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How can I engage the interviewer more?

Question
New answer on Sep 14, 2020
4 Answers
1.6 k Views
E + C
Skilled
asked on Jan 09, 2019

Recently, I was given the feedback that I should try to engage the interviewer in the case interview. What are ways I can do this?

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Sidi
Expert
replied on Jan 09, 2019
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
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Anonymous replied on Sep 13, 2020

Hi A,

Here are some tips that might help you:

  • be yourself and address your weaknesses directly, by doing so you can show that you're aware of them and really working on the issue;
  • ask relevant and interesting questions. Not about work timing, or anything else that might cause negative emotions;
  • connect over something with the interviewer. It can be some small detail right on the spot or some fact if you manage to get a short bio about him;
  • always listen to the interviewer properly, so you do not get carried away or stuck on some simple question.

Best,

André

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Jan 09, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Several ways:

  1. Asking the right questions
  2. Telling him in advance your calculation approach. Getting back to the interviewer with some numbers while doing the calculations
  3. Constantly structuring throughout the case and driving the case

Best

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Henning
Expert
replied on Sep 14, 2020
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate

Think about the case interview as a conversation between a consulting and a client. You need to engage them in a good discussion to get as much information to work with as possible. To do that, ask questions, discuss assumptions with them, etc. Keep them talking and engaged, rather than giving them a lecture on an industry they already know.

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