University of California Berkeley Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 38
Types of Interviews & Questions
Case Interviews
Case interviews focus on the way you think and how
you go about addressing complex issues and problems. Typically, you will be presented with a challenging scenario (or case) with varying background
or details.
Cases may come in the form of a brainteaser, marketsizing scenario, financial analysis, or management/
strategy issue. Interviewers want to see your ability to
be analytical, logical, quantitative, and creative.
Your listening skills, insight, communication style, and
persuasive skills are key to a successful case interview.
There are many strategies that go into attacking a
case interview question, and the best way to prepare
is to practice.
Many of the global consulting firms have extremely
helpful, interactive practice case interviews on their
websites.
Interviews with a Meal
The point of the meal interview is for you and the employer
to get to know each other, and for him/her/them to see
how you conduct yourself in a social setting. Employers will
be assessing your conversational and interpersonal skills to
determine how well you would fit in with the organization.
• Demeanor, language, and behavior should all be 100%
professional.
• The meal you order should be in the mid-price range;
not the most or least expensive item. You may want to
ask the interviewer what he/she/they recommend on
the menu to get a gauge.
• Avoid items that are challenging or messy to eat, such as
pasta or dishes with a lot of cheese.
• Even if the employer is drinking alcohol, you should still
refrain.
• If the service is slow or the food is not exactly how you
ordered it, avoid complaining or making an issue of it.
• It is customary for the employer to pay for the meal.
Make sure you show your appreciation.
Types of Questions
These types of questions help the employer get a
better sense of who you are. Similar to the bullets on
your resume/CV that describe your experiences in
detail, you need to back up your interview answers
with specific, tangible examples.
• Tell me about yourself.
• Why did you choose your field of study?
• What are your greatest strengths and areas of
challenge?
• What has been your greatest accomplishment/
set back?
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