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Anonymous A
on Dec 09, 2020
Global
I want to receive updates regarding this question via email.

Notes During Cases

Hello, I'm having some troubles taking notes during a case, I can follow up easily with the interviewer, but my notes are sometimes messy, and if I have multiple calculations, and need to revisit some of them later during the case, I kind of struggle because everything is mixed up together! do you have any specific methods you use to take notes? do you divide the paper into sections? 

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Top answer
Ian
Coach
on Dec 09, 2020
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

In regards to your casing template

1) A seperate sheet for each "portion" of the case...with clear locations + methods for title/subject, notes, calculations, takeaways, etc.

2) Figuring out a location for everything and where each information type should go

3) Seperate sheet for math calculations

In regards to quickly taking notes in general

1) Decide physical vs virtual - are you a faster typer or writer?

2) If virtual, pick the best tool - try outlook draft emails (so you can store/organize with your email), try notepad, try a tablet so you can write on it, etc....find the one that works for you

3) Only write down what is important - you should know this! You don't need to capture everything. Just like in a case, figuring out what information is not needed is just as valuable as figuring out what information is needed.

4) And then, what you do write down, write it in shorthand!

I.e. If I say "Your client is Bills Bottles. They earn $800M in profits each year by manufacturing bottles to soda companies in the US and Europe. Over the past two years they've seen profits falling and have brought you in to investigate"

You should write:

  • Bills Bottles
  • Manufacture
  • Client = soda comp
  • 800M P
  • P [down arrow] 2 yrs
  • US + Europe
  • Obj: Fix P
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Deleted user
on Dec 09, 2020

This is how I take notes on my main page (see picture). Key is to use the main page only for your initial framework and the most critical insights. That way you can easily replay the final recommendation including the 2-3 key facts to support your recommendation at the end of the case.

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Vlad
Coach
on Dec 09, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Split the main sheet into 2 parts and then the left part into 2 quadrants:

  • Upper left - initial information given at the beginning of the interview and while asking clarifying questions
  • Lower left - Your objective. The objective should be measurable and should have a timeline
  • Right part - Your structure and the whole case flow

Also, a good practice is to put the key numbers near the corresponding buckets (e.g. market size next to the corresponding bullet)

! Have a separate sheet for math calculations!

Best!

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Clara
Coach
on Dec 10, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

I honestly don´t agree with having templates for note making. 

Even less in consulting interviews, when topics are very very wide and plenty of chances, hence, it´s almost impossible to have a pre-populated template that will adapt correly. 

Cheers,

Clara

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Antonello
Coach
on Dec 30, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, in addition to the good inputs of my colleagues I strongly suggest using a separate sheet for calculations and highlighting the most important numbers or evidences to quicker structure recommendations

Best,
Antonello

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Gaurav
Coach
edited on Dec 10, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hello there!

Great comments above, some small things you could also use:

  1. There should be at least 2 sheets - for the case and for the math.
  2. Don't write everything, only what's relevant.
  3. Try to give numerical names to your calculations.
  4. Keep some space for the next issue trees

Here you can also find useful pieces of advice
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-take-better-clearer-notes-during-case-interviews-673

Was it helpful?

GB

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Deleted
Coach
on Dec 16, 2020
Experienced strategy consultant

Hi, I would suggest to have 3 separate sheets:

  1. First sheet is where you note the case context & question, write your structure and jot down key conclusions from your analysis
  2. Second sheet is where you do your math formula, sub-framework (if any) and analysis
  3. Third sheet and more as needed is your scratch paper
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Note-taking in Case Interviews
Case interviews are one of the biggest challenges in the consulting recruitment process. Having a clear structure is the key to success. Organizing the information effectively is a really important step to mastering the interview. This is where good note-taking comes in! In this article, we will show you how to take notes during a case interview in a way that keeps you focused, organized, and ready to impress your interviewer. Why Are Notes So Important in a Case Interview?Notes in a case interview aren't just a personal tool—they're also a way to show the interviewer that you think in a structured and organized manner. A solid note-taking strategy can help you:Understand the case structure: When you can see all the information laid out, it's easier to spot patterns and connections.Stay on track: Especially in complex cases with lots of details, having structured notes helps you quickly reference key points.Back up your arguments: Well-organized notes allow you to support your conclusions with specific data, making your points more convincing. Basic Principles for Effective Note-TakingPreparation is key to effective note-taking during a case interview. Before the interview starts, make sure you have a clean, organized sheet of paper or a notebook ready. Keep multiple sheets available to avoid running out of space mid-interview. Consider pre-drawing a basic framework, such as a grid or sections for hypotheses, data, and questions, so you can immediately start organizing the information as it's given. Lastly, have a pen and backup writing tools within reach to ensure you aren’t scrambling for materials once the case begins.An effective note-taking strategy relies on a few key principles. First, organize your notes into clear sections such as "Gathering Information," "Analysis," and "Conclusions" to maintain focus and facilitate quick reference. Write neatly and use a single side of the paper to keep everything visible and accessible.Concentrate on the essentials by noting only key points, crucial facts, and important numbers. Avoid excessive detail, as this can overwhelm you. Begin your notes by summarizing the client’s situation and goals at the top of the first page, and leave space for additional notes as the interview progresses.Use abbreviations and symbols to speed up your writing, and consider a landscape format for more space to include diagrams and visuals. Aim for simplicity and clarity in your notes, which will help you communicate effectively during the interview. Lastly, create a concluding sheet that summarizes your findings and recommendations for easy reference later. The Three Phases of Note-TakingIn a case interview, organize your note-taking process by dividing it into three main phases:1. Gathering InformationTo effectively gather information during a case interview, it’s crucial to listen carefully as the interviewer introduces the case. Pay close attention to the key details, especially numbers and specific data points, as they will be essential later. If you notice any gaps in the information provided, don’t hesitate to ask targeted questions to fill those gaps, and make sure to record the answers clearly. Additionally, creating a separate, organized list of all the information you receive can help you stay on top of the details and quickly identify any missing pieces.2. Structuring and Analyzing InformationBuild a framework on a separate sheet to structure your analysis. Tools like decision or issue trees can break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts, helping you analyze key issues and organize your thoughts. This approach also ensures clear communication during the case interview.Visualizing your ideas not only aids in your analysis but also demonstrates to the interviewer your ability to organize information visually. Additionally, writing down different hypotheses and their potential outcomes makes your thought process more transparent and helps you explain it clearly during the interview.3. Drawing ConclusionsSupport your arguments by using your notes to back up conclusions with concrete data, which demonstrates confidence and strengthens your recommendations. Keep your notes well-organized so you can easily reference them if the interviewer asks about your process. Practicing Your Note-Taking SkillsLike any skill, note-taking improves with practice. To hone your abilities, try doing mock case interviews or analyzing case studies on your own. Focus on writing down only the most critical information, using bullet points and abbreviations to capture ideas quickly. Time yourself to simulate the real pressure of an interview and review your notes afterward to see if they are clear and well-organized. Another useful technique is to record yourself talking through a case, then take notes based on the recording to practice capturing key points on the fly. Regular practice will make you more confident and efficient during actual interviews. Conclusion: Mastering Your Note-Taking for Case Interview SuccessNote-taking in a case interview is more than just a memory aid—it’s a key tool for solving the case in a structured and efficient way. When you learn to gather information effectively, organize it within a clear framework, and use it to build your arguments. Remember, your notes reflect your thinking style. So, practice your technique, develop your personal approach, and turn every note into a valuable tool for success in your next interview!In our Case Library, you'll find numerous other relevant topics such as market analysis, market entry, restructuring, and much more. Why not take a look inside? 🚀Do you have a question about note-taking skills that we haven't covered in the article yet? No problem! Just ask our experienced coaches in our Consulting Q&A. 
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