Second Round Written Big 4 Case Interview

Hi James,

First, good luck!

I recommend the following:

1. Remember that most casing tips apply here (i.e. be very clear+focused on the objective, ruthlessly cut out information that doesn't help you meet this objective/question, make sure to thinking + communicate in a structured way, etc. etc.)
2. Practice/simulate this as much as possible beforehand...getting a coach to help you run through scenarios + how to react in inevitably challenging moments will do a world of good.

I have a number of written case I'd be more than happy to share with you! What I generally do with my candidates is, give them a written case x hours before our scheduled session (adjust # of hours based on the specific interview they're going to have), and then review their work during the session (as well as talk through tips+tricks to get better).

Other helpful Q&As

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/scenario-interview-presentation-prep-9325

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-practice-written-case-interviews-9199

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/case-interview-9228

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-practice-written-case-interviews-9199

Hi James,

Well done on progressing!

Did they say its 1hour of prep time and then 1 hour of presentation & Q&A?

Regardless, am very familiar with BIG4 written case process so happy to help you. Feel free to send me a direct message.

If you are looking for some tips to get started with written case, check out this Q&A: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/written-case-interview-prep-9412

Hi!

There are very useful resources on written cases here on PrepLounge.

I also recommend practicing with the BCG Potential Test and the McKinsey PST Test, which you can find online for free.

Also, have a look at the basic command on Excel and try to structure your PPT as a storyline to communicate effectively your insights and recommendations.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Anto

Hi James, 

Congrats on getting this far in the process! You are almost there. 

If I were you, I'd basically try to replicate the interview format as closely as possible by doing the following:

• Practice McK-type PST cases (or similar) - basically paper-based business situations which require you to interpret data and conduct short analyses
• Try focusing on cases that are particularly numbers heavy and use lots of graphs (to support the excel part)
• Create a few shorts powerpoint presentations based on your findings. Do this by synthesizing top down the insights from the case you did. 

I can help with a few PST example I purchased when I was preparing for the PST myself and advice on how to structure the powerpoint. I'd say the latter might be the most important at this point because they already validated you analytical skills and now probably want to understand more about your ability to communicate effectively to a senior audience. 

Hi there,

in addition to the other comments, find below some example cases that are also suitable for the written case format:

https://www.preplounge.com/de/case-sammlung/candidate-led-ueblicher-stil/schwierig/business-strategy-home-delivery-solution-for-retailer-chain-332?lang=en

https://www.preplounge.com/de/case-sammlung/candidate-led-ueblicher-stil/anfaenger/options-evaluation-profitability-of-brewing-company-startup-327?lang=en

Best

Hi James,

For these types of exercises consulting firms frequently use university style business cases. Often a marketing case, or something related to optimization (that is not too technical).

So you have to read the case, analyze the data and prepare a presentation.

I have a few but can't share as this is restricted use material.