You need to prepare for case interviews thoroughly because this it the ultimate test of your capability to handle management consulting responsiblities. As you answer each question, your skills are being evaluated. Make sure you are ready when you face the interviewer. The more time you allot for its preparation, the better you can manage this challenge.
The first step is to understand all the aspects of a case interview. This critical step is important because your knowledge will guide you all the way. Knowing the purpose, the process and the possible questions lets you imagine what it would be like in the actual interview. This should not be a difficult task since there is a lot of information on the Internet. A lot of consulting firms and career websites have described the process in detail, and they have indicated practical guideslines, too. If you want experiential tips, you can communicate with current employees of your target firm or applicants who were lucky enough to undergo the process.
The next recommended step is to master the consulting frameworks. You may be capable of thinking analytically but you may fall short in structuring your answer within the given time. The business dilemma is vague; at times, knowing where to start is the greatest hurdle. This concern can be resolved by applying business frameworks. You will learn how to approach the situation from different angles, identify the contributing factors and generate recommendations at the end. Practice applying different frameworks to as many cases as you can. Your confidence improves as you work on more and more business cases.
In the actual interview, understand the problem carefully, and everything else will follow. Do not just conclude it's similar to a problem you've resolved during your practice. Do not be preoccupied with what consulting framework to use, either. Otherwise, you will miss important details. Listen to the interviewer carefully. Paraphrase essential points for better comprehension. Ask further questions if necessary. Take note that some interviewers give only additional details when asked. If you don't do this step right, you just waste the effort you exerted for practice and the opportunity that's given to you.
As you resolve the problem, think aloud. Share your rationale for discarding or considering ideas. Verbalizing your thoughts puts you at an advantage. First, it lets you communicate your approach to the problem. This way, the interviewer can lead you back to the right direction if you stray from the main concern. Second, it ensures that the interviewer is on the same page with you. Third and the most important reason is it allows you to show off your problem-solving skill - what's basically being measured in this conversation.
Also, learn to project yourself professionally through your body language, clothes and tone of voice. In an interview, it's not only the answers that matter. Slumping and fiddling may mean you don't have enough confidence. Making no eye contact may mean you are not sincere. On the lighter side, the interviewer assumes you are interesed in his or her ideas if you nod and smile once in awhile. Coming to the interview with well-ironed clothes and neat hairstyle adds additional positive impression. If you get employed by the firm, you will appreciate the essence of professional projection even more. As you interact with different clients, you need to put your best foot forward. If not, some people might misunderstand your actions. Further, you are representing your firm. If you are sending unfavorable non-verbal messages, it might ruin the established image.
Lastly, stay cool the whole time. It may take a lot of courage to do that, but it's the only way to handle things right. When you panic, you will forget everything you've prepared for. If you suddenly get confused with what to answer, take a deep breath and a moment to think. Breathing keeps you poised and well-composed. Thinking for a few seconds is natural, as you're being asked a question. Further, believe that you can do a great job. At times, acing the management consulting interview is just a matter of having the right mindset.
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For additional input on how to do well during case interviews, download our Guide to Consulting Case Interview Frameworks at http://www.consultingfact.com/guides/case_interview_frameworks/ With the guidance of a former McKinsey consultant, the comprehensive reference was written by ConsultingFact.com to help applicants who wish to break into consulting.
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