During the case interview, is it better to use cursive or print to take notes and write out the framework?

case interview note taking
New answer on Jun 27, 2021
6 Answers
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Joe asked on Jul 11, 2019

Can it be a negative to use cursive for note taking during the case interview? I tend to write faster/consistent in cursive rather than print, but print can be easier to read.

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Anonymous updated the answer on Jul 11, 2019

I assume that your question is strictly about font, and not about the overall layout and tidiness of your notes. If that's the case:

For framework, it certainly helps if you can write more clearly. Some interviewers prefer to look at your framework while hearing you talk. For them, it would be a lot easier to follow.

For general notes throughout the case, writing clearly is not as important, as long as you can recognize your own handwriting later in the case.

So, my suggestion is to try to write as clearly as you can, until you find it dramatically slowing down your pace or messing up your thought process.

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Francesco
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replied on Jul 11, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Joe,

unless the interviewer cannot understand what you wrote, it is totally fine to proceed in the way more convenient for you.

Best,

Francesco

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Anonymous replied on Jun 11, 2020

Dear Joe,

Just clearly that the interviewer can understand your writings and ideas.

Best,
André

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Vlad
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replied on Jul 11, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

  • For anything that you show to the interviewer (And I guess you can only show your structure) you should better use print
  • For your personal notes, you should use whatever is faster (I guess cursive)

Best!

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Anonymous replied on Jun 27, 2021

You're overthinking. In case you want the interviewer to read your notes make sure they are legible. That's the one criteria - how you achieve this doesn't matter.

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Clara
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replied on Jun 11, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

To add on top what´s been said, keep in mind that now with the online method this is less important than before.

If you find a method that works for you, even if it´s not the tidiest thing, won´t be prio1 anymore, since interviewers won´t see it anymore.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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