PrepLounge - link to homepage PrepLounge - link to homepage
Consulting Consulting
Consulting Finance General
Login Sign up for free Sign up for free
Consulting Finance General
Community
Meeting Board
Consulting Q&A
Interview Partner
Premium Membership
Coaching
Coaches
Coaching Packages
Consulting Q&A
Resources
Case Interview Basics
Case Library
AI Casebot
Tests & Guides
Mental Math Tool
Stress Questions
Drills
Video Tutorials
Brainteaser
Career
Employers
Career Events
Consulting Jobs
Consulting Blog
Sign up for free
Login
Community
Meeting Board
Consulting Q&A
Interview Partner
Premium Membership
Coaching
Coaches
Coaching Packages
Consulting Q&A
Resources
Case Interview Basics
Case Library
AI Casebot
Tests & Guides
Mental Math Tool
Stress Questions
Drills
Video Tutorials
Brainteaser
Career
Employers
Career Events
Consulting Jobs
Consulting Blog
Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Meeting Board
Consulting Q&A
Interview Partner
Premium Membership
Back to overview
Mouna
on May 17, 2020
Global
I want to receive updates regarding this question via email.

Keeping track of key points after a case

Hi all,

I am starting to practise cases, and I was wondering what were the best practises in terms of how to keep track of the most relevant points learnt (industry-wise, structuring etc..) after a mock interview/self-practise. I am not sure how to organize them, would be helpful if you could share your experience.

Thanks,

Mouna

6
1.5k
8
Write an answer
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Deleted
Coach
on May 17, 2020
Dubai|5+ years | Activity on hold

Hi Mouna,

I would structure the key takeaways into 3 buckets:

1) Key learnings about "case types": these are points you learned regarding the different types of cases that are interesting to have in the back of your mind (eg. for a profitability case, what are the most common variable and fixed costs that should pop up in your mind directly.... for a growth case, remember to think of the Ansoff matrix to make sure your options are MECE)

2) Key learning about "industries": these are points to have in your mind whenever a case is regarding a specific industry (e.g., Whenever you are solving a case in healthcare, remember to assess how insurance companies could affect the solution....whenever you deal with airlines, remember to assess if splitting the trips between short/medium/long haul (and their respective beverage distance) could offer more insightful answers)

3) Key learning about communication: these are points to remember whenever you want to structure and present your opening/closing statements (e.g., pyramid principle)

Additional notes could include math tricks to help you with your arithmetics.

I hope this helps, feel free to reach out for any additional help.

Best

Khaled

7
Contact coach
1 comment
Mouna
on May 17, 2020
Thank you Khaled, exactly what I needed!
Deleted user
on May 18, 2020

Dear Mouna,

Thank you for your question, I've been asked it multiple times and just recently by my mentees. So, the best thing is to create a table in Excel or smth like that, where you could track the results by dates, by content, by case type and also by feedback which you have received and your learnings that you've made on the case. It's very important to structure the feedback you received during the cases or self-practicing for certain criteria - like individual performance, communication, quantitative analysis, structuring skills etc. 

If you need an example of it, feel free to drop me a line. 
Good luck,

and feel free to reach out if you need any help,

André

6
0 comments
Ian
Coach
on May 17, 2020
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi Mouna,

This is great practice for both casing + consulting.

A true consultant would already have a vision for how to optimally organize this! (Importantly, it depends on how you think/learn)

Have a brainstorm about what information is most important/relevant, how it relates to each other, and how it should best be organized...then, come back to us with a proposal/mockup!

Tip: Sketch it out, think outloud, and draw out a few options!

Tip 2: Excel is your friend

5
Contact coach
0 comments
Vlad
Coach
on May 17, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Several things that you should be doing on a regular basis:

1) Keep an issue log. Track similar feedback / mistakes you are making

2) Every 10 cases revisit the previous cases and think how you would structure them differently now having the new experience and having solved the new types of cases

3) Build business judgment. Read about different industries and functions. I strongly recommend practice drawing structures for each industry - profitability, value chain, etc . Then I will switch to getting functional knowledge and key concepts in Marketing (Brand and trade marketing tools, etc), Supply chain (Ops metrics like cycle time and throughput time, distribution and delivery specifics, etc), Finance (Basic Accounting and Valuation). Good sources might be:

  • Cases - write down all insights, but make sure that the person giving you the case knows what he is saying
  • Books - one good book about airlines with numbers and industry analysis can give you all needed industry knowledge
  • Company reports, equity reports, etc - usually have a good overview of company and industries.One of the best sources to prepare
  • HBS cases - quite useful, but not sure if lot's of them available publically. Probably worth buying

Again, every 10 cases revisit the previous cases and think how you would structure them differently now having the new knowledge

Best

5
Contact coach
0 comments
Clara
Coach
on May 18, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Good question!

Indeed, keeping a little tracker with your key insights is a good practice not only for consulting, but life in general!

Find whichever format works best for you. Perhaps an Excel matrix? Or a simple notebook?

Hope it helps

Cheers,

Clara

5
Contact coach
0 comments
Emily
Coach
on May 19, 2020
9 years in MBB Southeast Asia & China| 8 years as MBB interviewer | Free intro call

Hi Mouna, 

It is definitely a great idea to keep track of your learnings. 

There are a few buckets which you can put them into:

  1. Structure/framework related - even better if you come up with your own structures after you practice enough of the different types of cases
  2. Industry nuances - so that you know the basics and what to prioritize 
  3. Mistakes you made - check on your pattern and how can you do differently next time
  4. What you can further improve to make your performance from good to great

As you progress further you can update your buckets e.g. some in 3 would be gone and you can strike them out. 

In terms of the tool, it doesn't matter. Just use whatever you feel convenient. 

Best,

Emily

3
Contact coach
0 comments
Similar Questions
Consulting
Practice for case interviews while working full time
on May 04, 2023
Global
7
2.7k
Top answer by
Francesco
Coach
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
26
7 Answers
2.7k Views
+4
Consulting
When I am structuring the case, I struggled and get lost.
on Dec 10, 2023
Global
12
5.3k
Top answer by
Raj
Coach
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK
128
12 Answers
5.3k Views
+9
Consulting
McKinsey Practice Case
on Oct 10, 2022
Global
5
2.1k
Top answer by
Paul
Coach
I love helping candidates prepare for their dream job at McKinsey
20
5 Answers
2.1k Views
+2
Related Article
Note-taking in Case Interviews
Case interviews are one of the biggest challenges in the consulting recruitment process. Having a clear structure is the key to success. Organizing the information effectively is a really important step to mastering the interview. This is where good note-taking comes in! In this article, we will show you how to take notes during a case interview in a way that keeps you focused, organized, and ready to impress your interviewer. Why Are Notes So Important in a Case Interview?Notes in a case interview aren't just a personal tool—they're also a way to show the interviewer that you think in a structured and organized manner. A solid note-taking strategy can help you:Understand the case structure: When you can see all the information laid out, it's easier to spot patterns and connections.Stay on track: Especially in complex cases with lots of details, having structured notes helps you quickly reference key points.Back up your arguments: Well-organized notes allow you to support your conclusions with specific data, making your points more convincing. Basic Principles for Effective Note-TakingPreparation is key to effective note-taking during a case interview. Before the interview starts, make sure you have a clean, organized sheet of paper or a notebook ready. Keep multiple sheets available to avoid running out of space mid-interview. Consider pre-drawing a basic framework, such as a grid or sections for hypotheses, data, and questions, so you can immediately start organizing the information as it's given. Lastly, have a pen and backup writing tools within reach to ensure you aren’t scrambling for materials once the case begins.An effective note-taking strategy relies on a few key principles. First, organize your notes into clear sections such as "Gathering Information," "Analysis," and "Conclusions" to maintain focus and facilitate quick reference. Write neatly and use a single side of the paper to keep everything visible and accessible.Concentrate on the essentials by noting only key points, crucial facts, and important numbers. Avoid excessive detail, as this can overwhelm you. Begin your notes by summarizing the client’s situation and goals at the top of the first page, and leave space for additional notes as the interview progresses.Use abbreviations and symbols to speed up your writing, and consider a landscape format for more space to include diagrams and visuals. Aim for simplicity and clarity in your notes, which will help you communicate effectively during the interview. Lastly, create a concluding sheet that summarizes your findings and recommendations for easy reference later. The Three Phases of Note-TakingIn a case interview, organize your note-taking process by dividing it into three main phases:1. Gathering InformationTo effectively gather information during a case interview, it’s crucial to listen carefully as the interviewer introduces the case. Pay close attention to the key details, especially numbers and specific data points, as they will be essential later. If you notice any gaps in the information provided, don’t hesitate to ask targeted questions to fill those gaps, and make sure to record the answers clearly. Additionally, creating a separate, organized list of all the information you receive can help you stay on top of the details and quickly identify any missing pieces.2. Structuring and Analyzing InformationBuild a framework on a separate sheet to structure your analysis. Tools like decision or issue trees can break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts, helping you analyze key issues and organize your thoughts. This approach also ensures clear communication during the case interview.Visualizing your ideas not only aids in your analysis but also demonstrates to the interviewer your ability to organize information visually. Additionally, writing down different hypotheses and their potential outcomes makes your thought process more transparent and helps you explain it clearly during the interview.3. Drawing ConclusionsSupport your arguments by using your notes to back up conclusions with concrete data, which demonstrates confidence and strengthens your recommendations. Keep your notes well-organized so you can easily reference them if the interviewer asks about your process. Practicing Your Note-Taking SkillsLike any skill, note-taking improves with practice. To hone your abilities, try doing mock case interviews or analyzing case studies on your own. Focus on writing down only the most critical information, using bullet points and abbreviations to capture ideas quickly. Time yourself to simulate the real pressure of an interview and review your notes afterward to see if they are clear and well-organized. Another useful technique is to record yourself talking through a case, then take notes based on the recording to practice capturing key points on the fly. Regular practice will make you more confident and efficient during actual interviews. Conclusion: Mastering Your Note-Taking for Case Interview SuccessNote-taking in a case interview is more than just a memory aid—it’s a key tool for solving the case in a structured and efficient way. When you learn to gather information effectively, organize it within a clear framework, and use it to build your arguments. Remember, your notes reflect your thinking style. So, practice your technique, develop your personal approach, and turn every note into a valuable tool for success in your next interview!In our Case Library, you'll find numerous other relevant topics such as market analysis, market entry, restructuring, and much more. Why not take a look inside? 🚀Do you have a question about note-taking skills that we haven't covered in the article yet? No problem! Just ask our experienced coaches in our Consulting Q&A. 
View article
Related Case
Expert case by
Francesco
Bain 1st Round Case – AirService [NEW]
4.7
9.4k times solved
Intermediate
Candidate-led
Open case
Similar Questions
Consulting
Practice for case interviews while working full time
on May 04, 2023
26
7
2.7k
Consulting
When I am structuring the case, I struggled and get lost.
on Dec 10, 2023
128
12
5.3k
Consulting
McKinsey Practice Case
on Oct 10, 2022
20
5
2.1k
Everything for Your Career
  • Interview Coaching
  • Q&A
  • Interview Partner
  • Mental Math Tool
  • Interview Drills
  • Stress Questions
  • Blog
Everything for Your Career
  • Interview Coaching
  • Q&A
  • Interview Partner
  • Mental Math Tool
  • Interview Drills
  • Stress Questions
  • Blog
Popular in Consulting
  • Case Library
  • Meeting Board
  • Interview Partner
  • Case Interview Basics
  • Case Interview
  • Consulting Q&A
Popular in Finance
  • Finance Q&A
  • Interview in Investment Banking
  • Investment Banking Salaries
Popular in Consulting
  • Case Library
  • Meeting Board
  • Interview Partner
  • Case Interview Basics
  • Case Interview
  • Consulting Q&A
Popular in Finance
  • Finance Q&A
  • Interview in Investment Banking
  • Investment Banking Salaries
Consulting and Finance Employers
  • RWE Consulting
  • Whiteshield Advisory
  • All Employers »
About PrepLounge
  • For Companies
  • For Universities
  • For Coaches
  • About Us
  • Career
  • FAQ
© 2012 PrepLounge
Our servers are powered by electricity from renewable sources.
  • Cookies & Privacy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Imprint
  • Sitemap
  • Contact
Facebook Linkedin Instagram TikTok Youtube
Questions or Feedback?
Select category
  • Select category
  • General Feedback
  • Case Interview Preparation
  • Coaching
  • Technical Problems
  • Other
Your name
Your email address
Cancel