When Interviewer asking PE questions, is it okay to take 30 sec to structure thoughts or you need to run ahead? Thanks!

Hi!

Of course, it is ALWAYS okay to take a moment to think through your answer! Multiple times during an interview, if necessary!

This is even something that is tested in MBB interviews - whether you have the maturity to order your thinking before blurting out immature thoughts. Because this maturity is exactly what is expected of you in a client situation! From the perspective of a Project Leader, there is nothing more dangerous than a young colleague making undeveloped statements in front of clients - there is no quicker way to destroy creditbility of the entire team.

Cheers, Sidi

Hi,

First of all, always take a minute at the beginning of the case to structure your thoughts!

While going through the case, always take a minute as well to structure your thoughts and come up with a structure:

• It's not OK to take 30 seconds and then come up with just 1 or 2 ideas. And then if the ideas are not correct to keep the science again. This is called "Guessing"
• It's OK to take 30 seconds, draw a new structure (or continuation of your previous structure) and come up with a structured way to approach the problem further.

Best,

Vlad

Hi, 

Regardless of what type of cases/questions you are asked, it is always better to think before you speak. Don't rush for no good reason.

You want to come across as a structured logical thinker who can take the specifical context into consideration. It would be hard to make that impression without collecting your thoughts first. 

Best,

Emily

Hi there,

Sure, you can ask time to structure for any question during the case. So for PE questions as well.

Best,

Francesco

Absolutely you can pause!

Just make sure to "ask" and say "Could I take a moment to gather my thoughts"

However, if you're going to do this, make sure you come back with something very structured and thorough!

Dear A,

Of course you can ask for a few moments to gather your thoughts together for structured answer. 

Best,
André