APDCC Case Interview Workshop Andy Luo Ace the Case APDCC Case Interview Workshop Andy Luo

Agenda What is a case? ~ 10 min Management consulting recruiting process Case interview introduction How to crack the case interview? ~ 30 min Why cases? Skillsets for case interviews Resources and tips Live demo ~ 15 min

Case interview is a critical part of management consulting recruiting Typical McKinsey recruiting process Resume screening Problem solving test (PST) Written format 2nd round interview Two interviews with associates/managers 30 min behavior + 30 min case Final round interview Three interviews with partners

Case interviews evaluate your ability to solve real-life business problems in a team environment You are given A particular business problem You will have 30 min Pen and paper The interviewer’s help (data, clarification, guidance) You are expected to Solve the problem in a logical manner Communicate your reasoning effectively Give a “sound” recommendation Make the interviewer like you!

Questions I’ve been asked The cases are highly ambiguous with no absolute “right or wrong” answers Questions I’ve been asked A global mining firm accidentally discovered an enzyme that could make medicines 100 times more purer than the present version. What to do with it? A 100-year family business specializing in publishing travel guides received a take-over offer of $ 10 M from a major travel agency. Should they take it? Help Gates Foundation evaluate a collaborative opportunity with Mexico government How to bring back the blue sky of Beijing? What are the three major challenges confronting chemistry in the next 100 years?

Case interviews tell the interviewers whether you will be a qualified future team member/colleague Tangible qualities Consistent habit of logical thinking Results-driven Number crunching skills Business acumen and creativity Intangible qualities Effective communication Maturity and confidence An interesting human being – the airport test

Always being structured and logical is the most important quality of a management consultant Frameworks - MECE Profit of a DVD-renting business declined 30% in the past three month Profit = Revenue – Cost = price x quantity – (fixed cost + variable cost) How to improve the number of organs donated in Minnesota? # Organs = #population x % mortality x % awareness x % signing x # organ/donor How to increase US Bank’s revenue in the student segment? Revenue = #students x % awareness x % conversion x # accounts x spending/account Casebook frameworks Hypothesis-driven Prioritize! Take good notes How to practice

Never confuse your client (interviewer) Communicate proactively “Open math” evaluates your skills with numbers facing high-level executives in a business environment Never confuse your client (interviewer) Communicate proactively State your plan BEFORE you do the math Verify your results Avoid obsession with absolute “accuracy” You only have ONE chance to be wrong Go beyond numbers – so what? How to practice

Learn to articulate your reasoning in a structured and concise manner The ultimate goal of consulting is NOT to deliver the results, but to convince your client Learn to articulate your reasoning in a structured and concise manner The Pyramid Principle Result/conclusion first Label your reasons Always remember to close the sales How to practice

Tips for APDs Improve your business acumen Plan early, but DO NOT over-practice Be likable Bring the whole package The REALLY difficult part is getting the interview!

Useful Resources Books Websites/Blogs/Videos The Pyramid Principle The McKinsey Way / Mind Case in Point (or many similar) Casebooks (by many B-schools) Websites/Blogs/Videos Victor Cheng’s www.caseinterview.com

Questions?

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