Master 30 Bain & Company interview questions covering case frameworks, consulting fit, and client problem-solving.
Question 23 of 30
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Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
With this question, your interviewer wants to see if you can "walk the talk." They need to know that "you won't simply state your purpose, you'll live it." So consider what fuels your passion for your career and try to summarize it. Make your purpose statement actionable. Try to align your statement with theirs without blatantly copying them. You want it to be like-minded but unique to you.

Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
Bain and Company define purpose as a company's articulation of why it exists and what it hopes to contribute to the world. They suggest that purpose-driven organizations don't just inspire; they outperform through intention. So with this question, they are curious about how your purpose aligns with theirs and what your sense of purpose could lend to their organization. Spend some time on their website researching what purpose means to them and how it benefits a company.

Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"I would say that my purpose is to share my passion for bettering the professional passions of others. When someone runs a successful business, they can feel more accomplished and proud of what they've created. They can grow their business and embody success. I feel this way as a consultant. I am proud of what I do as a professional and find happiness in my career. It is my purpose to spread professional joy."

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Written by Kevin Downey
30 Questions & Answers • Bain & Company

By Kevin

By Kevin