Ask Ian

Honestly, your framework matching the case matters a lot less than you think! Your framework needs to show good critical thinking ability, good structure, and a clear approach to solving the problem. It does not need to match the case! I think for about 50% of my interviews, my framework didn't end up being used at all....

In general: First: Ask Clarifying Questions Second: Ask for some time to prepare your framework Third: Always "drive", even with interviewer-led. They'll tell you where to go, or have info for you, but you still need to aim to drive forward AND feel like you understand where the case is going.

Rarely, if ever, should you directly ask for help. It's not a good look to say "Can you help me" or "What do you think" etc. However, you can definitely indirectly ask for/signal for help. So: 1) State that you're now figuring out where to take this next (that's fine) 2) Recap the objective and the pieces of information you...

More simply, whenever you need to structure your thoughts. Are you feeling lost/confused about where you are? Synthesize! Is there a possibility your interviewer isn't sure where you are or where you're going? Synthesize!

Step 1: Summarize the exhibit in your own words Step 2: Ask for a moment to interpret…if you need it Step 3: When you speak again, lead with the insights Graph Interpretation Tips Read the title - and understand it Read the legends - and understand them Remind yourself of the objective / hypothesis in the case, to see where...

Quite frankly you should do the one that you are most comfortable with! That said, I prefer a framework because you don't really have time to do a proper full issue tree. Additionally, if you do your framework right, it should “sound” like an issue true (each sub-bucket has a purpose/flow)....

100% Recommend Rocket Blocks. It's exactly what you're looking for Just as a reminder, some of the other key formulas you need to know in addition to breakeven are: NPV (with + without growth, perpituity + 1-2 years from now) % Change ROI Margin Markup Inventory turnover

Providing some market sizing thinking for anyone revisiting this Q&A: Remember that there's rarely a "best" answer with market sizing. What's important is that you break down the problem the way it makes sense to you. Importantly, break it down so that the assumptions you make are the ones you're most comfortable in....

To confirm, you're coming in as a specialist, not a generalist? If so, you need to deeply understand your current function, which would be a many years situation (i.e. your career)...so no prep required there. However, if your role can be applied in the context of many industries, industry prep can indeed help....

Personally, I don't like this formatting. It should be what you did and then the impact…in most cases. The honest answer is that it depends on the specific bullet point as well as the hollistic resume. Honestly, hire a coach now! Any coach worth their salt will do an offline review for you prior to (and after) the coaching call itself....

Hmmmm. Neither. You need to have a clear, concise sentence that articulates your role/responsibilities/actions and the value add. To give you an idea, one example from my killer resume template is:“Optimized, streamlined, and enhanced processes for reporting of student job search status to the Dean of Students by leveraging...

The cover letter should be 1 page and should include either 2 or 3 examples. These need to be directly related to the "themes" of what the company looks for (i.e. qual/quant skills, communication skills, leadership, etc.)

Impact doesn't always have to be numbers! Here are some value excerpts from my resume: “to provide detailed insights of factors affecting student recruiting and employment outcomes” “allowed 40,000+ users to file development applications more efficiently” "provided tailored advice, materials, and metrics to C-suite executives...

I would say leverage your previous cover letter. That said, over the past year you've done more, correct? Add these additional experiences in! Fundamentally, they're going to need to see evidence that you've fundamentally changed/progressed - especially if you didn't make it past the 1st round.

It depends! Some will ask for your resume and forward it to HR. Others will cc HR and tell you to speak with them. Others will get you a link and have you apply through it.

You essentially have 2 chances to "hint" at a referral. So, near the end of the call, you can say "Thank you so much for your time. The company seems great and I will definitely be applying. Do you have any tips/advice for me?" The 2nd "hint" comes a few days before you apply. Email them and say "Thanks again for meeting with me x weeks/months ago....

A referral is a helpful, but not necessary factor in being invited to interview. You will be less dependant than most on a literal referral given BCG comes to your school. However, your networking will be just as important, as you need to stand out amongst all of your classmates in your MBA program.

They are going to ask a specific question that is based on those 3 themes. So, they may say "Tell me about a time you led a team through a challenging moment" Or "Tell me about a time you had to persuade someone of something that had a big impact" You can't just have 1 story on leadership, one on personal imapct, and one on...

Please don't make up a scenario! If you get pressed with follow-up questions they'll know you're lying. Here's a tip: Your conflict doens't have to be work related! It could be at school, it could be for a side-venture, etc. Additionally, the “conflict” doesn't have to be someone yelling at you like in a Spanish Soap Opera!...

I would say it's not an OR but rather an AND. You should expect both types of questions and be prepared to go quite deep into your story. 15 stories is ridiculous! Don't worry, you are better served having 6-8 killer stories that you really know well rather than 15 stories you can barely keep track of!