How can you use BI tools and frameworks in a case interview?

1 Understand the case

The first step in any case interview is to understand the case scenario and the question you have to answer. You should clarify the objective, the scope, the context, and the constraints of the case, and ask relevant questions to gather more information. You should also summarize the case and confirm your understanding with the interviewer. This will show that you are attentive, structured, and curious.

2 Choose a framework

The next step is to choose a framework that can help you structure your analysis and approach the problem logically. A framework is a set of steps, concepts, or criteria that can guide your thinking and decision-making. There are many frameworks that can be useful for BI case interviews, such as the MECE (Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive) principle, the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method, the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis, or the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals. You should choose a framework that suits the case and explain why you are using it.

3 Use BI tools

Once you have a framework, you need to use BI tools to collect, process, analyze, and visualize the data related to the case. BI tools are software applications that can help you perform various tasks with data, such as querying, reporting, dashboarding, or predictive modeling. You should be familiar with some common BI tools, such as Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or SQL, and demonstrate how you can use them to answer the case question. You should also explain your assumptions, calculations, and logic behind your data analysis.

4 Present your findings

The final step is to present your findings and recommendations based on your data analysis. You should use clear and concise language, and support your arguments with evidence and facts. You should also use visual aids, such as charts, graphs, or tables, to illustrate your points and make them easy to understand. You should also anticipate potential questions or objections from the interviewer, and prepare to defend your findings and recommendations.

5 Practice and prepare

The best way to improve your BI skills and ace your case interview is to practice and prepare. You should practice with realistic case scenarios and data sets, and get feedback from peers or mentors. You should also prepare by researching the company, the industry, and the role you are applying for, and by reviewing your BI tools and frameworks. By practicing and preparing, you will boost your confidence and performance in your case interview.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?