Exhibit Reading Approach

Hello,

I’d go with the second approach, taking a minute may seem like it is slowing you down at the start, but it actually lets you hit the ground running and immediately uncover the critical insights.

Interviewers know the exhibit inside out. What they don’t want is a long recap without a clear “so what?” and without identifying the real issue. Many candidates directly jump in without even taking any time to reflect, because they want to avoid silence, but I’d rather pause, gather my thoughts, and then confidently analyze the exhibit than speak too quickly and portray uncertainty.

Also, here are some tips when working through an exhibit:

1. Watch for numbers: they are often your sign to perform a calculation.
2. Quantify changes: don’t just say something increased, specify by how much (e.g., +X%).
3. Connect findings to the case objective: show how your insight ties to the bigger picture.
4. Suggest next steps proactively: what would you do with this insight? what is your next step? 

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any follow-up questions 😊

Best,

I guess alot of the 'variation' you hear will be in terms of the process - i.e. how much time do you take, how do you explain the logic (inductive vs deductive). 

IMO - it really doesn't matter as much, as long as you actually do get to the insights. Take the path that lets you get to the insights more consistently. 

Better to take slightly more time, since it will enable you to start your answer with the key insight.

Avoid reading back the chart to the interviewer (i.e., 'this is a bar chart, on the x axis we have ... and the y axis is...). 

You want to be as top-down in your communication as you can, even with your data interpretation responses.

Hi there,

I recommend taking a bit more time to read the graph and draw conclusions directly before having the conversation with the interviewer. You can use the following steps to read exhibits:

1. Read title

2. Read axis (incl. units)

3. Look to the exhibit/graph

4. Take the required pieces of date and/or make calculations based on the request

Let me know if you require further help. I am happy to practice exhibit/graph reading together.

Mattijs

Hi there,

Happy to provide a perspective on this. 

1. Start by reading the exhibit with the interviewer and ask clarifying questions about the data
2. Take time to actually digest the exhibit on your own.
3. Come up with 2-4 self-standing insights
4. For each insight, pick a data point, explain what it means and what is the 'so what' i.e., what should the client do as a consequence of your observation
5. Try, if possible, to connect the insigths at the end into a story about where the client is and where they are going

Best,
Cristian

Hi!

I recommend the following:

1) day to your interviewer that you’ll will first voice over BEFORE conducting the analysis

2) voice over what you are seeing and check if understanding is correct, specially if it’s a complex exhibit

3) ask for a moment to organize your thoughts. Write down your insights and a) connect them to the case objective

b) see what they actually mean by comparing to other data (existent or non, in this case you may ask the interviewer)

c) Based on a and b, state what your next step will be - remember, it must be connected to the objective of the case and in line with your overall  structure

Happy to help you become GREAT in the math and analytical parts of the case. DM me if you’re interested in knowing more.

Best,

Mari

Hey there!

Yes, go with the first one, glance quickly (~15–20 sec), then talk through what you see (titles, axes, structure), and only then move into insights. It keeps the interviewer engaged, shows structure, and buys you time to think while sounding confident.

Happy to run a few exhibit drills with you if helpful!

Best,
Alessa 

Hi there,

I’d recommend a hybrid approach: start by briefly stating what the exhibit shows (e.g. “This chart shows revenue by region over time”) so that you are aligned with the interviewer, then take 30–45 seconds to think silently and structure your analysis. After that, walk the interviewer through key observations and insights clearly and in a structured manner.

This strikes the right balance between keeping the interviewer engaged early and showing structured, thoughtful analysis—just like in real consulting work.

Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out.
 

Best, 
Evelina.