Thank you very much for you detailed answer. really appreciated :D
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This question is read-only because it has been merged with What is the best way to prepare for a first case interview here at PrepLounge?.
Where shall I start for the case interview
Overview of answers
Hi Cassie,
For preparation, I recommend 3 three things:
- Read Case Interview Secrets from Victor Cheng. I would almost go as far as to say: you have almost no chance in getting through the day without it. Think about his LOMS (Look over my shoulder) package.
- Leverage the boot camp from PrepLounge to get up to speed on the basics both in terms of structure and content.
- Do as many meetings with fellow interviewees as possible (through the PrepLounge meeting board) and think about investing in a coaching session (Francesco is amazing, e.g.). Ultimately, the “right” number of cases depends on a) your previous knowledge, b) your available time and c) your progress. Note, like preparing for a big competition in sports, there is a plateau for case performance after which the marginal value of doing one more case becomes negative.
Finally, to help you put my recommendation into perspective, I was preparing for several final round interviews. I had done a tone of reading, watched free YouTube videos (Firmsconsulting, MasterTheCase, etc.), talked to people, and booked coaching sessions. I arrived at the conclusion that without decent preparation it's exceptionally difficult to pass. It's very transparent on what the consultancies expect from you so everybody has a fair chance to convince the interviewers. While that is generally good, it means that most interviewees have practiced a lot and, as result raised the average.
Doing what I did, helped me secure a Sen. Associate position at McKinsey. Keep in mind, this is n=1.
Good luck
Hi,
I managed to get offers at all consultancies I applied (Bain, BCG, GoetzPartners, Strategy&, etc.) by using the following approach:
1) Cross-read a case prep book (e.g. Case in Point) - around 5h
2) Apply for a consultancy which is not your first choice and see where your improvement areas are
3) Derive a case prep plan depending on your improvement areas as realized in a very early interview process
4) Join Prep Lounge and do 5-10 cases and derive your improvement areas again
5) Prep with a Prep Lounge expert to tackle your remaining improvement areas and refine your forward prep plan together
6) Continue with Prep Lounge for 10-15 cases and listen to Vitor Chengs cases
7) Apply for 3-4 consultancies and manage to organize the interview sequence, starting with least desired company and finishing with the most desired one
I hope this provides some ideas for your interview preparations! Good luck!