2 Weeks Prep Advice

Hi there,

1) However, my major challenge is the analytics part. Majorly in setting up equations to arrive on an answer. 

It would be helpful to know which equations you find challenging. There could be several reasons why you are not setting up the equation correctly, including:

• Not having done enough drills for specific types of math questions
• Not asking the right clarifying questions
• Not asking for enough time
• Misunderstanding the objective
• Getting lost when given a lot of data

Once identified the exact problem, you can drill down on a solution for it.

2) Also, I lack case leadership and sometimes freeze when an interviewer puts figures in front me and ask me determine the calculations I will do.

In terms of case leadership, it would be useful to know the exact challenge you are having and for which part of the case.

In terms of the silence problem, you can use an icebreaker at the beginning like “That’s an interesting question” and then ask for time. This should help to get enough time to structure and answer.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

As general tips for math, this is what I would recommend:

1. Repeat the question – sometimes candidates do mistakes answering the wrong question. 
2. Ask for time and present how you would like to proceed from a theoretical point of view
3. Perform the math and present the interim steps to keep the interviewer aligned – don’t just say the final number
4. Continue with the math until you find the final answer
5. Propose next steps on the basis of the results you found

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Hi there,

two weeks is not a lot of time and it sounds like you have many areas to work on. A key to the challenge is focus on prioritization. The forum might be good to get some initial high-level feedback but the answers/tips here will likely not be specific enough solve your problem.

My recommendation for this situation would be to get with a coach ASAP so you can get really specific. Do a mock case interview for starters that includes enough of the math/analytical portion to get some actionable feedback on where you stand and what is needed. Then develop a plan with the coach to get as far as possible during the remaining time (e.g. do targeted drills in your main areas of improvement, more live cases).

Best of luck 

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• First of all, I would highly advise you to reach out to a coach right away, especially due to the limited time remaining until your first round of interviews. Based on the information provided, you seem to struggle with most aspects required to succeed in case studies that are not handicraft.
• Moreover, I feel that CaseCoach may not be a helpful resource for you at the moment.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

completely side w Dennis - get a coach asap and schedule as many session w him as you can + invest heavily in self-study in between.

Reason w this perspective - if you do not get past round I you lose an npv opportunity of > 60k minimum (if you last just 6 months) + the goodwill of brand (not gonna start accounting magic to calculate this here… ) - whatever hourly rate and # hours the roi is better than any business you can think of.

hope it helps 

Basically, you're lacking structuring skills - both on solving quantitative and qualitative problems.

I can write a lot of advice in here, but you don't have much time. You should approach a (good) coach.

Hi there,

I would give the following advise:

- In the first instance do not look at the numbers. 

- Focus on the question first (& repeat it in your own words to make sure you got it right)

- Take your time (proactively say that you will take X mins to think it through)

- Think about what metric would give you the answer to this question

- Think about what the steps are to get to this number given the data you have at hand

- Once you have all that take the numbers and do the math

- Sense check the number (order of magnitude, units, etc.)

Hope this helps.

Andreas

Hi there,

Ok, so you might think “of course all these coaches are suggesting coaching”.

But, honestly, it's rare that every coach's answer is to get coaching.

What does that mean then? You should get coaching!

Why are we all saying this?

Because you have already spend a lot of time self studying. You are using a very elementary resource in case coach. You don't have much time. And you're trying to learn something that, if you can't do it yet, you need tutoring in.

Please don't risk the 6 figure salary because you'd rather spend that $ on a new TV. Get coaching - just a few sessions - and actually invest in your future!

By the way, your problem that you need to fix is that you are not being objective-driven and you are not being structured.  Just “doing math" (division, addition, etc.) won't fix your problem! You need help in taking a step back, understanding the situation/goal, and setting up the approach to the problem.

Hi there, 

If I were you, I'd run an assessment session with a coach. 

That should help you figure out what your core strengths and weaknesses are. Then you could lay out an action plan with them and be as targeted as possible with your remaining time. 

The ROI on this is amazing when you think about how much time you save plus how much more targeted you are with your preparation. 

I can already share with you a free resource I wrote for PrepLounge on brainstorming and structuring. You might find it helpful in changing your mentality around how to approach these sorts of questions. You can find it here:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/brainstorming-like-a-consultant

Best of luck!
Cristian