Case Interviews
What should I do if the interviewer gives me no time to structure a market sizing?
In a few interviews I've asked for a moment to structure a market sizing and the interviewer has told me to start talking through it straight away. I thought taking some quiet time was normal. How should I handle being asked to build the approach out loud instead?
Ian’s Answer
This is exactly why I train my candidates to be prepared for anything!
Just because there are a million resources online, just because HR tells you the format will be x, doesn't mean the human element is eliminated! Ultimately, the interviewer will do what they want.
On a related note, you should also be prepared to have no time for a framework at the beginning of a case AND be prepared to have no time for a final recommendation (i.e. "Sorry, the CEO is calling right now" or "You've bumped into the CEO in the hallway")
Now, in terms of tips on how to handle this:
You want to practice live structuring with candidates/coaches
Learn to write while you talk
Write down the key words/buckets of what you're thinking
Learn to buy time ("Ah! That's a really interesting question. I think there are probably a few ways to approach it... I think there could be an x or y approach. But I think ultimately I'm thinking about it in the following way"...you say this all while thinking out your real structure)