Namaan, an expert on case interviews, shares valuable insights on avoiding math missteps that can hinder candidates during assessments. He discusses the anxiety surrounding mental math and emphasizes a systematic approach to alleviate stress. Key topics include the importance of clear communication, mastering essential math skills like rounding precision, and a structured four-step method for solving interview problems. Additionally, Namaan offers guidance for new graduates entering consulting, focusing on practice and resourceful preparation strategies.
Candidates should focus on both the accuracy of their calculations and the insights derived from them during case interviews.
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Strategies for Effective Case Interview Math
Candidates often struggle with mental math during case interviews, where effective communication and structure are crucial for success. It is vital to first recap and clarify the problem before diving into calculations, ensuring that all necessary data is on hand to avoid mistakes. Additionally, breaking down the math into manageable steps and verbalizing the thought process can help both the candidate and interviewer follow along easily. Candidates should aim for speed, ensuring that each micro-calculation takes about 10 to 20 seconds, which helps maintain an efficient flow during the interview.
Navigating Mistakes and Insights
During case interviews, one common misstep is the misconception that providing the correct answer is the only objective; however, the process and resulting insights are equally important. Candidates should focus on extracting levels of insights from the numbers, progressing from merely arriving at the answer to making recommendations based on the analysis. Furthermore, it's essential to understand that mistakes are a natural part of the process; owning and correcting them is far more important than fearing failure. By adopting a structured approach—recapping, structuring, calculating, and extracting insights—candidates can enhance their credibility and demonstrate analytical rigor.
Mental math can be challenging enough on its own, but when added to a case interview context, it is what stops many candidates from advancing to the next round with firms like McKinsey, BCG, Capital One, and Deloitte.
There are 5 common case interview math missteps we see time and time again - and we want to help you avoid these. Listen in as MC COO Namaan Mian breaks down the mistakes and what to do instead.
In addition, listen to the end where we answer a Fan Mail question (12:42) about where to start case interview preparation.
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