Planning your interview day with Bain
Planning your interview day with Bain
Answers to frequently asked questions about arriving, navigating and planning for your day with us.
Scheduling your interviews
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When will I receive information about how to schedule my interview?
Per the congratulatory email you just received, you will soon receive a follow-up message from our scheduling team with instructions to select your second-round interview time slot. Please note that most interviews will be conducted in person, either at a Bain office or on campus. Interview slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of virtual interview options will be available for candidates with extenuating circumstances.
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How will I know where I will be interviewed?
Your interviewing office will confirm your interview location. This could be in the interviewing office, within a different Bain office, or on campus.
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What happens if I have a conflict with the available interview dates?
If you’re offered one interview date and have a conflict, our offices will provide at least one alternative option (which may be virtual). If multiple dates are offered, please select from those provided. While additional accommodations aren’t guaranteed, we encourage you to prioritize the times offered so we can meet you as planned.
Booking your transportation
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If I’m studying abroad or otherwise outside the U.S., should I plan to travel back for my interview?
If you are currently outside of the U.S., please contact your office recruiter directly to let them know. In this case, your interview will be conducted virtually, and interviewing virtually will not impact your candidacy in any way.
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I want to travel by air. How do I book my flight?
In the email you just received, please follow the instructions to access Bain Travel Online and create your account using the provided login details (i.e., access code and case code). You may book reasonable air travel through Bain Travel between 12:00 PM ET on Sundays and 8:00 PM ET on Fridays. Please note that all air travel must be arranged through Bain Travel.
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Can I use my preferred airline?
Yes. As long as the airline and flight are available in Bain Travel Online (BTO), you may select your preferred option, provided the fare is comparable to the lowest available standard economy fare.
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What do I need to bring for my flight?
Please make sure you have all the required documentation for air travel. For example, all airports now require a REAL ID, so if you haven’t acquired the necessary documentation, be sure to do so before your trip.
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I want to travel by train. How do I book my train?
You will be able to book a train in Bain Travel Online (BTO) — you can pay with your credit card and will be reimbursed for the expense (see more details on reimbursements below). If a train is not available on BTO (NJ Transit, Metro North, local public transportation, etc.), please book through the appropriate site on your own and save your receipt for reimbursement. In some cases, we will expect train travel instead of a flight.
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Can I take a bus to the interview, even if it’s not available on BTO (e.g., Dartmouth Coach)?
Yes, please book it on the necessary site and provide your receipt for reimbursement.
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If I’m interviewing in a nearby office, can I drive my own car?
Yes, we will reimburse for parking, mileage and gas with receipts.
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Can I rent a car to drive to my interview?
No, Bain will not reimburse for car rentals, and you will not be able to select a rental car through Bain Travel Online (BTO).
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Can I book a hotel room?
If you require a hotel room, please select “Yes” when prompted in Bain Travel Online (BTO). Bain Travel will arrange the accommodation on your behalf – you do not need to make a separate booking. Bain will cover the room and tax charges directly. At check-in, you will be asked to provide a credit card for incidental expenses. A credit card (rather than a debit card) is recommended to avoid additional authorization holds or fees.
Getting reimbursed
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What expenses are covered?
Bain will reimburse reasonable meal and transportation expenses related to your interview travel (e.g., flights, train fare, rideshare such as Uber or Lyft, taxi, public transit, mileage, and parking). Please retain and upload receipts for all expenses. Expenses not directly related to your interview travel will not be reimbursed.
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What expenses are not covered?
To help keep the process fair and consistent for all candidates, we’re not able to reimburse international flights, domestic transportation that exceeds the typical cost of travel from your campus to the interview location, hotel stays when same-day travel is feasible, or personal expenses. Examples of personal expenses include luxury car services (e.g., Uber Black), minibar purchases, alcohol, dry cleaning or laundry services, gift shop items, and other recreational or miscellaneous charges.
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Can I arrive earlier or stay later if I pay for the extra night(s) of accommodation myself?
In-person interviews are a great chance to explore the city where you may spend your summer or post-grad career. You may book travel that costs the same as or less than your original interview fare (e.g., airfare or train), but Bain will not reimburse any higher costs. If you choose to arrive early or stay after your interview, any additional travel, activities, or expenses are your own responsibility. Bain is not liable for any incidents, losses, or damages related to personal travel or extended stays.
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How do I submit expenses?
We use a system called Reimbi for expenses. If you are invited to interview, our recruiting team will share guidance on how to create a profile and submit expenses through Reimbi. Please keep all receipts; if you lose a receipt, you may submit a credit card statement instead, which will be reviewed by the recruiting and finance teams.
If your plans change or you need an accommodation
What to do If your plans change, or you need an accommodation.
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What if my travel is delayed, cancelled, or I need to change my reservation?
We understand that travel plans can change unexpectedly. If your flight or train is delayed or canceled and it affects your ability to attend your interview as scheduled, we will work with you to arrange an alternative time, either in person or virtually. Interviewing virtually due to weather or travel disruptions will not impact your candidacy.
If you experience a delay or cancellation that affects your assigned interview time, please contact your recruiter as soon as possible. If you need to modify your travel reservation, please reach out directly to the Bain Travel team at 1-877-426-6221. -
What if I need to request an accommodation?
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible interview experience. If you need an accommodation due to a medical condition, please complete the Medical Accommodation Request Form within 48 hours you received in your interview invitation. This form is intended for requests related to accessibility or adjustments needed to participate fully in the interview process – not for scheduling preferences or availability conflicts.
Please note: If you received accommodations for your first-round interview, the same accommodations will be provided for your final-round interview as well. Your local recruiter will be in touch with additional details.