Case Interviews
How do I handle several dense charts at once in a case interview?
An interviewer gave me four dense charts on a single page, including unfamiliar segment names. I could make individual observations, but it was hard to form a coherent view immediately. What's the best way to process a large information dump without losing structure?
Ian’s Answer
If you get a bunch of charts at once, you need to process what each of them is generally saying first. So, look at one, say "ok, this chart is about x", then move on to the next one "this chart is about y".
Only after you've looked at all charts should you then say "ok, I'm going to go and get x insights now". So, look at each one quickly, then dive in deep one by one.
In terms of being able to interpret charts/graphs effectively
Read the title - and understand it
Read the legends - and understand them
Remind yourself of the objective / hypothesis in the case, to see where this might fit
Find the differences - where does the line graph plummet or spike? Which column is a lot smaller or bigger than the others? Where does change occur? The differences are what matter
Talk outloud while interpreting - first, it helps you think and process your thoughts, second, it lets the interviewer provide guidance and course correct if needed.
Rocket Blocks:
Best Practice Strategy
1) Read the Economist (especially the daily graph and Financial Time frequently
2) Ask case partners to focus particularly on your chart-reading skills (i.e. by providing you with cases with many charts) - Bain and Deloitte cases tend to be chart heavy