How to Ace the Case
If you ace the case during the interview, you’ve proven that you’re capable of analyzing and resolving a business dilemma in a reasonable manner. There’s actually no correct answer for the case; what’s essential is using logic in generating recommendations for the problem.
Practice Resolving Business Cases
A great deal of preparation is necessary to ace the case, which includes the following:
| Familiarization with various cases | Explore operations, marketing, product development, strategy, and other cases that companies and organizations regularly encounter. The more cases you review will increase your odds of receiving a similar case during the interview. |
| Case frameworks | Master structures that provide detailed guidelines on how to investigate a business case in a rational manner. This will help you efficiently and effectively approach the dilemma from different perspectives. |
| Mental math | Enhance your mental computation skills—you will deal with numbers during the interview. You can’t always use a calculator every time you need to add numbers or calculate ratios and percentages—this will consume your limited time. |
| Mock interviews | Look for someone who is enthusiastic about taking on the role of an interviewer, and ask him or her to critique how you answer questions. Conducting mock interviews improves your communication skills and confidence level. |
Understand the Problem Carefully
When the interviewer presents the case, listen to him or her attentively. If necessary, take down notes, paraphrase statements to validate your understanding, and ask probing questions for more details. Absorb the problem carefully; otherwise, your reasoning on how you arrived at the answer won’t make any sense. Don’t assume you have reviewed the same case during your preparation; the moment you become too certain is when you overlook important details.
Think Aloud
Don’t keep your thoughts to yourself. When you analyze the problem and come up with assumptions, discuss how you generated your statements, reasons for rejecting an idea, and recommendations for solving the problem. Thinking aloud is an excellent way to demonstrate your potential as a consultant because the interviewer can measure your problem solving, communication, and organization skills.
Watch Your Nonverbal Cues
Interviewers don’t only assess your cognitive processes; they also observe your confidence and grace under pressure. It’s vital that you maintain an upright posture, make eye contact, and use body gestures that communicate professionalism. Tapping your fingers or feet, playing with your hair, and cold facial expressions convey uneasiness, insincerity, and a lack of sociability. Be mindful of how you behave in front of the interviewer; your demeanor is crucial because you’ll be dealing with clients once you become a professional consultant. Sending the wrong signals will make the interviewers conclude that you won’t be able to competently represent the firm.
Believe that You Can Ace the Case
Sometimes, all it takes is the right mindset to ace the case. If you believe you can nail the interview, you will be more confident and do everything right. If you have apprehensions, chances are you will feel terrified and get lost in the process. When you have faith in yourself, you’ll stay calm, enjoy the process, and learn from your experience.