Interviewer-led case or interviewee-lead case

caseinterview
New answer on Jul 02, 2021
6 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Jul 01, 2021

Hi there,

How do we know that we are participating in an interviewer-led case interview or in an interviewee-led case interview? Shall the interviewer or Sb from the firm tell us beforehand?

It is important because in the interviewee-led case, we lay out a hypothesis and the framework at the beginning, while in the interviewer-led case, we wait for the questions from the interviewer and follow the directions he/she gives us (instead of stating a hypothesis and a framework right after listening to the question).

Do you guys have any opinion on this?

Thank you for your help!

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Florian
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replied on Jul 02, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

Usually, it is very clear from the firm you are applying to what interview format will be used.

If we are talking MBB, McKinsey is interviewer-led, BCG/Bain are candidate-led.

There are significant differences between the two formats in terms of

  • approach
  • temporal monitoring
  • communication
  • the way hypotheses are used for implications and next steps planning

hence, I would not follow the advice that tells you to prepare the same for both types of interviews, especially for structuring!

To look into the differences of interviewer-led vs. candidate-led, have a look at my answers here: 

  • https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/mckinsey-vs-bcgbains-framework-styles-10020
  • https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/resources-for-advanced-interviewer-led-mckinsey-cases-9935

If you are uncertain about the format, reach out to HR before the interviews and ask about it specifically!

Cheers,

Florian

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Adi
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replied on Jul 01, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Hey there,

I totally understand and this indeed stumps many people. To keep things simple, think like a consultant i.e. there is a client problem and you have been called upon to solve it.

Whether its interviewer led or interviewee led, fundamentally you have to get to a solution via a nice structure/approach to solve the problem. There is just a subtle difference between the two styles where in interviewer-led you get a bit more talk from the interviewer to give you data/information based on your questions, hypothesis and structure.

 Prepare really well for interviewee-led style and that should cover it.

Check out this too: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/confusion-about-interviewee-ledinterviewer-led-cases-8157

Good luck!

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Francesco
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replied on Jul 02, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

I believe there is a bit of confusion in your definition of interviewer vs interviewee-led cases.

You will still have to present a structure and formulate hypotheses in interviewer-led cases. The difference is that the interviewer will not let you continue on your own after you presented, but ask specific questions on a particular section of the problem, whether you have presented it or not.

If you are good with an interviewee-led case you won’t have issues with an interviewer-led one - just be aware the interviewer may stop you while you are presenting and ask you to move to the next topic.

On the other hand, people familiar with interviewer-led cases may find interviewee-led ones more challenging, as they are not used to drive the case. This is common negative feedback that candidates who prepared solely with an interviewer-led approach get at BCG and Bain.

To sum up: get used to the interviewee-led approach when you prepare for cases. The interviewer-led flow will then be easy to follow if the case has that format. If you see the interviewer wants to lead the case and bring you to a specific section – just follow his/her direction and you will be fine.

Best, 

Francesco

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Ian
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replied on Jul 01, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

First, it's very important that you understand that a framework is still needed in an interviewer-led case.

The general rule of thumb is that McKinsey is interviewer-led and almost all of these rest are candidate-led. When in dobut, ask the recruiter AND do a quick google search on that company itself.

Finally, be ready for anything. Whatever you think the case will be, don't! Go in without expectations, aim to drive the case, but if you're prompted to answer questions, brainstorm, etc. go with the flow!

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Henning
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replied on Jul 02, 2021
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate

Hi A!

Typically it is only McK that is using the interviewer led case, most other firms are using candidate led cases.

Having said that, it is actually not really relevant. For two reasons:

  • The difference between the two formats is over-estimated. In my own McK interviews I didn't even notice that there were different sections, as the transition from one section to the next feels very natural.
  • When you're preparing for the interviews, just prepare for the candidate led cases. You then only need to follow the lead of the interviewer to focus your attention on a different topic. The other way around might be a bit more difficult, as you will have to practice to take the lead and manage your time effectively.

Hope this helps!

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Clara
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replied on Jul 02, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hi!

Precisely these questions prove that this interviewer-interviewee led cases creates much more confusion than benefits in candidates. 

My advise would be not to have this in your mind at all. You will be presented with a business problem that you need to solve, and part of the challenge is reading the audience to see how much you need to lead in each moment!

Hope it helps! Cheers, 

Clara

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Florian gave the best answer

Florian

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