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You are about to have a consulting case interview? You may probably be having mixed feelings- little excitement and anxiousness. But think the other way, as being selected for a consulting case interview is itself a big part because not many individuals reach this stage. If you did, it indicates you already have the necessary skills. However, the journey will only get rough from here, but knowing the right way will help you navigate easily through it. 

When you discover what the employer or recruitment outsourcing companies are looking for in an applicant, you will be able to demonstrate the abilities and characteristics aligned with their specific requirements. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the interview scenario and prepare for it.  

What Interviewers Look For in a Case Interview?

Just like any other profession, the consultant’s role too requires some specific traits. For an impactful consulting case interview, you must demonstrate those anticipated skills. 

Read on to discover those necessary attributes and skills.  

1. The ability to solve problems strategically

Solving problems is a distinctive art of consultants; the way they solve any problem is completely different from how normal people usually do. Consultants break down the issues into smaller chunks that too in a very systematic and strategic manner. This is where MECE- mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive, the principle comes into play. This principle is routinely used for consultation, which you can use to structure the problems. You will then be able to look at a case from all angles and come up with a meticulous solution.   

2. Your Level of creative thinking

Data gathering and analysis are important aspects of consulting. There are too many figures involved that you may see yourself thinking like a bookkeeper. Consulting, on the other hand, is more than just statistics. You must also be innovative and original in your thoughts. In a case interview, you could use an issue tree to illustrate all potential solutions. 

3. How good you are at analytics

Although a case interview and the consulting case study given to you are not completely about statistics, they play a crucial role in the interview. Another main thing to remember here is that you will have to calculate without using a calculator. 

You can enhance your analytical skills using the following methods: 

• Experiment with some arithmetic challenges. Even doing secondary school math tasks will be helpful. It will develop your brain in a way that you will be able to perform calculations on the go.  
• You can also play games like Sudoku, Chess, and Crossword. This can assist you in training the portion of your brain that conducts calculations.

4. Gain a strong business expertise

Business expertise is the ability to comprehend and respond to business-related situations in the most effective manner. There is a reason why top consulting companies are ready to pay hugely to business management graduates and even spend money on business workshops for their workers. 

When people say, "Consultants are issue solvers," they typically mean business challenges. However, advisory and consulting professionals can also be employed by governments to develop policies or by non-profit groups to assist in the creation of a better world. Nonetheless, business issues are core to consulting, and consultants must show exceptional business acumen during case interviews.

5. Speak like a consultant

Yes, consultants are expected to talk and convey their thoughts in a particular manner. It's known as top-down dialogue (Pyramid Principle). In general, individuals start discussing thoughts with the phrase "Once upon a time...". This implies that the moral of the story will be revealed at the end.

But, this is not how consultants work. They start with the ending. This indicates that the primary concept is stated in the beginning. The reasons for the initial thoughts are then detailed. Finally, if required, those explanations can be elaborated.

Conclusion

The above-discussed points are a few skills and knowledge you need to obtain and demonstrate during your consulting case interview. Most importantly, being an advisory and consulting professional, you must focus on effective communication and critical thinking abilities.

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