CASE INTERVIEW WORKSHOPCASE INTERVIEW WORKSHOP

Source: Boston Consulting GroupSource: Boston Consulting Group 1

ISUP 2013

AGENDA Presentations (all) Toolbox with In-class exercise Questions regarding next session

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Presentation Design

Business Models

Case Interviews

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Critical Thinking

ISUP 2013

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

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Why case interviews ?

Snapshots

of

Consultin

g

Engagements

Simulate a “typical” situation between a client and a consultant ????

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• Do not underestimate the importance of fit– Every interview is a fit interview!

• Go through your resume and have a story for each point

• Practice answering key questions. Warm up for case interviews with a few:– Why consulting? Why you? Why this firm?– Tell me about xyz on your resume.– What made you decide to do xyz?– What was the greatest challenge in

achieving xyz?

Preparing for fit interviews

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• 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 (just a warmup)Brain teaser (just a warmup)

Business problem (BCG norm)Business problem (BCG norm)

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Recruiters look for three primary characteristics

Does the candidate have an aptitude for

Problem solving

Problem solving

Tolerance for ambiguity

Tolerance for ambiguity

Communication skills

Communication skills

Minimal skill sets a consultant uses daily

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CreativityCreativity

Apply a unique perspective to business situations

See the big picture

Draw conclusions from partial information•Make assumptions, see patterns, and generate hypotheses

PoisePoise

Appear excited by the kinds of issues consultants face

Are not intimidated by process or problems

Assimilate information quickly and effectively

Ask insightful questions

AnalyticsAnalytics

Provide structure to unstructured problems

Break problems into components

Apply transparent, logical thinking to each component

Synthesize discussion into solution 9

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Five general types of cases

Investment/Divestment

Industry Analysis

Market Expansion

PricingProfit Improvement

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Investment cases

• An automotive manufacturer is considering consolidating three of its East Coast assembly plants into one location. What factors should it consider?

• A German manufacturer of consumer products is considering opening a manufacturing facility in Poland to meet Eastern Europe’s growing demand for its products. What factors should the company consider?

• A Midwest-based pharmaceutical company is considering opening distribution warehouses on the West Coast to handle the growing Western territory. What factors should it consider?

• A company of chocolate and confectionery products is considering acquiring a regional soft drink manufacturer. Are the distribution synergies sufficient enough to justify an acquisition?

Examples

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1. While reading case, develop competing hypotheses

2. Seek added data from interviewer to clarify key issues

3. Listen to the facts and map them to the case

4. Evaluate facts: which relate to resolving key issues?

5. Probe interviewer for more detail in critical areas

6. Use appropriate facts /numbers to build your argument

7. Summarize alternatives before recommending

8. State pros and cons – each must be fact driven

9. If appropriate, propose a multiple scenario analysis

10. Make clear &unequivocal recommendation- and sell it!

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How much will you How much will you like consulting?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 How much will consulting like you?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

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• 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 mentallyPrepare mentally

PracticePractice

Read, read, read… and thinkRead, read, read… and think

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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 the interview 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 the interview as a two-way learning opportunity

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