Typically
utilized by consulting firms, the
case interview evaluates an applicant's analytical skills while
introducing her/him to the kind of tasks consultants confront.
The interviewer presents you with a real or simulated problem
to consider. You are not expected to arrive at the "right
answer". Rather, the interviewer wants to see how you break
a problem down into manageable pieces, how you think under pressure,
and your ability to be convincing and persuasive.
There are several different kinds
of cases that may be presented in an interview setting. The two
most typical kind of cases are estimations (also called
numerical cases) and actual or theoretical client questions.
Interviewers sometimes also design case scenarios relating to
the work experiences described on your resume. Below are sample
case interview questions and approaches.
Sample Estimation Questions:
- How many gas stations are there
in Chicago?
- How many sheep are there in
New Zealand?
- Estimate the size of the videotape
rental market in Hong Kong.
- How much does a fully loaded
Concorde weigh on take-off?
- How many car batteries are sold
in the US each year?
The goal in asking an estimation
question is not to see whether you are an expert on gas stations
or car batteries. Instead, the interviewer wants to observe how
you approach problem-solving. Rather than compute an answer in
your head, you are encouraged to "talk out" your approach
to the problem, step- by- step.
Another type of case question
you can expect is an actual or theoretical client situation.
These cases may be presented in a written or verbal format.
Sample Client Questions:
- The LA Philharmonic is losing
money. What would you suggest they do?
- Toyota is considering the release
of a new model. What issues need to be thought about?
- Two engineers want to start
an interactive multimedia business. What is your advice?
As in the estimation case question,
you want to "talk out" your thought process.
Questions to Ask Yourself
About a Case:
- What additional
information do I need to know?
- What are the
key issues to be addressed?
- What are the
key findings from the analysis?
- What is my hypothesis
for the solution?
- Have I summarized
my thoughts?
Use the following
steps to help guide your response to a case interview question:
- Clarify question: after listening carefully
to the case description, you can clarify the question by repeating
it back to the interviewer or even asking questions to clarify
the case. A case interview is a conversation, so clarifying questions
are encouraged.
- Structure your response: once you understand the case, identify
key issues and organize your response. "The key issues I
am focusing on are..."
- Develop a framework: keep in mind that the
focus is as much on your approach as your solution. You might
say, "There are several ways I can think of to approach
this case. The one I would use is....." Approach the problem
first in terms of breadth, then depth.
- Analyze issues & test
hypotheses: discuss potential findings,
present alternatives, present hypothesis for future testing &
discussion. You can use a sketch here (i.e. matrix or flow chart)
if it is helpful.
- Summarize case
Case Interview Tips:
- Question. Clarify
the case. You need to understand the case facts to respond well.
- Organize. After
clarifying the case, organize a response and let the interviewer
in on your plan.
- Substantiate:
Provide logical back-up for your answers. Be sure to explain
what case facts led you to a conclusion.
- Be concise.
If asked for the top 2 issues, confine your response to 2 items.
- Ask for guidance
if you need it.
- Avoid monologues;
be interactive.
How to Prepare for a
Case Interview:
- Practice!!!
The CDO offers videotaped mock case interviews. You can also
practice with friends, family, a tape recorder, in your car,
or in front of a mirror.
- Read business
periodicals such as the Wall Street Journal. Boston Consulting
suggests that when you see a headline about layoffs or an acquisition
that a company is announcing, stop and ask yourself, "Why
would a firm do this?" and then read on to see if you hit
on some of the key reasons.
- Contact Grinnell
alumni who work in consulting. They can advise you on the case
interview.
- Be sure to look
at Boston Consulting Group's Web page for hints on the case
interview.
Other firms such as McKinsey
& Co have dedicated portions of their web pages to sample
case questions.
- Check
out the books available in the CDO library. These give sample
case questions, approaches and answers! The Harvard College
Guide to Consulting Case Questions; The Vault Reports Guide to
the Case Interview; Ace Your Case!
The Essential Management Consulting Workbook
Adapted from
Scripps
College Career Planning and Resources Office's Web page.
