Though it is true that there simply is no substitute for the actual thing in order to practice case interviews, there are a few tips and tricks you can remember and use during your actual job-pending case interviews that will help you increase your success rate as you go through your options and meet potential failure as well as success. Projecting professionalism and confidence, defending your conclusions and talking aloud during your process are all great tips to utilize to increase your case interview success rate.
Projecting Professionalism and Confidence
Sometimes even though you may be having the most difficult time with a case interview problem, the simple act of faking it for the interviewer and projecting both confidence and professionalism can land you the job anyway. Employers like to hire consultants who can remain professional even under extreme stress and one who can, at least, pretend to have confidence in himself and his company. Do not become overly confident by making light of the task at hand, but do remain courteous, professional and confident throughout your solving process of asking and answering questions.
Defending Your Conclusion
For some consulting firms, the ability to find the correct answer isn’t as important as being able to defend your conclusion about a case interview task or problem. Presentation means a lot to future clients, and employers want to know you can handle questions and concerns from them. Therefore there is very often a questioning portion of your presentation in which you will have to defend your solution or plan over alternatives. Defending it with calm and grace will not only impress the interviewer and land you the job, but help you keep calm in the future when dealing with clients’ concerns and questions.
Talking Aloud to Demonstrate Skills
One of the biggest mistakes that is often made even by the most well-practiced case interviewee is to completely shut out the interviewer unless a question arises while trying to come up with the answer. Interviewers for consulting jobs are looking for proof that you can communicate effectively, follow a logical line of thinking and come to a reasonable conclusion. By talking aloud while you are framing your situation and working through to a solution, you increase your chances of allowing the interviewer to experience this logical thinking and communication skills him or herself. Ignoring him/her, the “client” in the situation, is a grave error that could cost you the job offer.
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