CASE INTERVIEW WORKSHOP The Boston Consulting Group
Case Interview Workshop2005 (3).ppt AGENDA Some questions you might have: What are case interviews? Why are they given? What do companies look for? How do I prepare for these things? Examples: Real case interviews Some questions you might have: What are case interviews? Why are they given? What do companies look for? How do I prepare for these things? Examples: Real case interviews
Case Interview Workshop2005 (3).ppt WHAT ARE CASE INTERVIEWS? Two Main Types How many pencils are sold annually in the United States? How many dogs are there in California? What are the chances of rolling double sixes three times in a row? A pharmaceutical company is trying to decide whether to manufacture its drugs in house or outsource; how would you help? The company that owns Vail mountain has seen a decline in revenues over the past five years; what should it think about? Brain teaser (unusual at BCG) Business problem (BCG norm)
Case Interview Workshop2005 (3).ppt WHY ARE CASE INTERVIEWS GIVEN? To Test Two Things How much will you like consulting? Firms generally do not expect an extensive business background Most companies try to give cases that do not require business experience or knowledge of business jargon Firms generally do not expect an extensive business background Most companies try to give cases that do not require business experience or knowledge of business jargon How much will consulting like you? Expose candidates to case situations and the kind of work consultants do Give firm a sense of how you might approach a case situation
Case Interview Workshop2005 (3).ppt WHAT DO COMPANIES LOOK FOR? Not “The Answer” Creativity Apply a unique perspective to business situations See the big picture Draw conclusions from partial information Make assumptions, see patterns, and generate hypotheses Poise Appear excited by the kinds of issues consultants face Are not intimidated by process or problems Assimilate information quickly and effectively Ask insightful questions Analytics Provide structure to unstructured problems Break problems into components Apply transparent, logical thinking to each component Synthesize discussion into solution
Case Interview Workshop2005 (3).ppt HOW DO I PREPARE? No Magical Formula View the interview as an opportunity, not a hurdle Remember, most questions have no “right answer” With classmates, friends who interviewed last year, and people at your school’s career services Look on the web for firm-provided practice questions (bcg.com) Wall Street Journal New York Times business section Prepare mentally Practice Read, read, read… and think
Case Interview Workshop2005 (3).ppt A FEW SUGGESTIONS Bring notebook and pen Jot down high level thoughts Ensure you remember good ideas Feel free to state what seems obvious to you Explain why a question is important to the argument Take interviewer along for the ride Get comfortable not relying on a calculator for basic arithmetic Treat it as a two-way learning opportunity Bring notebook and pen Jot down high level thoughts Ensure you remember good ideas Feel free to state what seems obvious to you Explain why a question is important to the argument Take interviewer along for the ride Get comfortable not relying on a calculator for basic arithmetic Treat it as a two-way learning opportunity