I'm also curious how long of a pause is acceptable before presenting your framework to "structure your thoughts"
(edited)
I'm also curious how long of a pause is acceptable before presenting your framework to "structure your thoughts"
(edited)
Hi,
Agree with the other experts:
It's a bit more tricky with taking time during the case:
Best,
Vlad
For structure I'd say 1-2 minutes usually is the accepted norm. Longer becomes awkward and very likely that the frameworks becomes too complex/deep.
For conclusions. 10-30 seconds is my personal preference. However probably up to 1 minute is acceptable. Met multiple interviewers that ask you to go "cold" to test ability to perform under pressure.
hope it helps,
andrea
Hi Liam,
I would suggest to keep the following as maximum amounts of time:
There are exceptions to the rule in case the question is very straightforward or very complex as Luis mentioned. Moreover, sometimes the interviewer could ask you not to take any time to structure the conclusion, to check your reaction under pressure.
Best,
Francesco
Is this regarding the time I sit silent and prepare, or the time that I am speaking? I was asking about the latter; i.e. how long the intro/conclusion should take to deliver. — Liam on Feb 07, 2018
Hi Liam, you are right, I didn't clarify, I just answered to your question on how much time is acceptable to pause to structure. To present a structure/conclusion (the time you are speaking) you can consider in general up to 1.5 minutes. Sometime you may have time constraints for the final sum up — Francesco on Feb 08, 2018
Hello Liam,
This depends on a number of factors. Amongst others;
1. The complexity of the question. It is more time consuming to figure out how to approach the problem of a declining profit company with increasing sales volume once you have received a data dump than suggesting a P&L structure if you are hardly given any information other than the fact that the profits are declining, for example.
2. What the interviewer is looking to get out of you. Maybe she wants to know how you react under pressure and therefore encourages you to present the first thing that comes to mind. Perhaps he wants to see if you can be trusted in front a client if you are put under pressure.
Nevertheless, often between 30 and 90 seconds is completely acceptable. But as I said, this depends significantly on the actual question.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any further doubts.
Thanks,
LL
In order to repeatedly demonstrate prerequisite skills under the pressure of a real case interview, you need to learn the basics and practice cases.
1 Q&AThe case study is the most important element of the case interview, which you'll have to nail in order to get into strategic consulting. Here you can learn the specific skills and concepts necessary to solve them.
1 Q&AIt is to practice as many cases as possible - both as interviewee and as interviewee. Here are a couple of guidelines to help you get started
1 Q&AOur client is SmartBridge, a nonprofit educational institution offering face-to-face tutoring services. The client operates in the US. The mission of SmartBridge is to help as many students as possible to complete studies and prevent that they drop from the school system, in particular in disadvant ... Open whole case
Espresso Whatelse is an Italian company that produces coffee and espresso machines since 1908. It is the Italian market leader and has a strong presence overall in Europe. In 2019, Espresso Whatelse has increased its revenues but it has seen declining profit margin. Your client wants to understand ... Open whole case
Problem definition: Our client is Korean Car Parts (KCP), a multi-national original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of car parts based in Korea. They've recently seen a decline in profits and have brought us in to understand how to address this falling profitability. Open whole case
Sky China, a government-backed Chinese airline, has recently seen profits plummet due to COVID-19. Profits are down 80% in the months of February and March, but are showing early signs of a rebound in April. They've brought you in to first investigate what can be done immediatedly to prevent hemor ... Open whole case
[PLEASE NOTE: This is a technically difficult case and should only be completed by those coming in as a Technology specialist, i.e. recruiting for McKinsey Digital, BCG Platinion, etc.] Our client is a multinational oil and gas company. While they are vertically integrated and have upstream, midstr ... Open whole case