold the first sentence of each body paragraph to make your cover letter easier to be skimmed.

 Remember, most Bain recruiters are most likely going to be reading just your opening paragraph and perhaps the first sentence of each body paragraph. Therefore, take the time to make sure the first sentence of your body paragraphs are clear, concise, and impactful.

Ideally, you should include numbers in these summary sentences to quantify your achievements and results. However, you can also keep the summary sentence high-level and include numbers later on in the details of the paragraph.

After this first initial sentence, you can use the remainder of each body paragraph to describe the story or experience in more detail that the first sentence summarized.

Keep your body paragraphs concise. This increases the likelihood that the reader will actually read through the full cover letter. You do not want to have three large, chunky paragraphs.

Repeat this format and structure for each of your three middle paragraphs.

You can consider turning your three body paragraphs into three bullet points. This makes your cover letter easier to read or skim.

Here is an example of what a body paragraph should look like:

My passion for using data to drive tangible results helped me develop a customer ROI model that saved Amazon $50M per year.  I analyzed over 500K customer data points to create a model forecasting customer value. I quantified how much the average happy customer was worth versus a neutral and unhappy customer. From this model, I discovered that Amazon’s recent customer initiative of giving credit to unhappy customers had a drastically negative ROI. I persuaded the CFO to stop running this initiative and use the budget for higher ROI projects.

5. Concluding Paragraph

The final part of the perfect Bain cover letter is the concluding paragraph. This final paragraph should be very short, just two sentences.

In the first sentence, summarize the three reasons why you’d be a great fit for Bain and the role. This may sound redundant, but it is helpful to take this approach to reinforce the key messages you are trying to deliver.

In the opening paragraph, you told the reader the three key points you are going to tell them in the body paragraphs. In the body paragraphs, you told the reader these three key points. Finally, in the concluding paragraph, you remind the reader of the three key points you just told them.

This is an extremely clear and effective structure that makes your cover letter clear and memorable.

The second and final sentence of your Bain cover letter should be a call to action. The entire point of the cover letter is to get the reader interested in your application and give you an interview.

Therefore, you’ll want to mention getting an opportunity to further discuss your skills and qualities in an interview as the next step or action item for the reader to take.

Here is an example of what a concluding paragraph should look like:

Due to my problem solving skills, leadership, and passion, I believe I have all the qualities to become a successful Bain consultant. I would love the opportunity to be extended an interview at Bain to further discuss my candidacy and fit.

Bain Cover Letter Common Mistakes

There are many common Bain cover letter mistakes that the majority of candidates make. Common Bain cover letter mistakes include: name dropping, lengthy cover letters, poor formatting, rephrasing your resume, lack of evidence for claims, typos and grammatical errors, and generic statements.

Name Dropping

Name dropping can backfire if not done properly. Simply mentioning the names of Bain consultants you've interacted with can seem superficial if it was not a meaningful interaction.

Instead, focus on articulating the insights or experiences gained from these interactions and how they have shaped your interest in Bain. Show that your connection to Bain goes beyond just knowing people. Demonstrate your understanding of Bain’s culture and values.

Lengthy Cover Letters

A lengthy cover letter can be a major turn-off for recruiters who sift through hundreds or thousands of applications every day. Aim for conciseness and clarity, ensuring every sentence adds value.

Highlight your most relevant experiences and skills succinctly, showing respect for the reader’s time while still conveying your enthusiasm and qualifications for the role.

Poor Formatting

Poor formatting can distract from your key points and make your cover letter difficult to read. Use a clean, professional layout with consistent fonts, spacing, and margins. Break up text into short paragraphs or bullet points to enhance readability.

Rephrasing Your Resume

Your cover letter should complement, not replicate, your resume. Avoid listing your past roles and responsibilities like you would in a resume.

Instead, use the cover letter to provide a narrative that connects your experiences to Bain’s needs and culture. Highlight specific achievements and how they demonstrate your fit for Bain and the role.

Lack of Evidence for Claims

Unsubstantiated claims about your skills or achievements can weaken your Bain cover letter. Always back up your statements with concrete examples.

Instead of saying you have strong analytical skills, describe a project where you successfully used data analysis to solve a complex problem. This approach provides tangible proof of your capabilities.

Typos and Grammatical Errors

Typos and grammatical errors can significantly hurt your credibility. Proofread your cover letter multiple times and consider asking someone else to review it as well.

A cover letter free of errors demonstrates your attention to detail and your commitment to presenting yourself professionally.

Generic Statements

Avoid using vague phrases or generic statements that could apply to any consulting firm. Tailor your cover letter to Bain by referencing specific aspects of the firm that appeal to you. Show that you have done your research and are genuinely excited about the opportunity to join Bain.

Bain Cover Letter Tips

To give yourself the best chance of landing a Bain interview, make sure to follow these Bain cover letter tips: tailor the cover letter to Bain, quantify your accomplishments and results, pick your best stories and experiences, use the opportunity to explain any red flags, keep it short and punchy, and get help from others.

Tailor the Cover Letter to Bain

Customizing your cover letter specifically for Bain is crucial. Research Bain's values, recent projects, and unique aspects of its company culture. Mention specific Bain initiatives or programs that resonate with your professional interests and goals.

A good test to see if your cover letter is tailored enough for Bain is to replace all instances of Bain in your cover letter with a different consulting firm. If the cover letter still makes sense and works, then your cover letter is likely not tailored enough.

Quantify Your Accomplishments and Results

Quantifying your achievements helps to illustrate the impact you've made in your work experiences and extracurricular activities. Use numbers and percentages to showcase your successes.

For example, rather than saying you improved sales, mention that you increased sales by 20% over six months. Quantifiable results provide concrete evidence of your abilities and make your accomplishments more compelling to the reader.

Pick Your Best Stories and Experiences

Select a few key experiences that highlight your skills and fit for the consulting role at Bain. Focus on stories that demonstrate problem solving, a results-oriented track record, leadership, and passion. You should pick stories that are the most impressive, unique, or interesting.

Well-chosen stories and experiences can make your cover letter more engaging and memorable, helping you stand out from other candidates.

Use the Opportunity to Explain Any Red Flags

Red flags that require explaining include having a low GPA, gaps in work history, and an unexplained office choice. Use your cover letter to briefly address these issues in a positive light.

• If you have a gap in your resume, explain how you used that time productively, such as by taking courses or volunteering
• If your GPA is lower than ideal, highlight any upward trends in your grades or additional qualifications that demonstrate your capabilities
• If you are applying to an office that you have no connection to, explain why you are interested in the office and why you’d be interested in staying in that geography for the long-term

Keep it Short and Punchy

A concise, well-structured cover letter is more likely to capture and retain the recruiter’s attention. Aim to keep your cover letter to one page, focusing on the most relevant and impactful information.

Use clear, direct language and avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentences. By keeping your cover letter short and punchy, you ensure that your key points are communicated effectively and leave a strong impression.

Think of your Bain cover letter as a highlight reel of your professional and personal experiences and accomplishments.

Get Help from Others

You should have at least a few different people read your cover letter and give you feedback. Ideally, these people would be current or former Bain consultants. However, getting feedback from any current or former consultant, friends, colleagues, and mentors will still be greatly beneficial to you.

If you’re looking for some professional help to get peace of mind that your resume and cover letter are up to Bain standards, check out our consulting resume & editing service . Let us do the hard work for you to ensure that you have the best chance of landing a Bain interview.

Bain Cover Letter Examples and Templates

See below for a few examples of outstanding Bain cover letters.

Bain Cover Letter Example #1: Undergraduate student

You can download a template for this cover letter here: Bain cover letter template 1.docx

Bain Cover Letter Example #2: MBA student

You can download a template for this cover letter here: Bain cover letter template 2.docx

Bain Cover Letter Example #3: Working professional

You can download a template for this cover letter here:  Bain cover letter template 3.docx

Resources to Help You Break Into Consulting

Over 98% of candidates that apply to Bain get rejected. The Bain recruiting process is extremely competitive and selective.

However, don’t be discouraged. You don’t have to prepare your application and prepare for Bain interviews by yourself. Getting professional help from a former Bain Manager and interviewer can significantly improve your chances of getting a Bain job offer.

To give yourself a competitive edge over other candidates, check out our resources below:

For help landing consulting interviews

• Resume Review & Editing : Transform your resume into one that will get you multiple consulting interviews

For help passing case interviews

• 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.
• Case Interview Coaching : Personalized, one-on-one coaching with a former Bain interviewer.
• 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.

For help passing consulting behavioral & fit interviews

• 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.

Land Multiple Consulting Offers

Complete, step-by-step case interview course. Save yourself hundreds of hours.

Consulting cover letter guide (for McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.)

Today we’re going to explain everything you need to know about writing consulting cover letters.

We’ll start by reviewing an example cover letter that got interview invitations from ALL the MBB firms (McKinsey, BCG, and Bain). 

And then we’ll explain exactly how you should write your own cover letter to land consulting interviews. Here’s a full list of the topics in this guide:

• Example cover letter

How to write your consulting cover letter

Consulting cover letter tips.

• The skills consulting firms look for

Consulting cover letter screening process

• Get help with your cover letter

Let’s get to it! 

Click here for a consulting letter/resume review with an ex-MBB consultant

Example cover letter (which got interviews at mckinsey, bcg, and bain).

Below is an anonymised cover letter from a candidate who got interviews at McKinsey, BCG and Bain. So you can trust that this template works.

The image here highlights the different sections of the cover letter, but we’ll dive deeper into the text later, and you can also get a downloadable copy below.

Free download of the consulting cover letter example, here. 

In the next section, we’ll go step-by-step through each part of the cover letter and explain how to go about writing it. But before we dive in, please note the following points about the above template:

• A lot of people use this template. Get inspiration from it, but every sentence in your letter should be written from scratch.
• This cover letter might sound impressive. It's one of the best ones we’ve seen. But even if you have not achieved as much as this person, you can still get an interview.

With that said, let’s dig into the cover letter writing process!

As a starting point, this video provides a nice overview of the full writing process for a consulting cover letter. 

Now let’s break things down further.

1. Introduction

Example - Introduction

Mary Taylor - [email protected]

DD / MM / YYYY

Dear Sir / Madam,

I would like to apply for an Associate position at McKinsey in London.

This section is a formality. It should simply state the following information:

• Your name and email address. You can replace your email address with a postal address although those are not commonly used anymore.
• The date on which you are sending your letter
• The position, company, and office to which you are applying

Keep it short and sweet.

2. Why you? 

Example - Why you?

I started working as an Analyst at Big Finance in New York in September 2020 and was quickly promoted to Associate in a year and a half instead of the average four years. While at Big Finance, I advised a broad range of clients who constantly gave me positive feedback and regularly asked to work with me again. Before joining Big Finance, I graduated as the top student of my MEng in Chemical Engineering at Prestigious University in the UK. While studying, I received two competitive scholarships and awards. In addition, I developed my leadership skills as the President of the Prestigious University Consulting Club. High energy was essential to lead a team of 5 managing the club and growing the number of members by 20%.

This is your "GOLD MEDALS" section. It is the first section of your cover letter and therefore the most important one.

It should state the TOP 3 achievements of your life to date that are relevant to consulting. These achievements should be as unique and as memorable as possible. When your reviewer reads them they should think "Wow, that's impressive. I want to know more about this person."

To write this section you need to step back and ask yourself "What are the most impressive things I've done with my life so far?" This is not an easy question to answer. 

In our experience discussing this with a close friend can help. It's sometimes easier for them to quickly point out the impressive things you have done as they are an external observer.

In addition, notice how achievements are QUANTIFIED in the example above. Saying you have been promoted "in a year and a half instead of the average four years" is much more powerful than saying you have been promoted "quickly." You should quantify your achievements whenever possible.

This section is your chance to grab the reader's attention. If there's nothing impressive in it, they will stop reading and just scan the paragraphs. So don't miss your opportunity!

3. Why consulting?

Example - Why consulting?

There are several reasons why I want to pursue a consulting career. To start with, I know I will enjoy being a strategy consultant because I have already worked in a strategy team in the past. This was in summer 2019 when I was a Strategy Intern at Big Grocery Retailer in London. In addition, I think consulting is a unique opportunity to comprehensively learn about business management by working on a variety of company situations. Over the past two years, I have started building my business skills while advising clients on financial matters at Big Finance. I now look forward to learning more about companies’ management at McKinsey. Finally, I want to work in consulting because I truly enjoy interacting with clients. Throughout my work experiences I have built a successful track record of developing and maintaining relationships with clients including, for instance, the senior strategy team at Big Grocery Retailer.

Once you have convinced your reviewer that you have impressive achievements under your belt they'll be thinking: "Ok, this person is impressive. But do they REALLY want to be a consultant? Or are they just applying because they're not sure what to do with their career."

The third section of your letter should therefore answer the  "Why consulting?" question . But here is the thing about this question: There are some reasons to go into consulting that you should tell your reviewer about. And some reasons that you should really keep to yourself.

For instance, one of the mistakes candidates commonly make in their cover letter is to write something along the lines of "I'd like to spend 2 or 3 years in consulting to learn more about business in general and then decide what I want to do." This is a HUGE mistake. 

Consulting firms want to hire FUTURE PARTNERS. Not employees who will stay for a couple of years. You can watch the video below for more details about this.

The best approach for your "Why consulting?" section is to write about past experiences that really show you know what you are getting into. The perfect situation is if you have done an internship in consulting or in corporate strategy and have enjoyed it. If that's the case, this is the perfect section to write about it.

But even if you haven't done related internships, there are plenty of angles you can use to connect your past experiences to what you will do as a consultant. For instance:

• You might have enjoyed working with clients when you were in M&A or in Sales
• You might have enjoyed structuring and solving tough problems as an engineer

You should use these experiences to say that "working with clients" or "solving tough problems" is something you KNOW you enjoy doing; and you look forward to spending more time doing this as a consultant.

When they read this section, your reviewer should think: "Ok, this person is impressive AND they know what they are getting into."

4. Why McKinsey / BCG / Bain / Other?

Example - Why McKinsey?

McKinsey appeals to me for three reasons. To start with, the different people from the company I have met and worked with all told me they had truly enjoyed their time there. For the past two years, I have worked for Michael Smith, a former Engagement Manager from the London office, who now works for Big Finance. Additionally, I regularly read McKinsey’s reports on financial services and think the insights delivered by Sarah James and others in the Finance practice are truly superior to that of other consultancies. By joining McKinsey, I therefore think I would have an opportunity to work with and learn from the best consultants in the industry. Finally, the fact that McKinsey was selected by Finance Supercorp to shape its digital strategy also played an important role in my decision to apply. This was a first-of-its-kind contract in finance and it shows that while at McKinsey I could get the opportunity to work on truly unique projects.

If you have managed to convince your reviewer that you have an impressive background and that you really want to be a consultant, you have a VERY HIGH chance of getting an interview. 

The only question that's left for you to answer is: " Why McKinsey  / Why BCG? / Why Bain? "

Top consulting firms  have a lot in common. In most regions, they cover the same industries and work for similar clients. They also pay similar salaries, and the career path is more or less the same from firm to firm. So what should you write about in this section?

In our experience, the most efficient way to set yourself apart in this section is to write about three specific elements:

When you write "I've met with Michael Smith," or "I've read report X," or "I've heard about project Y," you are making an argument that's SPECIFIC enough for your reviewer to think: "Ok they've done their homework."

If you stay too GENERIC, your argument will be much less credible. For instance, writing something like "While at McKinsey, I'll be exposed to a broad range of industries which I'm excited about" is a weak argument because you could swap McKinsey for BCG or Bain in that sentence.

In fact, this is the ultimate test. If you can swap McKinsey with another name in your "Why McKinsey?" section you are not being specific enough. You need to work on your paragraph again and mention SPECIFIC people, reports, or projects that you find interesting.

5. Conclusion

Example - Conclusion

For all these reasons, I am very enthusiastic about the chance to work at McKinsey. I am available for an interview at any time and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Mary Taylor

The last section of the cover letter is a formality again. It should include the following elements:

• A sentence or two saying that you are enthusiastic and available for interviews at any time
• Your final signature

So how do you make it easy for your reviewer to put your cover letter on the "Accept" pile? We have put together the 10 tips below to make sure you can achieve this and avoid common mistakes.

Tip #1 Don't use a template letter

Writing cover letters is painful. But trust us, reading hundreds of them can be at least as painful. That's why you should make every effort to make your letter interesting and genuine. 

It's ok to get inspiration from templates such as the one we provide in this guide. But every sentence in your letter should be written from scratch.

Tip #2 Keep it to one page

One of the unwritten rules of consulting cover letters is that they should not be longer than one page. The trick to achieve this is to only select the MOST RELEVANT experiences from your  resume  and to summarise them. 

The points you decide to highlight should clearly demonstrate that you would make a great consultant.

Tip #3 Standard format and font

It's tempting to use an eye-catching font and format. But that's actually a bad idea. You only risk your interviewer thinking: "I've never seen this font, it looks really weird. Who is this person?" Your cover letter should stand out because of its content, NOT because of its format.

Tip #4 Not the time to be shy

Your cover letter is not the time to be shy. If you went to Harvard and have three Olympic medals, now is the time to say it! Most of us don't, and that's fine. But the point is that you should really push yourself to bring your most impressive accomplishments forward.

Tip #5 Network, network, network

This might sound surprising, but a big part of the cover letter is  how much networking you have done . Having networked with people from the firm you are applying for pays dividends for multiple reasons. 

First, they might recommend you to the HR team. But most importantly, these people will give you insight into what makes their firm UNIQUE. Then you can quote what you've heard in your cover letter (and name drop the person you heard it from) to show that you really understand the firm you are applying for.

Tip #6 Read, read, read

Unfortunately, networking is not always easy or possible. In these cases, your second best option is to read as much as you can on the firms you are applying for. You should read about the firm's projects, reports, and partners and find pieces of information you are really interested in. 

For instance, if you did your master thesis on electric vehicles, try to find who works in this area at the firm and what they have to say about it. And then mention what you have found in your cover letter.

Tip #7 One letter per firm

One question we often get is: "Should I write one letter per firm?" The answer is YES. But it's not as hard as it might sound. 

Every cover letter needs to answer three questions: Why you? Why consulting? And why this firm? The only paragraph you will need to change in every letter is the one about "Why this firm?" For each firm, you will have to do the networking and reading mentioned above.

Tip #8 Start writing early

Writing an outstanding cover letter is VERY HARD. Most candidates underestimate how much time it takes and start this process too late. You'll need to take a step back and reflect on everything you have done to date to highlight your most relevant experiences. 

This takes multiple iterations. Start early.

Tip #9 Get feedback

In our experience, great candidates all look for feedback and iterate on their cover letter until it's truly as good as it can get. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it.

It’s best to get feedback from peers or consultants. These people will be able to point out which parts of your letter they don't get or don't find impactful enough. If you’d like to have an expert review your cover letter, check out our team of  ex-consultant coaches .

Tip #10 Proofread multiple times

Finally, you should check and double check your letter for typos and grammar mistakes - multiple times. A cover letter is (not so secretly) a writing test and you should really treat it like one.

What consulting firms look for

To get multiple interviews at  top consulting firms , it’s extremely important to understand what those firms are actually looking for. 

The good news is that most of the leading consultancies are looking for basically the same skills. 

To illustrate this point, here’s what  McKinsey  and  Bain  say that they’re looking for in candidates, along with our own translation of what they mean:

There are also a few unofficial items that consulting firms will look for on your resume, and you can read about those in our  consulting resume guide .

Next, let’s talk about the typical cover letter screening process.

Screening process

Now let's talk about HOW your cover letter will be handled once you send it. Here's how it works.

Your application will be sent to a JUNIOR CONSULTANT who recently graduated from your University. They will score your documents based on a grid provided by the HR team. 

Consultants usually have to score 200 to 400 applications in about 2 weeks. And this is sometimes on TOP of their normal project. It's not uncommon for them to leave the job to the last minute and to have to do it on a Friday night just before the deadline.

Why is this important? The point we are trying to make is your application is part of 100 other applications. And the person who will review it will be tired by the time they get to your cover letter. If they don't understand something, they won't Google it. It's your job to make their job easy.

Why consultancies ask for a cover letter

There are two main reasons why consulting firms ask for cover letters.

First, partners bill several thousand dollars per day to their clients. The opportunity cost of interviewing you is HUGE for the firm. Put yourself in the shoes of a consultancy for a second. What are the top 3 questions you want to answer before investing money in interviewing a candidate?

• Have they demonstrated the skills needed to be a consultant?
• Do they know what consulting is and what they are getting into?
• Are they genuinely interested in working for our firm?

If you don't answer these three questions in a structured and impactful way, your chances of getting past the screening process are very low. This is why every cover letter should be structured as follows:

• Why consulting?
• Why this firm?

The second reason consulting firms ask for a cover letter is to test your writing skills. Consultants write all the time: emails, PowerPoints, Word documents, etc. They spend about 50% of their day writing. And a lot of the time their job is to summarise very large quantities of information in a succinct way.

This is exactly what you have to do in your cover letter. You have to a) look back on all your past experiences, b) select the relevant experiences to convince the reviewer that you are the right person for the job and c) summarise all these experiences in a way that's easy to read and digest.

Cover letters are a disguised writing test. Candidates who end up getting invited for interviews recognise this early on. Making a good impression on paper is way harder than making a good impression in person.

Are many candidates ready to invest HOURS in writing the perfect cover letter? No. That's the whole point. That's how you can set yourself apart. If you spend enough time making sure that your letter is as impactful as it can be, you stand very high chances of getting invited for interviews.

Another reason that it can help to have a cover letter is to explain anything on your resume that may look unusual to a reviewer, such as a time gap or a non-traditional background for consulting. 

Whatever your unique situation is, if you’re not confident in how your cover letter looks today, then we can help you. 

Get an Ex-MBB consultant to review your cover letter

The guide above, in addition to our guide on  consulting resumes , should go a long way in helping you craft documents that will get you interviews. 

But if you still feel you need additional help, we have a team of ex-MBB recruiters and interviewers who would be happy to provide feedback on your cover letter.

You’ll get feedback on how to immediately improve your cover letter, including what experience to focus on, how to optimise your phrasing, formatting, etc.

Start by browsing profiles for available coaches.

Related articles:

• 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
• BCG Cognitive Test Practice
• All-in-One Case Interview Preparation
• Industry Cheat Sheets
• Structuring & Brainstorming
• Data & Chart Interpretation
• Case Math Mastery
• McKinsey Interview Academy
• Brainteasers

How to Write the Perfect Consulting Cover Letter (McKinsey, BCG, Bain)

Last Updated on March 26, 2024

Crafting an exceptional consulting cover letter can significantly elevate your application in the highly competitive consulting industry. Statistics reveal a startling reality: only about 1-3% of applicants secure an offer from top-tier consulting firms like McKinsey , BCG , and Bain . This underscores the crucial role of a solid consulting job application strategy, particularly the cover letter and resume, in surpassing the initial screening phase, which is a great hurdle where up to 75% of hopefuls are filtered out.

Your journey through the rigorous consulting application process typically begins with networking and securing a referral. However, what truly sets your application apart is a well-structured, compelling consulting cover letter. This initial impression can be a decisive factor in advancing to the next stages, including aptitude tests and interviews.

How can you make sure to belong to the 25% that progress to the aptitude tests and interviews?

In this consulting firm application guide, we delve into the intricacies of crafting a cover letter that resonates with top consulting firms. We cover exactly that and answer all your questions related to:

• Why you should not underestimate the importance of the cover letter (but also not overestimate it)
• Structuring your cover letter for consulting firms
• Guidelines on what to include in a consulting firm application for a standout cover letter
• How you should design the cover letter
• What pitfalls and common mistakes you should avoid

The Purpose of Your Consulting Cover Letter

First things first. The cover letter is important but most sources overestimate its importance. If you were to rank it in order of importance for an interview invitation it would look like this:

• Resume . This is your gateway to the consulting world. Crafting a consulting resume showcasing your experiences and skills is essential for opening doors at prestigious firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. It’s the first touchpoint that narrates your professional journey.
• Referrals . Networking for consulting jobs and leveraging referrals can significantly enhance your application. A robust network , comprising varied sources and higher-ups, lends credibility and warrants a more attentive review of your application. In certain cases, strong referrals can even balance out minor gaps in your resume.
• Cover letter. If recruiters spend 20 seconds per resume, how much time do you think they will spend on a 1-page wall of text? You guessed it…yet that is exactly the reason why you should put effort into the creation of it. You need to make sure that your story transpires within a short amount of time. Doubts from the resume can be eliminated, and stories and skills that are especially relevant can be highlighted.

Understanding the essential components of a consulting job application is crucial for success.

While the resume is a chronological display of your experience and skills, the cover letter tells a more personal story to answer three core questions:

• Personal Fit (Why are you a good candidate?): Highlight why you’re an ideal candidate, weaving in stories and skills that align with the consulting ethos.
• Passion for Consulting (Why do you want to work in consulting?): Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and articulate your understanding of its dynamics.
• Firm-Specific Aspirations (Why do you want to work for this firm?): Detail why you’re choosing a particular firm, aligning your career goals with their values and culture.

Lastly, the cover letter is your chance to demonstrate two meta-skills. It is more than just a narrative. It’s a testament to your ability to:

• Draft Professional Documents : Showcasing your skill in creating well-structured, formal documents.
• Communicate Effectively : The ability to convey your thoughts concisely and compellingly, in a manner that resonates with the consulting world’s preference for clarity and brevity.

Crafting a compelling consulting resume and cover letter is key. Get the help you need to transform your consulting application into a success.

Crafting the Ideal Structure and Content

How to stand out in the consulting job application process?

A standout consulting cover letter is a crucial component of your application, particularly for coveted roles at MBB ). In general, a cover letter needs to consist of three parts:

Introduction: A Compelling Opening (1 short paragraph)

• Purpose : Kickstart your cover letter with an engaging introduction that grabs the attention of recruiters or consultants.
• Key Elements : Clearly state the consulting role you’re targeting, the preferred office location, and any crucial networking references. This opening serves as a crucial first impression, setting the tone for your application.

Body: Demonstrating Fit and Passion (3 paragraphs)

• Your Candidacy : This is where you shine, linking your unique experiences and skills to the role’s requirements. Adopt a storytelling approach, sharing 2-4 impactful narratives that encompass both your educational and professional journeys. Focus on moments that define you as an outstanding candidate, like leading significant initiatives or unique personal achievements. This is the core of the cover letter and should link your personal experience and skills with the demands of the role. Move into storytelling mode and describe how different experiences prepared you for the role you are applying for. It is especially important in this highlight-reel to celebrate and quantify your successes. You need to make sure to incorporate stories that make you a memorable character (”Ah Sarah, she was the one biking through South America with a tent, raising money for charity.”).
• Your Drive for Consulting : Second, discuss why consulting is the best industry for you to work in. Connect your past experiences to the core competencies of consulting. Link your experience and skills to the type of work and qualities needed in consulting. This could include leadership roles, analytical projects, or impactful community work. Emphasize how these experiences align with the demanding yet rewarding nature of consulting, including aspects like diverse project work, talented and exceptional colleagues, steep learning curves, and early-career impact.
• Your Desire for MBB : Third, discuss why you want to work for the respective consulting firm. Tailor this section to the specific firm and highlight 2-4 aspects of the firm that resonate with you, such as their project diversity, professional development opportunities, or their esteemed reputation. Personalize this part by referencing any interactions or insights about the firm from your network or research.

Conclusion: A Strong Closure (1 short paragraph)

• Summarization : Conclude with a concise summary of your motivation and suitability for the role. Reaffirm your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute to the firm, keeping the tone professional and earnest.

Creating the Content for Your Cover Letter

When structuring your consulting cover letter, a strategic approach is to directly align it with the specific characteristics that your target firm values in candidates.

For instance, if you’re aiming for McKinsey, visit the values and purpose statement on their website to understand precisely what they seek in prospective consultants. McKinsey, like every consulting firm, has a set of core values driving their recruitment process, such as problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, a track record of delivering innovation, and a passion for the work.

In crafting your cover letter, it’s essential to weave the key attributes sought by your target consulting firm intelligently throughout the narrative. For instance, incorporating McKinsey cover letter tips can significantly improve your chances. Applying BCG application advice and tips for a successful BCG consulting application, each paragraph should be centered around a specific characteristic valued by Boston Consulting Group. Finally, adhering to the Bain cover letter structure and the best practices for Bain consulting cover letters is essential for crafting a standout consulting cover letter that grabs attention.

Identify moments from both your professional and personal life that vividly demonstrate these attributes, selecting the most compelling instance if you have several to choose from.

This table provides a more detailed overview of what each top consulting firm looks for in cover letters, along with tailored tips for success that reflect their unique values and expectations.

For each attribute, construct a narrative that outlines the context of the experience, your specific actions, and the measurable outcomes, ensuring to quantify these achievements when possible. This strategic approach seamlessly integrates the reasons why you are an ideal candidate for firms like McKinsey, Bain, or BCG, thereby eliminating the need for an explicit statement. Your stories will implicitly convey your suitability for the role. When addressing the question of “Why consulting?”, a brief mention suffices as your examples will have already demonstrated your comprehension of the consulting industry’s requisites.

This technique is particularly advantageous for those with unique backgrounds or for experienced professionals, as it distinctly showcases how their experiences align with the firm’s values and expectations.

Example of a Consulting Cover Letter

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [specific consulting role] at McKinsey & Company in the [city] office. Having been referred by [Referral’s Name], a [Position] at your firm, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the innovative work McKinsey is known for.

My journey in consulting began unconventionally, as a leader in a non-profit organization, where I spearheaded a project to increase educational access in underprivileged areas. This experience, combined with my MBA from [University Name], has equipped me with a unique blend of grassroots-level impact understanding and strategic business acumen. Notably, leading a team to develop a sustainable funding model, we enhanced educational outreach by 150% within two years, demonstrating my ability to drive significant results in challenging environments. In my recent role at [Your Current/Previous Company], I navigated complex stakeholder environments to deliver a pivotal market expansion strategy, leading to a 30% increase in market share. This experience honed my analytical skills and ability to deliver actionable insights under pressure, qualities I understand are paramount at McKinsey.

The dynamic nature of consulting, with its diverse project work and intellectually stimulating environment, deeply resonates with me. The prospect of working alongside and learning from some of the brightest minds is particularly appealing, as is the opportunity to have a tangible impact early in my career. My experiences have prepared me to thrive in such a setting, where every day presents a new challenge and learning opportunity.

McKinsey’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions and its unparalleled professional development programs are key factors that draw me to your firm. The firm’s global impact and leadership in tackling complex business and societal challenges align perfectly with my professional goals and values.

In conclusion, I am excited about the possibility of joining McKinsey & Company and am confident in my ability to make a meaningful contribution. My background in leading impactful initiatives and delivering results in complex environments, coupled with my passion for continuous learning and growth, make me a well-suited candidate for the [specific role]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experiences and skills align with McKinsey’s needs and ambitions.

[Your Name]

Formatting Your Consulting Cover Letter: A Professional Blueprint

A well-formatted cover letter not only reflects your professionalism but also your attention to detail – key traits in the consulting world. Here’s how to structure your letter to meet the industry’s standard formatting requirements:

• Header with Personal Information : At the top, include your name and address. This can be aligned to the left, right, or centered for a balanced look.
• Recipient’s Address : Directly below your information, list the recipient’s details on the left-hand side. This should include the name and address of the consulting firm or the specific individual you’re addressing.
• Date : Place the date on the right-hand side of the page. Remember to spell out the month for clarity (e.g., “1 April 2024” in the UK format or “April 1, 2024” in the US format).
• Reference Number (if applicable) : If your application has a specific reference number, include it on the left-hand side, such as “Ref: Job Application XYZ123”.
• Salutation : Begin your letter with a proper salutation, addressing the recipient respectfully.
• Closing : Conclude your letter with a formal sign-off like “Yours sincerely” (UK) or “Best regards”, “Sincerely”, or “Sincerely yours” (US).
• Signature : Below the closing, leave space for your handwritten signature, followed by your typed name.
• Enclosures : If you’re including additional documents, list them under “Enclosures:” at the bottom of the letter.
• Typography and Margins : Use a standard font size (12) and a professional font like Times New Roman. Maintain standard margins and avoid overcrowding the page to enhance readability.

Following these formatting guidelines, your cover letter will not only look professional but also demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in a business environment, a critical skill in consulting. The cover letter is not the time for experiments and by sticking to the generally agreed upon guidelines, you will facilitate the work of the recruiters.

Essential Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Consulting Cover Letter

Crafting an impactful cover letter for a consulting role involves not just highlighting your strengths but also avoiding common mistakes. Here’s a checklist highlighting cover letter mistakes to avoid in consulting, ensuring you steer clear of common pitfalls:

• Avoid Introducing Unfamiliar Information : Ensure that every degree, job, or skill mentioned in your cover letter is also present in your resume. Consistency is key.
• Eliminate Redundant Information : Your cover letter should not merely repeat what’s in your resume. Instead, it should complement and expand upon it.
• Adhere to the One-Page Rule : A concise, one-page cover letter is a standard in the industry. Exceeding this length can diminish the impact of your message.
• Foster a Personal Connection : Strive to establish a personal link with the firm or the recruiter. Mention referrals or specific interactions with the firm or individuals to make your application more relatable.
• Back Up Your Claims : Any skill or achievement you mention should be substantiated with a relevant story or example. This adds credibility to your assertions.
• Relevance is Crucial : Focus on experiences and skills that are directly relevant to the consulting role. Irrelevant emphasis can dilute the strength of your application.
• Incorporate Storytelling : Use storytelling to vividly bring out your experiences and skills. This makes your application memorable and engaging.
• Customize for the Firm : Tailor your cover letter to reflect your knowledge of and alignment with the firm’s values, culture, and unique selling points (USP).
• Be Cautious with Templates : Avoid the blunder of using incorrect company names or information, a common mistake when using a generic template for multiple applications.
• Prioritize Proofreading : Grammar, spelling, and typographical errors can significantly undermine your professionalism. Meticulous proofreading is essential.

By diligently avoiding these common errors, you can ensure that your consulting cover letter not only showcases your qualifications but also demonstrates your attention to detail and your understanding of what makes a successful consulting application.

Crafting Your Consulting Cover Letter: A Step-by-Step Process

Creating a standout cover letter for a consulting position is a meticulous process that benefits from careful planning and thoughtful revision. Here’s a guide to crafting yours:

• Structure Planning : Begin by organizing the high-level structure of your cover letter. Use the recommended format of introduction, body, and conclusion to ensure a coherent flow.
• Detail Gathering : Compile all the necessary information you wish to include, such as specific names, references, dates, and pertinent anecdotes or experiences.
• Initial Drafting with Bullet Points : Start by writing a first draft in bullet points. This helps in laying out your ideas succinctly and focusing on key points without getting bogged down by details.
• Seek Initial Feedback : Share this bullet-point draft with a friend, mentor, or colleague. Constructive feedback at this early stage can be invaluable in shaping the direction and content of your cover letter.
• Expand to Full Paragraphs : Transform your bullet points into well-crafted paragraphs. This is where you begin to add depth to your narrative, ensuring each section flows logically into the next.
• Further Feedback and Refinement : Seek additional feedback on this more developed version. Use the insights gained to fine-tune your message, ensuring it aligns with the principles of effective, concise consulting communication.
• Consistency Check with Resume : Ensure that your cover letter complements your resume. It should add to, not repeat, what is in your resume, providing a fuller picture of your qualifications and fit for the role.
• Concise and Clear Writing : “Trim the fat” by eliminating unnecessary words or phrases. Aim for clarity and brevity in your sentences, ensuring each word adds value to your message.
• Formatting Adjustments : Fine-tune the formatting to adhere to professional standards – one page, legible font (like Times New Roman), appropriate font size (typically 12), and correct formalities (such as your name and address).
• Meticulous Proofreading : Use tools like MS Word for an initial grammar and spell check. Then, carefully proofread your cover letter multiple times. It’s also wise to have someone else review it, providing a fresh perspective on both content and form.

With this process, you can develop a compelling and polished consulting cover letter that effectively communicates your strengths and fit for the consulting role you are aspiring to.

Does McKinsey Require a Cover Letter?

How to write a cover letter for a McKinsey consulting position is one of the most common questions I receive.

When it comes to McKinsey & Company, the requirement for a cover letter in your application may not be as stringent as you might think. In most McKinsey offices worldwide, submitting a cover letter is an optional part of the application process. This means that including one does not significantly influence the overall assessment of your application.

However, this doesn’t imply that a cover letter is without merit. If you’ve already crafted a compelling cover letter for applications to other firms, it’s advisable to tailor it specifically for McKinsey. Adjust key details such as the referral source, the targeted office location, the role you’re applying for, and the company’s name. This personalized touch demonstrates your genuine interest in McKinsey and your attention to detail.

Additionally, it boils down to how well your resume speaks for itself. If your resume already paints a clear picture of you as a prime candidate for a firm like McKinsey, then a cover letter might not be necessary. Here are some key indicators that your resume is doing the talking for you:

• Outstanding Academic Record : A high GPA always catches the eye.
• Core School Credentials : Graduating from or attending a school regularly visited by the firm ( a target school ) for recruitment gives you an edge.
• Relevant Educational Background : Degrees like an undergrad in business or economics, or an MBA, align well with what consulting firms look for.
• Solid Evidence of Key Skills : If your resume vividly showcases your leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities through work and volunteer experiences, you’re on the right track.

However, if you feel your resume might leave some room for doubt about your suitability for the consulting world, or the firm specifically, then adding a cover letter can bolster your application. This is your chance to fill in any gaps and directly communicate why you’re a great fit for both the industry and the firm. Think of the cover letter as your personal advocate, underlining your potential and passion for the role.

It’s important to note, though, that the cover letter might not be a focal point during the interview stages. The consultants conducting your case interviews and Personal Experience Interviews (PEIs) typically do not review cover letters as part of their interview preparation. Therefore, while including a well-tailored cover letter can add a polished edge to your application, it’s unlikely to be a discussion point in your interviews.

Elevate Your Consulting Application with Our Expertise

Are you aiming for a breakthrough in your consulting career with firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain or any other consulting firm? Our specialized cover letter and resume services are here to guide you through this critical phase. With our team’s background as former consultants and application screeners at McKinsey, we bring insider knowledge to your application process. We’ve scrutinized hundreds of applications, granting us unique insights into what truly makes a candidate stand out.

Tailored Guidance for Standout Applications

• Comprehensive Resources : Dive into our extensive guides and templates specifically designed for crafting the ideal consulting resume and cover letter. These resources are tailored to meet the expectations of the top consulting firms.
• In-Depth Exploration : We delve deeply into every facet of crafting a winning consulting resume and cover letter. Our materials provide you with the essential stories, phrases, and keywords that capture the attention of consulting recruiters.
• Efficiency in Preparation : Our ready-to-use samples and templates are designed not just for effectiveness but also to streamline your preparation process significantly.

Personalized Document Writing and Review

• Hand-Crafted Excellence : In addition to our guides and templates, we offer a personalized screening service. Here, we write, review, and fine-tune your resume and cover letter, ensuring they are tailored to perfection for your dream consulting role.
• Editing Services : Benefit from our editing services, where we refine your documents to align with the high standards of firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. We focus on enhancing your story, ensuring your skills and experiences resonate with consulting recruiters.

Let us help you create application documents that not only meet the high standards of top consulting firms but also reflect your unique strengths and aspirations.

Consulting Cover Letter FAQ

Navigating the consulting application process can be daunting, especially when it comes to creating a cover letter that stands out to prestigious firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. A well-crafted cover letter can significantly elevate your application, making you a memorable candidate. To help you on this journey, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions with concise answers to guide you in crafting an effective consulting cover letter.

What makes a consulting cover letter stand out to firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain? A cover letter that tells a compelling narrative, demonstrates your unique value, aligns with the firm’s values, and showcases your problem-solving and leadership abilities will stand out.

What are common pitfalls to avoid in a consulting cover letter? Avoid being vague, reiterating your resume, typos, and generic statements not tailored to the specific firm.

Can a strong cover letter compensate for gaps in my resume? Yes, a persuasive cover letter can highlight your strengths and contextualize any gaps, demonstrating your potential value to the firm.

How should I structure my cover letter for a consulting firm? Your cover letter should have a clear introduction, body paragraphs that detail your suitability for the role, and a concise conclusion.

What specific skills should I highlight in my consulting cover letter? Emphasize leadership, analytical abilities, problem-solving, teamwork, and any specific skills relevant to the consulting role.

How can I showcase my passion for consulting in my cover letter? Illustrate your enthusiasm through examples of past experiences, explaining why consulting excites you and how you’ve pursued this passion.

Is it necessary to customize my cover letter for each consulting firm? Absolutely, personalizing your cover letter for each firm shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in what makes each firm unique. Also, highlight contacts in the target firms you have interacted with.

What are the key differences between a resume and a cover letter for consulting jobs? A resume outlines your qualifications and experiences, while a cover letter provides a narrative that connects your background to the specific consulting role, demonstrating fit and passion.

Crafting a cover letter that addresses these aspects with clarity and confidence can make a significant difference in your application’s success. Your cover letter is not just a formality but a powerful tool to tell your story and express your enthusiasm for the consulting career path.

Join the Conversation

We hope this guide has illuminated the path to crafting your standout consulting cover letter, whether you’re aiming for McKinsey, BCG, Bain, or any other prestigious firm.

Do you have any questions about the application process, or would you like to share your own tips and experiences? Please, don’t hesitate to ask questions or leave your comments 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.

Career in Consulting

All About Bain Recruitment Process

If you want a job at Bain, you might ask yourself, what is the Bain recruitment process?

Bain & Company is the third largest of the prestigious “MBB” ( McKinsey & Company, BCG , or  Bain & Company ). 

Bain, founded by former Boston Consulting Group consultants, has grown by 15% annually for two decades.

Of the big three, Bain stands out for its culture .

Bain is known for entrepreneurship, tailored solutions, and a work-hard & play-hard culture .

Bain is also #2 on Glassdoor’s 2020 Best Places to Work list.

Bain & Company is a great company for candidates interested in private equity as a post-consulting exit opportunity.

Its sister company, Bain Capital, also uses Bain & Company consultants in private equity engagements.

Bain’s recruitment process is one of the most selective  as well: 

It is common for only the top 1-3% of consulting applicants to receive offers .

In this article, I will remove the mystery of the Bain recruitment process , including the resume and cover letter screening, the Bain Online Test, the experience interview, and the case interview. Plus, Bain’s special twist: the written case interview.

Let’s find out what it takes to become a Bainee .

Table of Contents

Get the latest data about salaries in consulting, an overview of the bain recruitment process.

From the time you apply, until you accept the job offer, you will have to progress through a series of steps in the Bain recruitment process.

Most of the time, this process takes between 4 and 6 weeks, with often 14 days between steps on average. 

However, the two rounds of interviews can be planned for 2 consecutive days.

The typical feeder into Bain is through a target recruitment school published here.

Undergraduates participate in an Associate Consultant Internship before the typical fourth year.

MBAs complete the Summer Associate program between the first and second years.

Let’s see which deviations from the standard Bain recruitment process, as shown in the picture above, can happen.

If you are applying to a South American office, particularly Brazil, it is likely that you will have to take the Bain Online Test before, maybe, being invited to interviews.  

Finally, you may have a different interview process if you apply to a non-consulting position within Analytics & Customer Insights, Digital & Innovation, or Business Services. 

For instance, your interview could include coding tests and project discussions with product engineers, portfolio reviews with other designers, or discussions about coaching and agile methodologies. 

To conclude, check the video below.

This video from Bain & Company shows what Bain looks for when hiring Consultants.  

Show Your Uniqueness: The Resume And Cover Letter Screening

Your resume, with a cover letter, is the first step to a very lucrative job at Bain & Company.

Yet, less than 30% of applicants receive a call for an interview.

So, what is Bain looking for when screening your resume and cover letter ?

First, Bain Is Looking For Academic Performance

A recent study from poetsandquants.com shows which schools are the top MBA feeders in the consulting industry .

For instance, top MBA programs with good placement in the consulting industry include MIT, London Business School, INSEAD, and Columbia Business School. 

Secondly, Bain Is Looking For Specific Qualities

Bain & Company is looking for  people with certain characteristics and skills .

Therefore, all  your resume and cover letter content should demonstrate that you have mastered these skills .

To be more precise: your resume and cover letter content must show  how you used these skills  and  the IMPACT you had .

Lastly, Bain Wants To Understand Your Motivation To Join The Firm

Are your cover letter and resume ready for applications?

Check these two articles to learn how to write winning resumes and cover letters and get lots of examples: consulting resume: 17 advanced writing tips , and  how to write a persuasive and customized cover letter . 

Don't Stress Out: The HR Screening Interview

In most cases, the HR screening interview is conducted by phone and is aimed at briefly reviewing your background.

For instance, the HR screening interview can include a list of questions such as :

• Background questions include “Tell me about yourself” or “Describe your work history.”
• Motivational questions include “Why are you interested in consulting?” and “Why Bain & Company”?
• Specific skill-based questions  include “Tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem in a team”

For this stage, you can expect a 20-minute interview.

Note : This in-depth guide will teach you how to answer those questions later.

Alternatively, to a phone screen, you may be asked to complete the One Way Interview (or One Way Video Interview) .

Bain is following BCG in introducing this interview method .

The Bain one-way interview is a series of interview questions asked (similar to the questions above) and answered via the video interview website Spark Hire.

Hence, you won’t be speaking with a live interviewer.

Instead, you’ll receive the interview questions when you log onto the site from your laptop.

Spark Hire will record a video of your answers for a Bain recruiter to review at a later time.

To conclude: you won’t have a case interview at this stage .

Show Your Logical Reasoning: The Bain Screening Test

The Bain recruitment process includes a screening test.

And the type of test you’ll have to take depends on the office you are applying to.

But the type of test will be one of these 2 types:

• A GMAT-like test (also known as the Bain online test or Bain Gorilla test)
•  The Bain SOVA assessment

Let’s explore these two tests in the next two sections:

The Bain & Company Online Test

As a Consultant or Associate Consultant at Bain, you will spend a lot of time reading and analyzing data (from a graphical chart or an Excel spreadsheet).

Besides, you will have to derive insights from these data and connect these insights to your client’s problem.

The Bain Online Test tests your ability to complete these tasks well.

Indeed, this test has been designed to assess how you use  deductive, inductive, and quantitative reasoning abilities to solve problems logically. 

First, the  Bain Online is a digital test like the McKinsey PST and BCG Potential Test, with a similar feel to the GMAT and GRE. You can expect 25 multi-choice questions for 50 minutes. 

Secondly, the two  most common types of questions you can have are:

• Calculate X, Y, and Z given the following data
• Which of the following conclusions are accurate given the following data

These questions will come in two sections : a business case study with multiple-choice answers and an analytical reasoning section ( GMAT-like questions).

Thirdly,  no business background is required .

You only need your common sense to answer the Bain Online Test questions.

Lastly, be prepared if a calculator is not allowed , and use your natural abilities.

Math questions are solvable with simple math or approximation.

To conclude,  the most challenging part of this test is the time management .

Manage the time allotted to ensure you do your best.

In fact, wrong answers are penalized, while not answering is not.

The Bain SOVA assessment (aptitude and personality test)

This Bain online assessment, also called the Bain online test, is a 75-minute test that can be taken on your own device from anywhere.

The test will examine how you react in certain situations and how you respond to new information.

Sova assessments power the test and include 6 sections:

• Situational Judgement Test
• Numerical Reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning
• Logical Reasoning
• Personality Questionnaire
• Video interview

Get 4 Complete Case Interview Courses For Free

You need 4 skills to be successful in all case interviews: Case Structuring, Case Leadership, Case Analytics, and Communication. Join this free training and learn how to ace ANY case questions.

Do NOT Neglect It: The Experience Interview

After the screening process, there is a selection process consisting of multiple interviews. 

This section will tell you everything you need about the behavioral interview .

But, before we start, I want to point out a mistake made by too many candidates:  do NOT neglect your preparation for this part of the interview.

What To Expect During The Experience Interview

During each of your behavioral interviews ,  you can expect the four following types of questions :

First, “ Tell me about yourself ” or “Walk me through your resume.” 

Then, “ Why Consulting? “.

Thirdly, “ Why Bain? “.

Finally, several behavioral interview questions . 

You can expect the experience interview (also known as a fit interview) to last around 10 minutes. 

With one exception : during the second round, one interview of the three interviews may consist of only behavioral questions. 

Now, let’s go through these 4x questions. 

Tell Me About Yourself

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

This question, or common variants such as “Walk me through your resume,” is an easy and open-ended start to a conversation where your interviewer wants to know the following:

• What are your motivations, and what drives you?
• Which problems you had to solve, and how you solved them ?
• What is your academic background?
• How do you deal with people ?
• What impact have you had in the past?

Related article : Tell Me About Yourself: How to Answer This Question.

Why Consulting?

A natural question following “Tell me about yourself” is “ Why consulting? ” .

Because the second most important thing that Bain wants to know after who you are is:

• if you understand what Consulting is,
• and if you are truly interested in pursuing a career in that industry .

Why’s that?

Because Bain doesn’t want you to leave after six months when you would have realized that the consulting lifestyle doesn’t fit your objectives.

So, whether Consulting is a thoughtful career choice or an “I don’t know what to do, let’s try” career choice, there are many good reasons why Consulting can be a good opportunity.

7 Reasons Why Consulting Can Be A Good Career Opportunity

• #1 - It's a good career choice after University if you don't know what to do : if you don't know what to do after University or after your MBA (you're not alone!), then Consulting is a safe bet. You'll have the opportunity to explore which career, sector or specialty is right for you
• #2 - You'll have a strong impact : you'll have the opportunity to work on and solve the most pressing problems faced by big corporations
• #3 - You'll have a strong exposure to C-level Executives : early on in your career, you'll work directly for CEOs, CFOs, CMOs, etc. and start developing the soft skills to become a senior Executive later
• #4 - You'll learn a lot : Consulting firms invest a lot in training their consultants. In addition, the feedback culture is very strong and you'll get full performance reviews regularly
• #5 - You'll work with bright people : consultancies pride themselves on hiring bright and interesting people. Plus, with 3-month projects on average, you'll meet a lot of different people in consulting
• #6 - You'll have the opportunity to work in an international environment : large consultancies sell work to businesses and governments all around the world
• #7 - You'll have access to an amazing alumni network : having worked in a consulting firm will give you access to its alumni network that will help you throughout your career

2 Other Reasons Why Consulting Can Be A Good Career Opportunity (But You Can't Tell Them To Your Interviewer)

• #8 - You'll have great exit opportunities : headhunting firms or big corporations love ex-consultants. Even now, 5 years after I left Consulting, head hunters still contact me on Linkedin to point out interesting opportunities
• #9 - You'll earn a lot of money : consulting is also known as a very well-paid industry. The average base salary for a Bain Consultant is $156,000 a year according to Glassdoor. Plus, your salary will increase between 10% and 25% each year

Besides listing a couple of reasons why you want to pursue a career in consulting, a compelling answer should explain WHY these reasons are important for you . 

To conclude this section, you can check this article to learn how to craft a compelling answer to the “why consulting?” question. 

Next, “Why Bain?” : This question evaluates your motivation to join Bain&Company.

I have explained in this article how to have a compelling answer to this question.

Behavioral Interview Questions

• Describe a challenging situation when you have had to work hard to achieve something, in a limited time, outside your comfort zone 
• Tell me about a time when you have had to work with someone with an opposing opinion 
• Describe the greatest challenge you have had to overcome when working effectively together with a group of people 

Watch the video on this  page  to see Bain’s examples of the experience interview.

Hence, be prepared to go into detail and explain your options, your decisions (and why), what was difficult, what you enjoyed the most, etc. 

Be Exceptionally Structured: The Case Interview

The case interview is another problem-solving test.

Bain believes the best way to assess your problem-solving skills is to discuss a real client scenario with you .

This helps them understand how you structure tough, ambiguous business challenges, identify important issues, deal with all the implications of facts and data, formulate conclusions and recommendations, and articulate your thoughts in a fast-moving discussion.

For instance, you can watch this that outlines what to expect during the case interviews:

Besides what is outlined in the above video, you can watch what a real interview looks like in the next video:

Interviewer-Led vs. Candidate-Led Interviews

The Bain-style case interview follows the candidate-led case study interview format .

What does that mean?

First,  your interviewer will present a problem .

After asking clarifying questions, you must structure an approach to solve this problem.

Secondly, it is up to you to determine the course of the conversation – with some help from the interviewer.

Here are the steps Bain evaluates:

• Problem structuring – organize the problem into an issue tree
• Hypothesis – direct the conversation by choosing a logical path to follow
• Analysis – review a graph and synthesize information relevant to the client
• Quantitative analysis – solve a simple mathematical calculation without a calculator and synthesize the results for the client
• Synthesis – the partner or client CEO is in the elevator with you. What do you recommend they do?

Your interviewer knows the details you learn by asking good questions.

But don’t worry.

The interviewer won’t let you get stuck.

Good examples of interviewer-led cases can be found in the sample cases on the Bain  website.

Furthermore, you can read my free case interview guide .

Other consulting firms, such as McKinsey & Company, might use  interviewer-led case study interviews , in which the interviewer asks a series of formal questions about the case.

The Bain Written Case Interview

Bain gives some candidates – depending on the office – a written case study.

Don’t worry.

It’s not an essay .

You’ll craft two handwritten slides.

Bain believes some candidates do better when offered extra time to formulate thoughts.

The written case study is a chance to use the extra time to demonstrate your problem-solving skills .

Your interviewer will give you 20-30 PowerPoint slides .

You can ask your interviewer questions.

You’ll then have 55 minutes to craft a recommendation.

One slide will show your recommendation , and another for your rationale .

Your interviewer will then discuss your recommendations with you for 40 minutes.

My advice to you is the same as with the candidate-led case study interviews.

But with extra time, you should strengthen your argument by considering alternatives and counter-arguments .

Keith Bevans, Bain’s global head of recruiting, talks about the written case study in this video.

Bain Wants You To Succeed

Unlike in many industries, management consulting firms tell you exactly how to interview.

The challenge is meeting Bain’s level of excellence.

To help you and other candidates meet baseline expectations, Bain provides these resources to candidates :

• Job-level specific advice
• Two interactive practice case interviews
• Mock interview examples at the Associate Consultant and Consultant levels

I want you to succeed, too: you can find a list of 250+ practice cases  on this page.

Related article : 11 must-know frameworks to ace your case interviews.

You’re Almost Done: Ask the Interviewer Great Questions

You’ve made it through the behavioral and case study portions.

Now, the interviewer asks if you have any questions.

Bain is genuinely interested in your questions. Interviewers want to know you are passionate about consulting and working at Bain & Company.

Here are some ideas for great questions:

• Make a connection with your interviewer . Ask questions about their background and their current work that interest you
• Explore the culture of the office at which you are interviewing
• Clarify the structure of the office, Bain, or client engagements

You can read this article to build your list of smart questions to ask at the end of your interviews. 

The Infamous Blacklist: Does It Exist? And How to Overcome It

The jury is out on if there is a Bain blacklist.

Here’s what I do know: only apply if you are ready to interview .

Remember, management consulting is a destination job for university programs and experienced hires.

Competition is strong .

For instance, if you do not pass the interviews, consulting firms will request you wait 12-18 months until you reapply .

Even then, Bain & Company may want to see a significant career change as evidence your skills have improved to pass another set of interviews, such as through a graduate degree, significant promotion, or work at a top-tier company.

Don’t dwell on the question of the blacklist, but remember, competition is tough.

Be confident before you interview.

Offered an interview but not feeling ready? I can help you prepare in as little as 4 weeks .

The Bain Recruitment Process: Conclusion

To conclude, you now better understand the essentials of the Bain & Company interview process.

Curious about the recruitment process for other top firms? Read more here:

• Boston Consulting Group

Now I want to hear from you:

Do you have any questions about the process?

With which part of the process do you struggle the most?

Leave a comment below.

SHARE THIS POST

4 thoughts on “All About Bain Recruitment Process”

Pingback: How to answer “Why McKinsey?”, “Why BCG?”, or “ Why Bain?” questions - Career in Consulting

A wonderful and exceptionally accurate precis of the recruitment journey. I can attest to that from first hand knowledge.

Well done Sebastian

i can’t book for a call!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

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

You need 4 skills to be successful in all case interviews: Case Structuring, Case Leadership, Case Analytics, and Communication. Enroll in our 4 free courses and discover the proven systems +300 candidates used to learn these 4 skills and land offers in consulting.

Symbol Matches

Symbol starts with, company matches.

• International
• Switzerland

thanks for visiting cnnmoney.

We're no longer maintaining this page.

For the latest business news and markets data, please visit CNN Business

How to write a killer cover letter

Anyone who's ever applied for a job knows how stressful it can be. And for some, the hardest part is the cover letter.

It should be professional, but make you stand out. It should be short, but not too short.

While a cover letter can seem like a formality, it's an important first step in the process.

"It's your personal sales brochure," said James Innes, chairman of the James Innes Group and author of several career books. No wonder it's so daunting.

Here are a few tips to help you pen the cover letter most likely to get you hired.

Read the job posting closely

"The things that come at the top of the job description are the most important," said Martin Yate, career coach and bestselling author of the Knock 'Em Dead series.

To make sure you highlight the traits your potential employer really cares about, refer to the skills listed in the job posting to inform how you talk about yourself in your letter.

Yate suggested going a step further by reviewing job listings at several companies, and seeing if any skills or traits are repeated across an industry. "I would recommend collecting half a dozen job postings," he said. "Look at what they have in common."

Quality over quantity

When you're first looking for jobs, it can be tempting to send out a generic cover letter to as many employers as possible. But that doesn't work, Innes said. Recruiters can tell, and they don't like it.

Keith Bevans, head of Bain & Company's global consultant recruiting, warned that a poor cover letter can hurt an applicant's chances of getting the job. "The cover letter becomes an important data point on how good they are at certain skills that might be relevant to the job they're applying for," he said.

Related: How to answer the salary question during a job interview

Make a good first impression by ditching "to whom it may concern." Instead, look for the name of a hiring manager and address it to them. You should also try to find out a little bit about them, and say something nice about their achievements. "If you can flatter someone in the opening line and create a connection, you've got their attention," said Yate.

Tell a good story

Once you've determined what matters to employers, figure out what type of story you want to tell about yourself -- and be succinct.

"The best cover letters tend to be short and to the point," Bevans said. You don't want to repeat what's in your résumé.

Rather than telling employers what you think you're capable of, tell them what you've already achieved. "People are hired on credentials, not potential," said Yate. "We want to leave out things like 'I think I could do a great job.'" Offer specific, relevant examples, Innes added.

Related: What top employers look for in new college grads

Bevans noted that if you're going to use buzzy terms to describe yourself, you should be able to back them up. "A lot of students write cover letters that are like treasure maps with no treasure," he said. "If you say you're a good team player" you should have a specific example to back that up, said Bevans.

Stick to clean templates

Yate recommended using one of two possible cover letter formats. The first is a simple letter, made up of a few paragraphs and lasting no longer than a single page. First get your reader's attention with a personal reference, then name the position you're applying for. In the following paragraphs, lay out your relevant skills and experiences. Conclude by outlining an actionable next step. Rather than telling the reader you look forward to hearing from them, say you'll reach out by a certain date to follow up.

The second format is called an executive briefing . You still write a paragraph at the top explaining what you're applying for, and one at the bottom with a plan of action. But instead of writing out some paragraphs in between, set up two columns: One with a list of requirements pulled form the job posting, and one with a list of your corresponding skills and achievements. This format lets recruiters see clearly why your experience makes you a good fit for the job.

Check your work

"Presentation is important," said Innes. That means not only that your cover letter should be cleanly laid out, but also that your spelling and grammar have to be perfect.

"Recruiters sit and read through a lot of résumés," Innes said. "You become very good at spotting those errors." Chances are, he said, recruiters will just trash a cover letter with spelling or grammatical errors.

Personal Finance

Lendingtree paid partner, cnnmoney sponsors, smartasset paid partner.

• These are your 3 financial advisors near you
• This site finds and compares 3 financial advisors in your area
• Check this off your list before retirement: talk to an advisor
• Answer these questions to find the right financial advisor for you
• Find CFPs in your area in 5 minutes

NextAdvisor Paid Partner

• An Insane Card Offering 0% Interest Until Nearly 2020
• Transferring Your Balance to a 14-Month 0% APR is Ingenious
• The Top 7 Balance Transfer Credit Cards On The Market Today
• Get $300 Back With This Outrageous New Credit Card

Bain Cover Letter

Written by . Posted in Cover Letter

Bain has been labeled as one of the most prestigious management consulting firms in the world. Its 5,000+ employees, located in 48 offices in 31 countries, are committed to helping startups and large companies attain maximum economic value. Its prestige attracts thousands of applicants each year, making the firm’s recruitment process highly intense.

The techniques below can help you craft a Bain cover letter that stands out among the other candidates.

Know What They Are Looking For

Bain’s recruiting materials state that they are looking for exceptional candidates who possess:

These prerequisites will guide you in customizing and finalizing the content of your Bain cover letter. Unique content expresses your sincere interest in the job and consequently helps you stand out among the other applicants.

Include Relevant Information

You may have a number of achievements but including everything is highly discouraged. Recruiters  spend less than 30 seconds per application, so every word in your one-page document must reflect what the firm needs.

The letter should answer the following questions:

Other Cover Letter Information

Your Bain cover letter should also explain potential issues recruiters may detect from your resume. For instance, if there is a major gap in your work history, you can explain your activities while you were unemployed. Did you leave your previous employer because you wanted to pursue a graduate degree or because your spouse was relocated to a different city? This is also applicable to those who wanted to shift into a management consulting career. Elaborate upon the reasons that influenced such a major decision and include the soft skills you possess which will enable you to carry out all consulting responsibilities.

After proofreading your cover letter, you can hand it to Bain representatives during job fairs or you can  upload it onto their website.

You Might Also Like...

• BCG Cover Letter
• Bain Cover Letter Sample
• Booz Cover Letter
• Consulting Cover Letter Examples
• Consulting Cover Letter Outline
• Consulting Cover Letter and Resume Tips
• Consulting Firm Profile: Bain & Company
• Consulting Resume Editing
• How to Craft a McKinsey Cover Letter
• Management Consulting Cover Letter Sample
• McKinsey Cover Letter Sample
• Mistakes to Avoid in a Management Consulting Cover Letter

• Recently Active
• Top Discussions
• Best Content

By Industry

• Investment Banking
• Private Equity
• Hedge Funds
• Real Estate
• Venture Capital
• Asset Management
• Equity Research
• Investing, Markets Forum
• Business School
• Fashion Advice
• Management Consulting Forum CO

Cover Letter, what differentiates Bain from the rest? *Smart Answers!*

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share via Email

So if you're writing a cover letter for a bain job , what should you write to demonstrate you know not only a lot about the firm but something interesting that distinguishes it from the rest?

I've had a look at wetfeet's industry guide and its pretty abyssmal whats more its 2003 news. lots have changed over the years. wikipedia didn't help much too.

Anyone care to chip in?

I don't think you're in a position to demand smart answers. Try searching.

LOL, exactly bro. This is not a gameshow here. Why don't you give us 3-4 smart answers and we can help you in picking the best of them.

Don't expect freebies in life my friend.

if you seriously cant come up with answers for this, you probably shouldn't be applying to bain....

Take this advice with a grain of salt (new disclaimer), after this I'm done posting on here for a while.

The General Bain Cover Letter

If you go to bain.com and look at the "Case Interview" process--a Partner states that he likes logical thinkers who can get the point across quickly. I would think Bain would appreciate a logical cover letter (they tell you what they want to see basically). You can read some of their reports to get a feel for the language uesd.

Why you, why Bain, what you offer. What's the value you're adding? Simply state a 1st paragraph introducing yourself, what you are applying for, and what you offer (abbreviated).

Just my 2 cents. (Experience: Bain partners are my alums, went to 3 Bain presentations, selected for interview after cold-email).

Your Question:

Resources to look at:

Bain & Co's Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/bainandcompany

Recent story about how a Bainie goes beyond helping a bainie. This is the differentiation. Do you have a story like that? (Read the Facebook page).

More on, www.managementconsulted.com

Bain is an excellent MBB , very objectively driven, sends about ~40 alums to each HBS class of 900.

You should probably mention baincest.

ringtailedlemur: You should probably mention baincest.

Bain app, hidden cover letter question ( Originally Posted: 12/06/2011 )

Is this thing asking for a cover letter? A two-sentence blurb? "My daddy is a VP"? Or what?

Voluptas voluptatem rerum et velit aut numquam dolorum. Similique et aspernatur repellat deserunt.

Ut impedit aperiam excepturi. Et ipsam error qui accusantium ipsa magni atque.

Accusamus id similique laudantium autem. Tempore velit et aut mollitia incidunt fugiat. Non unde rerum qui.

Totam accusantium et dolorem nihil quidem corrupti. Laudantium sit et quasi architecto laboriosam possimus.

See All Comments - 100% Free

WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)

or Unlock with your social account...

Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?

Already a member? Login

Trending Content

Career Resources

• Financial Modeling Resources
• Excel Resources
• Download Templates Library
• Salaries by Industry
• Investment Banking Interview Prep
• Private Equity Interview Prep
• Hedge Fund Interview Prep
• Consulting Case Interview Prep
• Resume Reviews by Professionals
• Mock Interviews with Pros
• WSO Company Database

WSO Virtual Bootcamps

• Jul 27 Investment Banking Interview Bootcamp 10:00AM EDT
• Jul 27 Venture Capital Bootcamp 10:00AM EDT
• Aug 03 Private Equity Interview Bootcamp 10:00AM EDT
• Aug 10 Financial Modeling & Valuation Bootcamp Aug 10 - 11 10:00AM EDT
• Aug 17 Investment Banking Interview Bootcamp 10:00AM EDT

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2024 Consulting

Overall Employee Satisfaction

Professional Growth Opportunities

Total Avg Compensation

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

• Silver Banana
• Banana Points

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”

Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.

or Want to Sign up with your social account?

7 Tips for Landing a Spot in the Bain ADvantage Program

• Last Updated January, 2024

Are you a graduate student (non-MBA), Ph.D. or postdoc, or M.D./medical resident and thinking about a career in consulting?

If so, you may be a great candidate for the Bain ADvantage Program! Top-tier consulting firm Bain & Company offers this immersive one-week program to get hands-on experience in being a consultant.

It’s a great way to build your leadership skills, your analytical chops, and your network – which will serve you well in any career – and to get the inside scoop on what consulting is like, as well as what it’s like to consult for Bain specifically.

But what is this program and what does it take to get in?

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• What the Bain ADvantage Program is like.
• Requirements of the Bain ADvantage Program.
• What to expect in the application and selection process.
• Our top 7 tips on getting a spot in the Bain ADvantage program — and succeeding in it.

Let’s get started!

What the Bain ADvantage Program Is Like

The program is a week-long paid program designed for non-M.B.A. graduate students. Ph.D.s, postdocs, M.D.s, and medical residents to get an insider look into a consulting career.

The program is ideal for candidates who are looking for full-time careers in the following year (i.e., a year after participating in the program) and want to see if consulting at Bain is the right fit for them.

Bain ADvantage includes 1 day of training and 4 days of client work. Unlike other advanced degree programs such as McKinsey Insight Program and Bridge to BCG Program , Bain allows you to get first-hand experience in working on client problems.

The program is typically offered during the month of May in the following North America offices:

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco/Silicon Valley
• Washington, DC

You can note up to 3 Bain offices that interest you most (e.g., offices that cover industries relevant to your background or where you have personal ties).

Participants can expect the following activities during the program:

• Presentations led by Bain consultants on Bain’s work and problem-solving approach, guidance on a career in consulting, overview of the full-time recruitment process, and key information about the office
• Networking with peers and Bain consultants
• Getting staffed on a client project
• Working with a Bain case team (3-5 consultants)
• Handling an assignment, solving it, and presenting the findings to the team
• Mentorship from Bain senior consultants
• Fun events with peers and Bain consultants

Participation in the program will also have benefits such as:

• Travel and accommodation covered during the program (if needed).
• A stipend for the week.

It’s also essential to note that program participants will receive early consideration and interviews for full-time consultant positions. Because full-time positions are highly competitive, it’s well worth giving the ADvantage program a shot in case you can get in the door early.

Requirements of the Bain ADvantage Program

The program is designed for candidates who are:

• Ph.D.s and postdocs
• M.D.s and medical residents/fellows
• Pharm.D.s and other doctorate-level degrees
• Non-M.B.A. Master’s with > 3 years of relevant prior business experience after completing an undergraduate degree

Like other top consulting firms, Bain will look for the following qualities in a candidate:

• Outstanding academic achievement
• Excellent leadership abilities
• Effective teamwork skills
• Strong interest in business and problem-solving

A few other things to note:

• If you applied to Bain’s APAC program, you won’t be eligible for the ADvantage program. You will need to choose one program to apply to.
• If you applied to the 10-week summer internship, you can still apply to the ADvantage program. You will be invited for interviews to either program.
• If your ADvantage application is not successful, you can still apply for full-time roles.
• If successful, you will be interviewing full-time with the office where you completed the ADvantage program. So, make sure that you choose an office that you’d happily accept a full-time offer from.

Nail the case & fit interview with strategies from former MBB Interviewers that have helped 89.6% of our clients pass the case interview.

What to Expect in the Application & Selection Process

Applications go live in January, and you can apply on Bain’s career website. The application deadline is for 2024 is February 28th.

You can expect the following during the interview process:

• 2 40-minutes interviews with Bain consultants
• Each interview will include a mini case study and behavioral questions (e.g., “Why consulting?”)

Make sure you check out our article the Bain Case Interview and Bain’s own tips on the Experience Interview to maximize your chances of passing.

7 tips on Getting a Spot in the Bain ADvantage Program & Succeeding in It!

1. highlight relevant strengths.

Your background will likely be focused on academic and internship experiences. From your different roles, you want to demonstrate what matters the most to consulting recruiters: the ability to lead, problem-solve, create impact, and be entrepreneurial.

A few examples of what we mean:

Coursework: Highlight experiences related to teaching a class, leading a team project, and doing analytical work. Be as specific as possible about the impact of any analytic work you’ve done.

Summer internship experience: Highlight experience solving a business problem (e.g., executing an M&A transaction as a lawyer); specify and quantify (if possible) the results of your work.

Extracurricular activities: Articulate how you contributed to your campus community such as leading a club or organizing diversity events and promoting inclusion – especially in a leadership role.

Entrepreneurial experience: Highlight times when you’ve creatively overcome roadblocks or taken initiative by starting something new. Have you started a non-profit or a business during your time as a student? Started a new extracurricular group or initiated an event or activity in an existing one? Make sure you check out our article on Consulting Resumes to sharpen up your resume before submitting the application.

2. Practice for the Interview

The most common mistake that most candidates do is to go straight into the interview process without preparation. You will need to prepare and understand what type of questions you can expect in an interview. Team up with a friend or hire a coach to get you ready for consulting interviews.

3. Keep an Open Mind

You’ll be challenged to think and work in a way you’ve probably never experienced before. You want to be comfortable taking on any challenge with enthusiasm. Most importantly, you want to be open to the feedback you get from the consultants. They know the job well and want to help. This should give you great insight into the nature of the job and whether this is something you want to do next.

4. Do It with Passion

The only way for you to know if a career in consulting is for you is if you give it your best. Use the one-week opportunity to test if you will enjoy the work and the team environment. So, make sure you do the following:

• Challenge yourself and ask for additional responsibilities.
• Seek the help of the senior consultants to do the job well.
• Present your findings to the team and if possible, the client.
• Reflect on what you enjoyed about the experience.

5. Feel Free to Ask Questions

The program is an opportunity to get to know about Bain, the consulting industry, and the firm’s culture. Make sure to take advantage of that. So, ask questions about things such as:

• Ways to maximize your chances for interview success.
• Skills and attitude required to be a high performer.
• The consulting life.
• Office culture.

6. Build Your Network

You’ll find someone at Bain who shares a similar background and faced similar challenges when they wanted to land a consulting job. Connect with them. Find out how they overcame the challenges of transitioning to consulting and use their suggestions to clear your own path.

7. Have a Good Time

Regardless of the outcome, you’ll get the chance to meet intelligent people from diverse backgrounds who can be future friends, colleagues, or business partners. So, do your best to enjoy yourself and don’t let the pressure weigh you down.

  – – – – –

In this article, we’ve covered:

• Overview of the Bain ADvantage program
• Program eligibility
• Application and interview process
• What it takes to get in and succeed

Still have questions?

If you have more questions about the Bain ADvantage program, leave them in the comments below. One of My Consulting Offer’s recruiters will answer them.

Other people prepping for the Bain ADvantage program found the following pages helpful:

• Consulting Cover Letters
• The Bain Case Interview
• Why Bain? What Bain’s culture is like and why work there
• Bridge to BCG Consulting Workshop

Help with Your Consulting Application

Thanks for turning to My Consulting Offer for info on consulting work-life balance. My Consulting Offer has helped almost 85% 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 Edwina was able to get her offer from Bain.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

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

© My CONSULTING Offer

3 Things Consulting Firms Actually Look for in Your Application

We are sharing our powerful strategies to get your foot in the door, even if you have a low GPA, have little to no business experience, or study a non-business-related major.

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.

Sample cover letter for Full Time position at Bain & Company

Associate consultant.

I am applying for the Associate Consultant position at Bain & Company. Currently, I am a senior at X. Based on my coursework and previous Based on my coursework and previous work experience, I believe I would be an excellent fit for Bain's Associate Consultant position. My strong analytical skills, emphasis on teamwork, and entrepreneurial spirit will help add value to the team. Each of these qualities is reflected in my prior experiences and academic achievements:

Analytical Skills: At W, I utilized my analytical skills in determining the adequacy of business plans for companies across various industries. Through careful consideration of the financial projections and the business model, I prepared reports for CEOs with recommendations about how to proceed with investor funding.␣

Emphasis on Teamwork: While working for Y, inc., I constantly improved my individual contribution to the team, as well as my ability to take a lead role when needed. In addition, teamwork has shaped my involvement in Alpha Kappa Psi by requiring me to work alongside the President and the executive board to challenge the status quo and ensure the successful execution of all chapter initiatives.␣

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Through my time at F, I have consistently sought opportunities to develop my own ideas and to challenge my thinking. One example of this can be exemplified by my internship experience at Y, inc. This experienced forced me to constantly go beyond the obvious, but also take the initiative to explore new areas of growth for the company. In developing my entrepreneurial spirit, I have learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and the persistence to think both creatively and analytically in order to achieve superior results. ␣

I have enclosed my resume for your review. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my background with you further in person. Thank you for your time and consideration.

• What is it?
• Before & After Examples.
• INTERVIEWING.
• CONSULTATION.
• Login / Register
• Your cart is currently empty.
• Cover Letter Example. Bain Associate.*
• Cover Letter

[gviewer width=”3000px;” file=”https://resumestory.builders/wp-content/uploads/Associate-Management-Consultant-Cover-Letter-Example-Bain.pdf”]

March 10th, 2018

Dear Bain & Co. Consulting Team,

Less than a minute into my chat with Jane Smith, a Bain Associate in your San Francisco office, I realized I was in the presence of someone who unapologetically loved her job. Jane emphasized the friendships she’d forged at work as well how the ‘build your own Bain’ philosophy had helped her stretch herself professionally. In applying for the Associate Consultant role in your London office, I hope to encounter similar challenges and growth opportunities. I would be delighted if you would consider me for the role.

In the business world, outcomes are oftentimes explained in terms of limiting factors ‘If only there were more budget…or time…or flexibility…’. Managing clients ranging from Goldman Sachs to the City of Leeds, I’ve found that it’s precisely the limitations set forth that keep me engaged in my work. Budget, material, location or use constraints force me and my team to be stealthy in devising solutions which are practical, elegant, and financially viable.

On several occasions senior leadership at ZGF Architects has selected me to manage our most complex projects and most exigent clients. I believe that’s because as a project manager, I’ve consistently delivered on time and within budget without neglecting the essential: building team spirit, maintaining harmony, and steering my team members toward our shared goal.

Listening to clients explain their problems, I’ve learned how important it is to reserve judgement as to a) an issue’s root-cause and, by extension, b) the type of strategic approach which is merited.

When a former client insisted that his school’s financial issues were the result of a branding problem, I could have agreed and offered up an architectural solution – updating the school’s façade and interior. Instead, I considered his theory, but also explored the null hypothesis, namely, that the real issue lay elsewhere. I investigated and realized that the school had a very traditional course offering which hadn’t been updated more than fifteen years. I crafted a strategic proposal detailing how our client could add high-margin short-format workshops to its roster. Within twelve months the school’s net revenue had increased by 20%.

Working cross-functionally within ZGF Architects to support of our clients, I’ve encountered numerous business challenges in the last five years. Eager to continue expanding my knowledge of strategic frameworks, I’m currently enrolled in Harvard Business School’s HBX program which includes coursework in Financial Accounting, Business Analytics and Economics.

It would be a pleasure to speak with you and learn more about your immediate needs as well as Bain’s work and culture.

Kind regards,

• The Story-Based Resume
• Interviewing

How to find a new job or career path.*

Resume Before & After. Ex-Military Logistics Manager.*

Lots of Behavioral Interview Questions. Categorized.

Resume Before & After. Project Manager.*

Cover Letter Example. Business Intelligence Manager.*

A/B Testing. Fake Resume, Real Results.

Privacy preference center, privacy preferences.

Thanks for requesting a free consultation. I’m looking forward to learning more about you when we chat!

I’ve just sent you a follow-up email. Look for a second email in the next 24 hours along with a google calendar invite scheduling our call. The time and day will be based on the availability you indicated in the form you just filled out.

– If you accept the Google calendar invite, I’ll consider the call confirmed. – If you prefer another day or time, please email me. I’m happy to reschedule.

My goal is for our conversation to be a powerful one for you. That’s why one of the first things I’ll ask you is What’s been on your mind? .

Best, Leah Derus

Need to get in touch? Please email [email protected]

Prefer to call or text? +1-646-627-9840

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• How to Put an Unfinished...

How to Put an Unfinished Degree on a Resume (with Examples)

7 min read · Updated on December 07, 2023

You went to college, but didn't finish – that's okay because you can still put it on your resume!

They say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Sometimes you start down the road to a destination but don't complete the trip. That doesn't mean your progress is for nothing. 

When it comes to college, even an unfinished degree may be something you'll want to let people know about. It doesn't matter whether circumstances prevented you from finishing, if you made a conscious decision to quit, or if you're going to finish it but just haven't yet. The steps you took in your academic career could be the thing that unlocks future employment doors.

But how do you put an unfinished degree on your resume? As it turns out, it's not difficult or something to be avoided. In this article, you'll find out when to include an unfinished degree on your resume plus some examples of how to write it. 

Some college is often better than no college

All employers care about is whether you'll be able to do the job they have open. They'll want to see how your skills and knowledge align with the job description. This is of the utmost importance when writing your resume. 

Consider the following:

Were any of the courses you took relevant to the job you're applying to?

Did you participate in, or complete, any major academic projects that would demonstrate the practical application of skills and knowledge?

Did you participate in any relevant clubs or extracurriculars that would pique a hiring manager's interest?

What type of independent study or research have you taken part in that would demonstrate initiative?

Do you have any certifications that improve your knowledge? 

What skills did you acquire while you were at college? How are those relevant to the job you want?

Did you take on any leadership roles in college? Think about things like fraternities, sororities, and student government.

How does your professional network look? What did you do to build it up?

All of this is meant to shift your thinking so that you can focus on valuable experiences rather than your unfinished degree. 

How to put an unfinished degree on your resume

Even though your focus should now be shifted from, “I didn't finish my degree, now what?” to “What skills and knowledge do I have that employers want?” you still have to include the fact that your degree is incomplete if you want to talk about it on your resume.

Adding a degree in progress on your resume

Sometimes, you'll run into an opportunity to apply for your dream job, but you haven't quite finished your degree yet. Pursuing your education shouldn't stop you from applying for the position you want. However, you want to be honest about the fact that your degree isn't complete yet. 

At this point in your career, the Education section of your resume will look a bit like a Work History section, because you'll put more details about your degree and where you're getting it. At this point, because of your need to emphasize how your skills, knowledge, and coursework align with what's required in the job, you'll need to include those things on your resume. You also need to let a prospective employer know approximately when your degree will be complete. 

Here's an example of how to include a degree that's still in progress on your resume:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | XYZ University | Expected completion: 12/2024

Relevant coursework: Introduction to Psychology, Psychology Research, Statistics, Psychology in the Workplace, Organizational Behavior, Coping Mechanisms, and Behavior Change. 

GPA: 3.8/4.0 

Internship: ABC School District, Teacher Support Program

PRO TIP: Only include your GPA if it's 3.5 or higher. We wrote a comprehensive article about when and if you should include your GPA on your resume. Click here to read it.

The inclusion of relevant coursework and an internship provides a great opportunity for you to inject relevant keywords into your resume. Those keywords will help your resume to be found by the applicant tracking systems that an astonishing number of employers use to weed out unqualified applicants. 

Adding a degree you're not going to finish on your resume

Almost everyone has gone through a period of indecision regarding their degree plan. Some even change their major in college multiple times before landing on a path that suits them. Perhaps you've decided that college is no longer in your future or won't serve you very well in the career you've chosen to pursue. 

It could still benefit you to add it to your resume. You could even include some details such as relevant coursework, if you need to get some keywords into your resume . As long as you keep the focus of your Education section on skills, achievements, and experiences gained during your time at school, an unfinished degree shouldn't make or break your candidacy for a job. 

PRO TIP: Position yourself as someone with practical knowledge and a strong skill set to win that coveted interview offer. 

Here's an example of how to add an unfinished degree that you're no longer pursuing to your resume:

Bachelor of Business Administration | XYZ University 

Completed 80/120 credit hours, including finance, management, and marketing

Served as President of the Finance Club

Executed market analysis project that connected business with target market

In this example, you've shifted the focus away from the fact that the degree isn't finished. Instead, the reader – a hiring manager or recruiter – gains insight into your experiences, adding value to your application and demonstrating how you'll benefit the new team.

Don't forget the cover letter

The beauty of having a cover letter that complements your resume in situations when something needs to be explained can't be overstated. While your resume affords you some opportunity to dive into how your history aligns with the job opening, your cover letter lets you expand on the narrative to make it clearer. 

Providing extra context in your cover letter to emphasize your skills can help you to stand out as a top candidate among the hundreds of other people applying for the same position. 

Address the unfinished degree on your cover letter

You'll start a paragraph of your cover letter by quickly bringing up your unfinished degree. Talk about how a shift in your career focus has led you to change your mind on college. Emphasize that your desire for practical experience won out, as you felt that would be the best way to add value to future employers.

“I began my formal education working toward a Bachelor of Business Administration, but decided that it would serve future employers better if I had practical skills in marketing.”

Highlight skills you've acquired

Just like you did in your resume, talk about how your skills make you a great match for the job that the new company has available. Use verbiage from the job description to tailor your cover letter to the needs of the position. 

“The coursework I finished, especially the courses in marketing and finance, has equipped me with a solid foundation in analysis and strategy planning that brings companies and consumers together to improve sales and profits.”

Mention achievements - employers love achievements!

Any time you can talk about something you've achieved, you show prospective employers value. By witnessing your past accomplishments, they get a real sense of what you can do for them.

“When I was the President of the Finance Club, I consistently found ways to automate manual processes to save time. One such process improvement reduced a 5-day turnaround to 2 days.”

Leverage your practical knowledge

Having an unfinished degree isn't the end of the world, as long as you can turn your educational experiences into a narrative that shows you're a determined individual with the right practical knowledge. In this sense, you're not someone with an incomplete degree, you're an engaging professional ready to make solid contributions to prospective employer teams. 

Don't let an unfinished degree hold you back. Why not let us help you to craft a compelling resume that shifts the focus to your skills and achievements in a way that will land your resume at the top of the pile? Submit your resume now for a free resume review!

Recommended reading:

How to Create a Resume With No Education

What To Include in the Education Section of a Resume

Ask Amanda: What's the Best Way to List Education on a Resume?

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

Bain’s Tamar Dor-Ner looks to ‘the robots’ to broaden the consultancy’s impact

Dan rivera is back along the merrimack; boston biz leaders fret about downtown’s future; pam everhart lands on massport board; eastern recruits david rosato to be cfo..

As Tamar Dor-Ner assumes a massive new role at Bain & Co. overseeing the consultancy’s 22 offices across North America and South America, she will likely get some help from “the robots” to pull it off.

Dor-Ner’s nickname for artificial intelligence is somewhat tongue-and-cheek. But Dor-Ner takes the potential that AI offers quite seriously — in terms of how it can help her colleagues internally and as well as Bain’s clients. Making the most of AI is at the top of Dor-Ner’s to-do list, as she takes over the Americas leadership job from Ivan Hindshaw . Dor-Ner has spent her entire 25-year career at Bain. She joined in 1999 for what she thought would be a brief stint, but she quickly fell in love with the firm’s culture and people.

Dor-Ner became the managing partner of Bain’s Boston headquarters in 2018. Hindshaw is based in the Los Angeles area, so Dor-Ner’s promotion last week brings the top Americas job back to Boston. The offices under her purview cover some 7,000 employees, including about 600 partners. (Dor-Ner is married to Dan Krockmalnic , general counsel for Boston Globe Media .)

In announcing her promotion, global managing partner Christophe De Vusser singled out Dor-Ner’s ambitious agenda including efforts to broaden Bain’s AI capabilities. Dor-Ner plans to build on the high-profile deal that Bain signed with OpenAI early last year to help more Bain clients use ChatGPT, from improving responses at help centers to developing highly personalized marketing messages. Bain now has relationships with other AI providers, too, she said.

“I know it has elements that are concerning and scary [but] there are a lot of really amazing things that are possible,” Dor-Ner said. “The pace at which AI alone is changing is kind of breathtaking.”

That said, Dor-Ner seems convinced there will always be a need for human brainpower to make big strategic decisions.

“Using [AI] doesn’t release you from the responsibility of being at the top of your game,” she said. “Getting a very big organization to shift 20 degrees to the right, . . . I’ll be damned if the robots can do that.”

Rivera’s back in in a mill city

After leading MassDevelopment for more than three years, former Lawrence mayor Dan Rivera ’s newest job brings him back to the Merrimack Valley.

Advertisement

Rivera has joined Coalition for a Better Acre , a community development corporation in Lowell, as its interim executive director. He takes over for Yun-Ju Choi , who stepped down earlier this month. CBA and its 25-person staff develop and operate affordable housing and provide social services such as workforce training and teen programs. CBA got its start serving the Acre, an immigrant neighborhood near Lowell’s downtown, but has branched into nearby communities including Haverhill and Dracut.

The CBA board decided to hire Rivera on an interim basis. (He recently left MassDevelopment to make way for the Healey administration to appoint someone new.) Rivera said he hopes to be considered for the permanent role when the CBA board is ready.

“I’m a big fanboy of CBA,” Rivera said. “I used to stare at them down the river from here [as the Lawrence mayor], and all the great things they were doing, and try to copy them.”

Biz leaders huddle about downtown’s future

While the problem might be getting more obvious by the day, the solutions aren’t getting any easier.

That’s one of the takeaways from a confab last week at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce to discuss a postpandemic downtown struggling with unprecedented office vacancies. Roughly 100 people filled the chamber’s meeting room, with another 150 tuning in remotely. Speakers included Chamber chief executive Jim Rooney , Bob Rivers of Eastern Bank , Doug Howgate at the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation , Marty Walz with the Boston Municipal Research Bureau , and Tamara Small at NAIOP Massachusetts .

The meeting was spurred by ongoing discussions in the business community about how best to address the ailing downtown, along with concern about a tax proposal filed at the State House by Mayor Michelle Wu that would shift more of Boston’s tax burden onto commercial property owners. Potential fixes include converting unused offices to student dorms or workforce housing for local hospitals. Wu’s incentive plan to spur office-residential conversions has attracted some interest, with developers collectively proposing around 500 apartments, but the chamber crowd clearly wants more. (Howgate pointed to one chart showing 83 percent of space in Boston’s central business district is devoted to offices, the highest among 20 big US cities.)

The speakers underscored the need to make the case to state legislators from other cities about why they should be concerned with Boston’s health.

“Boston is both a political and economic capital,” Rooney said. “If Boston’s economy sneezes, the rest of the state gets a cold.”

Massport lands Fidelity’s Pam Everhart

Because Massachusetts Port Authority directors serve seven-year, staggered terms, it’s rare when a Massport board seat turns over. In fact, it hasn’t happened since Warren Fields joined the board in 2019 (with the exception of the seat held for the state transportation secretary).

Now, it’s happening again. With former BJ’s Wholesale Club chief executive Laura Sen leaving, Governor Maura Healey has made her first appointment to the Massport board: Pam Everhart , head of regional public affairs at Fidelity Investments . Everhart is scheduled to be sworn in on Wednesday.

The appointment is just the latest public service role for the ever-busy Everhart.

Among other things, she’s a member of the New England Council ’s executive board, and serves on Healey’s advisory council for Black empowerment. At Fidelity, she oversees the financial company’s state and local government relationships, community relations, and diversity and inclusion strategy, as well as its “Invest in My Education” effort to help underserved students attend college with little to no debt. In announcing her appointment, Healey heaped praise on Everhart, calling her “a highly respected business and community leader who understands the essential role that Massport plays in Massachusetts’ economy.”

David Rosato is banking on Eastern

It’s important to be good. Sometimes, it’s even better to be lucky.

That’s how Eastern Bank ’s Bob Rivers might describe how he landed the bank’s new chief financial officer, David Rosato .

Eastern was working with headhunter Korn Ferry for a year or so to find a replacement for Jim Fitzgerald , the current finance chief. He turns 67 in August, and plans to take on a senior adviser role at that point.

Meanwhile, rival Berkshire Bank announced in May that Rosato would step down from the CFO’s job there “to pursue other interests” after joining in early 2023; Rosato previously worked as chief financial officer of the much larger People’s United Financial but left in 2022 after M&T Bank acquired it.

To land a finance chief with a background in public company management and deep knowledge of the New England market was a coup for Rivers, who has made several acquisitions in recent years to grow Eastern.

“We have a lot of respect for him,” Rivers said of Rosato, who is 62. “He has a lot of experience in the public company environment in a larger bank. That’s really what we’re looking for . . . to better understand the mountain we’re climbing.”

Along those lines, Eastern completed its acquisition of Cambridge Trust over the weekend. Denis Sheahan , Cambridge Trust’s chief executive, joined Eastern as chief executive, while Rivers, Eastern’s longtime chief executive, became executive chairman. Eastern president Quincy Miller , who is 10 years younger than both of them, remains the heir apparent. With $25 billion in assets, Eastern is by far the largest retail bank based in Massachusetts.

Although he’s a longtime Connecticut executive, Rosato had already moved to the Boston area to take the Berkshire job.

“We saw some good people, some people we really liked, and were coming close on some, and all of a sudden, David was available,” Rivers said. “The timing was incredibly lucky.”

Jon Chesto can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him @jonchesto .

Advertisement

Biden Drops Out of Race, Scrambling the Campaign for the White House

The president’s withdrawal under pressure from fellow Democrats cleared the way for a new nominee to take on former President Donald J. Trump in the fall. He quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

• Share full article

By Peter Baker

Peter Baker has covered the past five presidents and written multiple books about the presidency.

• July 21, 2024 Updated 5:47 p.m. ET

President Biden on Sunday abruptly abandoned his campaign for a second term under intense pressure from fellow Democrats and threw his support to Vice President Kamala Harris to lead their party in a dramatic last-minute bid to stop former President Donald J. Trump from returning to the White House.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Mr. Biden said in a letter posted on social media. “And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

Mr. Biden then posted a subsequent online message endorsing Ms. Harris. “My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,” he wrote. “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

The president’s decision upended the race and set the stage for a raucous and unpredictable campaign unlike any in modern times, leaving Ms. Harris just 107 days to consolidate support from Democrats, establish herself as a credible national leader and prosecute the case against Mr. Trump. Recent polls have shown her competitive with and even slightly ahead of Mr. Trump.

Although Democratic convention delegates must ratify the choice of Ms. Harris to take over as standard-bearer next month, Mr. Biden’s endorsement meant the nomination was hers to lose and she appeared in a powerful position to claim it. While Mr. Biden, 81, remained president and still planned to finish out his term in January, the transition of the campaign to Ms. Harris, 59, amounted to a momentous generational change of leadership of the Democratic Party.

The president said he would “speak to the nation later this week in more detail about my decision,” although it was not clear when he would do that as he recovers from Covid at his vacation house in Rehoboth Beach, Del.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .