Hi there,

===============WRITTEN CASES=============

I actually have 30+ written cases (including many from Big4). I also have a ton of ready-made powerpoint slides/templates for this.

Feel free to message for coaching support.

What I generally do with my candidates is, give them a few real written case x hours before our scheduled session. In session we then review + work through the cases (getting that mindset shift on how to optimally parse through all the info and create an optimal presentation)

===================WHAT TO EXPECT============

Scenario A: A Prompt with no additional info

Scenario B (most common): A Prompt with way too much information (20+ charts/exhibits)

Scenario C: A prompt with supporting excel sheet/data that you need to parse + create charts/exhibits with

Scenario D (least common): A prompt with the exact data/info/charts you need (every exhibit/chart matters)

=======HOW TO DO WELL========

While each scenario requires a different approach, the fundamentals are the same.

1. 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, get your story right, make sure to think + communicate in a structured way, etc. etc.)
2. 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.

=================================================

=======================IT/TECH====================

Again, feel free to reach out. I have tech/IT background pre-BCG (4 years implementing IT solutions) AND worked extensively with BCG Platinion during my time at BCG.

Built a number of cases specifically on Tech/IT because of what you've said around lack of resources. Here they are, but, again, feel free to reach out for a ton more resources on IT/Tech!

BCG - YodaPhone | PrepLounge.com

McKinsey Digital / BCG Platinion: Oil & Gas Upstream Technology | PrepLounge.com

BCG Platinion/McK Digital/Monitor - Experienced Hire Tech Practice - Roma Solutions | PrepLounge.com

This is not an IT type of work forum. This means that what your recruiters are looking for may be quite different from what is being discussed here. I can help candidates prepare with presentation interviews, but in your case, the functional / technical aspect of the interview is paramount, not just the communication and structuring skills.

Hey there,

For the written case practice I'd recommend you to look at regular case interview samples (there is a ton here on PL) and then work through them on your own. 

Look at the prompt and core question you are trying to solve, then look at the data provided and work on your recommendation.

Follow these rules:

#1 Already have a plan when you go in for the written case

Since time is usually limited, you should have a plan on how long you want to spend on each task of the assignment beforehand. For practice, use 20 minutes for the analysis and 5 minutes for the recommendation communication. For the real case adapt accordingly based on the time budget provided.

#2 Focus – quickly separate crucial information from the noise

Written cases usually present you with an information overload that you need to sort out

#3 Graphs and charts – interpret and distill key insights from graphs and charts

Written cases bombard you with charts, graphs, tables, and other visual depictions of data that you should use to test your hypotheses. Learn how to quickly read and interpret them

#4 Math – quickly draft equations and conduct pen-and-paper math

Get into the habit of quickly setting up and simplifying calculations

#5 Storyline – draft a compelling storyline and tell it with visually appealing outputs

Create a top-down storyline of your recommendations. State your primary recommendation, then use supporting arguments to strengthen your position

#6 Presentation and defense – communicate and defend your recommendation top-down

If you have to present your findings at the end of the case, follow the top-down approach of your slide deck. Be confident and engaging when going through your recommendations and supporting arguments.

All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there!

This sounds like a take-home case / written case. 

I can share a couple of examples if helpful. 

The biggest difference between this format and a regular live case is that they care more about the presentation. 

So I would run a few mock cases with friends who are in consulting or experts to get feedback on how you delivery comes across.

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process with the consulting firm thus far!

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

• First of all, I would be more than happy to thoroughly prepare you for such written case interviews, which is something I have done numerous times for coachees in the past.
• Moreover, in terms of slide templates, simplicity is your friend. Stick to a clean, professional template that doesn't distract from your content. Focus on clear visuals that complement your narrative, such as charts or diagrams, to explain complex information easily.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

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

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