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PL-level BCG experience (6 years)|Interviewer at BCG| 6/6 personal + 95%+ candidates offer success rate
Hi,
Just my two cents on this.
Michael Porter's Competitive Strategy is a good textbook (still very valuable today) for MBAs or for your general interest / knowledge.
I think you can gain much more in terms of the ratio effectiveness / time by using other sources, specifically thought to prepare you for the interviews
I will cite the obvious, from my point of view
General Intro
1) Mark Cosentino - Case in Point
2) Victor Cheng - Case Interview Secrets
3) US MBA Casebooks, in particular - Wharton CaseBook - they have mock cases solved and a general introduction "101" part to really give you the basics about a consulting interview - very helpful in my opinion
4) Victor Cheng - Look over my shoulders (recording) - these are very advanced, in my opinion and only useful as a "polishing/finishing" tool once you are proficient
5) PrepLounge resources online - very to-the-point and helpful
Hope this helps,
feel free to shoot me a message, should you want to go deeper in the topic.
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi,
Agree with Paul. 5 forces is a good book for general knowledge, however, the purpose of the book is not the interview prep. It's more on the academics side.
Case interviews can be overwhelming, but they are one of the most important parts in the hiring process. These interviews allow companies to assess your problem-solving skills, your ability to structure complex problems, and how well you communicate your solutions.A case interview isn't just about finding the "right" answer – it's about how you think. The best way to approach any case is to stay organized, break the problem into manageable parts, and explain your thinking clearly. In this guide, we'll walk you through the key steps to excel in a case interview, avoiding common mistakes, and standing out against the competition. Why Case Studies Matter in InterviewsCase studies are used in interviews because they simulate real business challenges, testing your ability to solve difficult problems under pressure. More than your technical skills, interviewers are looking for:Problem-solving abilities: Can you break down a complicated issue into smaller, more manageable parts?Prioritization and management: Can you identify the most important elements of a case and address them first?Communication: Are you able to clearly and logically explain your thinking process?Your performance in a case interview shows how you think on your feet and whether you'd be able to handle the challenges that arise in the job. A structured approach to the problem is key, and this is where your preparation can really pay off.