Case Interview

What are the mistakes I should not make in case interviews? 

There is no general mistake to avoid. I would just advise you to:

• be careful NOT to miss the objective/needs of the case (i.e. missing the objective/need of the client would be problematic)
• asking questions will allow you to make sure you understand the right problem 

Is framework or industry knowledge/experience more important in case interviews? 

None is more important than the other… We expect you to come with a structure and coherent way to solve the client's problem/case :)!

If the case does not provide sufficient information for the specific model/framework, can I use a more realistic/real-life logic to solve the case? Thank you!

Of course. In general, you should avoid trying to stick to a ready made framework. Case studies are real work problem/situations our clients want us to help them solve. It is NEVER the same situation. Therefore, it always requires a new and tailored approach.

Academic / case framework are here to help you think about all the basic elements in a business situation. But you should not restrict to them, or openly state you are using them ;) Clients want to feel special and want the solution they pay for to be 100% tailored for them. Otherwise, why would they pay consultants if they can just grab a “framework” from a text book themselves?

Regarding Camila’s comments, I completely agree with her – thank you! 

Apart from “avoiding using a ready-made framework”, I would strongly suggest listening to the interviewer. It might happen that we are too focused on getting it right that we do not listen to what he/she is saying. 

Why should we listen to the interviewer during a case interview? 

• We might be taking the wrong direction with the case and the interviewer wants to re-direction us. 

• The interviewer wants to see whether we are able to listen to his/her insights, apply them into our framework and, eventually, solve the case.

 Lastly, I strongly believe that interviewers ask to themselves whether they would like to work with. And therefore, the interview they will try to answer this question to themselves. 

In short, be open and listen to additional comments from the interviewer! 

Thanks for these great questions! 

Kins regards, 

Paloma

Dear participant! Just to add my view in addition to what my colleagues answered already:

1. What are the mistakes I should not make in case interviews? 

• Naming home appliances as a siemens business unit
• Rather more than less explanatory words for the presentation of the solution path to make the interviewer understand the ideas
• Become unsettled (always answer confidently and professionally)

2. Is framework or industry knowledge/experience more important in case interviews? 

• If I need to decide I would probably say framework knowledge, as this can then be applied to any industry
• Regarding industry knowledge an example: “imagine a smart city, what would Siemens offer in a smart city?”

3. If the case does not provide sufficient information for the specific model/framework, can I use a more realistic/real-life logic to solve the case? 

• Definetely! But first ask the interviewer at various points if she/he can provide you with more information, then use logic common sense

Hope that helps! Best regards