Coping with case studies
Case studies are a popular way to simulate a ‘typical’ working experience. If you want to prove that you’re a competent employee in real life as well as on paper you’ll need to impress in this task.
A bit like a cross-between an in-tray exercise and a presentation, some sectors love these little beauties. Sometimes an organisation will want to test your ability to assimilate written material and draw out the important points. You will be given information regarding a business case study, a set amount of time to go through it, and then time to present your findings and solutions to interviewers.
Case studies are particularly popular in certain sectors, especially management consultancy. Ella Wilkinson, graduate recruitment manager at consultancy firm McKinsey & Company, explains, ‘Our case studies are based on real client situations and problems, giving the candidate greater insight into what the role involves and the employer an opportunity to assess how a candidate will get on in the role.’ Case studies test how you structure your thinking to solve problems. ‘Be absolutely sure you understand the context of the problem,’ says Ella. When presenting, try to organise what you say into a clear and concise order and allow the important points the most time. ‘Finally’, says Ella, ‘you will need to summarise your conclusions and make recommendations.’
Ella Wilkinson’s top five case study tips
- Practise using example cases on company websites.
- Although business knowledge isn’t a prerequisite, it would be a good idea to familiarise yourself with what is currently happening in the business world.
- You will almost certainly have to demonstrate your quantitative ability without a calculator, so practise your mental arithmetic (eg long division).
- During the interview, always clarify the problem to the interviewer (by paraphrasing).
- Avoid using irrelevant business jargon, just be clear and to the point.
More advice on case studies and assessment centres
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