If you're looking to break into the consulting world, chances
are you'll soon run into the case interview. Case
questions—business problems that need solutions — are designed to
test your analytical skills and creative abilities. Your job is
to ask the interviewer logical questions that will allow you to
propose a business solution or recommendation.
There are three types of case interview questions:
guesstimates, business cases, and brainteasers.
The Guesstimate
If you havent figured it out, Guesstimates are... guesses! Sample
questions include, "How many lightbulbs are bought in the United
States each year?"
While this question seems to be intimidating, there are ways
to hone your guesstimate skills. First, don't forget to breathe.
Second, don't panic: interviewers smell fear. Thirdly, say
something along the lines of "That's an interesting question. Do
you mind if I take some time to mull it over?" Remember,
interviewers are looking for analytical and quantitative skills,
not the right answer.
An example:
How many baseballs does it take to fill an Olympic size pool?
Answer:
Never mind the "Where do I begin?" and "Is this even legal?"
questions running through your head. Calm Down!
Remember—remaining calm means remaining logical and
arbitrary.
Start from scratch with questions such as: What is the length,
shape, width, and depth of an Olympic size swimming pool? What is
the size and volume of a standard baseball?
First, you estimate the volume of the pool based on its depth,
length, and width. Then, you divide the volume of the pool by the
volume of a baseball to calculate the number of balls. Finally,
ask the interviewer if you should subtract a bit of volume for
the pool steps and ladder. After the interviewer answers you,
give your answer.
The Business Question
Your M.B.A. has prepared you for the business question of the
case interview. The interviewer will present you with a business
scenario with which you will be expected to analyze for a
solution. Asking the interviewer questions and taking notes are
crucial aspects of the case interview's business question. The
ability to clarify a situation, to analyze facts, and to set up
an outline for pursuing more information are your main
objectives. There's one thing you should remember — there is no
"correct" answer, so focus on which questions need to be answered
before you propose a business solution.
An example:
Pizza Hut wants to know whether it should enter the Malaysian
market. What do you recommend?
Answer:
After you write the question down begin structuring your
questions around the main components: the company, the customers,
the competitors, and the management.
Some questions that should come to mind are: What is Pizza
Hut? How do they make money? (pizza, sodas, salads, heroes, etc.)
Are they international? Do Malaysians know what pizza is, and if
they do, do they eat it? Are there competitors in Malaysia? If
so, how many? What is the current Malaysian diet? Can they eat
cheese? Do they eat out? Do they eat fast food? What is the
government like? Why should Pizza Hut enter the Malaysian market?
Who would manage it?
Of course, there are many more questions you could ask
yourself, but the ones posted above serve as a great springboard
to start asking the interviewer questions. Based upon the
interviewer's answers and the rest of your questions, you'll
uncover a business solution.
The Brainteasers
While guesstimates and business questions are designed to test
your assessing skills, brainteasers are designed to assess your
creativity and poise. As I told you before, interviewers want
multi-faceted, dimensional people on their team.
Before you begin solving a brainteaser, write it down.
An example:
You and your neighbor are planning yard sales and you're both
selling the same, used blender. She's selling it for $40 while
you're selling yours for $100. What do you do?
The answer? Buy your neighbor's blender for $40 and sell both
for $100.
Go Get'em
Now, that wasn't so bad, was it? Remember—case interview
questions have more than one right answer, so don't stress out.
Stay focused and remind yourself that interviewers want to see
flexible thinking, strong analytical skills, logical
recomendations, and creative flair.
