Deloitte Case Interview Tips

RecruitingCase Interviewing Tips and Common Mistakes or simply dancing from one issue to another without outlining the approach. The interviewer is looking as much for evidence or a logical thought process as for a solution to the case. Case Interview Tips: • Listen to the case problem carefully. If you need to take a minute or two to collect your thoughts. organize. keep in mind the reason you are discussing it and how it fits into your initial framework. The case is meant to be interactive. Firms want to know how you identify. Common Mistakes: • Not understanding the original question. • Don’t focus on “nailing the case”. • Use your business/industry experience and common sense. • Listen carefully to the interviewer. When discussing a specific point. • Failing to present a clear point of view. If you get stuck. tell the interviewer what and why. View the case interview as an opportunity to show off your skills. • Proceeding with the case in a random manner. The case interview allows consistent evaluation of candidates. Communicate your train of thought clearly. Even if you have considered some alternatives that you rejected. • Begin by setting a plan. Remember to keep a broad framework so that you don’t hit a dead end. make sure you answer the question(s) that are being asked by the case. It is far more important that you demonstrate a logical thought process and structured analytics than to simply arrive at a case solution. asking superfluous questions without letting the interviewer know the reason for such questions should be avoided. • Think out loud. The interview also allows us to assess your ability to attack a problem with logical structure and an intelligent approach. Be mindful of the resources required for the solution you are suggesting. make sure to emphasize a point of view based on your ending point. so feel free to seek out applicable data. Information given by an interviewer during a case might be given to help you along a path. You should think of the interviewer as your partner in this exercise. as well as how you employ structured thinking to reach logical and intelligent conclusions. ask questions. as it does not favor any particular background or educational experience. asking for help in tough spots might just get you to a magnificent conclusion. While it isn’t uncommon to run out of time. Make sure the information is pertinent and the interviewer knows why you might consider the information. ask for help. • Ask for additional information as you go. • Not asking for help. Use your personal arsenal of experience to help you along the way. It never hurts to paraphrase the case or questions back to the interviewer to ensure your understanding. as they relate to the type of work our firm delivers to clients. Heading down the wrong path or deviating from the original question posed by the case. Your experience and insight are key items to help you logically navigate your way through the case interview. Pretend this is a real client situation that you need to explore and solve. This will guide you through your thought process and keep you on track. • Relax and enjoy. • Create a framework. While it is important to ask vital questions to approach the problem. and approach problems. do so. Why do we use case interviews as part of our hiring process? Case interviews allow you to demonstrate your skills as they relate to a career in management consulting. Take notes if you would prefer. Failing to identify the major points that need to be addressed. This is an interactive experience. • Stay organized. The case interview allows Deloitte to see how you think about business problems and to see if you are able to reach a well-supported and logical conclusion. • Asking too many questions.What is a case interview? Case interviews are used by recruiters to measure your ability to deal creatively with complex and ambiguous business problems. . listen carefully and follow their lead. You should also think of 3-5 sub-questions that you need to address before you can address the overall problem. create an approach that addresses key issues Understand the case • Ask clarifying questions • Repeat back if necessary • Take notes as needed Identify and communicate key issues you want to evaluate • Don’t hesitate to take few moments to compose your thoughts • Thinking out of the box is OK • Consider external perspectives. competitors. broaden later Develop a logical framework • Find a framework to organize your thoughts and stick with it • Ask questions that support or refine your framework Lo gi Make assumptions and test hypothesis • Find facts • Think out loud. not a tool. trends. tool. not not the the solution solution i ve monologue Co • Speak clearly and m m concisely un • Support and defend your ic at points io n • Don’t get flustered. but be aware that what you say can and will be used to challenge you in an interview • Let your interviewers talk. customers. realizing you probably can’t cover everything in 30 minutes To guide your analysis. you can still come back with a strong ending • Make sure you listen to your interviewer – they may offer you clues to try to help you out •Use •Use a a framework framework as as Use Use of of a a Framework Framework Pr o • Make sure your interviewer can follow your logic • Think out loud so the interviewer hears your analysis • Build a sequence to your solution that addresses the key questions/issues • Cover as much ground as you can.deloitte.com/careers • Drill down ca lP ro ce ss . etc. even if you start off on the wrong foot. • Focus first.Cases give you the opportunity to demonstrate five critical skills • Listen as the case is given to you and take notes • Make sure you know what the actual question/problem is • Confirm that you clearly understand the case by repeating relevant information back to the interviewer • Figure out what facts you have and which ones you don’t • Ask clarifying questions • Determine your response structure up front Da ta • Perform the appropriate An calculations/analysis a en tif i ca tio n em ly si id bl s • Listen carefully and a a checklist checklist of of areas areas to to investigate investigate within within the the remember that the case case Ef case should be a •A fe •A framework framework is is a a ct conversation. and listen when they do Drive to conclusions/ recommendations • Consider the implications and applications of your answer • Be prepared to wrap it up even if you run out of time www. public institutions. as well as large national enterprises. 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