I can't go past a case study in the interview process even with my skills.

Prescilla Gines

September 9,2022 at 4:00AM UTC

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I can't go past a case study in the interview process even with my skills.

I'm back in the search since losing my current role after 1.5 years at the company. I'm seeing more case studies/projects being issued out to candidates. I don't do well with case studies and I know I'm very much qualified for the role. However, I somehow don't go past the case study. I'm not sure if I have self-doubt and therefore self-sabotage. But I need to land a job rather quickly since I just purchased a home earlier this year. And I'm afraid of not having the means to pay my mortgage. Additionally, the talks about a recession has made me fearful of the job market through the end of the year. Any advise on how to talk case studies? Have you experience this obstacle in your hiring process. Thank you in advance!

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Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachSeptember 12,2022 at 5:02PM UTC
Hey Prescilla,
Some times people overthink and overcomplicate case studies because they want to make such a good impression, especially if they are overly qualified - which sounds like you are!
Something to keep in mind for case studies : KEEP IT SIMPLE. What are the bare bones of what they are asking for? What are they REALLY looking to see you demonstrate? Have you shown them this & how it will benefit the company long term?
Having self-doubt and self-sabotaging can also be apart of it. It can come across in the way you are presenting yourself & talking about your case study. I specifically worth with professional women on this, and can help you come across as the confident, qualified leader you are so you can land your next job. Here is my consult call link : https://maeganmillercoaching.as.me/consultcall
Kathryn MontbriandOctober 4,2022 at 12:33PM UTC
Hi Prescilla - I have experienced two types of case studies within the interview process. There are case studies that are issued in the moment (case interview) and there are case studies that are given to you outside the interview and you prepare and present to a panel.
For the first one - I as a person who has also trained folks on how to do these successfully - my best advice is to practice. The more times you go through the steps: hear the prompt, capture the question in your notes, ask follow-up questions to get more information, form a framework, etc - the more natural they will become and the less nervous you will be. The best case outcome in this type of interview is to see the conversation as an enjoyable problem-solving session with a peer - if that feels far off find a buddy and give each other cases (there are books out there with examples from management consulting groups).
For the second one - think about what part of it is tripping you up. Is it doing the work on your own? Is it gathering information about a new industry or company? You probably have some tools at your disposal - people in your network who could give insight, research you are able to do to learn more about the topic. Engage those resources and see if that helps you to feel confident as you go through the process. After all, if hired - you would still have access to those resources and could use them to continue doing great work for the company. good luck!