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Video interview - less charts/data?

video interview
New answer on Jan 23, 2022
4 Answers
589 Views
Anonymous A asked on Jan 16, 2022

I'm currently interviewing with MBB via Zoom, and none of the interviews I had till now has involved interviewers sharing charts and data via zoom. 

Just wondering since the interview is conducted virtually, is it common for interviewers to try to avoid sharing charts and data online? Seems to me that interviewers are focusing more on business reasoning and verbal communication in a virtual interview. 

On the other hand, if the interviewer shares a number of slides of data, should I try to take notes of all key data in the paper, as I will not be able to go back and check the info shared by interviewer previously? Any tips on this? Thank you!

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Francesco
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Content Creator
replied on Jan 16, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

1) Just wondering since the interview is conducted virtually, is it common for interviewers to try to avoid sharing charts and data online?

You may not get charts in all interviews, but they are quite common in MBB interviews even when virtual. So it’s good if you are prepared for them as well. You can find some tips here:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/should-you-introduce-the-chart-even-the-simple-stuff-8604

2) On the other hand, if the interviewer shares a number of slides of data, should I try to take notes of all key data in the paper, as I will not be able to go back and check the info shared by interviewer previously?

It is good if you take notes about the key elements of the graph. However, you can definitely ask the interviewer to have a look again at the graph if needed. So you don’t need to “replicate” the complete graph in your notes.

Best,

Francesco       

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Pedro
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replied on Jan 16, 2022
Bain | Roland Berger | EY-Parthenon | Mentoring Approach | 30% off first 10 sessions in May| Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

It's highly likely that you will get slides on your interviews. Maybe not on all, but surely for a few of them.

You can ask to see them again, if it is important. Now, that doesn't mean you should not type down the key points, i.e., the key insights and supporting numbers that you think you may need later on to provide the recommendation or with which perform some calculation.

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Ian
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replied on Jan 17, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

You've been “lucky” to-date so to speak. I can assure you that plenty of interviews include charts. Bain for example is known for sharing multiple charts in one go.

Please don't get lulled into this false sense of complacency :)

In terms of notes, absolutely write down key pieces of info/takeways but don't re-write the entire exhibit/chart! You can always ask the interviewer to go back to a chart.

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Moritz
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replied on Jan 23, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos

This is very unusual. Especially since charts have been a key element in MBB interviews and aren’t at all difficult to share during an online interview.

In McKinsey, interviews have to have charts! However, since they often relate to specific questions, some (slow) candidates don’t make it to the chart. However, that rarely happens and I’m assuming this is not the case with you.

Where I would expect charts to be absent (or at least wouldn’t be surprised) are partner/final round interviews.

Bottom line is that you should continue to expect charts/graphs/tables etc. - they will come eventually! And when they do, I hope you’ll be ready :)

Best of luck!

 

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Francesco gave the best answer

Francesco

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