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Crisp communication

I had an interview recently. The feedback I received was all positive, but they told me to work on my communication: that I could be more succint and concise on my answers.

I think throughout my interview I gave a lot of examples and details to really show that I know what I am talking about - should I refrain on doing this? 

How do you recommend me to improve on my communications skills?

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Top answer
on Oct 14, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

it is really difficult to provide an answer without knowing what you actually said. There could be several elements that could potentially be improved in terms of communication, for example:

  • Defining a structure before starting with brainstorming
  • Using numbers to present the steps of your analysis ("As a first step, I would like XYZ and as a second step at ABC..)
  • Using a shorter answer to convey the same message

The fastest way to improve your communication skills is to receive feedback after a mock interview from an experienced candidate/consultant/coach that could pinpoint the specific parts you should communicate better, in this way you should be able to identify the real potential improvements and then work on them.

Best,
Francesco

Anonymous A
on Oct 14, 2019
Thanks Francesco. I added a lot of details throughout my case - such when I said that there may be switching costs, then I told him what the possible switching costs are. And also I think I have problem with synthesizing my answer in the end - sometimes I dont know which parts are relevant to include, how do I work on this?
on Oct 15, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Anonymous, I would recommend the points at the following link for a conclusion, hope this helps: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/at-the-end-of-the-case-interview-what-should-we-do-as-a-closing-conclusion-how-would-you-structure-a-synthesis-3832
Vlad
Coach
on Oct 14, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Providing an example is something you should stop doing. In 99% of the cases examples are completely irrelevant since you can't guess what's really going on in the case. Example = guessing. You should provide structures and drill deeper into the root cause.

E.g. instead of saying "I would like to know the market share because it might be the case that some competitors are outperforming us" say very concisely - "I would like to know our market share and growth rate". The interviewer is an experienced professional and you don't need to explain to him the obvious things

Best

Anonymous A
on Oct 14, 2019
Thanks Vlad. My case was about new proprietary investment on green chemical production. My hypothesis was that due to the introduction of this green chemical, we will get additional revenue from two places: 1. Part of the portfolio who converted & buy this green chemical & 2. New customers who arent part of the portfolio who will start buying this product. Then I proceeded giving some details on this. Or also another case is when I raised issue that there may be switching costs that customers will incur since our product is intermediary product - then I added some details. Are these details not necessary?
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