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Case interview

Bain case interview BCG Case Interview Commercial Due Dilligence implement consulting group
Edited on Oct 22, 2023
6 Answers
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Gustav asked on Jan 10, 2022

Im invited for an interview at Implement Consulting Group based in Copenhagen.

I've been told by HR that I will get 30 minutes for myself to work on the case before meeting the interviewers. I have never experienced this before and I cant find any examples online where people will have 30 by themselves to work on the case.

 

can anyone recommend any online training sites for cases like this or just elaborate on what is expected when you have 30 minutes of preparation before the actually case interview?

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 10, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi Gustav,

First, good luck!

I recommend the following:

  1. Remember that most casing tips apply here (i.e. be very clear+focused on the objective, ruthlessly cut out information that doesn't help you meet this objective/question, make sure to thinking + communicate in a structured way, etc. etc.)
  2. Practice/simulate this as much as possible beforehand...getting a coach to help you run through scenarios + how to react in inevitably challenging moments will do a world of good.

I have a number of written case I'd be more than happy to share with you! What I generally do with my candidates is, give them a written case x hours before our scheduled session (adjust # of hours based on the specific interview they're going to have), and then review their work during the session (as well as talk through tips+tricks to get better).

Other helpful Q&As

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/scenario-interview-presentation-prep-9325

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-practice-written-case-interviews-9199

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/case-interview-9228

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-practice-written-case-interviews-9199

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Stephan
Expert
replied on Jan 13, 2022
Former BCG Con and political advisor here to help you crack the case (MBB, Europe & MidEast, non-business backgrounds)

Hi Gustav!

I agree with Ian's comments. Basically, in the setting you described, I would expect you to come back at me after the 30 minutes with a very solid structure (maybe, for yourself, also create a backup structure in case your interview does not like the one you chose) and concise analysis. 

I would like you to walk me through what you did (calculations etc), and would expect the recommendations to be more solid and bullet-proof than in a live interview.

I might also try and flip it around, and start the interview by asking: “What should the company do?” or “So, what are you 3 main takeaways from working on this case the past 30 minutes?"

However I am sure you can find some connection to someone at implement consulting to find out more, or even ask HR if you are really insecure about the format.


Best and good luck 

Stephan

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 10, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Written case interviews are indeed becoming very fashionable nowadays as a way to interview!

Remember that the skillset tested is the same than in the "usual" cases, hence, all the practice you may have done totally plays in your favor. 

One important point to add is the need to be very 80-20, structured and to the point, since the prep time is very short, so we need discipline with the analysis to have enaugh time to prep the communication strategy. 

There are many many entries in thsi same Q&A regarding written cases, hence, I would recommend you to look with the keywords "written case"

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

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Emil
Proficient
replied on Jul 28, 2023

Hi Gustav,

I realise it is more than a year ago you went to your interview - how did it go and what was it like?

I got an interview coming it with a similar format and would like some input.

Emil

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Hagen
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 11, 2022
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

Hi Gustav,

First of all, congratulations on the invitation!

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

  • Generally speaking, I would advise you to prepare exactly the same you would do for live case interviews. As such, I would advise you to find people (on PrepLounge or outside) to work through case studies in a tandem, brush up on your written arithmetic, get a basic understanding of the most common industries aso.
  • Secondly, and this is even more important, try to practice written case interviews as realistically as possible, i.e. find written cases to practice on your own or with a coach.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your upcoming (written) case interviews, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

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heritage on Sep 28, 2023

It's been almost a year since your interview; how did it go, and what were they like?

peter updated an answer on Nov 03, 2023

Hello Gustav,

I got an interview coming it with a similar format and would like some input.

Thank you

(edited)

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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