Tips for case interview on Skype?

Case Interview Skype
Recent activity on Dec 10, 2018
3 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Dec 10, 2018

Hi guys - I've got a case interview coming up with an international office. The interview is over Skype and includes two case questions. Is there any advice on how to adapt to a Skype interview versus an in-person interview?

I guess there is an increased focus on communicating the structure and logic of my answers (not as easy to show the interviewer my issue tree), but I wonder if there is anything else I should be aware of?

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks

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Sidi
Expert
replied on Dec 10, 2018
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers

Hi Anonymous,

when I was a candidate, I had my first round with McKinsey as a video interview, since I was applying to an office on another continent. During my time with McKinsey, I then interviewed dozens of candidates via the Firm's Video Conference System for various offices across the globe. So here are a couple of points that I would recommend:

1. Be ready early! It might take some time to get the Skype going and ensuring all components (camera, microphone) properly work. You don't want to have the interviewer waiting at the other end (even if it is not your fault)

2. Remember to turn off or silence your phone before starting the Skype session. Shut out all distractions, and give yourself around 10 minutes to collect yourself.

3. If it helps you, a video interview gives you the opportunity to bring a "cheat sheet" with a couple of bullet points (e.g., PEI stories or critical issues you want to highlight) and place it in a way that you can read it but it is not in the angle of the camera (maybe fixed on the wall behind the laptop). Just don't stare at the page during the interview - this might feel odd.

4. Look directly into the camera! You might be tempted to look at the monitor or yourself, but focus on making eye contact with your interviewer via the camera.

5. When responding to questions from the interviewer, nod, but take a second before responding in case the connection is weak — so that you don’t end up talking over the interviewer.

6. Double-check your body language! A video interview has the advantage that you can see yourself. So it allows you to more easily keep an awareness on your body language and that you keep the right level of "projection" during the interview.

Cheers, Sidi

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Dec 10, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

I personally had a skype interview - it worked well. Although I would recommend having a personal meeting if it is possible somehow.

If you still want to have an interview on skype, here are some general recommendations:

  1. First of all, check whether they are providing a conference room in a local office
  2. If not - find a place with good internet speed and test it multiple times before the interview. Also, think of nice room / proper light for the video conference if you do it from home
  3. You should be dressed the same as for the regular interview
  4. Don't hesitate to ask clarifying questions if there are problems with connection or you were not able to hear something
  5. Don't forget to look at the camera and smile - same as you do on a regular interview

Best

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Guennael
Expert
replied on Dec 10, 2018
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews

Yes, there's an increased focused on communication... but it really doesn't change much. I actually had one of my 2nd round interviews that way, since an interviewer was suddenly unavailble and BCG scrambled to find someone else available. No big deal.

By the way, you are supposed to overcommunicate your structure and intent already. A 5 year old should be able to understand how you want to organize your analysis anyway.

Most of the case interview practices here on PrepLounge are done over Skype. Why don't you do a few and practice that way?

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Sidi gave the best answer

Sidi

McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
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