Case Interviews
What's the best way to read a chart or exhibit in a case?
When an interviewer gives me a chart or table, should I first explain the title, units and labels, or jump straight into the biggest insight? I want a repeatable process that is structured without spending a minute narrating everything on the page.
Ian’s Answer
The 2nd option looks best, but ideally it takes you more like 15 seconds not a minute!
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