Interview process

Here are some tips to help you do well in the business case interview:

• Listen carefully; ask questions if there are any points you don’t understand
• After the interviewer outlines the case parameters, summarize the case for the interviewer in your own words to confirm you understand the problem.
  
• Take a minute to think; don't be afraid of the silence (sometimes it can be good to indicate this to the interviewer and ask if you can take a minute to structure your thoughts).
• Find a way to structure the problem; this will guide your discussion with the interviewer. Briefly explain the framework you plan to use, giving the interviewer a chance to comment. In general, the simpler the framework, the better. Once the interviewer endorses your framework, stick to it and refer back to it throughout the case.
  
• Start with the first element of your framework and work through the answer out loud so the interviewer can evaluate your analytical structure and help you along.
  
• Pause every so often so your interviewer has a chance to course correct. If your interviewer gives you advice, take it – assume it’s intended to be helpful.
  
• Toward the end of the case discussion, be prepared to take a stand and make a recommendation. You might feel uncomfortable making a call with so little data and so little time to discuss all the issues. Remember that this is just an exercise. Make your recommendation based on the conclusions you were able to reach from your discussion and indicate next steps for the client to take.
  
• Be confident and – perhaps most important – relax and try to have some fun. You’ll feel more self-assured if you practice, practice, practice before the interview.
  
• Remember, there is no single right way of answering a case. If you’ve shown your thought process and come to logical and reasonable conclusions, you will successfully "crack the case.”