During an interview, we normally ask multiple time for time to think, put structure, ideas, brainstrorm.
At the same time, we don't pay attention to how we ask for time: can I take a few seconds, can I take a few minutes, can I take some time, can I take some time to put my structure? Is there a good phrase/way to ask for time?
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Hi,
Depending on the part of the case I usually say: Can I take 30 sec / a minute to structure my thoughts / analyze the numbers, etc?
In terms of the use cases:
Always take:
It's a bit more tricky with taking time during the case:
Best,
Vlad
Don’t over think this.
For your initial structure, “can I take a minute to structure my thoughts?”
For subsequent pauses (which are shorter) “can I take a few seconds to structure my thoughts”
I personally don’t specify how much time i’d need. I just say, “can I have a moment”. Last week during my first round at MBB the interviewer answered “yes sure, you can have 20 seconds”. I passed first round.
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I agree with Cedric - ideally, don't specify the time you need, better to ask for "a moment". I have seen interviewers interrupting after precisely 60 seconds, when I asked for "a minute", which obviously may confuse you.
Hi Vlad! This is a really helpful answer to the question. Could you explain what ideas within buckets are? ("buckets of ideas and then the ideas within the buckets.")