What I am asking is - is it a good idea to specficially check if they want certain buckets in the framework?
Example: Should your client introduce a fresh-cooked menu in business class flights?
I would ask:
e.g. “Do we also have to take risks into consideration?” & “Do we also want to focus on how we should do this or only on the benefits” & “do we also have to take costs into consideration?” & “Do you know if competitors have also done this”
Or is this too much?
Hi there,
Asking the right questions in the beginning in a tactful manner can make a big difference, especially because the interviewer may provide you with guidance that is critical for the case.
However, you have to be careful not to be too pushy. That means don't ask too many clarifying questions (3 is about enough, 7 is too much). Also, focus your questions on understanding the problem, not fishing for the solution - interviewers can tell that and they unsurprisingly don't like it.
Best of luck!
Cristian
Hi there,
I think the prompt here is very clear, hence I would refrain from asking for buckets that could be part of your framework (you would not ask a client those questions either).
Rather, you should focus on asking clarification questions around
Regarding the number of questions you should ask, it is not about the quantity but the time you need to get through it. Some candidates are very efficient and ask 8 questions in 2 minutes, others need 2 minutes to get through 2 questions…
Cheers,
Florian
Most of your questions are a bit too detailed for the clarification.
You want to understand exactly what the company wants to achieve with the introduction of meals and what it currently does in terms of in-flight service and business model more generally.
Remember that you can have a framework which is MECE but not hit all buckets during the case.
The only relevant question to ask our of the ones you stated was the one around whether they want to focus on the how as well as this would change your structure.
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:
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
Clarification questions should be targeted at
It is wrong to ask questions on whether we should take into account risks, costs, and implementation of the initiative. Those three things are a fundamental part of the answer, so it is obvious you should consider them.
Hello!
That is a great question - the general guideline is: “A clarification question after the prompt should not focus on SOLVING the problem but rather UNDERSTANDING the problem”.
So ask questions if you feel you don't understand the context / industry / product (e.g. pill 236 might be aspirin).
In your example, the 3 questions you mentioned would help you SOLVE but not UNDERSTAND, so I would not ask those questions. Rather include them in my framework and then prioritize based on your hypothesis (which one might help you answer the prompt the best).
Hope this helps!
Cheers
Hi there,
Nicolas is exactly right. You are already trying to solve the problem. That's not a framework!
Clarifying questions are that which you do not understand. You need to ask things that will help you come up with an approach to solving the problem.
Risks should always be considered. Costs should always be considered where profits are involved. Competitors is trying to solve the case.
Your only “good” question here is #2 because it's looking to confirm/narrow the scope of your framework/case.
Here's some further reading:
https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case
https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation
Hi there,
Very much agree with my fellow coaches i.e., limit your questions to understanding the problem at that point. What I would like to add is this: Have the confidence to do as you deem right for solving the problem.
Candidates often ask the most basic things instead of showing some confidence and owning the process it. e.g., “do we need xyz”, “should we do abc”, “is it OK to round this number”, etc. Your questions fall into that category.
This doesn't mean that you should be resistant to being steered and by pushy, both of which happens sometimes and is really bad. However, it's equally bad when a candidate is asking the interviewer everything as if this were an exam and a conversation between pupil and professor. The case interview is not an exam (at least you shouldn't think of it as one). It's an eye-to-eye conversation between two professionals about solving a problem. This is the mindset you should get into!
Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!
