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Using Zoom whiteboard for case interview

1st round interview
New answer on Nov 13, 2020
7 Answers
1.6 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Nov 12, 2020

Could anyone share their experiences? I'm leaning more towards just using pen and paper, and walking the interviewer through my framework.

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 12, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

I would highly, highly recommend that you do not use Zoom whiteboard.

Casing is all about speed. The white board is going to take forever.

Furthermore, one of the "arts" of casing is to be able to have a pretty bland/simple structure for your framework on paper, but then color it up in the way you present it...this saves time. On a whiteboard you can't do this.

Pen and paper is really the way to go.

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Adi
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Content Creator
replied on Nov 12, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Hey there, thats your discretion and do it only if you feel comfortable & confident. When I have conducted interviews over zoom recently, most candidates have scribbled on their papers and just shown me on camera. Use thick pen/sketch pen (ideally black) and write clearly, use plain white paper.

I really doubt the interviewer will specifically ask you to scribble on Zoom whiteboard but I recommend that you align with HR/Recruiter before to avoid any surprises.

I think its fair to say that interviewers will be relaxed about this given the circumstances we are all in.

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Clara
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replied on Nov 13, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

This is 100% personal, as if you asked whether is better to take notes in class with a pen and paper or using an Ipad.

Me personally, pen and paper, since there is no way that that will fail that day -vs the PC, that you can never know-. For me, it would feel as too risky in that day.

Cheers,

Clara

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Anonymous B replied on Nov 12, 2020

Did all my interviews using pen and paper and it never was an issue.

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 13, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there!
It`s definitely better to use a pen and paper If you didn`t get used t o work with a whiteboard. You will spend too much efforts and time on it and will not be able to concentrate on the task
Good luck!

GB

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Francesco
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Content Creator
replied on Nov 13, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

I agree with Vlad, you can use pen and paper and simply show your structure to the interviewer via the webcam – no need to use anything else.

Best,
Francesco

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Nov 13, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Please use a pen and paper. Don't forget to raise your paper and show the structure into the camera. Guide the interviewer through this structure using your pen

Best

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