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Consulting Q&A – Ask Questions about Your Career

In this overview, you will find all the questions asked so far by the PrepLounge community. Anyone can ask questions and write answers. Our coaches are also happy to share their expertise. If you like an answer, give it an upvote so that it rises to the top. Here you can also find our guidelines and FAQs for the Consulting Q&A.

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Which strategy do you think is best regarding the prompt and clarifying questions?

Clarifying questions Framework Notes
Most recent answer on Nov 26, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 25, 2023) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
 gave the best answer on Nov 25, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Yuxi, Q: I would like to know your opinions, which one do you agree more with? I would actually not recommend either of the two. What I would recommend is to: Repeat the prompt Ask clarifying questions useful for you ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
476
Views
65
Total Upvotes
on Nov 26, 2023 on Nov 26, 2023
Last Activity

Laptop Notes during interviews

case study Notes
Most recent answer on Aug 29, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 25, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Aug 25, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there,  It's absolutely not a red flag.  However, from my experience, I've noticed paper notes work better. The advantage to paper notes is that you can be quickly schematic, drawing structures or any other conceptua ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
441
Views
15
Total Upvotes
on Aug 29, 2023 on Aug 29, 2023
Last Activity

I'm stuck on understanding how to structure my notes

MECE Notes Structure Taking Notes
Most recent answer on Aug 30, 2022
The best answer (on Sep 03, 2018) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
ex-Manager - Natural and challenging teacher - Taylor case solving, no framework
Benjamin
Expert
 gave the best answer on Sep 03, 2018
ex-Manager - Natural and challenging teacher - Taylor case solving, no framework
Hi Brian, Structure is key to succeed in interview. In general, the philosophie is "a unique client issue requires a unique approach", so let's avoid using strandard framework learned from the book. They are a good wa ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
2.7 k
Views
7
Total Upvotes
on Aug 30, 2022 on Aug 30, 2022
Last Activity

How to write my case notes in a more structured/organised manner?

Notes notetaking organizingnotes
Question edited on Jul 31, 2022
Anonymous gave the best answer on Jan 21, 2021
Note taking is of course a critical piece of a strong case delivery, so it will pay off to practice this early on in your preparation. Whatever system you chose (and practice), it needs to fulfill 3 main purposes: ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
3.8 k
Views
63
Total Upvotes
on Jul 31, 2022 on Jul 31, 2022
Last Activity

Virtual interview notes

Notes
Most recent answer on Jul 08, 2021
The best answer (on Jul 08, 2021) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jul 08, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, You don’t have to, but I always recommend to ask the interviewers if it is ok to show the initial structure in virtual interviews. The reasons are: They can understand better the structure you are presen ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
695
Views
66
Total Upvotes
on Jul 08, 2021 on Jul 08, 2021
Last Activity

When do you show your interviewer your notes?

Notes
Most recent answer on Jun 27, 2021
The best answer (on Oct 13, 2018) is from:
Guennael
Expert
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews
Guennael
Expert
 gave the best answer on Oct 13, 2018
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews
You are certainly welcome to, but dont use this as a crutch. I never want to see notes for example, and expect you to take me through your structure and thought process well enough that I would understand with my eyes c ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
2.0 k
Views
1
Total Upvotes
on Jun 27, 2021 on Jun 27, 2021
Last Activity

What are some best practices in regards to efficient note taking during case interviews?

Case Interview case interview note taking Notes organizingnotes Taking Notes
Most recent answer on Mar 18, 2021
Anonymous gave the best answer on Mar 17, 2021
Hi A! Note taking is of course a critical piece of a strong case delivery, so it will pay off to practice this early on in your preparation. Whatever system you chose (and practice), it needs to fulfill 3 main pu ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.5 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Mar 18, 2021 on Mar 18, 2021
Last Activity

How to take good notes during a Case Interview?

Case Interview Notes
Most recent answer on Jan 23, 2021
The best answer (on Jun 11, 2020) is from:
Luca
Expert
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached
Luca
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jun 11, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached
Hello, Your paper should look like this: You have the following parts: Initial information: a recap of the case statement and information given at the beginning Progressive takeaways and new information: summ ... (read entire answer)
13
Answers
4.7 k
Views
88
Total Upvotes
on Jan 23, 2021 on Jan 23, 2021
Last Activity

Best approach to notetaking

Notes notetaking
Most recent answer on Jan 21, 2021
The best answer (on Aug 24, 2019) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
 gave the best answer on Aug 24, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, I recommend the following approach- 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 clarifyi ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.8 k
Views
6
Total Upvotes
on Jan 21, 2021 on Jan 21, 2021
Last Activity

Organizing notes in Mckinsey

McKinsey Notes organizingnotes
Most recent answer on Jan 21, 2021
The best answer (on Jul 08, 2019) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jul 08, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, I recommend the following approach- 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 clarifyi ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
4.2 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Jan 21, 2021 on Jan 21, 2021
Last Activity

How to take better, clearer notes during case interviews?

Case Interview McKinsey Notes notetaking organizingnotes Structure Taking Notes Written
Recent activity on Jan 21, 2021
Anonymous gave the best answer on Jun 26, 2017
This is definitely an underrated (but important) skill to develop when working on cases. Usually, the people I've worked with have adopted the same format you currently have with some minor tweaks: - Position of pape ... (read entire answer)
13
Answers
31.5 k
Views
72
Total Upvotes
on Jan 21, 2021 on Jan 21, 2021
Last Activity

Taking notes in case interview

Case Interview Notes organizingnotes
Most recent answer on Jan 21, 2021
The best answer (on Oct 08, 2018) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
 gave the best answer on Oct 08, 2018
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 obj ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
4.1 k
Views
4
Total Upvotes
on Jan 21, 2021 on Jan 21, 2021
Last Activity

How to improve notes taking during case interview

Case Interview Notes notetaking Taking Notes
Most recent answer on Jan 12, 2021
The best answer (on Jan 11, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jan 11, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
In regards to #1, skip the one you miss. The moment you miss something, forget about it. Draw a quick line so you know to ask about it, but move on. Don't let missing 1 thing cause you to miss all the rest. In regards ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
2.0 k
Views
88
Total Upvotes
on Jan 12, 2021 on Jan 12, 2021
Last Activity

McK Interview - Should I bring my own paper?

Case Interview Mck McKinsey McKinsey & Company Notes
Most recent answer on Aug 14, 2020
The best answer (on Nov 30, 2017) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
 gave the best answer on Nov 30, 2017
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Anonymous, at McKinsey they will always provide paper, and normally also collect your notes. As for how optimize notes, my recommendation would be to keep the paper horizontal and divide it in 4 areas as reported ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
6.8 k
Views
12
Total Upvotes
on Aug 14, 2020 on Aug 14, 2020
Last Activity

Taking notes and documenting daily diaries - Who do you do it?

interpersonal skills Notes notetaking organizingnotes soft skills Taking Notes
Most recent answer on Aug 03, 2020
The best answer (on Jul 30, 2020) is from:
Jasper
Expert
Expert Financial Services | ex-FinTech Unicorn Manager | 250+ real interviews | 14y+ int work exp | ESCP Business School
Jasper
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jul 30, 2020
Expert Financial Services | ex-FinTech Unicorn Manager | 250+ real interviews | 14y+ int work exp | ESCP Business School
Hi Mike, excellent question for consultants as it's both very structured and about meeting goals! To answer you're questions: ad 1.: Yes, I start with a coffee too ;-) and then I write down what you want to to t ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
1.2 k
Views
26
Total Upvotes
on Aug 03, 2020 on Aug 03, 2020
Last Activity

On note taking during case interview

Case Interview Notes notetaking
Most recent answer on Jul 31, 2020
The best answer (on Jul 29, 2020) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jul 29, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, I can't see any problem in a virtual interview (the interviewer won't probably even notice). In a real one, it could look a bit strange to the interviewer but if it is useful for you I don't think there co ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
1.4 k
Views
29
Total Upvotes
on Jul 31, 2020 on Jul 31, 2020
Last Activity

Keeping track of key points after a case

best practice Notes Practice cases
Most recent answer on May 19, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on May 17, 2020
Hi Mouna, I would structure the key takeaways into 3 buckets: 1) Key learnings about "case types": these are points you learned regarding the different types of cases that are interesting to have in the back of your ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.1 k
Views
31
Total Upvotes
on May 19, 2020 on May 19, 2020
Last Activity

Note paper - Is it okay to prepare before the interview?

Case Interview Notes notetaking organizingnotes paper paper screen
Recent activity on Jan 09, 2019
The best answer (on Jan 08, 2019) is from:
Sidi
Expert
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Sidi
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jan 08, 2019
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi Anonymous, I would clearly advise against this! It will come across overly robotic and generic! A case interview should first and foremost be a DISCUSSION (albeit a very structured and analytical one). As an interv ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
2.0 k
Views
10
Total Upvotes
on Jan 09, 2019 on Jan 09, 2019
Last Activity
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