How to prepare case and fit prep in 10 days?

Hello Sarah,

Congratulations on securing an interview with Kearney Middle East, and it's great to hear that you're committed to preparing diligently for your case interview. Here's a structured plan to help you make the most of the 10 days you have:

Day 1-2: Case Interview Fundamentals

• Start by reviewing the fundamental concepts of case interviews. Understand the different case types (profitability, market entry, etc.) and the structure of a typical case interview.

Day 3-4: Framework Building

• Focus on building strong case frameworks. Practice creating frameworks for different types of cases. Consider using the "4 P's" framework (People, Product, Price, Place) as a starting point for structuring your analysis.

Day 5-6: Case Practice

• Begin practicing full cases with a partner or on your own. Start with easier cases and gradually work your way up to more complex ones. Focus on applying the frameworks you've developed.

Day 7-8: Problem Solving and Math

• Work on your problem-solving skills. Practice solving business problems without a formal case structure. Brush up on your math skills, as calculations can be important in some cases.

Day 9-10: Mock Interviews and Feedback

• Schedule mock interviews with peers or experienced case interviewers. Simulate real interview conditions to build confidence. Request feedback on your performance and areas for improvement.

Throughout the 10 Days: Practice, Practice, Practice

• Dedicate a significant portion of your time to practicing cases. Focus on refining your approach, improving your communication, and developing a logical thought process.

Additional Tips:

• Read business publications and case studies to familiarize yourself with real-world business situations.
• Watch case interview videos or attend case interview workshops online to gain insights into different approaches and techniques.
• Keep a notebook to jot down key takeaways and feedback from your practice sessions.

Remember that case interviewing is a skill that improves with practice and feedback. Don't be discouraged if you find it challenging initially. Keep a positive attitude, learn from each practice session, and adapt your approach as needed.

If you need specific guidance or have questions about particular aspects of case interviews, feel free to reach out for assistance. I'm here to help you succeed in your interview preparation.

Best of luck with your Kearney ME interview!

Warm regards, Frederic

Hi Sarah, congratulations on securing an interview with Kearney ME! It's great to hear that you're committed to preparing diligently for your case interview. Here's a structured plan to help you make the most of the next 10 days:

Review Case Interview Fundamentals: Start by revisiting the fundamentals of case interviews. Familiarize yourself with different case types, such as profitability, market entry, and pricing. Understand the key components of a case, including problem-solving frameworks, math calculations, and communication skills.

Practice Structuring Cases: Since you mentioned struggling with developing frameworks, focus on practicing case structuring. Work on developing a solid structure for each case type and practice applying it to different scenarios. This will help you become more comfortable in driving the case forward and organizing your thoughts.

Practice with Mock Interviews: Find a case partner or join a case interview practice group to conduct mock interviews. This will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and receive feedback on your performance. Focus on improving your ability to ask insightful questions, analyze information, and communicate your findings effectively.

Analyze Case Solutions: After each practice case, take the time to analyze the solutions and identify areas for improvement. Look for patterns in your approach and identify any recurring mistakes. This will help you refine your problem-solving skills and avoid common pitfalls.

Review Industry and Market Knowledge: Research and familiarize yourself with the industries and markets that Kearney ME operates in. Stay updated on recent trends, challenges, and opportunities in these sectors. This will demonstrate your interest and understanding of the consulting industry during the interview.

Prepare for Fit Interviews: In addition to case interviews, don't forget to prepare for fit interviews. Review your resume and be ready to discuss your experiences, strengths, and motivations. Practice answering common fit interview questions and have examples ready to showcase your skills and achievements.

Time Management and Confidence: Lastly, make sure to manage your time effectively during the next 10 days. Create a study schedule that allows for focused preparation while also taking breaks to rest and recharge. Build your confidence by visualizing success and reminding yourself of your strengths and accomplishments.

Remember, practice and persistence are key to improving your case interview skills. Stay focused, stay positive, and keep pushing yourself to grow. Good luck with your interview, Sarah! If you have any specific questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask.

Hi Sarah,

First of all, congratulations on the invitation from Kearney ME!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

• First of all, given the limited timeframe of 10 days and the specificity of interviews in the Middle East, I would highly advise you to seek help from an experienced coach who knows about the nuances in the region. Their guidance can expedite your learning curve and give you the edge you need.
• Moreover, consider asking for a deferral. Consulting firms want you to succeed in the interviews, and knowingly going in the interviews not thoroughly prepared should not be an option.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

To prepare effectively for your case and fit interviews with Kearney ME in 10 days, focus on a structured plan. Dedicate the first four days to mastering frameworks by studying common models like the 3 Cs, 4 Ps, and profit-loss analysis; practice applying these frameworks to various industries. Spend the next three days doing practice cases, ideally with a partner or mentor to simulate the interview environment and receive feedback. 

For the final three days, refine your fit interview responses by reflecting on your experiences, aligning them with Kearney's values, and practicing storytelling techniques to convey your narrative clearly. Additionally, incorporate daily math drills to boost your confidence in calculations, ensuring you can handle quantitative aspects seamlessly during the interview. Prioritize rest and mental clarity as the interview approaches to ensure peak performance.
 

Hi Sarah,

Great that you have an interview scheduled - and it certainly can be daunting to prepare for the case interview in such a short amount of time. 

Generally you'd want to get some very targeted and effective advice on tackling both the fit and case, but there is far too much content and nuance to be answered in a single Q&R response. Plenty of coaches here who could help you, or if you have friends in consulting that could work as well.

That being said, I would suggest the following high level steps

1. Identify and understand what the expectations are for the interview
2. Understand what ‘good looks like’ for each of the key evaluation criteria (being a structured thinker is one of them)
3. Research and find information (multiple avenues for this) on how to demonstrate these criteria
   • e.g. what makes a good structure/framework. Essentially it should be MECE, tailored to the context as well as based on first principles
4. Come up with a rough plan on how to best allocate your time in the next 10 days

All the best!

Hi Sarah,

First of all, congratulations on being invited to the Kearney interview process. 

10 days is an ambitious schedule to prepare the interview. If you can, I definitely recommend you don’t run and reschedule the process to be better prepared.

Either you reschedule or not, I suggest you the following to be ready:

1. Schedule a session with a coach or a consultant to assess your overall readiness level and understand which areas you need to cover
2. Prepare 8-10 stories to cover the fit part
3. Define a plan to do at least 30 live cases before your interview
4. Before the interview, try to talk with a coach or a consultant to refine your process

Happy to talk if you need help to prepare the process or you want to know what to expect and what to work on.

Good luck!

Alberto

Dear Sarah,

Preparing for a consulting interview in just 10 days is a challenging but achievable task. Here is my plan to help you prepare effectively:

Research the company: 

• Research the consulting firm you're interviewing with: Understand their culture, values, and recent projects
• Read about their industry expertise and any recent news related to the firm

Invest in booking sessions with expert coaches: 

Personal fit

• Prepare answers to common behavioral questions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method
• Prepare your main fit stories as well as 3-6 backup stories for example related to leadership, personal impact, entrepreneurship, teamwork, etc. (the relevant stories that you need to prepare will be discussed with your coach)

Casing

• Practice with your coach both market-sizing cases and traditional business cases by focusing on developing a structured approach to solving cases, including frameworks and math skills
• Identify weak areas and target them together with your coach thanks to detailed feedback and tailored homework 

Mock Interviews on PrepLounge:

• After having set a strong foundation with your coach, take advantage of the resources offered by PrepLounge and do interviews with experienced candidates
• Practice on specific interview areas (fit stories, math drills, brainstorming etc.,) on your own to put into practice the feedback received during the mock interviews

Additional Tips:

• Be familiar with the consulting industry's terminology and concepts
• Brush up on basic business principles and financial concepts 
• Practice mental math to perform calculations quickly
• Develop a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer
• Use resources like online case libraries, consulting interview preparation books, and consulting websites for additional guidance
• Stay confident and positive throughout the process, as a positive attitude can go a long way in interviews!

Good luck with your consulting interview preparation!

Best,

Margot

______________________________________________________

Book your session to get ready for your interviews in less than 10 days: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/550677

If you can, reschedule until you are prepared. 

If you can't, work with a coach. 

I hate to state this as it sounds “salesy”, but honestly if you need to speed up, you need to work with someone who can guide you and show you “what good looks like”. By reading books and practicing with peers that aren't very good at casing the process takes longer.

Congratulations, first and foremost! 

Preparing within a 10-day timeframe is undeniably challenging but not insurmountable. Given the limited time available, there are 3 key areas that should be taken into consideration. Depending on your specific circumstances and your level of confidence in each area, you can effectively allocate your time to address them.

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Company. A standout candidate is one who enters interviews thoroughly prepared. Connect with 4-6 Kearney consultants, ideally those with varying levels of tenure, and glean insights from their experiences. Dive into the inner workings of Kearney, pay attention to what is commonly discussed, and understand the company culture. Keep in mind that these individuals may become your future colleagues. Demonstrating genuine interest in the company by sharing insights gained from these conversations during the interview is highly valuable.
2. Excel in Cases. There isn't a one-size-fits-all strategy for excelling in case interviews. Each candidate has a unique preparation journey, and the point at which they reach their peak performance can differ from others. Based on my experience, I recommend completing at least 30-45 case studies. Collaborating with peers on many of these cases is valuable as it effectively “doubles” your learning opportunities. When preparing, take the opportunity to observe and adopt best practices and frameworks used by others. Simultaneously, consider seeking guidance from a coach. Having a coach can be an invaluable resource for tailoring your preparation and focusing on areas where you may be underperforming.
3. Craft Your Personal Narrative. This final step is often overlooked but is crucial in the latter stages of the selection process. Ultimately, it's your fit with the company culture and your attitude that will determine whether you are the ideal candidate for Kearney. It's essential to reflect on your past experiences, identify a common thread in your career path, and develop 4-6 compelling stories that you can adapt to respond to the typical interview questions. There are various approaches and tips available to help you leave a lasting and impactful impression during this part of the interview process. I'd be happy to share them with you if you're interested.

It's imperative not to neglect any of these areas while flexibly managing your time based on your own assessment of their importance. If you require assistance or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Best of luck, and keep me updated on your progress!
Antonio

Hi there!

There are some obvious options, such as getting a coach. I assume you already considered that one. 

Aside from this, I'd suggest that you don't accept the deadline as a given. You can always reach out to the recruiter and explain that there are personal / professional reasons that would not enable you to be at your best on interview day and that you really want to make the most out of this opportunity. This is by all means routine. At least ⅓ of candidates do it. 

Lastly, the way to make it work in 10 days is to only focus on what matters, which means having a very clear idea of what you do well (and making that excellent) and what you don't do well (and making that at least a pass). If you have that clarity already, great. If not, get somebody with experience to assess it - it could be a coach or a friend of yours who is a senior consultant in one of the firms you're going for.

Best,
Cristian

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Hi Sarah,

Completely agree with Pedro here.

Yes, it sounds salesy, but it's the truth - if you only have 10 days you need a coach. This will drastically increase your chances of success.

Especially with frameworking….this is a super hard thing to learn properly/correctly, and especially in a short timeframe without guidance. You're trying to learn tennis, on your own, in 10 days.

Now, here's some reading to help.

Overall case prep

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation

Frameworking

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case
 

Frameworking applies to a case (case leadership)

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/candidate-led-cases-what-to-expect-and-example-cases

Hello Sarah,

Preparing for a Kearney ME case interview in 10 days is an achievable goal with dedication and focused practice. Here's a structured plan to help you prepare effectively:

Days 1-3: Case Frameworks and Fundamentals

• Start by reviewing case interview fundamentals. There are many resources available online, including Kearney's own case interview guidance.
• Work on building strong case frameworks. Understand the common structures used in consulting cases (e.g., Profitability, Market Entry, Pricing, etc.).
• Practice creating custom frameworks for various case types. You can find casebooks and sample cases from consulting clubs at universities for this purpose.
• Focus on structuring your approach clearly and logically.

Days 4-6: Case Practice and Mock Interviews

• Practice, practice, practice. Aim to do at least 5 cases during this time.
• Work with a case partner or coach if possible. Seek feedback on your approach, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Use resources like Case in Point by Marc Cosentino to refine your case-solving techniques.
• If you struggle with creativity in structuring, consider memorizing a few versatile frameworks and adapting them as needed.

Days 7-8: Problem Solving and Creativity

• Dedicate time to problem-solving exercises. These can be math-based or brain teasers. Websites like McKinsey's PST Practice Test can help.
• Practice brainstorming and generating creative ideas. This will help you in situations where you need to think on your feet.
• Consider reviewing common business concepts (e.g., Porter's Five Forces, SWOT analysis) and their applications.

Days 9-10: Mock Interviews and Final Refinement

• Do at least 2-3 mock interviews on these days.
• Focus on timing and pressure management. Try to simulate real interview conditions as closely as possible.
• Identify areas of improvement from your mock interviews and work on them.

General Tips:

• Stay organized. Create a schedule and stick to it. Time management is crucial.
• Prioritize quality over quantity in your case practice. It's better to thoroughly analyze and solve a few cases than rush through many.
• Practice mental math. Brush up on your math skills to make calculations more efficient.
• Relax and take breaks. Burnout can hinder your performance.

Remember that improvement takes time, and it's normal to struggle initially. Stay persistent, and your efforts will pay off. Best of luck with your Kearney ME interview!

Hi Sarah,

Q: I am looking for suggestions to how to prepare fully for case interview and fit prep in 10 days.

First of all, I would try to understand if you have enough time before the interview (point #1 below). If you think you don’t have enough time, you can ask to reschedule it.

In general, I would recommend the following:

1. Define a calendar for your preparation. Identify how many hours you have before your interview and allocate a time slot for preparation in your calendar for each day, working on the points below. Many candidates need 100+ hours to be ready before the interview starting from zero so you can keep that as a benchmark.
2. Start reading good MBA Consulting Handbooks – you can find several for free online (INSEAD is a good one to start). Read the cases and try to apply your structure to solve them. Whenever you see there is something missing, upgrade your structure with the new insights. Try to read a new case per day – in this way you will absorb better the information with constant learning.
3. After the first 5-10 cases in books/handbooks and basic theory, start to practice live. PrepLounge can be helpful to connect with other candidates for that. There is a relevant part of the interview score that is based on your communication, which you cannot practice at all if you read cases only.
4. Keep track of your mistakes and see which ones you are repeating. If so, try to identify the source of the mistake (feedback from experienced partners would be particularly useful for this). Be sure to focus on both the behavioral part and the case part during the mocks. The case part should also cover market sizing, math and graph analysis.
5. Before the interviews, be sure to prepare your questions for the interviewer  – a great way to show you prepared in advance and to connect with the interviewer for a good final impression. Ideally, try to get information on who they are and study their profile to have good questions to ask.

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If you want to spend a few hours only instead of 100+ and cover everything mentioned above, I developed a program precisely for that. 

You can check the program at the following link to learn more:

▶ GYM Program

If you have any questions please feel free to PM me.

Best,

Francesco