Case Interview Secrets

Synopsis

Want to work at a consulting firm like McKinsey & Company? Then you should know that to land a job at McKinsey is 10 times harder than to get accepted to Harvard University.

The good news, though, is that there are smart ways to crack the case interview. In Case Interview Secrets, Victor Cheng, former McKinsey consultant and case interviewer who aced an incredible 60 out of 61 case-interviews, gives you the interviewer's guide on how to crack the case interview and get job offers not from just one but from multiple consulting firms.

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What insights does Victor Cheng provide on getting job offers from multiple consulting firms?

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Victor Cheng, a former McKinsey consultant, provides insights on how to crack the case interview, a crucial step in the hiring process of consulting firms. He shares his own experience of acing 60 out of 61 case-interviews, which led to job offers from multiple firms. Cheng emphasizes the importance of understanding the interviewer's perspective and mastering the art of problem-solving. However, the specific strategies and techniques he suggests are not detailed in the provided content.

How did Victor Cheng manage to ace 60 out of 61 case-interviews?

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Victor Cheng, a former McKinsey consultant, managed to ace 60 out of 61 case-interviews by using smart strategies to crack the case interview. He developed an understanding of the interviewer's perspective and used this insight to effectively answer the questions posed during the interview. His approach allowed him to receive job offers from multiple consulting firms.

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Top 20 insights

1. Recruiters seek candidates who already behave like consultants. Consultants speak for the firm when they engage with a client. Therefore, firms want candidates who pick their words carefully and can factually back every single statement.
2. Besides great analytical and problem-solving skills demonstration, candidates must be able to present their conclusions in a client-friendly manner. This is because clients only accept the recommendations that they can understand. Often, interpersonal skills make the difference between a job offer and a final-round rejection.
3. Interviewers prefer slower candidates who employ a consistent, repeatable process over faster ones who use unrepeatable methods. It is easier to coach for speed, but difficult to improve accuracy.
4. The case interview closely simulates the everyday experience of a consultant's job. Case interviews involve estimation questions because clients ask them every day. If a candidate doesn't enjoy the interview preparation process, chances are they might not enjoy the job either.
5. Case interviews are hypothesis-driven, not framework-driven. The hypothesis determines the choice of framework. A candidate who masters the critical reasoning behind issue trees performs better than the one who mechanically applies frameworks. The thoughtless application of standard frameworks is a red flag in interviews.
6. If the complete issue tree is shared right at the beginning, it gives the interviewer a sense of how the candidate approaches the problem. If a candidate doesn't do this, the interviewer may conclude that the candidate has not created an issue tree.
7. "Drill Down Analysis" is a systematic method to visit branches and sub-branches in an issue tree. At each branch, the candidate analyzes relevant data to prove or disprove the branch. If a branch is proven false, the candidate revises the hypothesis and creates a new issue tree. The process ends when a hypothesis is validated.
8. In a client interview, a consultant doesn't spend the majority of the time on the client's problem solution. Instead, the time is spent on the isolation of the causes behind a client's problem. 75% of the time is spent on problem definition. Candidates must never propose a solution until they are confident of having identified and isolated the problem.
9. Candidates often struggle to manage notes. A highly effective way is to keep exclusive sheets for crucial information like hypotheses and issue trees and use separate sheets for calculations. When a branch is eliminated, candidates can show the updated issue tree to the interviewer.
10. Synthesis is a specific way to communicate progress: state an action-oriented conclusion, three supporting points and restate the recommendation. Synthesis is used at the end of the case and when branches are switched in the issue tree. Interviewers highly value this skill in candidates.
11. Smart candidates use their time efficiently and don't memorize a dozen frameworks. Mastery of just three general frameworks – Profitability, Business Situation and Mergers and Acquisitions – is sufficient to tackle 70% of case interviews. Creation of custom issue trees will take care of the rest.
12. The Business Situation Framework is useful when you need to better understand the qualitative aspect of the context, refine the hypothesis and find efficient ways to test it. The four main branches are Customer, Product, Company and Competition. They can be utilized to analyze cases like a new product introduction, a growth strategy development or a new market entry evaluation.
13. The "Candidate Led Case Interview" is an open-ended format designed to simulate how consultants approach open-ended client problems. This format has been around for decades and every other format is just a variation of this. Therefore, when this format is mastered, the candidate is empowered to excel in all the others.
14. To buy a valuable minute at the beginning of an interview, a candidate can repeat the client's question back to the interviewer and ask questions to clarify the client's objective. This gives a candidate time to deal with panic and think of an initial hypothesis.
15. Totals and averages always lie. The ability to segment numbers into components is critical for analysis. The best way to understand the implications of a unit is to compare it to a previous time period and the industry norms.
16. In the "Interviewer Led Case" interview, the interviewer chooses which parts of the case are essential and asks specific questions. This can lead to a lot of abrupt switches in the case flow. Excellence in this format depends on the mastery of the issue tree and synthesis. McKinsey has moved almost exclusively to this format.
17. In the "Group Case" interview, candidates are expected to work with competitors to solve a case. Interviewers use this format to identify how candidates collaborate and build on the ideas of others under pressure.
18. In a "Presentation Case" interview, candidates are evaluated on presentations created with given data sheets analysis. The presentation structure follows the synthesis format: groups of slides for the actionable conclusion, three key insights and restatement of the recommendation. Each slide has a data table or chart, labels and a title that conveys the critical insight.
19. To train for a case interview is more like to prep for a bicycle race than to take an exam. This is because it doesn't test what candidates know but rather what they do under pressure. Candidates who get multiple offers have both case interview knowledge and habits to apply it.
20. The only way to get multiple job offers is a disciplined practice. 90% of Cheng's students who got an offer practiced for 50 to 100 hours. Candidates who clear the top three firms have participated in an average of 50 practice cases. The best way to train is to first watch an expert give a case interview and replicate best practices in mock interviews.

Summary

Top-tier strategy management firms like McKinsey and Boston Consulting group rely on the time-tested case interview method to hire candidates. The case interview is a broad term for several methods that test problem-solving abilities. Though, there is a range of formats, the skills required to crack the case interview remain the same.

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How can the insights from 'Case Interview Secrets' be applied in today's recruitment environment in consulting firms?

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The insights from 'Case Interview Secrets' can be applied in today's recruitment environment in consulting firms by focusing on the core skills required to crack the case interview. These include problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and communication skills. The book provides strategies and techniques to enhance these skills. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding the business context of the case, which is crucial in today's dynamic business environment. Furthermore, the book's insights can be used to prepare for the different formats of case interviews used by various firms.

How can a startup utilize the case interview method for hiring as suggested in 'Case Interview Secrets'?

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A startup can utilize the case interview method for hiring by incorporating it into their recruitment process. This method, used by top-tier strategy management firms, tests problem-solving abilities of candidates. The startup can present real or hypothetical business problems related to their field and ask candidates to provide solutions. This will help assess their analytical skills, creativity, and ability to handle pressure. It's also a good way to gauge how a potential employee might handle real-life situations in the startup environment.

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Act like a consultant

The candidates who stand out are those who act as consultants. Interviewers look for independent problem-solvers who don't require supervision. In many cases, clients seek directionally accurate answers, which can be handled through approximate calculations. Being exact will cost additional time without adding value, so candidates are evaluated on their ability to do as little as possible to get the job done. Interviewers prefer slower candidates who can consistently follow a problem-solving process over those who reach the right conclusions faster but with an unrepeatable process. This is because it's easier to coach for speed than for consistency.

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How does 'Case Interview Secrets' address the contemporary issue of job interview preparation and performance?

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'Case Interview Secrets' addresses the contemporary issue of job interview preparation and performance by providing insights into what interviewers look for in candidates. It emphasizes the importance of acting as consultants and being independent problem-solvers. The book suggests that candidates should be able to provide directionally accurate answers through approximate calculations, rather than striving for exactness. It also highlights the value of a consistent problem-solving process over speed, as it's easier to coach for speed than for consistency.

Can the strategies from 'Case Interview Secrets' be effectively implemented in real-world job interviews?

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Yes, the strategies from 'Case Interview Secrets' can be effectively implemented in real-world job interviews. The book provides valuable insights into what interviewers look for in candidates, such as independent problem-solving skills and the ability to work efficiently. It emphasizes the importance of a consistent problem-solving process, which is a valuable skill in any job role. However, it's important to remember that while the strategies can enhance your performance, they should be complemented with a deep understanding of the role and the company you're interviewing for.

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Communication skills often make the difference for those who get offers and those who miss out on the final round. Since clients interpret nervousness as a lack of conviction, nervously presenting the right conclusions will get candidates rejected in the case interview. Every statement made to a client must be confidently made and factually supported as consultants represent the firm. Further, clients only accept factually accurate recommendations they can understand. Therefore, interviewers seek candidates who can present their conclusions in a client-friendly manner.

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Can you analyze the implications of the communication strategies presented in 'Case Interview Secrets' on client-consultant relationships?

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The communication strategies presented in 'Case Interview Secrets' have significant implications on client-consultant relationships. Firstly, they emphasize the importance of confidence in communication. A consultant who communicates nervously may be perceived as lacking conviction, which can undermine the client's trust. Secondly, the strategies highlight the necessity of factual accuracy in communication. Consultants must ensure that every statement they make is factually supported, as this builds credibility and trust with the client. Lastly, the strategies underscore the importance of presenting information in a client-friendly manner. This means using language and explanations that the client can easily understand, which can enhance the client's engagement and satisfaction.

Are there examples of consulting firms that have successfully implemented the communication practices outlined in 'Case Interview Secrets'?

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Yes, many top-tier consulting firms such as McKinsey, Bain, and BCG have successfully implemented the communication practices outlined in 'Case Interview Secrets'. These firms emphasize the importance of clear, confident, and factually supported communication, as described in the book. They seek candidates who can present their conclusions in a client-friendly manner, which is a key aspect of the communication practices discussed in the book.

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Core problem solving tools

These four tools are used by consultants in their regular work and can be used by candidates in any interview format.

1. Hypothesis

Consultants use the scientific method of hypothesis, experiment and testing for problem-solving. A hypothesis must be stated within five minutes after asking a few initial questions. Not stating a hypothesis can lead to rejection.

2. Issue tree framework

The candidate uses an issue tree to test the hypothesis. An issue tree is a set of logical conditions that, if proven correct, prove the hypothesis. Frameworks are issue tree templates developed by consultants for commonly occurring problems. They must be customized for each case. The hypothesis decides the choice of framework or custom issue tree. Using standard frameworks with no relation to the hypothesis is the single biggest red flag in an interview.

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How does the use of an issue tree in a case interview challenge the traditional methods of problem-solving?

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The use of an issue tree in a case interview challenges traditional problem-solving methods by introducing a hypothesis-driven approach. Instead of starting with data collection and analysis, the issue tree method begins with a hypothesis that guides the problem-solving process. This approach is more efficient as it narrows down the areas to investigate. Traditional methods often involve a broad data collection and analysis, which can be time-consuming and less focused. The issue tree, on the other hand, provides a logical structure that guides the investigation towards proving or disproving the initial hypothesis.

How can a startup utilize issue tree templates or frameworks to solve commonly occurring problems and grow?

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Startups can utilize issue tree templates or frameworks to solve commonly occurring problems and grow by first identifying the problem or challenge they are facing. They can then use the issue tree to break down this problem into smaller, more manageable parts. This allows them to focus on each part individually and find solutions more effectively. The issue tree also helps in identifying the root cause of the problem. Once the root cause is identified, they can use the appropriate framework to address it. This could be a standard framework or a custom one, depending on the nature of the problem. It's important to remember that these frameworks should be customized to fit the specific case and not used as a one-size-fits-all solution.

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There are three simple tests to check the validity of the issue tree:

1. The purpose of using an issue tree is to test a hypothesis. Candidates who use a standard framework without stating a hypothesis get rejected.
2. Issue trees must be mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive (MECE). Decision-making factors must be categorized into discrete categories that are mutually exclusive. These categories combined must cover all possible options (collectively exhaustive).
3. A valid issue tree must produce conclusive results. Every important factor must be included in the issue tree and ambiguous factors must be removed.

Candidates must share the full issue tree in the beginning. This gives interviewers a sense of their problem-solving abilities before the analysis. If the interviewer can't see the entire issue tree, they will conclude that the candidate has not made one.

3. Drill-down analysis

This is a process of navigating the issue tree by drilling down branches and sub-branches using data to prove or disprove the branch. If a branch analysis disproves the hypothesis, it's time to revise the hypothesis and create a new issue tree. This repeated process of drilling down and pulling up ends when a hypothesis is validated. Typically, the candidate refines their hypothesis numerous times in a case interview. Here are some pointers to remember:

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How can the process of navigating the issue tree, as described in Victor Cheng's 'Case Interview Secrets', be implemented in real-world scenarios?

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The process of navigating the issue tree, as described in Victor Cheng's 'Case Interview Secrets', can be implemented in real-world scenarios by using it as a problem-solving tool. Start by identifying the main issue or problem and break it down into smaller, manageable sub-issues or branches. Use data to validate or invalidate these branches. If a branch is disproved, revise your hypothesis and create a new issue tree. This iterative process continues until a hypothesis is validated. This method can be applied in various real-world scenarios such as business strategy development, project management, and decision-making processes.

How can the lessons from "Case Interview Secrets" be applied to improve interview performance?

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The lessons from "Case Interview Secrets" can be applied to improve interview performance in several ways. Firstly, the book emphasizes the importance of hypothesis-driven problem solving. This involves creating an issue tree, drilling down branches and sub-branches using data to prove or disprove the branch. If a branch analysis disproves the hypothesis, it's time to revise the hypothesis and create a new issue tree. This process is repeated until a hypothesis is validated. This approach can be used in interviews to demonstrate structured thinking and problem-solving skills. Secondly, the book suggests refining your hypothesis numerous times in a case interview. This shows flexibility and adaptability, qualities that are highly valued in a candidate. Lastly, the book provides pointers and tips that can be used to prepare for and excel in interviews.

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1. Candidates should start with the branch that eliminates most uncertainty by revealing critical information.
2. A typical case involves roughly 70% quantitative and 30% qualitative analysis. Quantitative analysis is useful to analyze what is causing the problem and by how much. Qualitative analysis helps us understand why decisions were made and how processes work.
3. The 80/20 rule says that 80% of results come from 20% of data. Candidates must not analyze problems beyond what is minimally necessary and use just the data required. Interviewers consider overanalyzing a situation as highly inefficient.
4. A simple way to manage case notes is to use two sets of paper. The first set focuses only on the case structure like hypothesis and issue tree diagrams. The second set of papers is a scratchpad for calculations.
5. Whenever a branch is eliminated, candidates can cross the branch and show the updated issue tree to the interviewer. Involving the interviewer in the problem-solving process makes them more likely to support the conclusion.
6. The best way to understand the implications of a metric like a customer's variable cost per unit is to compare it to the unit in a previous time period and the rest of the industry.

4. Synthesis

Synthesis is communicating the results of the analysis in a concise way that is integrated into the overall business context. This is done at the end of the case interview and when switching branches in the issue tree. The standard synthesis template states an action-oriented conclusion, three supporting points and ends by restating the recommendation. Interviewers highly value this format because it presents findings without wasting a minute. Mastery of this skill sets candidates apart from competitors. The best way to master this skill is to record yourself presenting the synthesis, find improvements and iterate.

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What are some effective strategies for improving one's synthesis skills in a case interview?

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To improve your synthesis skills in a case interview, you can start by practicing the standard synthesis template which includes an action-oriented conclusion, three supporting points, and ends by restating the recommendation. This format is highly valued by interviewers as it presents findings without wasting time. Another effective strategy is to record yourself presenting the synthesis, then review the recording to find areas for improvement and iterate on your approach. This practice will help you to communicate your analysis results in a concise and integrated manner within the overall business context.

How does mastery of synthesis set a candidate apart in a case interview?

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Mastery of synthesis in a case interview sets a candidate apart by demonstrating their ability to communicate the results of their analysis in a concise and integrated manner within the overall business context. This skill is highly valued by interviewers as it presents findings without wasting time. The standard synthesis template includes an action-oriented conclusion, three supporting points, and ends by restating the recommendation. By mastering this skill, candidates can distinguish themselves from competitors.

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Three core frameworks

Memorizing a dozen frameworks is a bad idea because too much time goes into memorization and the candidate has little proficiency in any framework. In contrast, mastering three general frameworks: Profitability, Business Situation and Mergers and Acquisitions, is enough to handle nearly 70% of cases in case interviews. Custom issue trees can be used to handle the rest.

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The profitability framework

This tool is excellent for a quantitative understanding of why a client is losing money. Profits consist of two branches: revenues and costs. While working through the framework, it's essential to segment and isolate the problem. Profits are segmented to isolate if the issue is revenue-driven or cost-driven. This process continues to the bottom of the branch, at which point a candidate can ask the interviewer for segmented information like units sold in each region or by demographics. There are multiple ways to segment data, so it's best to ask the interviewer to share segmented data and allow them to decide the choice of segmentation. Once the issue is isolated, it makes sense to switch to a qualitative framework to understand why it occurs.

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Give an example of problem segmentation

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Problem segmentation is a process of breaking down a larger issue into smaller, manageable parts to better understand and address it. An example of problem segmentation could be a company experiencing a decline in profits. Instead of looking at the problem as a whole, the company could segment the problem into two main branches: revenues and costs.

From there, each branch can be further segmented. For example, revenues could be broken down into different product lines, regions, or customer demographics. Costs could be segmented into fixed costs, variable costs, or by department.

By segmenting the problem in this way, the company can identify if the issue is revenue-driven or cost-driven, and within those categories, which specific areas are contributing to the decline in profits. This allows for a more targeted and effective approach to problem-solving.

How to segment a problem?

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Segmenting a problem involves breaking it down into smaller, manageable parts. This process allows you to isolate and understand the root cause of the issue. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Identify the problem: Understand the issue at hand. Is it revenue-driven or cost-driven?

2. Break it down: Divide the problem into smaller parts. For example, if it's a revenue issue, you might want to segment it by region or demographics.

3. Analyze each segment: Look at each segment individually to understand its impact on the overall problem.

4. Ask for segmented data: If you're in an interview or working with a team, ask for segmented data to help you understand the problem better.

5. Switch to a qualitative framework: Once you've isolated the issue, switch to a qualitative framework to understand why it occurs.

Remember, there are multiple ways to segment a problem, and the choice of segmentation depends on the specific issue and the available data.

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The business situation framework

This framework is used for developing a qualitative understanding of the client business, market and industry. It can also be used in the beginning to get basic insights to form a hypothesis. The four components are:

1. Customer analysis

Customer Analysis is used to understand customer segments, their needs, how they make a purchase decision and price sensitivity. Different customers prefer different distribution channels. Customer concentration, on the other hand, helps in understanding how many clients exist and how they are distributed. If the customer concentration is higher than the suppliers, then suppliers have market power or vice versa.

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How else can market power be expressed?

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Market power can be expressed in several ways beyond customer concentration and supplier power.

One way is through brand recognition. A company with a well-known brand can command higher prices and secure more favorable terms.

Another way is through control of essential resources or infrastructure. If a company controls a resource that others need to compete, it can exert significant market power.

Market power can also be expressed through patents and exclusive licenses. These legal protections can prevent competitors from offering similar products or services, giving the patent or license holder a significant advantage.

Lastly, market power can be expressed through economies of scale. Larger companies can often produce goods or services more cheaply than smaller competitors, allowing them to dominate the market.

Remember, market power is not just about size or market share. It's about the ability to influence prices, terms, and conditions in a market.

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2. Product analysis

This branch helps in understanding the nature of the product and how, when and why customers purchase it. Further, the analysis focuses on whether it's a commodity or a unique good if there are complementary products or substitutes and the product life cycle.

3. Company analysis

This branch is useful for a qualitative understanding of a client company.

• Capabilities and Expertise: Asking these two key questions can bring out highly valuable insights: 1)What does this company do well? 2) What does this company do differently than its competitors?
• Distribution Channels: This involves analyzing the company's distribution channel mix and comparing it with competitors' distribution channel mixes and customer preferences
• Cost Structure: The cost portion of the profitability framework is used here to define available strategic options.
• Intangibles: A reminder to consider if intangible assets like brand, reputation and culture are relevant to the hypothesis.
• Financial Situation: This section is used to analyze both segmented sales and costs.
• Organizational Structure: Relevant in cases that involve execution aspects to identify conflicts between structure and strategy.

4. Competition analysis

This branch usually looks at factors like competitor concentration and market structure, best practices, barriers to entry and regulatory environment.

• Competitor Concentration and Structure: Asking how many competitors exist and how big they are gives a sense of how much market power they possess.
• Competitor Behaviors: The questions from the product and company sections of the business situation framework can be used to analyze the strategic choice of competitors.
• Best Practices: The critical question is, what can the client learn from competitors. If the client can't beat the competitor on its strengths, an option is to refocus the business on the competitor's weaknesses.
• Barriers to Entry: Helps formulate effective market entry plans.
• Supplier Concentration: Sometimes, competitors may act in response to moves of a dominant supplier like Intel or Microsoft.
• Regulatory Environment: Highly regulated industries might prevent specific actions that make strategic sense for the client. Recent changes in the regulatory environment may create new strategic opportunities.

There is no time to ask every question in every branch. In most cases, candidates get a critical insight into decoding the client's problem before finishing the entire framework. If this is the case, it's best to pause, synthesize, revise the hypothesis and determine the least amount of information required to test the revised hypothesis.

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Mergers and acquisitions

This tool is a variation of the "Business Situation" framework used to gain qualitative insights on whether a merger has multiplicative effects. This framework analyses the Customers, Product, Company and Competition branches for each company. The analysis is then run for both companies combined.

Acing the candidate led case interview

Since every interview format is just a variation of the "Candidate Led Case" interview, mastering this format empowers the candidate to excel in other formats. The format is open-ended and mirrors the way clients present questions to consulting firms.

Opening The Case

Buy a minute to allow panic to subside and structure your thoughts better. This can be done by repeating the question back to the interviewer and asking clarifying questions to understand the client's objective better. Begin the case by stating an initial hypothesis and making it clear that this is subject to change. The final step in opening the case is to draw the issue tree or framework, show it to the interviewer and explain how it will test the hypothesis. Drawing the issue tree and turning the paper over sets a candidate apart, because that is precisely how consultants engage with clients.

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Analysis

It's important to remember that totals and averages always lie. They need to be segmented into components to understand what's really going on. Since numbers can be segmented in many ways, it's best to save time by asking the interviewer for segmented data. Further, using historical comparison and competitive comparison of figures is necessary to establish context and meaning.

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Closing

Closing a case by stating the conclusion first, followed by supporting data points is a powerful way to stand apart. A candidate may get to a final round without excellent synthesis skills, but it's impossible to get a job offer without it.

The interviewer led case

McKinsey has moved almost exclusively to this format. Since the interviewer leads the case, candidates don't have to integrate the problem-solving tools. Candidate performance depends exclusively on two problem-solving tools: issue tree and synthesis. The interviewer-driven case interview generally has five phases, each lasting five to 10 minutes:

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1. Introduction

The interviewer explains the client's problem and asks for the hypothesis. Sometimes the interviewer may suggest a set of possible hypotheses to choose from.

2. Problem Structuring

The candidate is asked to create an issue tree. Candidates must outline the complete issue tree with all layers and justify why each branch is needed to test the hypothesis.

3. Analysis

The interviewer asks the candidate to perform quantitative analysis on a specific issue by giving a handout of data. Sometimes this may not be related to the candidate's issue tree.

4. Business Acumen

Candidates are asked to brainstorm multiple potential solutions to a specific aspect of the problem. Interviewers want to verify if the candidate can shift from doing a detailed quantitative analysis to thinking broadly about the problem. Candidates should organize their ideas into categories and list them systematically.

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5. Synthesis

Candidates can present findings in the standard synthesis format and explain what further analysis can be done.

The group case interview

In this format, candidates work with competitors to solve a case. Companies don't want consultants who are stubborn, inflexible or argumentative. The group case interview format helps interviewers analyze how candidates act under pressure in a potentially argumentative environment. Candidates are assessed on how diplomatically they tell competitors they disagree and how they acknowledge and build on good ideas that others came up with.

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The presentation case interview

Candidates are asked to analyze a case based on datasheets, synthesize findings and make a presentation. The structure of the presentation is the same as the synthesis: a group of slides each for the actionable conclusion, three key supporting points and restating the conclusion. A good slide has a chart or data table, a chart label and a title that conveys the key message. Titles must be self-explanatory to the extent that if the candidate presents only the slide titles, the solution outline would be clear. While presenting, the candidate must focus on explaining the chart and outlining why that particular insight matters.

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Get multiple job offers

Unlike exams that test knowledge, the case interview tests the habits in applying the insights under high pressure. Case interviews span many rounds because they test candidates' consistency in applying their knowledge to solve cases. Candidates who succeed have both knowledge and the habits to apply it consistently. Building these habits requires disciplined practice. Among candidates Cheng has coached, 90 % of those who received offers invested 50 to 100 hours in case interview preparation.

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Four steps to mastery:

1. Build Knowledge – This involves developing a deep understanding of concepts and case interview process.
2. Find Role Models – The best way to learn the subtleties of a case interview is to ask a role model who works in a top-tier consulting firm to play the role of a candidate. By carefully observing their performance, candidates can learn nuances and improve their performance.
3. Practice in a Live Setting – Candidates can simulate a case interview by asking a friend to be an interviewer. Case interview skills improve by leaps and bounds when one practices under live conditions. Candidates can analyze their performance and compare it with their role model's approach to improve. Good candidates participate in an average of 50 practice tests.
4. Seek assessment from a mentor – After practice, candidates can request a highly qualified consultant to offer a few practice sessions. This person can spot the subtle mistakes that might be invisible to a candidate, but noticeable to an interviewer. In a highly competitive domain like management consulting, the candidate who has trained for 100 hours has an overwhelming edge over one who has excellent theoretical knowledge but little practice. Ultimately, cracking the case interview boils down to a solid understanding of interview fundamentals, using smart ways to train and repeated practice.