When conducting a search for case interview tips on the internet, you will quickly find yourself drowning in information. There are articles giving tips on how to speak, what to say, how to say it, what to wear, and so on. This post is not intended to be just another one of those articles. Instead, it aims to set out some of the less commonly cited, and sometimes overlooked, aspects of the interview process.
Tip 1: You are not the only party with something at stake
When sitting in the interview room, it is easy to think that you are the only one with something to lose. This is, however, not the case. The interviewer also has something to lose. Since time is limited, in choosing to interview you, they have forgone the opportunity to interview another candidate. If you do not turn out to be the candidate they are looking for, the interviewer has missed out on an opportunity too.
Tip 2: The interviewer wants you to do well
The point above leads to the logical conclusion that, since the interviewer also has something at stake, they want you to do well. They want the time they spend with you to be time well spent. Since you have been selected for an interview from among many potential candidates, the interviewer does not have a desire to see you fail. Keeping this in mind before and during the interview will hopefully act as a source of great comfort and reduce any feelings of anxiety.
Tip 3: The smiler advantage
Personability is incredibly important because it creates a favourable impression. If the interviewer views you as warm and friendly, they will start with a positive outlook as they assess your performance. As a result, you are more likely to get the job.
A candidate who knows more may be at a disadvantage to a candidate who smiles more since a person who is more likable is more attractive. Successful candidates will ultimately become colleagues, and thus interviewers are looking for people that they want to be around.
Tip 4: The ‘right amount’ of eye contact
Most articles that share interview tips will reference the need for eye contact, but few mention that it is possible to overdo it. It is thus important to note that there is a ‘right’ amount of eye contact. Too much eye contact means not shifting your stare from the interviewer, which may be perceived as intense and uncomfortable. At the same time, too little eye contact can also be a problem. Looking at your notes or off into the distance for a large portion of the interview may be perceived as rude, timid, disinterested, or aloof.
Tip 5: The power of humour
There is a lot at stake for both sides during a case interview – that has already been discussed. The effect of this is that interviews can sometimes become overly serious affairs, conducted under the weight of nerves and stress. As such, inserting a little humour can help to lighten the mood. Although, bear in mind that humour should only be used in an appropriate and authentic way. Forcing a joke where it does not belong will only add to the weight of the interview.
Tip 6: Mirroring
It has become conventional wisdom in the field of psychology that mirroring the body language and speech of other people can help to build a sense of social connectedness and mutual acknowledgement. The sense of familiarity that this creates can make you more likable. Mirroring is a powerful nonverbal way to communicate, and so it may be worth a little practice and experimentation in order to learn how to mirror others.
Tip 7: Be yourself
While this advice may be slightly clichéd, it is nonetheless crucially important. Too often candidates feel pressure to fit the mould of what they perceive to be the ‘ideal candidate’.
Trying to be exactly the candidate you think firms expect you to be is a weak career strategy for three reasons. Firstly, there is no such thing as an ideal form of anything. Trying to conform to an ‘ideal’ standard is to seek the impossible. Secondly, top consulting firms interview accomplished candidates and hire reliable performers. Focus on success, not perfection. Thirdly, you are not a mind reader. Even if firms do have an ideal candidate in mind, you will waste a lot of time trying to guess what other people expect from you. Top consulting firms want self-reliant problem solvers not shape shifters who will try to make everyone happy. You can never make everyone happy.
The best thing you can do as an interviewee is to be yourself. If an ‘ideal’ must come into the equation, then just try to be the most ideal version of yourself.
I hope these alternative case interview tips prove helpful and have shed some light on some of the less commonly discussed elements of interviews.
Sukhi R. is a graduate from Warwick Law School currently studying an MSc in Business with Consulting at Warwick Business School. She has a keen interest in the business psychology of consulting and plans to enter the industry in the near future.
Image: Pexels
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