Hello everyone! Since interviews are virtual I was thinking on using a calculator since most of the time due to nerves I made mistakes. Is it a bad idea?
Hey there,
It's not a good idea. It is not allowed for case interviews.
Even if you try to do it covertly because the interviewer does not see what is on the table in front of you, they would actually spot it due to
Rather focus on number drills and getting comfortable with quick mental math. PrepLounge has a good tool for that.
Cheers,
Florian
Not a good idea am afraid. So avoid doing this.
I know its frustrating when the calculator was invented for a good reason! I personally feel its only a matter of time when this rather lame practice of not allowing calculators will be discontinued. We are using AI/ML in the real world but discourage candidates from using calculator in interviews. Yes, there is supporting argument for that but its time for a change.
Haha, I would be very amused if an interviewer brought a calculator. Don't do it. The interview is to assess how you would act in front of a CEO level client.
You CAN mess up the math. I did and got into McKinsey just fine.
Also, you don't need to do mental math. Its perfectly OK to write out the math, and walk the interviewer through it. Make it easy to follow, slow and steady, and you'll be fine. Try to go fast and impress them, and it's a risk.
Hi there. I would advise against it, for following reasons:
- Actual number calculation is just a small part of your maths questions. The biggest and most important step is to lay out the right structure (for maths) and formula. And based on experience, it is quite rare, especially for MBB, that you get a complicated calculation. In most cases, actual number calculation is quite simple and the difficult part is always the upfront maths structure.
- As consultants, being able to do a quick back of envelope calculation is a very basic requirement. Even though the interview is virtual, you bear the risk of the interviewer finding out about your calculator, which demonstrates your lack of skill and confidence.
Instead of bringing a calculator, I suggest you spend sometime doing some mental maths drill exercises. This will largely improve your calculation speed and accuracy.
Hope this helps! All the best with your upcoming interview :)
Hi!
Don't bring a calculator. Mental math is an important skill assessed by the interviewers.
I recommend you speak loud while doing your math. This helps you avoid mistakes and the interviewer to remain engaged.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Anto
Hi there,
Honestly, I think it's a bad idea. It's quite risky and again the rules/protocols…breaking these rules may serve you well in a given moment, but in aggregate they'll only bring you down!
Practice your math here on Preplounge! https://www.preplounge.com/en/mental-math
Feel free to reach out for other tips on ramping up your fast math.
Hi there,
It's not a good idea. Even in an online interview, the interviewer can spot it if you are using a calculator. I actually once caught an interviewee trying to use a calculator…
Your quantitative skills and "being comfortable with numbers" are important to succeed as a consultant. There are tools on the internet to help you with this. Let me know if you need support on this.
All the best with your upcoming interview(s) :)
Hello,
Don't do this - you are explicitly prohibited from using a calculator in interviews, and, as other experts here have pointed out, interviewers can often tell when a candidate is doing so (e.g. they look down or to the side, get results very fast, different sound of keys tapping, etc.). It is a very large risk. If mental math is an area you don't feel particularly comfortable with, work on improving that instead.
Bad idea.
The math in case interviews is many times easier done on paper than on a calculator.
Further, the interviewer is testing your casing skills, not plain arithmetic.
Finally, if you feel you are not good at math - best to get some practice under the belt.
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