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Case Interviews - SWOT and Matrix

Case Interview swot analysis
New answer on Sep 30, 2022
7 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Sep 29, 2022

Is it common that a case interview will require you do SWOT analyses and 2x2 matrix's - are they mainly used for prioritising? 

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Clara
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replied on Sep 30, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

I would say it's rather unusual, it's more a tool that you have to problem-solve with yourself. 

Interview cases, particularly the ones you get for real (vs. prep ones) are more complex and requiere a more sophisticated approach. 

Cheers, 

Clara

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Francesco
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replied on Sep 30, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Is it common that a case interview will require you do SWOT analyses and 2x2 matrix?

It is not common with major firms (MBB and Tier 2). I guess you might still get questions related to that with smaller firms.

Best,

Francesco

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Sophia
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replied on Sep 29, 2022
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| 6+ years of coaching

Hello,

I have not heard of this - case interviews are designed to test your analytical thinking and reasoning, not your existing knowledge.

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Emily
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replied on Sep 29, 2022
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad

It’s not usual and I can’t think of an organization I know that uses them but I’m sure there are some that do! It’s worth trying to ascertain from the recruiting team what sort of interview it is and if it’s to do with something very operational then it’s probably worth knowing to use them. 

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Cristian
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replied on Sep 29, 2022
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

It's rather unusual, but it depends on the firm. 

I haven't heard of any large firm (tier 1, 2) doing it in the recent past, but smaller firms might still choose to do so. 

I wouldn't worry so much about it. Interviews are rather aimed at testing your skills, not your knowledge, so don't spend too much time memorising formulas or techniques, but instead work on consolidating your abilities. 

Best,

Cristian

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Ian
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replied on Sep 30, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Not really. That said, just learn these concepts! Not only are they quick to learn, but they're going to help you with structuring, brainstorming, and general business thinking/acumen.

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Pedro
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replied on Sep 29, 2022
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

Let me put it this way: I would not take a job in a consulting firm that would ask me to perform a SWOT analysis in an interview.

Strategy consulting firms rarely use swot analysis (i.e., use the “swot” format), and usually when they do is because the clients are specifically requesting one. I hardly doubt you would be asked one in your interview.

Regarding 2x2 matrix… you won't be asked to do one. You may consider using one to solve a problem, but it's really up to you!

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Clara gave the best answer

Clara

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McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
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