Hello,

I would recommend doing some drills that focus on frameworks and qualitative questions to overcome this. It’s hard to give blanket advice here because I can’t see how exactly how you’re generalizing, but often this issue comes across as either (1) not making frameworks/qualitative answers specific enough to the case prompt you are given, and (2) not delving down to a sufficient level of detail (e.g., only doing top-level buckets). 

My first question is, do you understand why you are getting the feedback / where you are generalizing? If you feel like you don’t, it’s worth checking in with the case partners who gave you that advice to see if they can explain or give you some examples. Alternatively, check out some videos online of what a solid case interview looks like, and see if you can spot the differences between their frameworks and what you are doing.

Once you understand what the error is, get practicing! I’d recommend taking some cases, and spending more time than you would allow yourself in the interview to fully develop a detailed framework and answer at each point. Once you have written out a more detailed, non-general framework, practice presenting that answer to the interviewer. Look up the case solution if there is one, see what parts you have missed. Practicing slowly yet methodically like this will help you drill this sort of thinking into a habit, such that it should eventually become quicker and more intuitive for you.

Hi there,

1) You are doing great in problem-solving and casing, but it seemed too general. You are developing bad habits of generalization”. How can I work on this? 

First of all, I would ask the person who provided the feedback, as this comment is, well, general as well! If that’s not possible I would recommend posting your approach in a different Q&A to get feedback.

2) Also, any tips on what would be helpful to up my game in casings considering I have done almost 27 cases?

After that number of cases, if you used a tracking sheet for mistakes you probably have enough data points to know where you are weak and can start to do drills there (eg, graphs or maths). If you are not using something to track cases, I would highly recommend you start with that as otherwise you won’t know what to improve.

In terms of general tips, you can find some information below:

▶ How to Prepare for a Consulting Interview

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi,

Could you share a specific example of this feedback, or the context in which it was given? 

One possible issue you could be facing is that you are making too many assumptions without validating those and/or not able to take into the account the specific context of the problem and its nuances. 

• Try to ask yourself → “will this really hold true in all circumstances/instances?” or “what do i know about this client/problem that changes this logic/reasoning/assumption?”

This though means that your core problem solving skills are not robust as well. But without understanding what your caser means by ‘general’ or ‘generalization’ its hard to give better suggestions and tips.

Lastly, remember that quality is more important than quantity, it doesnt mean that doing more cases will lead to improvement especially if you are not getting the most out of your practice.

All the best!

Hi there!

This happens often when candidates start developing a ‘rountine’ for doing cases.

It's the nature of our brain to seek comfort so you end up saying pretty much the same things regardless of the case. 

What I'd recommend is recording yourself doing the case and then listening to the recording. Figure out how you could make your answers more specific. 

Specificity lies mostly in either giving examples or using words that are concise (instead of overly inclusive wording). In short, the key is to become aware of thesee and recording yourself is the best way of doing it. 

Last but not least, get a coach to assess you. A good one will also work to identify what your triggers are and set you on the right path. 

Best,
Cristian

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies