Interviewing is such an integral part of the Case Study methodology. A Case Study is the best method to analyze a specific problem or business issue. In the interview process, an interviewer gets to meet the key decision-makers and analyze their problem-solving process and strategies. Interviews serve as the primary tool for understanding customers’ decision-making process.
But as easy as it sounds, finding the right interview technique for your Case Study can be a challenge. There’s so much information and research on the topic that it’s nearly impossible to know everything about the interview process, especially for complex problems.
One way to increase your chances of getting the best results from your interviews is to think of this as a test that the interviewer puts on you. But this also means that you need to be able to pass the test, otherwise you might come up short with your results.
If you’re interested in learning to get any case study interview cracked, then we’ve got a few tips that we want to share with you today.
Table of Contents
Start by preparing a plan
We recommend that you prepare a plan for the interview before attending. The reason behind this is that it will allow you to be more confident and comfortable with the interview process.
You can prepare as much as you like, but not too much. The main thing is to not be nervous during the interview. If you are nervous, you’ll get flustered and forget what you are going to say. So, remember, this is a business test, and if you pass the test, you’re good to go.
Make sure that you’re prepared with the right information
Your goal is to make sure that you have all of the right information before the interview. And this is a process that you need to go through with your manager. Make sure that you’ve prepared an outline of questions that you need to ask. Some of the information that you need to have would include:
- List of the key decision-makers you’re interviewing
- Your research materials about your company
- A copy of your resume and your work history
- Your research on your competitors
- A copy of your portfolio if it was done while working with the company that you’re interviewing with. If you did an internship, then a portfolio would have been generated for you
- Your thoughts about the company
This is just a shortlist, but the list is good because it should cover the main things that you should prepare.
Make sure that you’re properly prepared. And the best way to do this is to get your manager to help you with the preparation process. This would help you to make sure that you’re not missing any important information that you need to present.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Remember that the main focus is to be comfortable with your questions. The interview is an opportunity for you to ask questions. So, don’t be afraid to ask a question.
You should also be sure to ask the questions that you are interested in. The more interesting the question, the more interesting and insightful you’ll get your results.
The more questions that you ask, the better chance that you have of getting more information about the problem. But don’t go overboard. A good rule of thumb is to ask about 25% of the information that you need to know.
This is a rule of thumb, not a hard and fast rule. So, be sure to think about what you’d like to know. And what you don’t want to ask.
Don’t waste time and get the most out of every interview
After the interview, make sure that you pay close attention to your notes, your research materials, and your questions. But before you go, make sure that you take some notes. You’ll be able to use this information to your advantage.
For example, if you ask a question about something that you weren’t able to fully explain, then you can quickly go back to your notes and research materials and use them as a starting point for a better answer.
And make sure that you ask questions after the interview, even if you didn’t get all of the information that you needed.
The key is to get the most out of every interview. This is especially true when you’re talking to a senior-level person. You’ll probably have some time to ask questions when you’re meeting with senior decision-makers. So, be sure to make the most of this time.
This interview isn’t going to get any easier. And you’ll have to prepare well to be able to get the case study interview cracked.
Go in prepared
It’s very important to go into the interview with all of the information that you prepared. Make sure that you know what you’re talking about. And this is more important if you’re talking to senior management.
For this reason, you need to prepare by having your research materials, and you should make sure that they’re there before you go. Make sure that you have a good idea about what you’re going to say, what questions you’re going to ask, and how the interview is going to go.
Be on your toes
To fully get the case study interview cracked, you need to be ready. If you don’t pay attention to your surroundings, then you’ll be off guard, and you’ll be at a disadvantage.
Be sure to pay attention to how the interviewer is asking questions, and what types of answers you’ll be expected to give. These types of things are critical because if you get caught off guard, you’ll give the wrong answer.
And if you’re not giving the right answer, it could affect your chances of getting a job with the company that you’re interviewing with.
Get more out of each interview
Be prepared for a long interview because you don’t want to waste time. Don’t ask questions that you know the answer to. You’ll only waste time. Be ready to provide relevant information that the interviewer is interested in.
But don’t give answers that aren’t asked. For example, you should never give an answer that you know is being asked, but you choose to ignore it.
This could result in the interviewer thinking that you’re not very interested in getting a job with the company that you’re interviewing with. If you don’t do this, then you’ll get more information, and you’ll be able to have more impact on the interview.
Always be positive
The best way to handle negative questions is to respond with the most positive and helpful answers. For example, if you’re being asked about a weakness, then you need to focus on what you’re doing right, and how the company’s going to grow as a result.
You want to make sure that the interviewer is happy and that your answers are on-point. So, make sure that you think about what the interviewer wants to hear. And make sure that you’re focused on positive outcomes.
