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Case Interview Don'ts




Don't jump too quickly into the analysis

Before starting the analysis, make sure that you understand the question and its main components. Ask further questions if some elements are unclear to you.

 

Don't panic if the answer isn't readily apparent

You are not expected to know everything about every business situation. Therefore, don't panic if you don't seem to get ahead or if you are stuck in a dead end. The objective of the entire interview is to discuss your thoughts, present your hypothesis, imagine options, and finally, develop a solution through your interaction with the interviewer.

 

Don't defend your own solution at all costs

It might be that the solution you develop is wrong or inappropriate. In such case, the interviewer will make it clear to you so that you can adapt your solution. Do not defend your solution at all cost. On the other hand, you should be ready to defend you approach if you believe it is a good one. The interviewer might just want to test whether you actually firmly believe what you are saying. Be critical and flexible to follow the road which looks most promising to you, even if this means changing course.

 

Don't internalize your thought process

The interview is set up as a discussion. Therefore make your logic and hypothesis explicit. A good case interview is not limited to answers and solutions.

 

Don't stick to an artificial framework

Some standard frameworks are not always applicable to the business situation discussed. Make sure that you keep it simple and that the framework actually helps you to go straight to the key issues.

 

Don't circulate cases or use advance knowledge

The case presented might be familiar to you: a friend might have told you about it or you might have a specific knowledge in the same area. Most often, this has a negative impact on your performance. We therefore advise you to mention this to the interviewer who will choose another business situation.

For more information, visit the Interactive Case Studies on our global site.

 

 

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