3 back-to-back case interviews — how to prepare?

Hello,

I have never heard of 3 full case interviews with literally no break; that sounds more like torture than recruiting! Most likely, though each 60-minute slot includes some sort of 15-minute transition break.

For preparation in my opinion, it could be a good idea to simulate the full sequence by completing three cases back to back. This will help you test your concentration and develop a reset routine between interviews. On the day, use every break to drink water and mentally leave the previous case behind. 

Also remember that all candidates most likely go through the same process. A slight drop in performance during the third interview is therefore understandable and probably expected, so you are all in the same boat.

Best,
Franco

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, three back-to-back cases sound scarier than they are. This setup is quite common on recruiting days, and the interviewers know you are in your third hour, so a small dip in energy in the last case will not ruin your chances.
• Moreover, I would indeed advise you to simulate the real setting once or twice before the interview day. Do two or three cases in one afternoon with different practice partners and only short breaks in between, so your brain gets used to closing one case and starting fresh with the next one.
• Lastly, treat the day itself a bit like a sports event: sleep enough, eat something light before you start, bring water, and use every transition minute to reset instead of judging your previous performance. Each interviewer scores you separately, so every case is a new start.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming case interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

That sounds grueling. I wouldn't think you need to try to simulate it beforehand by running 3 sessions back to back. I think you need to just find the things that you do to normally "unwind". I like to open up a news app or a social media app to distract me even for just 2 mins in the bathroom. Then have a conscious "refocus" moment that brings you back into the case, and face it with new vigour, and forget what happened in the prior one (for example remembering that you made a mistake on the math). It's hard but not impossible. By the way I assume this is for different firms, because if it is for the same firm its quite a lot, but like Franco mentioned if it is for the same firm then everyone else is facing the same challenge. Get a good sleep and you'll do great!

hey there :)

Yes, I’d definitely simulate the format at least once before the interview. Doing 2 to 3 cases back to back is useful, not because you need to “train stamina” specifically, but because it helps you get comfortable switching quickly between cases and interviewers.

I’d also avoid overpreparing right before the interview. Have a proper lunch, stay hydrated, and use the few minutes between interviews to mentally reset rather than analysing the previous case.

The good news is that interviewers know you’re doing multiple cases, so you don’t need to be perfect for three hours. Focus on being structured, calm and consistent.

Good luck! Feel free to reach out if you want to practise a back to back simulation. Best, Alessa :)

Hi there,

First of all, I recommend you figure out how to maintain your energy for much longer than this moving forward!

Don't forget that your job will consist of 14 hour days, multiple days in a row.

In terms of having 3 interviews (you're lucky, some people have 5+ interviews as they're interviewing with multiple companies), you need to do whatever else you've done in the past to get through energy intensive times (multiple exams, multiple presentations, etc.).

Coffee, energy drinks, stretching exercises, etc. Do a few “dry runs” to see what works best in preparation for gameday.

Good luck!

Hi,

Just like in many other activities/sport, you want to train the way you compete. 

My tips:

1. Yes, definitely simulate long practices
2. Do the practices at a similar time of day
3. Find your own personal method of doing a quick 'reset' in between cases, for example breathing techniques etc

All the best!

Hi there,

That's indeed tough. But it does happen sometimes and I've had candidates in this situation. 

It's worth noting that in most cases the interviewers are aware of the format and they know it's a mental stretch. 

What is important indeed is to practice for it, as in, like you suggested, practicing doing a few cases one after the other. You could organise this for yourself by scheduling peer sessions, for instance, here on the platform, one after the other. 

The other element to consider has to do with priming. Specifically, like an athlete preparing for a competition, making sure that you're at your peak form when you're meant to have the interviews - that means rest, nutrition, mindset, etc. It's worth reflecting on what works best for you (you know yourself best) and then actually prioritising those things. 

Best,
Cristian