1. Mastering the
Case InterviewJones Graduate
School of Management
2. AgendaWhy Do Firms Conduct Case Interviews?
Dissecting the Case Interview
Key Thoughts to Remember
Mock Interviews
3. Why Do Firms Conduct Case Interviews?InterviewerCandidateOpportunity 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:
4. Keys to the Case InterviewPreparationEnthusiasmComfortPractice, Practice, Practice.Demonstrate why you want the opportunity.Show you can think under pressure.
Practice, Practice, Practice.
5. What is it? An opportunity to evaluate five key skills:The Case InterviewProblem
IdentificationEffective
CommunicationLogical
ProcessData
AnalysisUse of a
Framework
6. The Case Interview:Problem Identification SkillsMake 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
7. The Case Interview:Logical ProcessDetermine 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
8. The Case Interview:Data AnalysisDetermine 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
9. The Case Interview:Effective CommunicationListen 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
10. The Case Interview:Use of a FrameworkCost/Benefit Analysis
Supply Chain/Value Chain
Porter’s Five Forces
Financial Statements
3Cs – Customer, Company, and Competition
4Ps – Product, Price, Promotion, Place
11. The Case Interview:Plan Your ResponseTake 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
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
13. Key Ideas to RememberAsk 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
14. Practice, Practice, PracticeMock Case InterviewsSeptember 22, 2000Jones Graduate School of Management