Good question! I look at it in two ways:

First: What isn't clear?

Here, you just want to ask anything you don't understand. Naturally, we want to run away from what we don't know...consultants run towards it!

• Do you understand the context provided? Do I know how the industry works and how they company would likely be operating?
• Do you understand the problem/opportunity they face? Is it clear what they're trying to do?

Second: Use GOBTM

Write GOBTM at the bottom of your page in case you're stumped in part 1.

G = Geography (Where to they operate, where are they looking to go, etc.)

O = Objective (Can I clarify the exact objective of this case. I.e. increase profits by how much)

B = Business Model (Am I clear on how the company makes money and what they sell?)

T = Timing (Over what time frame does this solution/problem take place?)

M = Market (Who are my customers? What market do I operate in?)

Bonus

Fundamentally, you are trying to narrow your framework. You are tyring to ask questions that get you closer to the solution

Bonus 2

Never ask an open-ended/vague question. Try to lead with a hypothesis. For example, don't say "How does this shoe company work?". Rather say "I imagine the shoemaking process involves reviewing wood/leather, cutting/shaping it, sewing/gluing it together, and then finishing it in some way. Is this about right?"

Dear A,

Actually it's ok to ask 2-3 clarifying questions you start your case. Sometimes it may take more, depends on what basic information you have.

There are 3 main types of clarifying question which you may ask to fill the information gap before case solving. There are related to the objectives of the case, information about the company and some terminology you're unfamiliar with.

Here are some basic things you need to know before the case:

- about the case objective:

• What is the measurable metric of success?

• What is the time frame?

• What are potential restrictions or limitations?

- about your understanding of the company

•. Business model: How does the company make money? Do they sell directly to customers or do they sell through retailers or partners?

• Products and services: What products and services does the company sell? What benefits do these products and services provide?

• Geographic location: Does the company have one location or are they a national chain? Does the company operate in just one country or do they have an international presence?
  
  - about definition of a term you are unfamiliar with

Most consulting interviews do not require you to have specialized knowledge or expertise in an industry. Therefore, if you come across a term that you are unfamiliar with, it is completely acceptable to ask the interviewer for the definition.

After getting the information about the case, make sure you have all the pieces of it that you need, if you don't then go for clarifying questions.

Best,

André

(editiert)

Hi there,

The number of questions depends on the complexity of the case. For many cases, 2 to 4 are enough.

Good questions at the beginning are related to:

• Clarify goal and constraints of the client
• Understand the revenue model of the client
• Clarify any part of the prompt which is unclear

You should ask questions until these points are clarified and avoid to ask questions related to parts of the initial structure in advance.

Best,
Francesco