Glassdoor Bain & Co. is one of America's top places to work.
Bain & Co. is arguably America's top employer.
The Boston-based management consulting firm frequently lands the No. 1 spot on national workplace rankings, including Glassdoor's 2014 list of "Best Places To Work" and Vault's 2015 "Best To Work For In Consulting" ranking.
"Our people tell us that it's a unique combination of two things that makes Bain so special," says Keith Bevans, a Bain partner and head of the firm's global consultant recruiting.
"First, they are energized by the impact they create. For our people, the excitement they get from helping top executives solve some of their most difficult problems is tremendously rewarding," he explains. "And second, they believe that our culture is very supportive of their professional and personal growth."
Bevans says each employee at Bain is committed to the success and development of everyone else. "This happens through the mentorship, training, and other efforts we do as a firm. That combination of the impact we have and our supportive culture is what makes us a great place to work."
Bain currently employs about 6,000 consultants in 51 offices globally. "We are continuing to grow that team to support the tremendous success we've been having around the world," Bevans says. This year, the company plans to hire over 400 new people.
We asked Bevans what it takes to land one of those coveted positions.
"For our consulting staff, we're looking for individuals that demonstrate several characteristics that will help them succeed at Bain," he says.
Those include:
1. Analytical skills.
The company looks for people who have a demonstrated "significant analytic capability," he explains. "They come from a variety of backgrounds, but the ability to solve complex problems is a common trait."
2. Strong communication and leadership skills.
Successful candidates have the ability to explain complex concepts in a crisp, clear manner to senior executives and front-line managers in a way that motivates them to act, says Bevans.
3. Ability to be a team player.
"Everyone at Bain is a team player," he says. "The people that choose to join the company are committed to the success of the team, and every member of the team."
4. Passion.
Bain hires people who are passionate about life. "We look for people that are excited about what we do. They are enthusiastic about tackling tough problems for some of the most influential companies in the world. They get energy from working with like-minded peers," Bevans explains.
5. Humility.
"We also look for people that know they are experts in certain areas, but are also willing to learn from those around them — including our clients," he says. "We look for people that are willing to be coached and be coaches."