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.
Best Rote Practice
Rocket Blocks
Best Practice Strategy
Read the Economist (especially the daily graph and Financial Time frequently
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