A case interview is a common type of assessment for management consulting jobs, where you have to solve a business problem using a structured approach. It is not only a test of your analytical skills, but also of your communication skills. How can you clearly communicate in a case interview and impress your interviewer? Here are some tips to help you.
Before you start solving the case, make sure you understand the question and the objective of the case. Ask clarifying questions if needed, and repeat the question in your own words to confirm your understanding. This will show your interviewer that you are attentive, logical, and focused on the main issue.
In my experience you should be able first to determine if is a theoretical case or real case scenario. This will frame your answer and argumentation, based on the initial objective: a test of knowledge or ability to adapt to market reality/volatility. However, in both cases, you should filter all the answers through the ESG impact as this is paramount for all investors type in these days. Avoid to please the auditor by reveling the most economical outcome as the main idea is to keep the business running for longer periods ( sustainable)
A framework is a tool that helps you structure your thinking and analysis in a case interview. It can be a general one, such as the MECE (mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive) principle, or a specific one, such as the Porter's Five Forces or the 4Ps of marketing. Using a framework will help you communicate your approach clearly and systematically, and avoid missing any important aspects of the problem.
More than a framework like MECE, it's vital to use a logical problem-solving process to work your way through a case. This will do three things: 1. Eliminate the clutter in your brain 2. Display a structured thought process to the interviewer 3. Provide a roadmap to communicate your thoughts & analysis All leading consulting firms use a problem-solving process along the following lines: 1. Define the problem 2. Break the problem down into key issues & sub issues 3. Prioritise between sub-issues 4. Create hypotheses & analyse data to prove them 5. Summarise the analysis & draw conclusions 6. Communicate recommendations impactfully This process leads to better analysis & clear / structured communication of your approach & solution.
In a case interview, you will often have to make assumptions based on limited or incomplete information. However, you should not make assumptions without explaining them to your interviewer. You should state your assumptions clearly, justify them with logic or data, and check if they are reasonable or not. This will show your interviewer that you are transparent, rational, and open to feedback.
As you go through the case, you should periodically summarize your findings and share them with your interviewer. This will help you keep track of your progress, highlight the key points, and show your interviewer that you are organized and concise. You should also summarize your final recommendation and the main supporting arguments at the end of the case, and provide a clear and actionable answer to the question.
One of the most important aspects of communication in a case interview is to use simple and clear language. You should avoid using jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that your interviewer may not understand or relate to. You should also use short and simple sentences, and avoid rambling or repeating yourself. You should aim to communicate your ideas in a way that anyone can understand, and that demonstrates your confidence and professionalism.
Communication in a case interview is not a one-way street. You should also listen and engage with your interviewer, and show that you are interested and respectful. You should pay attention to their cues, feedback, and questions, and respond accordingly. You should also ask relevant and insightful questions, and show your curiosity and enthusiasm. You should treat the case interview as a dialogue, not a monologue, and build rapport with your interviewer.
There's usually no right or wrong answer, it's all about how you communicate your thoughts, assumptions and logic. The purpose is to gain insight into how you breakdown problems and if you can ask the right questions to develop a suitable solution. Really focus on crisp communication, clear actions, and final result. If you do that, you should be successful in your interview.