Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting | Strategy | Critical Thinking

830: Speed is the wrong focus area (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we discuss speed. Far too many candidates focus on being faster. That is another myth. Speed is an outcome of having good technique. So if you are slow, deconstruct your technique, analyze weaknesses and develop a new way to solve arithmetic. That is key. Unless your technique improves aka "your process to solve math," you will never improve. We explain how in this podcast. Moreover, if an interviewer or practice partner indicates you are slow, think carefully if your technique can be improved, versus merely trying to speak faster. Note, there are many different techniques to solve arithmetic problems so do not search for the "best" technique. Find one that works for you. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach] McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf] Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/promo]

829: Case length and details (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we dtalk about case length and details. When we ask candidates for more details in their resume, fit responses and cover letter, they always write longer sentences. There is an important difference between "more details" and "greater length". Most candidates are accustomed to spending just a few minutes on a thought and then writing up long and poorly structured sentences. When we ask for more details, we require more facts in the case interview or fit answer and this, crucially, usually means denser and shorter answers. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach] McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf] Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/promo]

828: Career rotation vs. progression (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we speak about career rotation vs. progression. Candidates always want to show improvement on their resumes in the months leading up to their applications. For those working in industry or rival consulting firms, showing leadership and career development is crucial. This podcast explains that career rotation, a lateral move at the same pay grade, is rarely a good idea unless it takes you to a part of the business where you can show leadership in solving a major problem. Career progression, a promotion to a new pay grade, always looks good on a resume because it demonstrates you are mastering your functional domain. It is better to stay in a role and achieve results than rotating for a better title. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach] McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf] Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/promo]

827: Estimation = Brainstorming = Structures (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we speak about the three core technical concepts around cases. We always teach clients estimation technique first, followed by brainstorming technique and finally full case technique. There is a simple reason for this, which is explained in this podcast. Estimations tend to be, but not always, a brainstorm with very few or just one branch. A brainstorm is therefore an estimation equation with multiple branches. A full case structure is a very large brainstorm with mini-brainstorms at each new branch. We want candidates to see this evolution so they can understand how crucial brainstorming is to the entire case interview approach. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach] McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf] Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/promo]

826: Leadership versus teamwork answers (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we speak about leadership versus teamwork answers. If you are thinking through responses to leadership and teamwork questions, the starting point should be knowing the differences between both. At its core, to McKinsey especially, leadership is about influencing a group people to undertake and complete an initiative of importance. Yet, a better definition is that as the leader you tend to be the primary beneficiary of what is happening since you get the credit. As a great team member, you do much of the work but you do not get the great. Ensure your teamwork and leadership stories cover this crucial distinction. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach] McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf] Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/promo]