20 Case Interview Tips To Get 2x Better Immediately

Summary

This video offers 20 essential tips to enhance case interview performance, potentially doubling your success rate. It covers understanding the business problem, summarizing case backgrounds, asking clarifying questions, and developing frameworks. The tips also include displaying enthusiasm, choosing easy numbers for calculations, and avoiding memorized frameworks. The script advises on structuring approaches, recommendations, and qualitative answers, emphasizing the importance of practice with over 700 free cases and a comprehensive course for mastering case interviews.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand the business problem and objective to avoid addressing the wrong issue in a case interview.
• 📝 Summarize the case background and verify the objective confidently to make a strong first impression.
• 🤔 Ask clarifying questions to ensure a clear understanding of the case and its requirements.
• 🕒 Request time to develop a framework to show thoughtful organization and preparation.
• 🔥 Be enthusiastic to demonstrate passion for consulting and make the interview engaging.
• 📊 Structure your approach before calculations to avoid unnecessary work and dead ends.
• 🔢 Choose easy numbers for assumptions and estimates to simplify calculations under pressure.
• 📉 Round numbers when appropriate to ease the calculation process without losing accuracy.
• ✍️ Use abbreviations for large numbers to reduce errors and improve efficiency.
• 📚 Avoid memorized frameworks; instead, use a tailored approach relevant to the specific case.
• 🗣️ Talk through calculations out loud to minimize mistakes and help the interviewer follow your process.
• 📋 Keep track of calculations neatly to prevent errors and repetition.
• 🔎 Sense check your numbers to ensure they are in the correct order of magnitude.
• 📈 Discuss the axes of charts and graphs first to understand and relate the data effectively.
• 🤔 Answer 'so what' after each question to connect your response to the overall case objective.
• ⏱️ Ask for time to develop a recommendation to show thoughtful consideration before responding.
• 📢 Have a firm recommendation that is clear and supported by data and evidence.
• 🏗️ Structure your recommendation with a clear statement, supporting reasons, and next steps.
• 💡 Use a hypothesis-driven approach to guide your case analysis and refine your solution.
• 📝 Structure your answers to qualitative questions using a two-part framework for organized thinking.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to share 20 case interview tips designed to help viewers avoid common mistakes and improve their performance in case interviews, potentially doubling their effectiveness.

According to the video, what is the first step to succeed in a case interview?

The first step is to ensure you understand the business problem and objective. It's crucial to verify the objective of the case with the interviewer to avoid addressing the wrong issue.

Why is summarizing the case background information important?

Summarizing the case background information is important because it creates the first impression on the interviewer and helps in articulating and confirming the case's objective confidently and clearly.

What should you do if you encounter unfamiliar terms or need clarification during the case interview?

You should ask clarifying questions without hesitation. It is acceptable to ask for definitions of unfamiliar terms, clarification on the case objective, or repetition of important information to ensure a strong understanding of the case.

Why is it recommended to ask for time to develop a framework?

Asking for time to develop a framework is recommended because it allows you to organize your thoughts and ideas effectively. Interviewers understand that creating a great framework takes time and do not expect instant perfection.

How does displaying enthusiasm during the interview benefit the candidate?

Displaying enthusiasm makes the interview more engaging for the interviewer and demonstrates the candidate's passion for consulting and the firm, which are key characteristics interviewers look for in potential hires.

What is the significance of structuring your approach before doing any calculations?

Structuring your approach before calculations helps to avoid unnecessary work or dead ends. It provides a clear roadmap for the interviewer to follow and ensures that the mathematical part of the case is straightforward once the approach is agreed upon.

Why should candidates choose easy numbers to work with during case interviews?

Choosing easy numbers, like round figures, simplifies calculations, especially under the pressure of a case interview. It reduces the likelihood of making errors and does not compromise the validity of the assumptions or final answer.

What is the benefit of using abbreviations for large numbers during the case interview?

Using abbreviations for large numbers, such as 10K for ten thousand or 200M for two hundred million, reduces the chance of accidentally adding or dropping zeros, thus minimizing calculation errors.

Why is it advised not to use memorized frameworks in case interviews?

Memorized frameworks might not be tailored to the specific case, and using them can indicate a lack of critical thinking. Instead, candidates should have a list of broad business areas to choose from, ensuring a more relevant and customized approach to each case.

What is the importance of talking through your calculations out loud during the case interview?

Talking through calculations out loud helps in two ways: it reduces the chance of making mistakes, and it makes it easier for the interviewer to follow your thought process, allowing them to offer guidance if needed.

How can keeping track of calculations help in a case interview?

Keeping track of calculations neatly and organized helps prevent math errors and repetition of already completed calculations. It involves using separate paper for calculations, circling important numbers, and boxing final answers for easy reference.

What is a sense check and why is it important after each calculation in a case interview?

A sense check is a quick verification to ensure that your answer is within the correct order of magnitude. It helps avoid common math mistakes like missing or adding extra zeros and confirms that the calculation aligns with expected outcomes.

Why should you talk through the axes of charts and graphs when interpreting them in a case interview?

Talking through the axes of charts and graphs is the most effective way to understand what the visual data is showing. It also helps in understanding the relationship between multiple charts or graphs when they are presented.

What does the 'so what' approach involve after answering a question in a case interview?

The 'so what' approach involves reflecting on the implications of your answer after responding to a question. It encourages you to consider how your answer contributes to solving the overall business problem and ties back to the case objective.

Why is it recommended to ask for time before delivering your recommendation at the end of the case interview?

Asking for time before delivering your recommendation allows you to gather and organize your thoughts, ensuring a well-structured and clear recommendation. Interviewers expect this pause and understand that developing a great recommendation requires thoughtful consideration.

What characteristics should a firm recommendation have according to the video?

A firm recommendation should be clear, take a definitive stance, and not waver between different options. It should be supported by data and evidence, demonstrating validity regardless of it being the 'correct' answer.

What structure should be used for a recommendation in a case interview?

The recommendation should follow a clear structure: state the recommendation, provide two to three reasons that support it, and propose potential next steps. This structure ensures clarity and effectiveness in conveying your advice.

What is the benefit of using a hypothesis-driven approach during a case interview?

A hypothesis-driven approach ensures focus on relevant areas for solving the case and helps refine the hypothesis as more information is gathered. It also prepares the candidate to deliver a well-considered recommendation by the end of the interview.

How should you structure your answers to qualitative questions in a case interview?

Use a simple two-part framework to structure answers to qualitative questions. This approach facilitates brainstorming, demonstrates logical and structured thinking, and can involve frameworks such as internal-external, short-term-long-term, or benefits-costs.

What resource is mentioned in the video for additional case interview practice?

The video mentions over 700 free practice cases from 23 MBA Consulting case books as a resource for additional practice. Viewers are directed to a linked video in the description for details on accessing and using these cases.

What additional support is offered for those looking to learn case interviews quickly?

For a step-by-step shortcut to learn case interviews, the video recommends a comprehensive case interview course and books. Links to these resources are provided in the video description.

Outlines

00:00

📘 Essential Case Interview Tips

This paragraph introduces 20 case interview tips designed to enhance performance and avoid common mistakes. It emphasizes understanding the business problem, summarizing case information confidently, asking clarifying questions, developing a framework, and displaying enthusiasm. The tips also include structuring the approach before calculations, choosing easy numbers, rounding appropriately, using abbreviations for large numbers, and avoiding memorized frameworks. The speaker, a former interviewer, highlights the importance of these tips and encourages viewers to watch the entire video for unique insights.

05:01

🔍 Advanced Case Interview Strategies

The second paragraph delves into advanced strategies for case interviews, such as discussing calculations out loud to reduce errors and facilitate interviewer understanding, keeping track of calculations to avoid repetition, and performing sense checks on numerical answers. It also advises on interpreting charts and graphs by examining axes first, answering 'so what' after each question to tie responses to the case objective, and developing a recommendation at the end of the interview. The paragraph stresses the importance of a firm, structured recommendation and using a hypothesis-driven approach throughout the case.

10:04

🚀 Maximizing Case Interview Preparation

The final paragraph focuses on the practical application of the discussed tips by encouraging practice with over 700 free cases from various MBA consulting case books. It also promotes a comprehensive case interview course and books for a step-by-step shortcut to mastering case interviews. The paragraph aims to save candidates time and increase their chances of securing consulting job offers by learning robust and effective strategies.

Keywords

💡Case Interview

A case interview is a method used by consulting firms to assess a candidate's analytical and problem-solving skills. It typically involves presenting a business problem and asking the candidate to work through a solution. In the video, the theme revolves around improving performance in case interviews, with tips provided to avoid common mistakes and enhance the candidate's approach.

💡Business Problem

A business problem refers to a challenge or issue that a company faces, which needs to be addressed for strategic or operational improvement. The script emphasizes the importance of understanding the business problem in a case interview, as it is the foundation for developing a relevant and effective solution.

💡Objective

The objective in a case interview context is the primary question or goal that the candidate is expected to address. The script advises candidates to verify the objective with the interviewer to ensure they are solving the correct problem.

💡Framework

A framework in the context of case interviews is a structured approach or outline that guides the candidate in analyzing the problem and developing a solution. The script suggests that candidates should take time to develop a framework, which helps in organizing thoughts and ideas systematically.

💡Clarifying Questions

Clarifying questions are those asked by the candidate to gain a better understanding of the case details. The script encourages candidates to ask such questions without fear of penalization, as they help in strengthening the understanding of the case situation.

💡Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm, as mentioned in the script, is the display of keen interest and passion. It is an underrated tip for case interviews, as it not only makes the process more enjoyable for the interviewer but also demonstrates the candidate's genuine interest in consulting.

💡Abbreviations

Abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases, often used to simplify complex numerical expressions. The script advises using abbreviations for large numbers to reduce the risk of mathematical errors and to make calculations more manageable.

💡Sense Check

A sense check is a quick validation method used to ensure that a calculation or an answer is within a reasonable order of magnitude. The script recommends performing sense checks to avoid common mathematical mistakes during case interview calculations.

💡Recommendation

A recommendation in a case interview is the candidate's proposed solution or course of action for the business problem. The script suggests that candidates should take time to develop a firm and clear recommendation, supported by data and evidence.

💡Hypothesis

A hypothesis in the context of case interviews is an educated guess or a preliminary assumption about the solution to the case. The script highlights the benefits of using a hypothesis-driven approach, which helps in focusing on relevant areas and refining the solution as more information is gathered.

💡Qualitative Questions

Qualitative questions in a case interview pertain to subjective or non-numerical aspects of the problem. The script suggests structuring answers to such questions using a two-part framework, which facilitates brainstorming and demonstrates logical and structured thinking.

Highlights

The video offers 20 case interview tips to improve performance and avoid common mistakes.

Following these tips can potentially double one's case interview performance.

Track how many tips you already follow to gauge your current standing among interview candidates.

Tip 1: Ensure understanding of the business problem and objective to avoid addressing the wrong issue.

Tip 2: Summarize case background and verify the objective confidently to make a strong first impression.

Tip 3: Ask clarifying questions to strengthen understanding and avoid misinterpretation.

Tip 4: Request time to develop a framework, acknowledging that it takes time to create a thoughtful approach.

Tip 5: Display enthusiasm to demonstrate passion for consulting and make the interview engaging.

Tip 6: Structure your approach before calculations to avoid unnecessary work and dead ends.

Tip 7: Choose easy numbers for assumptions and estimates to simplify calculations under pressure.

Tip 8: Round numbers when appropriate to simplify calculations without losing accuracy.

Tip 9: Use abbreviations for large numbers to reduce errors in handling large figures.

Tip 10: Avoid memorized frameworks; instead, tailor your approach to the specific case.

Tip 11: Talk through calculations out loud to decrease errors and help the interviewer follow your process.

Tip 12: Keep track of calculations neatly to prevent mistakes and repetition.

Tip 13: Sense check numbers after calculations to ensure they are within the expected magnitude.

Tip 14: When interpreting charts, start by understanding the axes to grasp the data's context.

Tip 15: After answering a question, consider its implications for the overall case and recommendation.

Tip 16: Request time to formulate a recommendation at the end of the interview for clarity and depth.

Tip 17: Have a firm recommendation that is consistent and supported by data and evidence.

Tip 18: Structure your recommendation clearly with supporting reasons and next steps.

Tip 19: Use a hypothesis-driven approach to focus on relevant areas and refine your answer.

Tip 20: Structure qualitative answers with a two-part framework to demonstrate logical thinking.

700 free practice cases are available for download to enhance case interview skills.

A comprehensive case interview course is offered for a step-by-step learning shortcut.

Transcripts

if you're looking to improve your case

interview performance in a short period

of time then this video is for you I'm

going to be sharing with you 20 case

interview tips that will help you avoid

making over 90 of the most common case

interview mistakes these 20 tips can

collectively improve your casing of your

performance by up to two times as we go

over these tips keep track of how many

you already follow

if you get 16 or more you're likely in

the top 10 percent of case interview

candidates

out of the hundreds of people I've

interviewed as a former band manager and

interviewer the 10th and 20th tip that

I'll share with you are ones that I've

only seen a few candidates use so make

sure that you watch until the end

tip number one make sure you understand

the business problem and objective the

quickest way to fail a case interview is

to answer or address the wrong business

problem when the interviewer starts the

case by reading the case background

information it is important that you

identify what is the business problem

and what is the primary question you're

trying to answer

you should always verify the objective

of the case with the interviewer

tip number two summarize the case

background information and verify the

objective articulately and confidently

after the interviewer reads the case

background information you'll be

expected to summarize the case

background information and verify the

objective of the case this is the very

first impression that you'll make on the

interviewer therefore it is important

that you articulately and confidently

summarize the case and verify the

objective this step of the case

interview is not difficult making it an

easy opportunity to make a great first

impression

tip number three ask clarifying

questions if needed don't be afraid to

ask clarifying questions you will not be

penalized for this if there is a term

that you are unfamiliar with ask for the

definition if you don't understand the

objective of the case ask questions to

clarify this if there is important

information that you are not able to

write down ask the interviewer to repeat

specific pieces of information

all of these questions will help

strengthen your understanding of the

case situation and make it easier for

you to solve the case

tip number four ask for time to develop

a framework don't be afraid to ask for a

few minutes of silence so that you can

organize your thoughts and ideas into a

framework no interviewer expects you to

instantly have the perfect framework

after they finish reading the case

background information to you developing

a great framework takes time and

interviewers know this

tip number five be enthusiastic this tip

is very underrated display enthusiasm

this not only makes the interview more

fun and interesting for the interviewer

but it also demonstrates that you are

passionate about Consulting and working

at The Firm

interviewers want to hire candidates

that love their job and work hard

displaying enthusiasm is a key indicator

for these characteristics

tip number six structure your approach

before doing any math calculations

before doing any math lay out an upfront

structure or approach to walk the

interviewer through what you're about to

do developing a structure will help you

avoid making unnecessary calculations or

reaching a dead end

if the interviewer approves of your

approach the rest of the math problem is

simple arithmetic

tip number seven choose easy numbers to

work with it's difficult to do case

interview math quickly and accurately

under high pressure situations so if you

get the opportunity to make assumptions

or estimates choose round numbers that

are easy to work with why make the

calculations more difficult for yourself

using precise numbers neither makes your

assumptions better nor makes your final

answer more correct anyways

tip number eight round when appropriate

look for opportunities where it may be

appropriate for you to round numbers to

make the calculations easier for

yourself for example if you are

multiplying nineteen thousand nine

hundred ninety nine by 201 ask the

interviewer if you could round these

numbers and multiply 20 000 by 200

instead

you do not want to round numbers in

every single step because that may

indicate that you are uncomfortable with

doing math however the occasional

rounding is usually acceptable

tip number nine use abbreviations for

large numbers if you are working with

large numbers in the thousands millions

billions or trillions use letter

abbreviations rather than writing out

all of the zeros

for example ten thousand can be

expressed as 10K 200 million can be

expressed as 200 M and 300 billion can

be expressed as 300b this reduces the

chances that you'll accidentally add or

drop a zero in your numbers

tip number 10 don't use memorized

Frameworks the issue with memorized

Frameworks is that they aren't tailored

to the specific case that you are

solving for many times some of the

elements of your memorized framework

will not be relevant or important to the

case interviewers can also tell when you

are regurgitating memorized information

and not thinking critically instead of

memorizing Frameworks memorize a list of

8 to 10 broad business areas such as the

following Market competition company

customer financials Alternatives and

risks when given a case mentally run

through this list and pick the three to

four areas that are the most relevant to

the case

if the list does not give you enough

framework areas brainstorm and add your

own areas to the framework

we are halfway through these 20 case

interview tips how are you doing so far

if you're finding this video helpful

please take three seconds to give this

video a like And subscribe to the

channel so that you don't miss any of

our new Consulting case interview

content

number 11 talk through your calculations

out loud

talking through your calculations out

loud provides two benefits one it

decreases the likelihood that you'll

make a mistake and two it makes it

easier for the interviewer to follow

what you are doing if you happen to get

stuck or make a mistake the interviewer

can jump in to offer suggestions or

Guidance the interviewer cannot do this

if you're not communicating exactly what

you are doing

tip number 12 keep track of your

calculations it is important to keep

your calculations neat and organized to

prevent making math mistakes and to

prevent repeating calculations you have

already done

first do your calculations on a separate

sheet of paper to give yourself more

space second as you calculate different

numbers Circle important numbers that

you are likely to use over and over

again

third draw a box around your final

calculated answer to make it easier to

find later

tip number 13 sense check your numbers

accidentally missing zeros or adding

extra zeros during your case interview

calculations is the most common math

mistake to avoid this you can do a quick

sense check after each calculation to

confirm that your answer is in the right

order of magnitude for example if you're

multiplying 115 Million by 22 you should

expect that your answer to be in the

billions because a hundred million times

20 equals 2 billion

tip number 14 talk through the axes of

charts and graphs

when given charts or graphs to interpret

the very first thing you should do is to

look at the axes this is the most

effective way to understand what the

chart or graph is showing when you are

given multiple charts or graphs this

will help you understand how each chart

or graph relates to each other

tip number 15 answer so what after every

question when the interviewer asks you a

quantitative or qualitative question

during a case interview don't just

answer it and stop there after answering

the question ask yourself so what how

does your answer help you solve the

overall business problem what

implications does your answer have for

your potential recommendation you should

be tying each answer that you give back

to the case objective

tip number 16 ask for a time to develop

a recommendation at the end of the case

interview the interviewer will ask you

for a recommendation don't be afraid to

ask for a minute to gather and collect

your thoughts before delivering your

recommendation

no interviewer expects you to instantly

have the perfect recommendation when

prompted for one developing a great

recommendation takes time and

interviewers know this

tip number 17 have a firm recommendation

you do not want to have a flimsy

recommendation where you switch back and

forth between two different

recommendations instead have a

recommendation that takes a Firm Stance

remember there is no right or wrong

answer as long as your recommendation is

supported with data and evidence your

recommendation is valid tip number 18

structure your recommendation your

recommendation should be clear and easy

to follow therefore use the following

structure clearly State what your

recommendation is provide two to three

reasons that support your recommendation

and propose potential next steps this is

a simple but highly effective structure

tip number 19 use a hypothesis driven

approach

during the case interview you should

have a hypothesis of what the answer to

the case is a hypothesis is simply an

educated guess based on the knowledge

that you have

as you analyze data and gather more

information make sure you are constantly

changing and refining your hypothesis

there are two benefits to using a

hypothesis to drive the direction of the

case one it ensures that you are

focusing on the relevant areas that will

help you solve or answer the case two by

the time the interviewer asks you for a

recommendation you will already have a

refined hypothesis on what the answer or

solution to the case should be

tip number 20 structure your answers to

qualitative questions during a case

interview you may be asked to brainstorm

ideas

instead of listing the first few ideas

that come to your mind use a simple

two-part framework to answer the

question in a more organized way this

will help facilitate brainstorming and

demonstrate that you are a logical

structured thinker you can use a

two-part framework such as the following

internal external short-term long-term

economic non-economic direct indirect

benefits costs and upside downside

now that you know these 20 case

interview tips it's time to practice

we've compiled over 700 free practice

cases from 23 MBA Consulting case books

watch our video Linked In the

description below to see exactly where

you can download them and how to use

them last important message for you if

you're looking for a step-by-step

shortcut to learn case interviews

quickly check out our comprehensive case

interview course and books links are in

the video description we teach the most

robust effective case interview

strategies in the least time-consuming

way to save you hundreds of hours of

prep time and help you land multiple

consulting job offers