Get ready for interviews after a break: how?

Question

Hello community,

I interviewed with most top firms in the Fall, made it to the final rounds for all of them, but was not offered a job. I'm about to graduate from an Ivy League MBA program and have done extensive preparation (100+ cases). At the time I did not get offers because of the competitiveness of the job market during COVID (so they said), but most firms promised to call me back, which they did.

I now need to get back into the habit of casing as I prepare for 3-4 interviews with MBB and other firms, and was wondering if anyone has any advice. I feel ready and rusty at the same time (I am sure you know what I mean!)

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Answer 1

Hey there,

Congrats on the comeback! You are in a good position now since

you have valuable experience from the previous rounds so you can discount the effect of novelty. You know exactly what to expect.
you have received feedback in the first rounds that you can use to work on your weaknesses and build on your strengths

As regards the preparation:

Focus on quality over quantity. Doing 100+ cases does not mean much if you are not applying the right habits to score high
Use the feedback from your previous experience and tailor your prep accordingly
Consider booking at least an initial coaching session to get a detailed and objective evaluation of your performance + learn the right habits for every case regardless of context and framework + get a tailored preparation plan out of the session that will set you up for an effective and efficient prep
Practice drills alone and practice full cases with other excellent candidates that know the right habits and approach

Reach out if you need help!

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 2

Hi there,

Well done on landing invitations again. Below are some ideas to get back in shape:

If the interviewers provided actionable feedback, try to find cases replicating those areas and/or ask the peers you are practicing with to focus on that
Go back to the previous cases you found more challenging. Redo them. See if you are improving on the points you previously had issues with
Consider a coach if you are short of time and/or want a realistic assessment of your level

Best,

Francesco

Answer 3

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about your previous travails. I can assure you that you are not alone here - last year was indeed a particularly tough year!

There is certainly a fine line here between getting "back in shape" and overcasing. I'd highly recommend one or 2 sessions with a coach to identify your key weaknesses and try and jumpstart your prep.

From there, make sure to case with trusted, dynamics casers, and expose yourself to "non-standard" and unconventional cases.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Be sure to focus on efficiency from day 1 - do not waste time that you will need towards the end of your prep.

Get an objective view on where you stand right now. Book a coach to develop case drills approved by him. Drills can be done alone / with other candidates. Get a profession opinion on you progress in regulat intervals to make sure you make progress. Tackle the fine tuning of your skills together with a coach.