Presenting the initial case opening

Question

Hello, It is my understanding that the formats for opening an interviewer and interviewee led case are fundamentally different. How can I identify from the beginning of a case which is which so I can properly give an opening after creating my structure.

Answer 1

Hi Anonymous,

assuming that for opening you mean how to start the case after having presented the structure, it is always safe to start from the first point in your structure. If the interviewer wants that you start from a specific point, he/she will stop you and tell you so. As a consequence, you don’t really need to worry about identifying whether the interview is interviewee or interviewer led for what concerns the opening.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 2

Hi,

I see the 3 options here:

The interviewer takes the leadership from the beginning asks you to think specifically just about the potential structure. (E.g. "Could you please develop a structure on how to assess the potential markets to enter?")
It's not clear from the beginning which type of the case it is. In that case, after I present my structure I would ask proactively something like: "Is that structure good to move forward with? Should I add something or maybe prioritize any particular area of the analysis?" Thus the interviewer will tell you what to do next.
You just start driving the case and see whether the interviewer will take the initiative

Also please don't forget to ask the clarifying questions in the beginning:

1) Clarify the business model / how the business actually makes money. Even if you think you understand it, try to repeat it to make sure that you understand it correctly. e.g. if the case is about oil&gas company which revenues are declining, ask if it is Up / mid / down-stream problem. In this case, defining a revenue stream is critical to setting up the right structure.

2) Clarify the objective. Here make sure that your goal is:

Measurable
Has a time-framed
Has / has no limitations

e.g. Should I invest 100k in this business for 1 year if I want to get 15% return?

3) Ask the questions that will help you build a relevant structure and remove ambiguity.

Best!

Answer 3

Hi! The main goal of clarifying questions is to help you build a proper structure. Thus I strongly suggest to do th... (read entire answer)

Hi! The main goal of clarifying questions is to help you build a proper structure. Thus I strongly suggest to do the following: 1) Ask clarifying questions: - Clarify the... (read entire answer)

Answer 4

Hi Nish, my suggested approach would be to present something in between the two options. You can first mention the... (read entire answer)

Hi Nish, my suggested approach would be to present something in between the two options. You can first mention the marco areas of the case, then provide details for each of th... (read entire answer)