Mastering the Case Interview Jones Graduate School of Management

© Deloitte Consulting All rights reserved..ppt Page 2 Agenda Why Do Firms Conduct Case Interviews? Dissecting the Case Interview Key Thoughts to Remember Mock Interviews

© Deloitte Consulting All rights reserved..ppt Page 3 Why Do Firms Conduct Case Interviews? Interviewer Candidate Opportunity to learn about: –Experience –“Do I want to sit with this person on an airplane?” Opportunity to assess: –Critical thinking skills –Communication skills –Aptitude for consulting Opportunity to demonstrate: –Communication skills –Focus –Problem-solving skills –Analytical abilities –Poise under pressure Opportunity to learn about: –Type of work that the firm does –Personality of the firm Case interviews provide both parties with information:

© Deloitte Consulting All rights reserved..ppt Page 4 Keys to the Case Interview Preparation Enthusiasm Comfort Practice, Practice, Practice. Demonstrate why you want the opportunity. Show you can think under pressure. Practice, Practice, Practice.

© Deloitte Consulting All rights reserved..ppt Page 5 What is it? An opportunity to evaluate five key skills: The Case Interview Problem Identification Effective Communication Logical Process Data Analysis Use of a Framework

© Deloitte Consulting All rights reserved..ppt Page 6 The Case Interview: Problem Identification Skills Make sure you understand the problem clearly before starting your response Determine and focus on the salient issues Ask clarifying and penetrating questions Don’t hesitate to take a few minutes (or ask) to compose your thoughts

© Deloitte Consulting All rights reserved..ppt Page 7 The Case Interview: Logical Process Determine your structure/framework after listening to the case – one method does not fit all cases Build a sequence to get the facts you need (consider asking for them) or Develop a process to get to a point from which you can work Make sure that your case response leads to a conclusion Demonstrating the consultative process is more important than getting the “right” answer

© Deloitte Consulting All rights reserved..ppt Page 8 The Case Interview: Data Analysis Determine what facts you have and which ones you need Address the issues you have identified Perform the appropriate calculations to support your hypotheses Consider external perspectives: customers, competitors, suppliers Consider the implications/applications of technology

© Deloitte Consulting All rights reserved..ppt Page 9 The Case Interview: Effective Communication Listen carefully Speak clearly and concisely Demonstrate the logic to your analysis Support and defend your points Don’t lose your cool Ask for feedback at the end

© Deloitte Consulting All rights reserved..ppt Page 10 The Case Interview: Use of a Framework Cost/Benefit Analysis Supply Chain/Value Chain Porter’s Five Forces Financial Statements 3Cs – Customer, Company, and Competition 4Ps – Product, Price, Promotion, Place

© Deloitte Consulting All rights reserved..ppt Page 11 The Case Interview: Plan Your Response Take notes – bring paper and pencil/pen Communicate your approach to the interviewer Switch approach/framework during the response if you realize its not working Be cognizant of time Wrap it up! –Based on the facts you have gathered, draw a conclusion that answers the interviewer’s question –Be prepared to “wrap it up” even if you run out of time

© Deloitte Consulting All rights reserved..ppt Page 12 There are different kinds of Case Study Questions... Calculation / Market Sizing –Ex: What is the annual market size for golf balls in the United States? Business Strategy / Operations Problems –Ex: A large health-care company has brought in a team of consultants to determine an appropriate strategy for improving profitability through growth in the size of its operations. They hope to reach their profitability goals over the next three years. As one of the consultants, what would you recommend that they do? These types of questions will be the focus of today’s mock case interviews

© Deloitte Consulting All rights reserved..ppt Page 13 Key Ideas to Remember Ask clarifying questions/think out loud Use a framework to organize your thoughts Don’t forget to look at the forest while walking among the trees Structure is more important than the answer (most of the time) RELAX and BE YOURSELF

© Deloitte Consulting All rights reserved..ppt Page 14 Practice, Practice, Practice Mock Case Interviews September 22, 2000 Jones Graduate School of Management