Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Telangana
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Filter interviews byIndian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad Placement Interview Questions
Updated
22 Sep 2024
228 interviews found
4 Interview Rounds
Interview Questions
- Q1. PI questions:Why do I want to move into consulting from technology?
- Q2. Case Questions:A major electronics company has been experiencing slowdown of growth in revenues. Why? (Case type:Revenue)
Interview Preparation Tips
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: In PI, He made sure I understood what the company does and what the nature
of the job is.
Data Gathering:
Interviewer: A major electronics company has been experiencing slowdown of growth in revenues. Why?
Me: I first clarified that since the case is about the revenue slowdown, we won’t delve into the profitability initially. However we can do it later if needed.
Me: Since what period has the company been experiencing the slowdown?
Interviewer: Since the last 1-2 years
Me: Is it a global company?
Interviewer: Yes, however the problem is only in the US
Me: What are the lines of business of the company?
Interviewer: The company is into semiconductor design, consumer electronics and white goods (don’t remember the third type accurately)
Me: Are all the three businesses facing the slowdown?
Interviewer: No, only the consumer electronics has faced the problem At this point I took a minute to decide the structure to solve the case I just wrote that Revenue = Price * Quantity
Me: Has the price changed for the company in the last 2-3 years?
Interviewer: No
Me: Has the price changed for any of the competing companies in the last 2-3 years?
Interviewer: No
Me: Thus we can assume that the unit quantity of the goods being sold has reduced. Is this problem across all geographies?
Interviewer: No, this problem is faced only by the west coast (don’t remember the region accurately)
Me: How does the company sell its consumer electronics goods? Own store / resellers? (Essentially I was going through 4 Ps: price, product, promotions, place however I didn’t make it obvious)
Interviewer: The company sell via big electronics chains like Best Buy
Me: Is there a change in the setup of the channels?
Interviewer: There has been a new store chain which has come up on the west coast
Me: Is it correct to assume that currently this new chain doesn’t sell our consumer electronics?
Interviewer: Yes
I summarized the root cause of the problem and asked if at this point he would you like me to look at possible solutions, to which he said yes. I took 30 seconds to come up with the strategy
Me: At this point I would like to propose three possible strategies the company can adopt:
1. Open up its own stores, similar to what Apple does
2. Approach the new retailer (electronics chain) to start selling our goods
3. Work with the existing retailers to strengthen the selling of our
products. The company should look into each of these in greater detail and adopt the strategy which is the most feasible.
A structured approach to case helped.
I was a little confused when the price of the goods hadn’t moved, however following the 4 Ps helped solve the case
Round: personal interview
Experience: This was more of a fit discussion
: Why do I want to move into consulting from technology?
: I had a few questions with regards to the growth prospects of the company, culture etc.
It makes sense to do some basic research about the company and listen to the PPT
The interviewer was running late on time, and there weren’t many questions
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
Experience: In PI, He made sure I understood what the company does and what the nature
of the job is.
Data Gathering:
Interviewer: A major electronics company has been experiencing slowdown of growth in revenues. Why?
Me: I first clarified that since the case is about the revenue slowdown, we won’t delve into the profitability initially. However we can do it later if needed.
Me: Since what period has the company been experiencing the slowdown?
Interviewer: Since the last 1-2 years
Me: Is it a global company?
Interviewer: Yes, however the problem is only in the US
Me: What are the lines of business of the company?
Interviewer: The company is into semiconductor design, consumer electronics and white goods (don’t remember the third type accurately)
Me: Are all the three businesses facing the slowdown?
Interviewer: No, only the consumer electronics has faced the problem At this point I took a minute to decide the structure to solve the case I just wrote that Revenue = Price * Quantity
Me: Has the price changed for the company in the last 2-3 years?
Interviewer: No
Me: Has the price changed for any of the competing companies in the last 2-3 years?
Interviewer: No
Me: Thus we can assume that the unit quantity of the goods being sold has reduced. Is this problem across all geographies?
Interviewer: No, this problem is faced only by the west coast (don’t remember the region accurately)
Me: How does the company sell its consumer electronics goods? Own store / resellers? (Essentially I was going through 4 Ps: price, product, promotions, place however I didn’t make it obvious)
Interviewer: The company sell via big electronics chains like Best Buy
Me: Is there a change in the setup of the channels?
Interviewer: There has been a new store chain which has come up on the west coast
Me: Is it correct to assume that currently this new chain doesn’t sell our consumer electronics?
Interviewer: Yes
I summarized the root cause of the problem and asked if at this point he would you like me to look at possible solutions, to which he said yes. I took 30 seconds to come up with the strategy
Me: At this point I would like to propose three possible strategies the company can adopt:
1. Open up its own stores, similar to what Apple does
2. Approach the new retailer (electronics chain) to start selling our goods
3. Work with the existing retailers to strengthen the selling of our
products. The company should look into each of these in greater detail and adopt the strategy which is the most feasible.
A structured approach to case helped.
I was a little confused when the price of the goods hadn’t moved, however following the 4 Ps helped solve the case
Round: personal interview
Experience: This was more of a fit discussion
: Why do I want to move into consulting from technology?
: I had a few questions with regards to the growth prospects of the company, culture etc.
It makes sense to do some basic research about the company and listen to the PPT
The interviewer was running late on time, and there weren’t many questions
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
4 Interview Rounds
Interview Questions
- Q1. PI questions: What do you think is your most important achievement in life?
- Q2. Case Questions:A truck manufacturing company has negative cash flows. Suggest creative ways (from my resume I appeared to be a very innovation- driven person to...read more
Interview Preparation Tips
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: The interviews were running late. So he asked me only one question for PI.
In case study, the truck manufacturing industry on the whole was performing badly.Hence revenues were declining. Costs had not increased per se. However, interviewer was mainly looking for short-term and long-term measures to reduce costs.
What helped me was that I drew the entire supply chain in front of him and listed down measures for cost-reduction at each stage. In particular, supply-side rationalization, leasing out excess machine capacity, labor layoffs, outsourcing of operations were the steps we spoke about for the most time.
Tips: Be sure to think through and create frameworks for the typical cases
Round: personal interview
Experience: Interviewer asked me general questions about my work with my previous employer. He then asked me if I had any questions for him. I asked him quite a few questions about the role, the travel and the work culture in general, which he patiently answered.
The interviewer could probably gauge my interest in the company through the questions I was asking. This worked in my favor.
Tips: Be sure to prep about the company you are interviewing with. The
questions you ask the interviewer will show them your interest.
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
Experience: The interviews were running late. So he asked me only one question for PI.
In case study, the truck manufacturing industry on the whole was performing badly.Hence revenues were declining. Costs had not increased per se. However, interviewer was mainly looking for short-term and long-term measures to reduce costs.
What helped me was that I drew the entire supply chain in front of him and listed down measures for cost-reduction at each stage. In particular, supply-side rationalization, leasing out excess machine capacity, labor layoffs, outsourcing of operations were the steps we spoke about for the most time.
Tips: Be sure to think through and create frameworks for the typical cases
Round: personal interview
Experience: Interviewer asked me general questions about my work with my previous employer. He then asked me if I had any questions for him. I asked him quite a few questions about the role, the travel and the work culture in general, which he patiently answered.
The interviewer could probably gauge my interest in the company through the questions I was asking. This worked in my favor.
Tips: Be sure to prep about the company you are interviewing with. The
questions you ask the interviewer will show them your interest.
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
1 Interview Round
Interview Questions
- Q1. PI questions:Why infrastructure division?
- Q2. Why not pure strategy and why operational consulting?
- Q3. How did you deal with people in your previous organizations – L&T and Accenture consulting?
- Q4. Give me a time when you were faced with an ethical dilemma and how did you tackle the situation?
- Q5. Case Questions: You walk into the office of a GM of a Coffin manufacturing company. He wants to improve his cash situation. You look outside his window and see ...read more
- Q6. PI questions:Run us through the projects you worked on while at L&T and Accenture
- Q7. Why not Accenture and why Feedback
- Q8. Case Questions:Your client has just won a BOT tender for Road development. He has come to you to improve IRR. What do you think?(Case type:Operations)
Interview Preparation Tips
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: I was given a photograph of a coffin manufacturing line. A very quick reading made it clear that it is to do with the Theory of Constraints and lean manufacturing. I took some time to identify the point like:
• Inventory distribution across the line
• No of workers around the floor
• Type of operations
• Material identification problems
• General work environment on the floor
I then used the 5 steps of TOC to evaluate how it would be the best tool to tackle the issues and an estimate of the types of savings possible. I was the told that my suggestions were implemented but after 5 months, workers began to return to their original ways. They then asked my next course of action. I discussed points on using right incentives, using display methods like that used in Toyota to describe how the process could be made sustainable. I also spoke about the correct usage of Kaizens and how
they help improve productivity and reduce cost.
What helped I have a background in Lean manufacturing and that tied in well with the case. I was able to immediately zero in on TOC and use the steps effectively
Tips: For most operations case, make sure you have DMOP and Ops 101 very clear.
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: I started off by gaining the understanding of situation and objective. I gathered info on the type of cities, the nature of vehicular traffic, distance, alternatives etc which gave me an understanding of the revenue streams. After some preliminary data gathering, I suggested they ration the number of food courts on the road (since they said it’s a 300km journey connecting 2 state capitals) and on the basis of a revenue sharing model issue discounts coupons to be used at specific food courts. The frequency of a particular court would be based on % revenue sharing. The exact numbers would need some complex pricing and revenue optimization model I also enquired about any tourist location which could be developed and a revenue sharing could be instituted with the government.
The case was an actual project Feedback had been involved in. The tourism idea turned out to be the suggestion which worked well for the project and did actually improve the IRR for the firm.
I could have structured the case better. As in divide it into 2 revenue streams – Internal (toll) and external (revenue sharing streams)
Tips: Common sense goes a long way
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
Experience: I was given a photograph of a coffin manufacturing line. A very quick reading made it clear that it is to do with the Theory of Constraints and lean manufacturing. I took some time to identify the point like:
• Inventory distribution across the line
• No of workers around the floor
• Type of operations
• Material identification problems
• General work environment on the floor
I then used the 5 steps of TOC to evaluate how it would be the best tool to tackle the issues and an estimate of the types of savings possible. I was the told that my suggestions were implemented but after 5 months, workers began to return to their original ways. They then asked my next course of action. I discussed points on using right incentives, using display methods like that used in Toyota to describe how the process could be made sustainable. I also spoke about the correct usage of Kaizens and how
they help improve productivity and reduce cost.
What helped I have a background in Lean manufacturing and that tied in well with the case. I was able to immediately zero in on TOC and use the steps effectively
Tips: For most operations case, make sure you have DMOP and Ops 101 very clear.
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: I started off by gaining the understanding of situation and objective. I gathered info on the type of cities, the nature of vehicular traffic, distance, alternatives etc which gave me an understanding of the revenue streams. After some preliminary data gathering, I suggested they ration the number of food courts on the road (since they said it’s a 300km journey connecting 2 state capitals) and on the basis of a revenue sharing model issue discounts coupons to be used at specific food courts. The frequency of a particular court would be based on % revenue sharing. The exact numbers would need some complex pricing and revenue optimization model I also enquired about any tourist location which could be developed and a revenue sharing could be instituted with the government.
The case was an actual project Feedback had been involved in. The tourism idea turned out to be the suggestion which worked well for the project and did actually improve the IRR for the firm.
I could have structured the case better. As in divide it into 2 revenue streams – Internal (toll) and external (revenue sharing streams)
Tips: Common sense goes a long way
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
3 Interview Rounds
Interview Questions
- Q1. PI questions: How did you manage to do all these things (written on my resume)?
- Q2. Explain the career progression
- Q3. Describe your work and responsibilities
- Q4. Did you write IIT-JEE?
- Q5. Case Question: A PE firm wants to invest in a hospital. How would you identify that a particular hospital is a good investment.(Case Type: Private Equity Due-di...read more
- Q6. Tell me something about yourself
- Q7. Why entrepreneurship?
- Q8. Tell me about your ventures
- Q9. Why Macquarie after entrepreneurship?
- Q10. Why not entrepreneurship now?
Interview Preparation Tips
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: They were very impressed by my profile. Moreover, I guess the case went very since I covered almost all aspects having done due-diligence work earlier.
Tips: The people were very friendly and humble. They were not specifically looking for a structure; they were more concerned whether you can identify all the important aspects.
Round: HR Interview
Experience: Though having grades is an advantage but I don’t think they were looking for grades. Be well read about the sector. Convince them that you have been following this space because you want to pursue a career in Infrastructure. Be confident and humble.
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
Experience: They were very impressed by my profile. Moreover, I guess the case went very since I covered almost all aspects having done due-diligence work earlier.
Tips: The people were very friendly and humble. They were not specifically looking for a structure; they were more concerned whether you can identify all the important aspects.
Round: HR Interview
Experience: Though having grades is an advantage but I don’t think they were looking for grades. Be well read about the sector. Convince them that you have been following this space because you want to pursue a career in Infrastructure. Be confident and humble.
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
1 Interview Round
Interview Questions
- Q1. PI questions:Walking though the resume
- Q2. Why returning back to India?
- Q3. Why ISB?
- Q4. Case Questions:Innovative revenue streams for Delhi Metro?
- Q5. Case Questions: Handed me a picture of a coffin manufacturing facility. Asked me to point out what changes will I recommend in their operations (just by looking...read more
Interview Preparation Tips
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: • Clearly told the interviewer that I do not have much exposure to real estate, roads or ports.
• Applied common sense and let him help me out when I was running out of ideas at times.
• The guy was looking at how I think more than what answers I come up with
• I think coming out clean with the fact that I have limited knowledge of the industry/sector set the expectations right, which
helped me out.
• I think I came up with good answers for the question.
What went wrong was that I could have prepared more and studied some obvious projects in India infrastructure
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: In PI, most questions were to understand my motivation and interest in infrastructure sector. Also he was trying to look for things in my resume that indicate that I will stick around since it’s not run of the mill industry in India and his its own challenges. (very outdoorsy projects, familiarity with heavy industry). Asked me to ask him any question I like. What helped me was my experience to have seen heavy industry up-close gave me a lot of confidence and I think that helped me answer question very
well.
Tips: Be yourself
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
Experience: • Clearly told the interviewer that I do not have much exposure to real estate, roads or ports.
• Applied common sense and let him help me out when I was running out of ideas at times.
• The guy was looking at how I think more than what answers I come up with
• I think coming out clean with the fact that I have limited knowledge of the industry/sector set the expectations right, which
helped me out.
• I think I came up with good answers for the question.
What went wrong was that I could have prepared more and studied some obvious projects in India infrastructure
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: In PI, most questions were to understand my motivation and interest in infrastructure sector. Also he was trying to look for things in my resume that indicate that I will stick around since it’s not run of the mill industry in India and his its own challenges. (very outdoorsy projects, familiarity with heavy industry). Asked me to ask him any question I like. What helped me was my experience to have seen heavy industry up-close gave me a lot of confidence and I think that helped me answer question very
well.
Tips: Be yourself
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
1 Interview Round
Interview Questions
- Q1. Personal Interview questions: Walk me through your Resume
- Q2. Discussion on my ELP Project (It was on setting up of back office for a Pharma company): How did we add value, what was my role in the team, further technical q...read more
- Q3. Discussion on my Project Management Experience: Issues while leading team and how I handled those
- Q4. Example of an inefficient management from my work experience and how I will handle such situations now
- Q5. What do you know about ZS? What do you think worked for you in the ZS Case Competition (I was on winning team of ZS Competition)
- Q6. Any Questions for ZS?
- Q7. Case questions: Graphs of the company and its competitors products. I was asked to interpret the graphs
- Q8. Survey results about the product perceptions. Again read and interpret
- Q9. Calculation based questions – Some data was provided but I have to interpret the same and conduct the calculations
- Q10. I was provided a packet that consisted of Shareholder’s report, CEO messages, Market Survey Reports, Newspaper Cuttings and other such documents. The whole thin...read more
- Q11. PI questions: Why ZS? What do you know about ZS?
- Q12. Why should we hire you?
- Q13. How will your past experience be relevant?
- Q14. Any questions you have for me?
- Q15. Case Study: There was a numerical type questions. It was about allocation of resources to different activities based on graphical interpretation of payoffs. I w...read more
Interview Preparation Tips
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: The PI went well providing good start. Understanding the way ZS works by talking to Alums helped in framing the responses better.
While solving the case, along with solving individual cases I was able to connect previous cases together to provide better recommendations.
Tips: A) Do get into calculations while solving individual cases e.g. during your recommendations rather than just saying market share is
increasing, try to speak market share increased by X%
B) Try to throw as many different recommendations or suggestions. Also, don’t forget to speak about your assumptions.
C) In terms of preparation, the closest I could think of is refer to MKTR1 & 2 as well as MADM numerical from Core Terms
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: I organized the presentation as follows:
A) Assessment of Current Situation
B) Key Issues
C) Opportunities and Constraints
D) Recommendations
After this, I was scheduled to make the presentation on white paper with a marker. There was a lot of cross questioning on everything I mentioned on the prezo. Also, some additional data was thrown at during the presentation and I had to provide alternative suggestions based on the same. Since there were a lot of moving variables, I kept referring to the case during the Q & A.
I was able to provide multifunctional recommendations applying concepts from Corporate Finance, Marketing Services & Competitive Strategy etc. Some witty comments during Q & A also helped to lighten the environment.
I forgot to use marker and wrote just with my pen on the white paper. They had real hard time figuring out what I had written
Tips: A) Be as integrative as possible. Don’t just think of the case as a just a Marketing / Strategy / Finance case. Try to bring out as
many elements as possible in 40 minutes. Build on those, during the presentations
B) Just Relax and enjoy the process. Nobody can make a perfect presentation.
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: In PI each element of my response was digged one to two steps deeper. I was asked to quantify each and every strength I mentioned.
I think I did well in the PI. I mentioned few things about ZS that the interviewer was very impressed with and repeated quite a few times.
I solved the numerical in a stop-gap sort of form and took a lot of time and clues from interviewer to form the mathematical equation. However, I don’t think lot of emphasis
Tips: As I mentioned, ZS Plays a lot of emphasis on the fit. The fit related questions are similar for almost all. Think through your responses and be prepared to discuss the elements you mention 1-2 steps deeper.
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
Experience: The PI went well providing good start. Understanding the way ZS works by talking to Alums helped in framing the responses better.
While solving the case, along with solving individual cases I was able to connect previous cases together to provide better recommendations.
Tips: A) Do get into calculations while solving individual cases e.g. during your recommendations rather than just saying market share is
increasing, try to speak market share increased by X%
B) Try to throw as many different recommendations or suggestions. Also, don’t forget to speak about your assumptions.
C) In terms of preparation, the closest I could think of is refer to MKTR1 & 2 as well as MADM numerical from Core Terms
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: I organized the presentation as follows:
A) Assessment of Current Situation
B) Key Issues
C) Opportunities and Constraints
D) Recommendations
After this, I was scheduled to make the presentation on white paper with a marker. There was a lot of cross questioning on everything I mentioned on the prezo. Also, some additional data was thrown at during the presentation and I had to provide alternative suggestions based on the same. Since there were a lot of moving variables, I kept referring to the case during the Q & A.
I was able to provide multifunctional recommendations applying concepts from Corporate Finance, Marketing Services & Competitive Strategy etc. Some witty comments during Q & A also helped to lighten the environment.
I forgot to use marker and wrote just with my pen on the white paper. They had real hard time figuring out what I had written
Tips: A) Be as integrative as possible. Don’t just think of the case as a just a Marketing / Strategy / Finance case. Try to bring out as
many elements as possible in 40 minutes. Build on those, during the presentations
B) Just Relax and enjoy the process. Nobody can make a perfect presentation.
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: In PI each element of my response was digged one to two steps deeper. I was asked to quantify each and every strength I mentioned.
I think I did well in the PI. I mentioned few things about ZS that the interviewer was very impressed with and repeated quite a few times.
I solved the numerical in a stop-gap sort of form and took a lot of time and clues from interviewer to form the mathematical equation. However, I don’t think lot of emphasis
Tips: As I mentioned, ZS Plays a lot of emphasis on the fit. The fit related questions are similar for almost all. Think through your responses and be prepared to discuss the elements you mention 1-2 steps deeper.
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
4 Interview Rounds
Interview Questions
- Q1. Case Study: Why a drug was suddenly not doing well when compared to its competitors? Three calculations on sales force optimization. (Case Type: Quantitative an...read more
- Q2. Case Study: How to turn an ice cream chain profitable?
- Q3. What should be the acquisition strategy for this chain?
- Q4. At what locations should new parlors be opened?
Interview Preparation Tips
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: In the personal interview they asked Generic questions (E.g.: why consulting), Resume based questions (E.g.: how did your PMP certification help you in your work), Situational Questions (E.g.: Give an example of a highly complex assignment that you handled.)
What went right during the interview was the fact that I was able to maintain my cool and answer confidently and logically clearly showing the problem flow and calculation details. I was able to come up with more than one logical answer for the questions that were asked which impressed them. Ability to talk in mathematical as well as business terms.
Though, I kind of blanked out on the first slide. The interviewer had to guide me. But there were a lot of other slides to follow and the PI, where I was able to make up for the initial glitch.
Tips: Maintain your calm and be confident and optimistic. For this round, don’t narrow your thoughts down by a framework as it tends to limit your thinking. In rounds where precise answers are required – case frameworks will not take you too far.
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: We were given a case (approx 45 pages) with lots of data and text. We were given 40 minutes to go through the case, analyze it and put our thoughts and recommendations on the flip chart followed by a 15 minute presentation of the case. There was a lot of cross questioning during the presentation.
I was able to go through the whole case and get a sense of what sections were important and what were not. Was able to structure my analysis into four buckets - financial, marketing, strategic and others, before coming up with the recommendations. Did not change my stance under pressure during the presentation – kept on providing answers to support my view. Could not do as much quant as I wanted to.
Tips: · Time management is the key. Set aside 20 minutes for reading the case, 10 minutes for analyzing it and going through the important parts again and 10 minutes for thinking about a structure and putting it on the flip chart.
· Read the entire case. That way you would be able to make out which parts are important and focus on them for analysis. Reading the entire case would also enable you to tackle all the questions that are asked during the presentation.
· In this round, use of case frameworks helps to ensure that you have covered all aspects of the problem at hand. · Structure you presentation. Most important!! · Answer all the questions confidently – interviewers will try to change your thoughts intentionally – don’t give up and keep on providing logical answers to support your view.
Round: personal interview
Experience: · General Questions
· Resume Based Questions (lots of these)
· Situational Questions (lots of these)
· Industry Questions
· Some attitude questions (like your ideas on work life balance)
I had gone through my resume thoroughly a day before and thought of key things to say under each of the heads. Was a great help in answering the situational questions.
Was able to demonstrate my suitability and passion for the role by giving thoughtful but spontaneous answers.
Tips: · A day before the interview, go through your resume. Think of at least three things to say about each of the points mentioned in your resume.
· Be confident, spontaneous and genuine.
· Show passion in the opinions/views that you express.
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
Experience: In the personal interview they asked Generic questions (E.g.: why consulting), Resume based questions (E.g.: how did your PMP certification help you in your work), Situational Questions (E.g.: Give an example of a highly complex assignment that you handled.)
What went right during the interview was the fact that I was able to maintain my cool and answer confidently and logically clearly showing the problem flow and calculation details. I was able to come up with more than one logical answer for the questions that were asked which impressed them. Ability to talk in mathematical as well as business terms.
Though, I kind of blanked out on the first slide. The interviewer had to guide me. But there were a lot of other slides to follow and the PI, where I was able to make up for the initial glitch.
Tips: Maintain your calm and be confident and optimistic. For this round, don’t narrow your thoughts down by a framework as it tends to limit your thinking. In rounds where precise answers are required – case frameworks will not take you too far.
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: We were given a case (approx 45 pages) with lots of data and text. We were given 40 minutes to go through the case, analyze it and put our thoughts and recommendations on the flip chart followed by a 15 minute presentation of the case. There was a lot of cross questioning during the presentation.
I was able to go through the whole case and get a sense of what sections were important and what were not. Was able to structure my analysis into four buckets - financial, marketing, strategic and others, before coming up with the recommendations. Did not change my stance under pressure during the presentation – kept on providing answers to support my view. Could not do as much quant as I wanted to.
Tips: · Time management is the key. Set aside 20 minutes for reading the case, 10 minutes for analyzing it and going through the important parts again and 10 minutes for thinking about a structure and putting it on the flip chart.
· Read the entire case. That way you would be able to make out which parts are important and focus on them for analysis. Reading the entire case would also enable you to tackle all the questions that are asked during the presentation.
· In this round, use of case frameworks helps to ensure that you have covered all aspects of the problem at hand. · Structure you presentation. Most important!! · Answer all the questions confidently – interviewers will try to change your thoughts intentionally – don’t give up and keep on providing logical answers to support your view.
Round: personal interview
Experience: · General Questions
· Resume Based Questions (lots of these)
· Situational Questions (lots of these)
· Industry Questions
· Some attitude questions (like your ideas on work life balance)
I had gone through my resume thoroughly a day before and thought of key things to say under each of the heads. Was a great help in answering the situational questions.
Was able to demonstrate my suitability and passion for the role by giving thoughtful but spontaneous answers.
Tips: · A day before the interview, go through your resume. Think of at least three things to say about each of the points mentioned in your resume.
· Be confident, spontaneous and genuine.
· Show passion in the opinions/views that you express.
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
1 Interview Round
Interview Questions
- Q1. PI questions: Tell us about yourself
- Q2. What has been your biggest achievement?
- Q3. What were your job responsibilities at previous company?
- Q4. What were the challenges you faced at job?
- Q5. Why ZS?
- Q6. What other firms did you interview with?
- Q7. Case Study: A slide deck of graphs/ charts/ tables was shown and was asked to interpret each slide assimilating information from previous slides, if needed.(Num...read more
- Q8. Case Study: I was given a 40 page case and was asked to come up with business solution in 35-40 mins. This was to be presented to management using Slide deck.(C...read more
- Q9. Case question: Short case on resource allocation based on a response function. (Case Type: Graphical)
Interview Preparation Tips
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: There were about 12 slides about a drug company and I was asked to go one by one interpreting each slide. They were mostly on sales response, regression data interpretation, some survey data interpretation, and profitability analysis ( MKDM course was very helpful for the whole case). I was able to interpret each slide and gave plausible reasons for why that may be the phenomenon. The reasons included concepts on carry-over effect, optimal level of resource allocation etc., and what parameters to use while marketing the drug (based on survey data and regression results). I was not able to explain one pattern but was then hinted by interviewer to use earlier graphs data and then I was able to explain. The interview went for about an hour.
I was calm and it was the first interview so I think the interviewers were also very interested. Both the interviewers were very helpful. I was able to complete the 12 slides.
Tips: Be calm , composed, and if you get stuck take hints from interviewer.
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: There were 40 pages about a company in US that had multiple problems(you could identify operations, marketing, finance angle). I read the case in 15- 20 minutes, jotted all issues, and made presentation in 10 minutes. Basic issue was revenue and profit growth. I had some data to interpret which regions to focus, what products to focus, what channels to focus, what customers to focus etc..so I came up with a strategy to increase profits by reducing costs, and increasing revenue. The listed down ways to reduce cost and increase revenues in current and new markets. Suggested way forward and also gave what studies need to be
conducted for developing a product. It was a case where you could pick several issues and work around several solution ( pure Strategy case).
I was able to clearly identify all issues and was very structured in approach. I used both qualitative and quantitative ways to defend my case.
Could have been calm during presentation but my anxiety while solving case continued while presenting.
Tips: Ensure you allow interviewers to ask question and have discussion.
They really like that format.
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: I met him (interviewer) earlier so he joked around it and said so we meet here again and said I will not trouble you again, this is the last round. I answered back saying no I would like to be troubled and would want to meet you again. He knew my background so didn’t ask for that. Most questions were behavioral about previous jobs. He kept asking me situations and what I
did. Then he asked me what I know about ZS and why is it interesting for me. He asked me if I know someone in ZS and I said yes. So he asked me what have I been told about ZS. He then asked me a very particular question. He asked if I have noticed the trend that all ZS shortlists are from IT background except me and asked me to explain why that could be the case. I told him that the job needed modeling and technological skills. He explained me in detail why that was so. All I gathered was that you need to work with software teams sometimes to develop the software for a model to be implemented for a client. He asked me if I will be able t do that given that I have not worked in analytics or IT fields. I gave him some gyaan on why I will be able to it…Then he gave a case. He asked me to wait outside.
There were two types of products for a company and a response function was given. I was asked to allocate 100 sales people to each of the products. He asked me the algorithm I followed.
I took time to solve a mini-case and was also not able to explain why IT people and why me (without IT)
What worked best for me were my contacts at ZS.
Tips: Having your own contacts and speaking with them prior to interview
helps
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
Experience: There were about 12 slides about a drug company and I was asked to go one by one interpreting each slide. They were mostly on sales response, regression data interpretation, some survey data interpretation, and profitability analysis ( MKDM course was very helpful for the whole case). I was able to interpret each slide and gave plausible reasons for why that may be the phenomenon. The reasons included concepts on carry-over effect, optimal level of resource allocation etc., and what parameters to use while marketing the drug (based on survey data and regression results). I was not able to explain one pattern but was then hinted by interviewer to use earlier graphs data and then I was able to explain. The interview went for about an hour.
I was calm and it was the first interview so I think the interviewers were also very interested. Both the interviewers were very helpful. I was able to complete the 12 slides.
Tips: Be calm , composed, and if you get stuck take hints from interviewer.
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: There were 40 pages about a company in US that had multiple problems(you could identify operations, marketing, finance angle). I read the case in 15- 20 minutes, jotted all issues, and made presentation in 10 minutes. Basic issue was revenue and profit growth. I had some data to interpret which regions to focus, what products to focus, what channels to focus, what customers to focus etc..so I came up with a strategy to increase profits by reducing costs, and increasing revenue. The listed down ways to reduce cost and increase revenues in current and new markets. Suggested way forward and also gave what studies need to be
conducted for developing a product. It was a case where you could pick several issues and work around several solution ( pure Strategy case).
I was able to clearly identify all issues and was very structured in approach. I used both qualitative and quantitative ways to defend my case.
Could have been calm during presentation but my anxiety while solving case continued while presenting.
Tips: Ensure you allow interviewers to ask question and have discussion.
They really like that format.
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: I met him (interviewer) earlier so he joked around it and said so we meet here again and said I will not trouble you again, this is the last round. I answered back saying no I would like to be troubled and would want to meet you again. He knew my background so didn’t ask for that. Most questions were behavioral about previous jobs. He kept asking me situations and what I
did. Then he asked me what I know about ZS and why is it interesting for me. He asked me if I know someone in ZS and I said yes. So he asked me what have I been told about ZS. He then asked me a very particular question. He asked if I have noticed the trend that all ZS shortlists are from IT background except me and asked me to explain why that could be the case. I told him that the job needed modeling and technological skills. He explained me in detail why that was so. All I gathered was that you need to work with software teams sometimes to develop the software for a model to be implemented for a client. He asked me if I will be able t do that given that I have not worked in analytics or IT fields. I gave him some gyaan on why I will be able to it…Then he gave a case. He asked me to wait outside.
There were two types of products for a company and a response function was given. I was asked to allocate 100 sales people to each of the products. He asked me the algorithm I followed.
I took time to solve a mini-case and was also not able to explain why IT people and why me (without IT)
What worked best for me were my contacts at ZS.
Tips: Having your own contacts and speaking with them prior to interview
helps
Skills:
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
1 Interview Round
Interview Questions
- Q1. PI Questions: Your past background
- Q2. How consulting fit in with your career goals
- Q3. Identify the issue and make recommendations
Interview Preparation Tips
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: Case Details:
Round one in the process consisted of a mini caselet, mixed with some preliminary motivational questions. The caselet was easy and tested mainly the candidate’s ability to
interpret graphical and numerical data by identifying trends and possible causes. There was some reference to market entry strategies and risks, but this was not delved into in detail. Nothing unusual. Standard 3C, 4P approach to solve the issue at hand. More driven by approach and strategy than numbers and frameworks. Bound by a confidentiality clause. But suffice to say that it was in line with the case books available on the consulting club portal. The first round was strictly OK. I got the data crunching right but felt I could have done better on suggesting the causes behind the data trends in the caselets. Could have been more prepared for pharma/healthcare practices.
Tips: Would suggest preparation of specific examples from professional/personal experiences to support your answers. Be sure to cover or think of all flaws and angles. It’s all about presentation skills and how you can handle large chunks of data. In that manner, it is slightly different from the other case interviews.
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: Case Details:
There were around 40 pages of information including background, industry research, newspaper articles, annual reports and miscellaneous data. The candidate was expected to identify the issue and make recommendations. Calculations were minimal. The main challenge was to finish the reading and evolve a cohesive and comprehensive strategy to solve the problem at hand. The
findings were then to be transferred to chart paper and presented to the panel. One can expect a fair bit of cross-questioning if the coverage of the case has not been complete. Innovative insights and the ability to fend off questions help. The second round was much much better. The key was to read quickly without getting bogged down by the sheer volume of the data and material. I had minimal cross-questioning and felt that I hit most of the salient points of the case. Problem assessment is the key. The final interview was just to gauge the candidate’s fit with a small econ 101 question on MR/MC.
Skills:
Duration: NA
College Name: Indian School of Business (ISB)
Experience: Case Details:
Round one in the process consisted of a mini caselet, mixed with some preliminary motivational questions. The caselet was easy and tested mainly the candidate’s ability to
interpret graphical and numerical data by identifying trends and possible causes. There was some reference to market entry strategies and risks, but this was not delved into in detail. Nothing unusual. Standard 3C, 4P approach to solve the issue at hand. More driven by approach and strategy than numbers and frameworks. Bound by a confidentiality clause. But suffice to say that it was in line with the case books available on the consulting club portal. The first round was strictly OK. I got the data crunching right but felt I could have done better on suggesting the causes behind the data trends in the caselets. Could have been more prepared for pharma/healthcare practices.
Tips: Would suggest preparation of specific examples from professional/personal experiences to support your answers. Be sure to cover or think of all flaws and angles. It’s all about presentation skills and how you can handle large chunks of data. In that manner, it is slightly different from the other case interviews.
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: Case Details:
There were around 40 pages of information including background, industry research, newspaper articles, annual reports and miscellaneous data. The candidate was expected to identify the issue and make recommendations. Calculations were minimal. The main challenge was to finish the reading and evolve a cohesive and comprehensive strategy to solve the problem at hand. The
findings were then to be transferred to chart paper and presented to the panel. One can expect a fair bit of cross-questioning if the coverage of the case has not been complete. Innovative insights and the ability to fend off questions help. The second round was much much better. The key was to read quickly without getting bogged down by the sheer volume of the data and material. I had minimal cross-questioning and felt that I hit most of the salient points of the case. Problem assessment is the key. The final interview was just to gauge the candidate’s fit with a small econ 101 question on MR/MC.
Skills:
Duration: NA
College Name: Indian School of Business (ISB)
I applied via Campus Placement
1 Interview Round
Interview Questions
- Q1. Case Study Type: Data Interpretation
- Q2. PI Questions: Why were you promoted twice before the actual tenure? Can you give some specific reasons?
- Q3. Why did you quit TCS? Would you join TCS back if you were made an offer? Why/Why Not?
- Q4. What is one thing that you felt you did not handle well in your work experience? What would you do different now?
- Q5. Do you have any questions?
- Q6. Multiple
- Q7. A sales force optimization problem where I had to distribute X no. of available sales reps for selling two refrigerator brands. The diminishing rate of the marg...read more
- Q8. PI Questions: Tell me your 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses
- Q9. Why do you want to join ZS? Give 3 reasons
- Q10. Why should ZS hire you? Give 3 reasons
- Q11. Would you join TCS back in case you are made an offer? Why/Why Not?
- Q12. Tell me your 3 weaknesses. How do you overcome your weaknesses?
- Q13. Have you encountered any difficult team member? How did you handle the situation?
- Q14. You seem to be a very soft spoken person? How do you handle arguments/disagreements during meetings or how do you make your voice heard in tough situations?
Interview Preparation Tips
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: Case Details:
It’s a data and graphs based case covering all the fundamental concepts of marketing viz., market sizing, sales force sizing, etc.
Wherever there was ambiguity in the case, I asked questions and got clarity on what exactly is expected as the answer? I have worked out every step of the calculations for quantitative questions thus involving the interviewers through the problem-solving process. For one of the questions, I missed the foot notes given in the slide and asked a question that would have otherwise not arisen.
Tips: Be clear with the marketing fundamentals (courses 101 & 102) and be ready to do some calculations (simple though) and data interpretation The case and questions are relatively simple and quite solvable on the spot. So, just keep your cool and focus.
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: Case Details:
I was given around 15 documents (~45 pages) related to an ice cream company and 40 mins to understand those documents and come up with a presentation on flip charts for two of the board of directors of the ice cream company. There were detailed questions from the two panelists during the presentation on the understanding and the recommendations. I have followed the 4c-4p framework approach for solving the case and thus could systematically take the panelists through the presentation. I could remember some important details in the documents and cited
the appropriate numbers while explaining my problem analysis and defending my recommendations. One of the panelists looked disinterested after listening to the presentation which gave an impression that my case understanding is wrong but I tried to stay focused and positive about my case analysis. I could not manage my time on the case preparation really well and came up with minimal details on the flip charts. I was mostly explaining the numbers while talking through the presentation. I could not answer some of the questions asked by the panelists.
Tips: Distribute your time wisely for case analysis and presentation, you have to be prepared to get on to the case really quickly. The amount of data in the given time frame is overwhelming. So, it is
important to stay cool and focused. The interviewing panel is very pa
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: Was consistent in my answers for PI questions right from Round 1
Tips: In my opinion, there are no right/wrong answers in this round. This is basically a psychometric assessment to check the team fit. If you made it here, you are mostly in
Skills:
Duration: NA
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
Experience: Case Details:
It’s a data and graphs based case covering all the fundamental concepts of marketing viz., market sizing, sales force sizing, etc.
Wherever there was ambiguity in the case, I asked questions and got clarity on what exactly is expected as the answer? I have worked out every step of the calculations for quantitative questions thus involving the interviewers through the problem-solving process. For one of the questions, I missed the foot notes given in the slide and asked a question that would have otherwise not arisen.
Tips: Be clear with the marketing fundamentals (courses 101 & 102) and be ready to do some calculations (simple though) and data interpretation The case and questions are relatively simple and quite solvable on the spot. So, just keep your cool and focus.
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: Case Details:
I was given around 15 documents (~45 pages) related to an ice cream company and 40 mins to understand those documents and come up with a presentation on flip charts for two of the board of directors of the ice cream company. There were detailed questions from the two panelists during the presentation on the understanding and the recommendations. I have followed the 4c-4p framework approach for solving the case and thus could systematically take the panelists through the presentation. I could remember some important details in the documents and cited
the appropriate numbers while explaining my problem analysis and defending my recommendations. One of the panelists looked disinterested after listening to the presentation which gave an impression that my case understanding is wrong but I tried to stay focused and positive about my case analysis. I could not manage my time on the case preparation really well and came up with minimal details on the flip charts. I was mostly explaining the numbers while talking through the presentation. I could not answer some of the questions asked by the panelists.
Tips: Distribute your time wisely for case analysis and presentation, you have to be prepared to get on to the case really quickly. The amount of data in the given time frame is overwhelming. So, it is
important to stay cool and focused. The interviewing panel is very pa
Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: Was consistent in my answers for PI questions right from Round 1
Tips: In my opinion, there are no right/wrong answers in this round. This is basically a psychometric assessment to check the team fit. If you made it here, you are mostly in
Skills:
Duration: NA
College Name: Indian School Of Business (ISB)
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