1、,Mastering the Case Interview,Jones Graduate School of Management,Agenda,Why Do Firms Conduct Case Interviews? Dissecting the Case Interview Key Thoughts to Remember Mock Interviews,Why Do Firms Conduct Case Interviews?,Interviewer,Candidate,Opportunity to learn about: Experience “Do I want to sit w
2、ith this person on an airplane?” Opportunity to assess: Critical thinking skills Communication skills Aptitude for consulting,Opportunity to demonstrate: Communication skills Focus Problem-solving skills Analytical abilities Poise under pressureOpportunity to learn about: Type of work that the firm
3、does Personality of the firm,Case interviews provide both parties with information:,Keys to the Case Interview,Preparation,Enthusiasm,Comfort,Practice, Practice, Practice.,Demonstrate why you want the opportunity.,Show you can think under pressure. Practice, Practice, Practice.,What is it? An opport
4、unity to evaluate five key skills:,The Case Interview,The Case Interview: Problem Identification Skills,Make sure you understand the problem clearly before starting your response Determine and focus on the salient issues Ask clarifying and penetrating questions Dont hesitate to take a few minutes (o
5、r ask) to compose your thoughts,The Case Interview: Logical Process,Determine your structure/framework after listening to the case one method does not fit all cases Build a sequence to get the facts you need (consider asking for them)or Develop a process to get to a point from which you can work Mak
6、e sure that your case response leads to a conclusion Demonstrating the consultative process is more important than getting the “right” answer,The Case Interview: Data Analysis,Determine what facts you have and which ones you need Address the issues you have identified Perform the appropriate calcula
7、tions to support your hypotheses Consider external perspectives: customers, competitors, suppliers Consider the implications/applications of technology,The Case Interview: Effective Communication,Listen carefully Speak clearly and concisely Demonstrate the logic to your analysis Support and defend y
8、our points Dont lose your cool Ask for feedback at the end,The Case Interview: Use of a Framework,Cost/Benefit Analysis Supply Chain/Value Chain Porters Five Forces Financial Statements 3Cs Customer, Company, and Competition 4Ps Product, Price, Promotion, Place,The Case Interview: Plan Your Response
9、,Take notes bring paper and pencil/pen Communicate your approach to the interviewer Switch approach/framework during the response if you realize its not working Be cognizant of time Wrap it up! Based on the facts you have gathered, draw a conclusion that answers the interviewers question Be prepared
10、 to “wrap it up” even if you run out of time,There are different kinds of Case Study Questions.,Calculation / Market Sizing Ex: What is the annual market size for golf balls in the United States?Business Strategy / Operations Problems Ex: A large health-care company has brought in a team of consulta
11、nts to determine an appropriate strategy for improving profitability through growth in the size of its operations. They hope to reach their profitability goals over the next three years. As one of the consultants, what would you recommend that they do?,These types of questions will be the focus of t
12、odays mock case interviews,Key Ideas to Remember,Ask clarifying questions/think out loud Use a framework to organize your thoughts Dont forget to look at the forest while walking among the trees Structure is more important than the answer (most of the time) RELAX and BE YOURSELF,Practice, Practice, Practice,Mock Case Interviews,September 22, 2000,Jones Graduate School of Management,
