When is it acceptable to pause and write things down?

Hi there,

Simple formula:

Whenever the benefit you get from writing ideas down and thinking about them > not, so I would say always.

I would always take time for

• Structuring (1-2m)
• Brainstorming (1m)
• Charts (30s)
• Math (1m to think, 2-3m to calculate)
• Recommendation (10-20s)

This will help you to come up with more ideas, better ideas, more coherent and structured communication and presentation of those ideas.

The worst thing that can happen is that the interviewer says that they do not allow you any thinking time. Then, do it on the spot.

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

1) When is it acceptable to pause and write things down? 

It is totally fine to ask for time:

• Before presenting the initial structure
• Before any brainstorming questions 
• Before any graph analysis
• Before structuring/solving a math problem
• Before a conclusion

In general, if you need time to think, it is fine to ask.

2) Is it acceptable prior to a numeracy or exhibit question?

Yes. Unless the interviewer explicitly asks to calculate something in your head on the spot – which is quite rare – you can always ask for time to do the math or analyze a graph.

Just be sure you ask for time before taking the time (sounds obvious but some candidates don’t do that).

Best,

Francesco

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:

• Taking time to structure your thoughts and take notes of key information during a case study interview, also during quantitative questions and exhibit analyses, is completely acceptable.
• The objective of the interview is to offer insightful and thoughtful answers, not to speed through the process. Allowing yourself the time to write down important points can help you in understanding the question more effectively and delivering a more refined and considered answer.

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

When you need to.

Ultimately, if not writing something down will cause you to do worse in the interview, then write it down!

Importantly, you need to communicate calmly/confidently ("just give me a moment while I jot down x").

In general, this would be when you get a good amount of info, are moving to another exhibit/phase of the case, or need to brainstorm/structure an approach.

Hi there,

You need to be confident enough to take that decision! 

Don't look at this as an exam with set rules where you're the student and the interviewer is the professor. It's an eye to eye conversation and if you need to write something down, or need a moment to think, you say so politely and confidently.

Not doing the above will cost you dearly because you'll loose track of numbers, questions, thoughts, etc., which results in chaos and knocks down your confidence even more…

If you need help with this, please get in touch. Confidence is important and I'll help you get there!

Best,
Moritz

Hi there, 

It's always acceptable (obviously, within reason, not when the interviewer asks for your name). 

In your mind, you always need to decide to go for either depth & quality OR speed. If you feel you need more time or you need to write something down in order to provide a good quality answer, then do it. Nobody expects robots in the interview who respond on the spot. If anything, that's usually a red flag that the candidate is not reflecting on the question properly. 

Best,

Cristian

A case interview is like real life. Every time you need to analyze something, you may need some time to do that analysis. In those occasions it is always fine.

What you mustn't forget is that you are not solving the problem alone, and should be communicating (and engaging the interviewer) as you go along. If you do this, it is fine to pause here and there.

As long as you let the interviewer in on what you are doing and what your plan is, it’s fine to pause and write. Just don’t sit there in complete silence for a whole while. The interview is supposed to be a discussion in the ideal case so keep that in mind - you do have an audience. But it’s also good that you approach the individual parts of the case with proper care, take a step back, collect your thoughts and write things down in order to solve it