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How to ask questions confidently to the interviewer about any case?

case partners
New answer on Jun 22, 2019
2 Answers
1.6 k Views
Smreeti asked on Jun 21, 2019

Knowing fundamentals about the frameworks is essential to solving any case, But, I feel asking the right questions is more important in solving any case interview. That will give us a clue of proceeding next step towards the solution. How to overcome this hesitation? I am working on improving my weaknesses in solving case interviews. Thank you.

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 22, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Smreeti,

as mentioned by Vlad, the original structure you present is not just an initial step in the case, but an actual guideline for the overall case. This means that if you don’t know which questions you should ask, your initial structure is probably not good enough. When your structure is well developed, it should provide a clear indication of which should be the next step and thus the next question to ask as well.

In case you have a specific situation in the case where you got stuck please feel free to share it for additional feedback.

Best,

Francesco

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Smreeti on Jun 22, 2019

Thank you for your comment Francesco. Well, I am not from business background. So was facing difficulties in organizing my mind with the frameworks. but, I believe I will be in tuned when I study more and more cases. Thanks Smreeti

Vlad
Expert
replied on Jun 21, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

I think you do not fully understand the process of structuring the case.

Generally, it depends on the part of the case:

1) Your structure is the roadmap of the questions that you ask. If you don't know what to ask in the first 10-15 min of a case - probably something is wrong with your initial structure.

2) In the middle of the case you either analyze data:

  • Comparing with competitors
  • Asking for historical data and projections
  • Segment the data further

or you build a new structure once you find the insight. You need a new substructure if you want to drill deeper into the problem

Thus you are always either analyzing the data or following your structure

Best!

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Smreeti on Jun 22, 2019

Thank you so much for your comment Vlad. It makes a sense to me. I will focus on understanding the process of structuring. Thanks

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