« Week 00 » What is a case interview, anyway?
Case interview to its very core measures a candidate’s ability to think and communicate. So, the key to success is to have a logical and creative approach to problem-solving and sending the right message to the interviewer.
Key ingredients for having a logical approach:
Understanding: Have a complete picture of the case. If there are some missing pieces, then get information by asking clarifying questions. Clarifying questions are also considered a game-changer in case interviews!
Structured thoughts: Even if you can see the solution right away, don’t jump into the solution. Break the big picture into its smaller parts, and further analyze the sub-cases. Remember to verify your approach and processes with the interviewer.
Using Framework: By the time you have developed hypothesis, test it and use standard frameworks to fine-tune your approach.
Imperfect is okay: Acknowledge different logical paths that you could not explore due to constraints. Also, ask for hints whenever stuck!
Apart from critical analysis, case interviews also require creative thinking skills. Here are some tips for creative thinking:
Do’s
Be unique: If you are confident about a problem to be solved in a non-traditional way, then be willing to challenge conventions!
Multi-path approach: Try to approach the problem from different directions. You may try different stakeholders perspective or different market segment lens!
Get attached: Consider the problem your own. Adopt the CEO’s and executive perspective while solving the case.
Brand Values: Consider the cultural aspects and organisational vision before providing the solution.
Don’ts
Fit framework: Never try to mould the case into a framework. Rather, modify the framework to absorb the case statement.
Fill noise: It is okay to have silence while you think different aspects of the case. Speak carefully and with confidence.
Silver Bullet: There is no need to find a perfect, sure-shot, fool-proof solution. Rather, focus on presenting a detailed logical approach to your solution.
Buzz words: Consider your interviewer a non-technical/ non-business savvy client. And explain your solution to him as you would explain to an ordinary person.
Remember, the case interview to its very core measures a candidate’s ability to think and communicate.
For the next week, we will be covering common categories of case interview questions!