Case interviews are used to estimate a candidate's thought process and analytical skills. They are not focused on specific answers that a candidate arrives at. Therefore case interviews are a way to evaluate the candidate scientific technique to analyzing certain problems. Students of an MBA program can engage in case interview. But today, some companies have started to take case interviews to the graduate level.
Most case interviews pose challenging questions at this initial stage. Therefore the Consultant needs to be well prepared. However it would be wise to understand there won’t be just one solution or approach. Most employers that conduct these initial interviews state “it’s not the solution that we focus on but the approach”.
This interview normally lasts 30 to 35 minutes. Analyzing a situation, while identifying key business issues are some of the key skills needed, however discussing how the consultant arrived at the solution is involved. The following is a guideline on how to prepare for case interviews:
Learn the method of solving a problem
1. The method of solving a problem in a scientific manner before engaging in a case interview is an important skill to have prior to the interviewing process. Help can be found in either books or the Internet.Case studies
2. Some websites provide various case studies .The interviewee must study and evaluate these case studies. These can also be available in a career services library. Regular study of economic and business journals help to give fact based data.Increase the listening power
3. Listening carefully is useful not only in case interviews but in all kinds of interviews. So if you want to succeed in a case interview you must increase you listening capacity. According to a survey a normal human being uses only 30% of all of one’s listening capacity. But with practice of careful listening it can make the difference between you and other.Power of asking questions
4. Case interviews give you platform of discussion with the interviewer on the specific matter. So do not fear from asking a question if you think that these are not necessarily for solving the case of the interviewer. The employer will look at resourcefulness in collecting information. As the questions are asked try and pick up clues as to which issues are most important.Answer according to the situation of time
5. This is a very important step to prepare for case interview that you should answer the question according to the situation of time. You should know the psychology of the interviewer with as short of a time frame as possible. For example if the interviewer wants your help for making his financial project you must answer according to what he is looking for within a specific time frame and budget.
