Hey guys, I've noticed that cramming right before a case interview has an adverse impact (found out the hard way unfortunately!) - since then I've usually taken a day off just before interviews to relax mentally, watch TV / listen to music and noticed it helps me be more energetic in interviews and cases. Curious to hear if its just me, or do others usually take time off too - and if so, what is your go-to ritual to prepare?
Best Pre-Interview Rituals
Overview of answers
Upvotes
Best answer
My ritual (worked for mckinsey and bcg):
- 24hrs before, shut the books, don't think of cases any more.
- relax, go out into the sun (if possible) the day before, or for a jog/hike. Avoid walks - they tend to over-activate the brain into thinking about cases :)
- on the day before, visit the location of interview to get comfy with the roads, etc.
- DEF want to get into bed by 8pm so you fall asleep by 10.. wake up early.
- go for a brisk jog, get the blood flowing.
- have a light breakfast - carbs and proteins mostly
- get to office 10-15mins early, check in, relax, deep breaths. Take tissues if you have clammy palms when nervous. Or hand warmers!
- Take some chocos or power bars with you - esp if you expect 4 back to back interviews
- take some coffee on way to the interview but nothing 30mins prior..
Was this answer helpful?
Hi,
- Sleep well
- Relax
- Do some mental math just to keep up your brains
- Do 10 min of mental math right before the interview
- Think of the food and nutrition the day before and right before the interview
Best
Was this answer helpful?
Related Cases
Expert case by Francesco
Our client is SmartBridge, a nonprofit educational institution offering face-to-face tutoring services. The client operates in the US.The mission of SmartBridge is to help as many students as possible to complete studies and prevent that they drop from the school system, in particular in disadv
...
Our client is SmartBridge, a nonprofit educational institution offering face-to-face tutoring services. The client operates in the US.The mission of SmartBridge is to help as many stude
...
(Open whole case)
31.6k
Times solved
Advanced
Difficulty
Expert case by Francesco
Style:
Our client is a BlissOttica, an Eyewear Manufacturer that is looking to reach a 10% increase in profits. How would you help our client?
Our client is a BlissOttica, an Eyewear Manufacturer that is looking to reach a 10% increase in profits. How would you help our client?
(Open whole case)
13.6k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty
Expert case by Francesco
Style:
Our client is a supermarket chain that is considering whether they should enter the emerging online grocery delivery business where consumers order their groceries online and have them delivered to their homes. Currently, two competitors have entered the online market in the client's area in San Fra
...
Our client is a supermarket chain that is considering whether they should enter the emerging online grocery delivery business where consumers order their groceries online and have them deliv
...
(Open whole case)
8.0k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty
Expert case by Francesco
Style:
Your client is the Performance Chemicals division (revenues of $500 million) of a Specialty Chemicals Company with total revenues of $14 billion. The CEO wants the company to become the fastest-growing specialty chemicals company and has therefore asked all the divisions to present growth strat
...
Your client is the Performance Chemicals division (revenues of $500 million) of a Specialty Chemicals Company with total revenues of $14 billion. The CEO wants the company to become the fast
...
(Open whole case)
8.0k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty
Expert case by Francesco
Style:
Our client is a German-owned water provider company based in the southwest of the United States. As the biggest water provider in the region, they serve the majority of the southwest region.Profit growth has slowed down considerably in recent years, and the company is finding it difficult to co
...
Our client is a German-owned water provider company based in the southwest of the United States. As the biggest water provider in the region, they serve the majority of the southwest re
...
(Open whole case)
7.5k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty