In consulting interviews, we test for logical reasoning, insights, communication with case studies.
Here I cover the logical reasoning part.
Interviewees increasingly come with memorized frameworks. I can tweak the case. But an interviewee may get through because he has seen and memorized a similar case.
To prevent this, I test logical reasoning differently. Candidates assume that the case study is the logical reasoning part. The other part is more qualitative.
Here is my experience interviewing a candidate who solved the case study well.
Background: He had relocated from India to Europe to study Engineering.
Me – Give me an example of an important decision that you took.
Candidate – I decided on Engineering in Germany ….
Me – Was the important decision moving to Germany or was it studying Engineering?
Candidate – It was studying Engineering. I have completed Master’s. So…
Me – Was it taking up Engineering or was it going for Master’s?
This is directly from his life! There is no profit-loss or market entry framework!
I am testing for logic in a part of the interview where he least expects it.
Candidate – It was taking up Engineering because ….
Me – Walk me through your decision please.
Candidate – German economy has been growing at ….So by moving to Germany….
He went on to explain why he chose Germany instead of why he chose Engineering!
He failed the logic part.
Tip #1: Back up your statements with logic
Tip #2: Answer the question asked, not what you think should be asked\
Tip #3: If there was no logic to a decision, it is better to admit that than try to come up with it post facto
When a consultant fails to back up recommendations with logic, clients do not accept them. Hence, we test for logical reasoning in subtle ways.
