1. Advisory Services Case Study Interview Tips

2. We recommend using a four-step structured approach to solving a case
Understand
Structure &
Analyze
Evaluate
Options
Recommend
Listen
Ask questions/ Clarify
Confirm understanding
Use analytical framework
Breakdown issues
Prioritize issues
Perform calculations
Identify options
Analyze impact of options
Identify potential risks
Synthesize analytical process
Reach conclusion
Present recommendations
Key activities
Skills required
Communication
General business knowledge
Structuring
Problem solving
Analytical
Quantitative
Communication
Analytical
Communication
Big picture thinking

3. Structure & Analyze - consider the following elements
Strategy
Think through the firm’s overall business strategy as you consider the case at hand
Try to remember that the final recommendation has to be in line with overall strategy
Process
What are the key processes that need to be executed once the recommendation is implemented?
Think though potential governance, capability/maturity issues related to processes
People
What are the key skills required? What are the roles and responsibilities and how do they map against the existing skill set?
What are the possible organizational structures that could work in this setting?
Technology
What are the tools and technologies required to run the processes efficiently? What are the existing systems that we could leverage?
Performance
Management
What are the key business drivers and relevant metrics? Are all these metrics quantifiable and measurable?
Location
This perspective is not always relevant, but you need to think through the location and facility options, especially for call centers and other shared service centers

4. Tips & Techniques Organized, analytical mindset
Be structured and logical
Demonstrate quantitative skills
Be a problem solver
Do not jump to hasty conclusions
Problem solving ability
Breakdown complicated problems into smaller, manageable ones
Demonstrate insight and objective judgment
Propose creative but practical measures
Think on your feet
Remember the basic case question at hand, don’t get lost in the details
Communication and interpersonal skills
Connect with the interviewer
Show poise, maturity, confidence
Ask questions, and answer questions asked by the interviewer

5. Case Study Interview FAQ’s
Q: How can I best prepare for a case interview?
Answer: Practice, practice, practice….
Practice as many case interviews as you can and practice with many individuals. Do not stick to your comfort zone
Q: What should I do if I am stuck with a specific detail or am not quite sure of an effective way to tackle a situation?
Answer: Ask questions. Clarify from the interviewer if you are headed in the right direction. Fall back on your structure and head a different path
Q: Is it ok to tell an interviewer "I'm not sure"? Should I focus on the aspects I am familiar with and hope they overlook the areas I didn't address?
Answer: Yes. It is OK to say you are “not sure”. While it is good to focus on your strengths, remember that the answer might be elsewhere. Try to address all the relevant portions of the case.
Q: Is it acceptable to make assumptions while conducting the analysis?
Answer: Yes, as long as the assumptions are logical, relevant and clearly stated to the interviewer