How do I prepare for a case interview where I am being provided the information before hand?

Question

Hey all,

I am interviewing for a procurement consultancy soon (INVERTO BCG), I haven't been able to find any of their cases online (though I've practiced some operations cases).

I have asked about their interviews and have heard that they provide me with a sheet of information beforehand as opposed to me having to dig for it and then it goes from there.

I haven't been able to get more detail than that but I am curious as to how I would prepare for that and how would the style of questions be if anyone knows, as I've mostly prepared and had knowledge of candidate-led cases.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Good on you for de-risking the situation beforehand! There's two scenarios I can think of:

Scanrio 1: Interview starts when you get the info

In this scenario, I would not necessarily expect anything different from the cases you've encountered during your practice. Most cases have exhibits, such as tables and graphs, and are usually presented in a certain sequence. This is especially the case for interviewer-led cases at McKinsey. However, other firms or certain interviewers provide information up front. This happened to me at BCG and even at McKinsey, and to many other people at various firms. Most likely, the material includes the usual i.e. graphs, tables, illustrations of a process, etc.

Scenario 2: You get time with material before interview starts

In this scenario, the interview will likely be very different from what you're used to. Candidates are presented with a bunch of information and are left to themselves for a certain amount of time. The candidate goes through all the material and organizes the information and the interview starts when the interviewer walks in 30-60 min later, let's say.

If all you knew was the duration of the total interview, we might be able to tell you if it's scenario 1 or 2.

Hope this is helpful! Let's wait for other experts to chip in, especially those familiar with Inverto (full disclosure, I am not).

Answer 2

Hi Jamil,

First, good luck!

Now, this is basically a written case. I recommend the following:

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.)
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

Answer 3

Hi Jamil,

Did you find the client cases inverto posts on their website? Obviously it’s only a snapshot of their client work but it may inform your interview preparation as well.

Good luck

Stephan

case study 1: https://www.inverto.com/en/clients/optimisation-of-demand-structures/

case study 2: https://www.inverto.com/en/clients/international-bundeling-of-private-label-brands/