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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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!

5. 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?

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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!

11. 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

12. Questions?

13. Apple’s introduction of iWatch
Live Demo
Apple’s introduction of iWatch