Bain & Company Mock Interview
Master 30 Bain & Company interview questions covering case frameworks, consulting fit, and client problem-solving.
Question 7 of 30
When was the last time you challenged yourself?
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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.
Your interviewer wants to know about the standard you hold yourself to and how driven you are to develop yourself. You are in charge of your development. Even though Bain and Company advertises many development programs and mentorships, they want to make sure you constantly challenge yourself to overcome your obstacles to succeed. As they state on their website, "Those who challenge themselves to be exceptional should champion that spirit in others."
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 am always observing what is happening around me. If I see someone doing something I am doing, but in a better way, I tap into that and ask for their insights. I also do the same and offer suggestions when I see a coworker doing something that can be done in a better way. That, to me, is what teamwork is all about. But I also try to observe myself as others see me and outperform my personal best.
The last time I challenged myself was managing my time with a project. I had some ideas to deliver above and beyond. To make that happen, I pushed my deadline up to a personal deadline three days ahead of schedule. Things were going well, and I would have hit that target if a member of my team hadn't gotten ill. As a result, that extra plotted time turned into contingency time, and we delivered on time. The project was a success, but it felt like a personal failure. Next time, I'll do better."
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