how to prepare for the unexpected
TRANSCRIPT
David Ohrvall Founder, MBACASE
What’s a case interview?
Question: Should our fashion retailer open pop-up stores?
• How would you approach this problem thoroughly and systematically?
• What data would you want to see to answer your questions?
• What have you learned in the case that can support a firm recommendation?
Why do companies use them?
They want to see a full set of skills calledCSAI: Communication, Structure, Analysis & Integration
• Show breadth and depth of thinking.
• Know each lever of business and be able to apply it to a problem.
• Break down any problem consistently.
• Use a succinct, Answer First, confident style.
• Organize your language to explain data, thinking processes and insights.
• Ensure that senior leaders have their “So what?” answered.
• Combine insights in an actionable, solution-based manner.
• Learn to ask structured, data specific questions.
• Prioritize analysis and find meaningful insights across data sets.
• Bring the main point to the front.
• Use data to engage your interviewer. Add in $, # and %.
• Apply Answer First to speed up the conversation.
“I like this! Thisis my future.”
Cases are fun and I‘m learning so much!
“Let’s dig in. Bring it on.”
“This is like running into the wind.”
“I’ve built long lasting skills!”
Case Interview JourneyTypical thoughts and behaviors
This analysis is cool. I have somuch to learn!
This is getting too hard. I‘m not getting better.
I‘m glad I pressed on. It was worth it.
How can cases vary by format?
How does the interviewer’sapproach vary?
• Profit maximization• Acquisition• Growth strategy• Competitor threat• Exit the market• Cost reduction
Sample Cases
How about interviewerpersonalities?
Silent Partner Chatty Charlie Data Director• Doesn’t say much• Hard to read• Unsettling
• Jumps off topic• Feels frenetic• Almost too fun
• Wants facts only• Pushes for insights• Demanding but fair
How can cases vary by industry?
What can I do to prepare best?
What about frameworks? I’ll memorize my way to an offer!
4 Ps
3 Cs
Gap Analysis
BCG Matrix
VMOST
Avoid ROBOT MODE!
Pause-Bot
List-Bot
Hypothe-Bot
True “AI”
Authentic Intelligence
Ro
bot
E v o l u t i o n
Plan to put in the timeand be systematic
What will we learn in thiscase interview series?
CSAI Skills!• Show breadth and
depth of thinking.
• Know each lever of business and be able to apply it to a problem.
• Break down any problem consistently.
• Use a succinct, Answer First, confident style.
• Organize your language to explain data, thinking processes and insights.
• Ensure that senior leaders have their “So what?” answered.
• Combine insights in an actionable, solution-based manner.
• Learn to ask structured, data specific questions.
• Prioritize analysis and find meaningful insights across data sets.
Recap
• There is a lot to consider when preparing for cases• How you present• How you think• How you find insights• How you present your conclusions
• Focus on CSAI and you will be able tohandle any case, interviewer andstyle variations
Next Steps
Get the slides and watch the replay video
- we’ll be sending an email tomorrow
- look for Crack the Case Summer Camp- details will be out next week!
Next Steps
Get the slides and watch the replay video
- we’ll be sending an email tomorrow
- look for Crack the Case Summer Camp- details will be out next week
Get a jump on your behavioral interviews
- Interview LOGIC Online, 50% off coupon
- Transform your skills and be interview ready!
MBACASE Resources
• Crack the Case System book with roadmaps, key concepts and drills
• 42 cases - free on MBACASE.com
• 160+ videos
• C4 on-line training
Sign up with your 50% off coupon
CTCWS19
Next Steps
Get the slides and watch the replay video
- we’ll be sending an email tomorrow
- look for Crack the Case Summer Camp- details will be out next week
Get a jump on your behavioral interviews
- Interview LOGIC Online, 50% off coupon
Visit MBACASE.com
- Register for free and check out the case library
- Watch our welcome videos!
See you next week! Prepare to interact.
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