National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE)
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Your seniors at National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) helped you with their notes. Now they're helping you with their placement interview questions. 🙏
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Filter interviews byNational Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) Placement Interview Questions
Updated
8 Jan 2024
80 interviews found
I applied via Campus Placement
3 Interview Rounds
1
Guesstimates Round (4 Questions)
- Q1. Round 1 - Telephonic, 30 mins CV Based Questions: (dur. 10 mins) Why Consulting?
- Q2. What are the two most interesting projects are on your CV?
- Q3. What was the most challenging part of each?
- Q4. Guesstimate: (dur. 20 mins) I had Cricket in extra-curriculars, the guesstimate was about calculating the total volume of paint consumed for maintaining cricket...read more
2
Case Study Round
Round 2 - 25 mins
Round began with a general introduction and my reasons to pursue a career in consulting, and specifically in PwC US Advisory. After a casual discussion of 5 mins. the interviewer began the case.
A medical instruments company is losing market share drastically since last financial year.
[Please note that I stands for Interviewer and C stands for Candidate]
C: I did my basic check for details with the interviewer regarding the following possibilities:
• Discontinuation of a product line by the client.
• Regulatory issues stopping sales of a popular brand of our client firm.
• Launch of new product line by any competitor that has eaten up our share.
• Decline in our sales due to quality issues (This turned out to be the reason).
(Hint: Try to relate a reason from previous work-ex and state it as one of the reasons, especially during summers recruiters frequently ask questions related to the candidate’s previous work-ex. This may not be the case always, but in my case the interviewer as asked me a case related to quality control.)
I: Yes, they have received multiple cases customer complaints of quantity mismatch in cartons and product damage in last 1 year. Take it forward now.
C: Okay, this seems like a problem at the packaging and packing station as final quantity check happens there and product damage happens due to 2 reasons: use of sub-standard packing material and not following the packing, loading and unloading SOPs. Let me ask about the packaging process at the client first for quantity mismatch issue, then I will discuss the packing material and finally SOPs.
I: They have recently switched their packaging station to automatic image based counting station, they have changed some supplier for packing material and the SOPs are unchanged.
C: Okay, so I see that they have a new supplier for packing material. Could you please tell me about the image-based counting system at packaging station? Was it bought after a proof of concept?
I: It’s a proven technology so management didn’t conduct any pilot or POC. Please give me possible reasons of the complaints based on the discussion so far.
C: Yes, so to begin with there could be issues with the new packaging station counting technology as image-based technologies need tremendous amount of data and supervised teaching for different product types and settings. So, they need to recheck that system. Coming to packing material change, they must again check the compliance of the packing material with their internal standards, involving a 3rd party testing agency for unbiased results.
SOPs are unchanged but we must see that loading and unloading SOPs are followed and re-training of workforce in that area might help.
I: What parameters do you need to check while switching materials?
C: Compliance of supplier with relevant standards, if possible we must see the same for the incoming material right from the source as part of supplier on-boarding or material change, compatibility of the material with our internal processes and SOPs as well as the product, reusability of the material if it falls in the multiple use category, material properties like weight, resistance to moisture, reactivity with respect to other materials we use, material durability in our environment and of-course total cost of buying and handling the material throughout the desired use.
I: Okay, what could be the most critical material for the client I mentioned?
C: Material used for the parts that are used for incision, insertion or similar processes involving subdermal contact.
I: What could be top KPIs for the client company’s QC department ?
C: General KPIs like : number of complaints/ units sold. This can be broken down to cases of process failure, material failure and deviation from SOPs to laser focus the efforts. I can think of only one at this point especially given the nature of the case.
I: Thank you, we are done here.
(Hint: The interviewer waived off the 3rd round for me based on this interaction, I feel she was liked the use of specific terms pertaining to industry of the client and quality control)
3
Other Round (1 Question)
- Q1. Partner/Directory Round - Cultural fit round, 15 mins I was interviewed by a US based director over Skype. He asked me questions around my goals and objectives ...read more
Interview Preparation Tips
Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Preparation:
I started preparing for consulting interviews around 40 days before SIPs. Case in Point helped me to get the hang of a consulting interview initially. I followed Victor Cheng’s lectures too.
Understanding the end-to-end business functioning of my previous employer allowed me to get a clear idea on business and strategic challenges and this came in really handy during the interview. I analyzed a sample company from each of the prominent sectors like Pharma, Steel, Automobile, Banks and IT/ITeS, end-to-end to understand the finer details pertaining to a particular type of company.
What went right?
I was confident throughout all the rounds, making it a discussion in essence, rather than a formal interview. The fact that I stated out my assumptions clearly during both guestimate and case study round was well received.
Suggestions:
1. Prepare well for questions like why consulting? Ops. Consulting ? Or why in a particular firm?
2. Prepare well for CV defense, make sure you know the calculation behind each quantified claim, think of project scenarios like: most successful, most challenging and all beforehand and make answers using star approach.
3. For consulting interviews put equal attention on business functionalities as you put on framework. Understanding a business helps you ask the right questions and list-down right parameters whenever asked.
4. The best framework is created on the spot so don’t spend too much time mastering the frameworks you find in different materials. Often a case will be too unstructured as to be discussed through any pre-defined structure, use simple logical trees or flow-charts in those cases.
5. For guesstimates keep some numbers in mind like population of major countries, cities, states. Especially figures of candidate’s hometown and state apart from Mumbai and Maharashtra are important.
6. Expect guesstimates and cases to be around the interests mentioned in CV or intro or work-experience.
I started preparing for consulting interviews around 40 days before SIPs. Case in Point helped me to get the hang of a consulting interview initially. I followed Victor Cheng’s lectures too.
Understanding the end-to-end business functioning of my previous employer allowed me to get a clear idea on business and strategic challenges and this came in really handy during the interview. I analyzed a sample company from each of the prominent sectors like Pharma, Steel, Automobile, Banks and IT/ITeS, end-to-end to understand the finer details pertaining to a particular type of company.
What went right?
I was confident throughout all the rounds, making it a discussion in essence, rather than a formal interview. The fact that I stated out my assumptions clearly during both guestimate and case study round was well received.
Suggestions:
1. Prepare well for questions like why consulting? Ops. Consulting ? Or why in a particular firm?
2. Prepare well for CV defense, make sure you know the calculation behind each quantified claim, think of project scenarios like: most successful, most challenging and all beforehand and make answers using star approach.
3. For consulting interviews put equal attention on business functionalities as you put on framework. Understanding a business helps you ask the right questions and list-down right parameters whenever asked.
4. The best framework is created on the spot so don’t spend too much time mastering the frameworks you find in different materials. Often a case will be too unstructured as to be discussed through any pre-defined structure, use simple logical trees or flow-charts in those cases.
5. For guesstimates keep some numbers in mind like population of major countries, cities, states. Especially figures of candidate’s hometown and state apart from Mumbai and Maharashtra are important.
6. Expect guesstimates and cases to be around the interests mentioned in CV or intro or work-experience.
I applied via Campus Placement
2 Interview Rounds
1
HR Round (5 Questions)
- Q1. Introduce yourself.
- Q2. Most challenging project?
- Q3. Number of local football leagues in Mumbai. This is the advantage of talking about your interests during the introduction, guesstimates usually come from here.
- Q4. Asked couple of questions about Manchester United.
- Q5. Asked for questions if any.
2
Case Study Round
Was asked to introduce and asked about my work experience.
The client produces and sells industrial valves and hoses mainly used in petroleum, petrochemical industries – four industries were mentioned. And they had four main products. They were a dominant player in Northern America. But they are trying to expand to Asian countries especially India and China. Client has come to us for advice.
[Please note that I stands for Interviewer and C stands for Candidate]
The interviewer read out the case to me. I took some notes and summarized. Stated the objective and asked if anything more needs to be explored.
I: What are the risks associated with expanding to these markets.
C: Can I concentrate on India?
I: Compare between India and China
(I compared the political and economic situations of both the countries. And, mentioned the technological and political risks. They did not seem satisfied.)
I: You missed a major factor.
(I couldn’t think of anything else.)
I: What all are the factors you would consider before deciding whether to expand to India.
C: The current demand for such products – total market size, level of competition and market shares, financial situation of the company, laws & regulations, economic situation etc.
I: What do you think the demand for any one of the product will be.
I selected one of the products and estimated the demand – This was a guesstimate and did well. The problem I faced here is that there was no structure to my case and at a certain point in time, I was all over the place. The discussion continued for further 5-10 mins where I tried to compare the Company, competition and customers to reach a conclusion.
Interview Preparation Tips
Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Preparations:
Prep Methodology: As I expected shortlists mainly from consulting firms, my preparation was majorly focused on cases. Practiced few cases from casing point and IIM A casebook. Random Guesstimates and some based on my resume points (interests – e.g. football- the number of footballs sold in India annually). Thorough with the CV, expanding every single point – This is extremely important if you have a relevant work experience.
Study resources: Case in Point & IIM A casebook – for Practice cases, Victor Cheng Videos for frameworks.
What went wrong?
I couldn’t structure the case properly and my lack of preparation with cases that had numbers associated with worked against my favor. There were many questions asked by the panel during the case which gave the impression that I was not driving the case.
Suggestions:
1. Be thorough with your CV, especially if you have a relevant work experience. In that case, most of the time will go with a project or two from the experience.
2. For consulting interviews, make sure that you mention your interests because the guesstimates and cases might be based on it and it would make your case/guesstimates much easier. Practice some guesstimates based on the interests and Work experience domain (e.g. If experience is in oil and gas sector, “Volume of petrol consumed per day in your home city?”).
3. Never keep your preparations to the last week. You will not get time.
4. Make sure you have a good answer for why consulting/ supply chain and why the company. This was asked in all the interview. Try to connect the same to your background.
Prep Methodology: As I expected shortlists mainly from consulting firms, my preparation was majorly focused on cases. Practiced few cases from casing point and IIM A casebook. Random Guesstimates and some based on my resume points (interests – e.g. football- the number of footballs sold in India annually). Thorough with the CV, expanding every single point – This is extremely important if you have a relevant work experience.
Study resources: Case in Point & IIM A casebook – for Practice cases, Victor Cheng Videos for frameworks.
What went wrong?
I couldn’t structure the case properly and my lack of preparation with cases that had numbers associated with worked against my favor. There were many questions asked by the panel during the case which gave the impression that I was not driving the case.
Suggestions:
1. Be thorough with your CV, especially if you have a relevant work experience. In that case, most of the time will go with a project or two from the experience.
2. For consulting interviews, make sure that you mention your interests because the guesstimates and cases might be based on it and it would make your case/guesstimates much easier. Practice some guesstimates based on the interests and Work experience domain (e.g. If experience is in oil and gas sector, “Volume of petrol consumed per day in your home city?”).
3. Never keep your preparations to the last week. You will not get time.
4. Make sure you have a good answer for why consulting/ supply chain and why the company. This was asked in all the interview. Try to connect the same to your background.
I applied via Campus Placement
4 Interview Rounds
1
HR Round (2 Questions)
- Q1. It started with the basic introduction, and then the interviewer asked me a few questions on my CV points and some questions on inventory management & forecasti...read more
- Q2. Case - Client is an ice cream manufacturer and is facing stockouts and delays. How will you help them manage their finished goods inventory? Round 1 - 25 minute...read more
2
Case Study Round
An Investment bank wants to automate some of its processes, what are the factors you will look at, and provide your recommendation whether they should proceed or not.
(This case is very similar to case - “To Automate or Not” from Darden Case Book 2018-2019).
(25 minutes)
Stated the qualitative factors (tried to be as MECE as possible), and was provided with data (no. of employees, revenue, total cost, people which will get fired etc.) to do the cost benefit analysis.
3
Other Round (1 Question)
- Q1. In this round I was asked about the projects I did during my work ex at ZS. Interviewer deep dived into many of my CV points to understand about my work. Then I...read more
4
Other Round (1 Question)
- Q1. This was the final round where interviewer focused to assess the cultural fit of the candidate. I was asked questions around my goals and objectives in life and...read more
Interview Preparation Tips
Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Preparation:
My preparation was divided into 3 parts :-
1. Solving Guesstimates - I started my preparation by focusing on solving guesstimates from different sources (Quora, LinkedIn & different case books).
I used to solve at least 2 guesstimates daily and tried to solve the same problem through different approaches (Ex. demand side, supply side, top-down, bottom-up, area approach etc.), This really helped me to get a good command over guesstimates.
2. Case Study Prep: For case studies, I started with Case in Point and watched YouTube videos of Victor Cheng to get familiar with different types of cases and frameworks. After this, I started solving cases from different case books with my friends in Interviewee/Interviewer mode. Simulating the interviews helped me in providing confidence to deliver my thoughts in the real interview. Candidates should try solving at least 15-20 mock case interviews in this mode.
3. CV Backup & HR questions: Prepared a thorough CV backup and HR questions like why consulting, why Deloitte etc.
What went right?
In the initial minutes of my interview, I was able to understand that the interviewers were more focused on the structure of the attempt. I was able to reflect that both in my communication and on paper and therefore was one of the main reasons I was able to do well in the interview.
Suggestions:
1) Be Positive and Be Yourself during interviews.
2) Prepare well for CV Backup & HR Questions. Interviewers want to see a clarity in your answers for why consulting and why this particular firm.
3) Solve as many guesstimates and cases as possible. While stating factors during case interviews make sure to keep your answers as MECE.
4) Be calm & confident during your case interviews also try to make it as conversation rather than a formal interview.
My preparation was divided into 3 parts :-
1. Solving Guesstimates - I started my preparation by focusing on solving guesstimates from different sources (Quora, LinkedIn & different case books).
I used to solve at least 2 guesstimates daily and tried to solve the same problem through different approaches (Ex. demand side, supply side, top-down, bottom-up, area approach etc.), This really helped me to get a good command over guesstimates.
2. Case Study Prep: For case studies, I started with Case in Point and watched YouTube videos of Victor Cheng to get familiar with different types of cases and frameworks. After this, I started solving cases from different case books with my friends in Interviewee/Interviewer mode. Simulating the interviews helped me in providing confidence to deliver my thoughts in the real interview. Candidates should try solving at least 15-20 mock case interviews in this mode.
3. CV Backup & HR questions: Prepared a thorough CV backup and HR questions like why consulting, why Deloitte etc.
What went right?
In the initial minutes of my interview, I was able to understand that the interviewers were more focused on the structure of the attempt. I was able to reflect that both in my communication and on paper and therefore was one of the main reasons I was able to do well in the interview.
Suggestions:
1) Be Positive and Be Yourself during interviews.
2) Prepare well for CV Backup & HR Questions. Interviewers want to see a clarity in your answers for why consulting and why this particular firm.
3) Solve as many guesstimates and cases as possible. While stating factors during case interviews make sure to keep your answers as MECE.
4) Be calm & confident during your case interviews also try to make it as conversation rather than a formal interview.
I applied via Campus Placement
2 Interview Rounds
1
Case Study Round
First was CV based shortlist. Though, the criteria are not much clear, but consistency (in a positive way) in academics, and having a core background/work ex improves your chances of getting shortlisted.
It was a case interview which lasted for 30 minutes. The interview panel consisted of only one person. The first question was ‘tell me about yourself’. Later he jumped to my work-ex. I explained my responsibilities for a couple of minutes. But he again asked me to explain more. So, I continued for 2-3 minutes more. Then he asked me about my hobbies. He also showed interest in Placement Grid, a YouTube venture which I started in 2012.
He then asked me why consulting. This initial part was to more of a behavioral interview and he wanted me to be comfortable.
Then he started the case. The case was a profit/Loss case. There was no data involved. It discussed about a bicycle manufacturer in US whose profits are declining. This was the problem statement. He wanted me to identify the core issue and give some recommendations.
I took off a minute to formulate the framework. I started with some questions about the industry and how it is doing, new competitors in the market, the company’s market share, and the products it manufactures.
He answered all the questions. I segmented the product into three different categories- kids, teen and racing/tourer/sport. After probing into each segment, the teen segment was seeing a decline. I did a profit break up for this segment. And it turned out that fixed cost has increased, causing the decline in profits.
He then asked me to come up with some recommendations to offset the increased cost. He wanted me to think and give him multiple options to increase profits, either to decrease costs or increase revenues.
After this case, he asked me whether I have any question. I asked him about the knowledge transfer among teams.
2
HR Round (5 Questions)
- Q1. Round two was more of an HR round. It also went for 30 minutes. There was no case as such. Again, the interview panel had one interviewer. She started off by as...read more
- Q2. Her second question was about how my stay at NITIE has been till now.
- Q3. Then she asked me to explain the latest nestle fiasco with financials. She also discussed the cost involved in the whole episode and how it will harm nestle. We...read more
- Q4. Then she asked me whether I have any query.
- Q5. While I was leaving, she asked me to describe myself in one word.
Interview Preparation Tips
Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Preparations:
• I started off with the basic HR questions. The ones shared by the Placement committee helped a lot. So give ample amount of time to them. These HR questions were generic.
• To prepare for consulting, I started with Case in Point. It starts not with the frameworks but the nitty gritty of consulting as a career. So it will help you prepare answers of questions like
• Why Consulting, which is one of the most probable interview questions.
• For cases, I first went through case in point. But it becomes confusing owing to a large number of frameworks. Victor Cheng’s videos on YouTube solves this problem. Also, google ‘victor cheng framework pdf’ for a soft copy of his frameworks.
• Once, after getting some idea of frameworks, I applied them on cases given in IIM-A case book and Darden case let. You can try case books from other colleges also. The case books are easily available with seniors/Placement committee.
• For guesstimates, I went through generic examples in the book ‘ace your case’. Also, you can google guestimate examples to know different approaches.
• Another important way to solve guesstimates is to make a group of 3-4 and solve random questions. E.g.: number of red cars in Mumbai, number of taxis in any city (Mumbai), length of roads in Mumbai.
• Remember, it is the approach to a guesstimate that matters, not the solution.
What Went Right?
Presence of Mind. Thorough preparation of HR questions, especially – tell me about yourself and why consulting. Be cool and keep a smiling face, but not overdo it.
• I started off with the basic HR questions. The ones shared by the Placement committee helped a lot. So give ample amount of time to them. These HR questions were generic.
• To prepare for consulting, I started with Case in Point. It starts not with the frameworks but the nitty gritty of consulting as a career. So it will help you prepare answers of questions like
• Why Consulting, which is one of the most probable interview questions.
• For cases, I first went through case in point. But it becomes confusing owing to a large number of frameworks. Victor Cheng’s videos on YouTube solves this problem. Also, google ‘victor cheng framework pdf’ for a soft copy of his frameworks.
• Once, after getting some idea of frameworks, I applied them on cases given in IIM-A case book and Darden case let. You can try case books from other colleges also. The case books are easily available with seniors/Placement committee.
• For guesstimates, I went through generic examples in the book ‘ace your case’. Also, you can google guestimate examples to know different approaches.
• Another important way to solve guesstimates is to make a group of 3-4 and solve random questions. E.g.: number of red cars in Mumbai, number of taxis in any city (Mumbai), length of roads in Mumbai.
• Remember, it is the approach to a guesstimate that matters, not the solution.
What Went Right?
Presence of Mind. Thorough preparation of HR questions, especially – tell me about yourself and why consulting. Be cool and keep a smiling face, but not overdo it.
I applied via Campus Placement
3 Interview Rounds
1
Case Study Round
It started with the basic introduction and the interviewer gave me a mini case.
Uber wants to launch chopper service in Mumbai, should they do it and if yes, what should be the pricing strategy?
(20 minutes)
I confirmed the case by iterating the case back. I asked some preliminary questions such as if they are the first one to launch such a service, what is the range of their service. I listed the potential market barriers and clarified the operating model (Company owned chopper or leased one).
I asked him about the initial pricing to ascertain if this business would be economically viable and he provided me a figure.
Identifying the expenditure from this transport mode helped me in identifying the earnings of such customers. I concluded that consumers in that earning band would rather prefer having their own chopper and might not want to have an uber service.
2
Case Study Round
A firm with retail store chain (with basically 2 set of products) wanted to increase their forecast accuracy.
(30 minutes)
They initially asked me about the causes of poor accuracy and then they provided me a list of 5 different technology providers for accuracy improvement. They had the initial investment, promised forecast accuracy, yearly charge and some more data. I was asked to recommend the best out of them.
I asked them what is the payback period the client is looking for.
I compared the expected increase in revenue due to the improved forecast and the cost of investment to identify the best solution. The process included some number crunching, so I made sure how I arrive to a particular figure by breaking them into smaller pieces and keeping them informed about each calculation.
This round tested me on my analytical, decision making, and communication skills.
3
HR Round (1 Question)
- Q1. This round started with my introduction and the interviewee asked me questions from my CV mostly from my work in TSL. He deep dived into many of my CV points to...read more
Interview Preparation Tips
Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Preparation:
I prepared for SCM as well as consulting domain. I devoted around 2-3 hours for consulting preparation after a month into NITIE. Case-in point helped me in understanding the different basic frameworks. Victor Cheng videos were helpful in understanding the frameworks and it also gave me a taste of how consultants communicate to the client.
For Guesstimates, I practiced 2 guesstimates every day. It’s better to practice these in a group of 3-4 friends, which gives you different perspectives and approach to solve a guesstimate. Throw a new guesstimate to yourself, not from any reading material and try to solve it. It’s the structured approach and relevant factors that matters and not the actual number.
What went right?
I believe that my calm attitude towards their questions and the fact that they were being informed at each stage of my case solution was one of the reasons for my selection.
The 3rd round interviewer was a seasoned Mining and Metals professional which I came to know after the interview. I feel he was impressed by the kind of detailed and concise answers I gave to him.
Suggestions:
1) Prepare your CV very well and be ready to dive deep in any of the CV points.
2) Communicate well, don’t be in a hurry to respond.
3) Be calm and confident during your interview.
4) Solve cases and guesstimates with your friends to gain a wider perspective.
5) I wasn’t asked Why McKinsey or why consulting but be ready to answer such type of questions.
I prepared for SCM as well as consulting domain. I devoted around 2-3 hours for consulting preparation after a month into NITIE. Case-in point helped me in understanding the different basic frameworks. Victor Cheng videos were helpful in understanding the frameworks and it also gave me a taste of how consultants communicate to the client.
For Guesstimates, I practiced 2 guesstimates every day. It’s better to practice these in a group of 3-4 friends, which gives you different perspectives and approach to solve a guesstimate. Throw a new guesstimate to yourself, not from any reading material and try to solve it. It’s the structured approach and relevant factors that matters and not the actual number.
What went right?
I believe that my calm attitude towards their questions and the fact that they were being informed at each stage of my case solution was one of the reasons for my selection.
The 3rd round interviewer was a seasoned Mining and Metals professional which I came to know after the interview. I feel he was impressed by the kind of detailed and concise answers I gave to him.
Suggestions:
1) Prepare your CV very well and be ready to dive deep in any of the CV points.
2) Communicate well, don’t be in a hurry to respond.
3) Be calm and confident during your interview.
4) Solve cases and guesstimates with your friends to gain a wider perspective.
5) I wasn’t asked Why McKinsey or why consulting but be ready to answer such type of questions.
I applied via Campus Placement
3 Interview Rounds
1
Guesstimates Round (4 Questions)
- Q1. We started with my CV and I went ahead with mostly the details of my work experience I had prepared earlier which were in most accordance with my consulting pra...read more
- Q2. Later we discussed two guesstimates, both on interests. Count the number of potholes on the roads of your hometown
- Q3. Count the number of viewers of your favorite 20-year-old movie.
- Q4. He asked me if I had a question, and I did, to which he gave a complete description.
2
Other Round (2 Questions)
- Q1. This round started with the Sr. Managers asking for a fresh introduction which would not bore them.
- Q2. Case - Insurance companies running losses.
3
Other Round (1 Question)
- Q1. This round started around 9 am and went on for about 15-20 minutes. This was with the partner who was very jovial and cheered up. We discussed about my geograph...read more
Interview Preparation Tips
Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Preparations:
I divided the preparation into three segments:
HR questions: The questions shared by the senior with 64 probable questions and their best answers were a great pointer in preparing the HR background for me.
CV details: Like everyone else, I made sure to have a backup story or details for all the points of my CV. A story always helps in linking the pointers with real experiences and achievements with a humane connection.
Case Interview preparation and Guesstimates: I did read the books like IIMA Case Interview Manual, AT Kearney Case Interview Manual, Case in Point and a few others, but only for first couple of cases; basically to understand how case interviews function and how questions are to be pursued. Cases are never same, so mugging up the framework doesn’t help. I tried to understand the origins of framework to devise on as the cases appeared. I also practiced a couple of cases and guesstimates with fellow shortlisted candidate.
Workshop
a) Case discussed in our panel was of a medical equipment manufacturer who wanted to scale its business in BRIC nations. Data was given for China and India and we had to find the most feasible strategy for entering which market and why.
b) Case discussed in another panel was about an auto manufacturer’s largest supplier facing issues pertaining to closure which could impact the company very heavily from short run. Don’t have much detail on it though.
I divided the preparation into three segments:
HR questions: The questions shared by the senior with 64 probable questions and their best answers were a great pointer in preparing the HR background for me.
CV details: Like everyone else, I made sure to have a backup story or details for all the points of my CV. A story always helps in linking the pointers with real experiences and achievements with a humane connection.
Case Interview preparation and Guesstimates: I did read the books like IIMA Case Interview Manual, AT Kearney Case Interview Manual, Case in Point and a few others, but only for first couple of cases; basically to understand how case interviews function and how questions are to be pursued. Cases are never same, so mugging up the framework doesn’t help. I tried to understand the origins of framework to devise on as the cases appeared. I also practiced a couple of cases and guesstimates with fellow shortlisted candidate.
Workshop
a) Case discussed in our panel was of a medical equipment manufacturer who wanted to scale its business in BRIC nations. Data was given for China and India and we had to find the most feasible strategy for entering which market and why.
b) Case discussed in another panel was about an auto manufacturer’s largest supplier facing issues pertaining to closure which could impact the company very heavily from short run. Don’t have much detail on it though.
I applied via Campus Placement
2 Interview Rounds
1
HR Round (4 Questions)
- Q1. Introduce yourself.
- Q2. Why the firm and why consultancy?
- Q3. What are your hobbies and passion?
- Q4. Guesstimate – No of cars on road in Mumbai.
2
Case Study Round
Round started with interviewers introducing themselves followed by the question tell me about yourself. Next, there were a couple of CV Questions. After that, they straight away went to case.
A valve manufacturing company (safety valve) used primarily in Oil and Gas sector, a leader in North America wants to expand its presence in India. There were two questions:
1. What factors should it consider?
2. Estimate the size of Indian market.
3. Using the previous calculations, estimate the size of other safety devises as well.
[Please note that I stands for Interviewer and C stands for Candidate]
Not a very detailed case but relating to my mechanical back ground and work experience in core sector, I could relate it very well to the situation at hand. It was a case of market expansion.
C: I first summarized the case & then asked if there are any secondary objectives that we need to achieve.
I: No
C: I would understand the economy of the country first. Looking at the present scenario, India looks to me as the only bright spot in this gloomy global economic scenario. Other factors that I would take into considerations are macroeconomic stability recent government’s reforms like GST legislation, ease of doing business rankings improvement, government stability, Pro business approach. Etc.
I: Looked satisfied and said other things apart from Economy
C: Then I would consider the industry, the factors being:
• Performance of industry (trends),
• Market structure and number of players (both domestic and international if any) in the market and their market share,
• Ease of entry and exit,
• Public sector and private sector (public sector generally have a preference of MOUs with some government PSUs or MSMEs for purchasing while private sector is more focused on cost).
I: I want you to figure it out my market size. Tell me the way to do it.
C: There would be two major segments: existing industries and expansion of the existing ones. Existing would already have these safety devises in place, so my preferred area would be upcoming plants. But there would be continuous requirement of valves even in the existing ones because of the life of a valve -It’s a safety feature and needs to be replaced at certain places based on the hours of its use or duration of its installation, whichever being earlier. To this the interviewer smiled and said You seems to know a lot!
I: Lets now look at new plants. How would u do a market sizing for me?
C: (After analyzing the situation at hand) I would do some market research to find out the ratio of the price of these devices to the overall cost of the machinery. Different industries have different levels of safety consciousness and have according levels of quality of safety spares used. This ratio would help me to estimate the size of the expanding industry based on their investment value.
I: That’s good. Provided me with the amount of investment of companies. And the ratio.
C: Figured it out and said the size.
I: Using this. Find out the size of other products in my portfolio, and decide what should be my priority. A table was presented with the ratio and the investment value of different sectors.
C: Figured it out based on calculation and decided on the priority based on market size.
I: CAGR of 3 industries were given (investment value), Now would your answer be the same?
C: Simple percentage calculation to arrive at the values.
Interview Preparation Tips
Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Preparations:
1. Cases & Guesstimates – I would suggest to start with Victor Cheng videos on YouTube to get an essence of consulting interviews. After the basic stuff, step on to case in point to develop mind-set for various frameworks. Don’t stick to the given frameworks rather build upon that with your creativity. Have a strategic and valid thinking before jumping on to any conclusion.
2. Resume: For consulting interviews (Round 1), you have to be crystal clear with your resume especially work experience and projects. Second most important thing is your interests and hobbies which may land you solving a guesstimate based on that.
3. Personal Hygiene and Professionalism: Your looks and code of conduct may not benefit you any additional points but insufficiency of the same will definitely deduct some points. It is important for a consultant to look professional and behave accordingly.
What went wrong?
I went wrong with the listening part of the case. Be prepared and sleep well a day before to be mentally present. Also, took some time to do basic calculations (as I was too conscious). If I could have engaged them more in the interview, that would have been better.
Suggestions:
Do not wait till you get the calls to start preparing for the cases. Calls are random and be prepared always. In interview, be confident and take your time to tackle situations one by one.
1. Cases & Guesstimates – I would suggest to start with Victor Cheng videos on YouTube to get an essence of consulting interviews. After the basic stuff, step on to case in point to develop mind-set for various frameworks. Don’t stick to the given frameworks rather build upon that with your creativity. Have a strategic and valid thinking before jumping on to any conclusion.
2. Resume: For consulting interviews (Round 1), you have to be crystal clear with your resume especially work experience and projects. Second most important thing is your interests and hobbies which may land you solving a guesstimate based on that.
3. Personal Hygiene and Professionalism: Your looks and code of conduct may not benefit you any additional points but insufficiency of the same will definitely deduct some points. It is important for a consultant to look professional and behave accordingly.
What went wrong?
I went wrong with the listening part of the case. Be prepared and sleep well a day before to be mentally present. Also, took some time to do basic calculations (as I was too conscious). If I could have engaged them more in the interview, that would have been better.
Suggestions:
Do not wait till you get the calls to start preparing for the cases. Calls are random and be prepared always. In interview, be confident and take your time to tackle situations one by one.
I applied via Campus Placement
2 Interview Rounds
1
HR Round (4 Questions)
- Q1. Introduce yourself.
- Q2. Asked about my favorite subject.
- Q3. Say this is 2011. Mukesh Ambani is sitting here and says that he is thinking about starting a new mobile network with very fast internet speed and low prices. Y...read more
- Q4. Asked for questions if any.
2
Case Study Round
Was asked to introduce and asked about my work experience.
Case - The client produces and sells industrial valves and hoses mainly used in petroleum, petrochemical industries – four industries were mentioned. And they had four main products. They were a dominant player in Northern America. But they are trying to expand to Asian countries especially India and China. Client has come to us for advice.
The interviewer read out the case to me. I took some notes and summarized. Stated the objective and asked if anything more needs to be explored.
I understood the case but I could not structure it. I could not find that initial opening to start cracking the case. I asked a few questions. They did not seem impressed. This went on for around 15 minutes. I couldn’t make any progress.
They asked me why I wanted to get into MBA without any work experience. (gave the prepared HR answer).
The interview ended at that point.
Interview Preparation Tips
Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Preparations:
I did some basic preparation which comprised of:
• Random guesstimates practice. For the interview, I went prepared with the following statistics: India population. Population share of Mumbai, Maharashtra, Guwahati and Assam. Demography of India, Mumbai and Guwahati. Life expectation. Football field size (I had mentioned football in CV). Area of India and the area share of Mumbai and Guwahati.
• Case Interview. Four basic frameworks from Case in Point (I was clear only with profitability and pricing frameworks). IIM-A casebook. Victor Cheng videos (**VERY HELPFUL**)
What went wrong?
I couldn’t structure the case properly and my lack of practice and lack of knowledge about the given case worked against me.
Suggestions:
1. Be thorough with CV.
2. Practice as many guesstimates and case interviews as you can.
3. While solving guesstimates, keep talking. Keep thinking aloud. Keep telling the interviewer why you are doing what you are doing. They will correct you if you go wrong. They want you to do well.
I did some basic preparation which comprised of:
• Random guesstimates practice. For the interview, I went prepared with the following statistics: India population. Population share of Mumbai, Maharashtra, Guwahati and Assam. Demography of India, Mumbai and Guwahati. Life expectation. Football field size (I had mentioned football in CV). Area of India and the area share of Mumbai and Guwahati.
• Case Interview. Four basic frameworks from Case in Point (I was clear only with profitability and pricing frameworks). IIM-A casebook. Victor Cheng videos (**VERY HELPFUL**)
What went wrong?
I couldn’t structure the case properly and my lack of practice and lack of knowledge about the given case worked against me.
Suggestions:
1. Be thorough with CV.
2. Practice as many guesstimates and case interviews as you can.
3. While solving guesstimates, keep talking. Keep thinking aloud. Keep telling the interviewer why you are doing what you are doing. They will correct you if you go wrong. They want you to do well.
I applied via Campus Placement
3 Interview Rounds
1
Guesstimates Round (1 Question)
- Q1. Number of hotel rooms in a typical middle east capital city with the oil wells.
2
Other Round (3 Questions)
- Q1. Tell me about yourself in detail.
- Q2. Detailed discussion on the roles and responsibilities I had while working in HPCL.
- Q3. I asked me about the biggest challenges I had ever faced while working in HPCL and how I was able to overcome the same.
3
HR Round (3 Questions)
- Q1. Why consulting?
- Q2. Why PwC?
- Q3. Where do I see myself in the next 5 years?
Interview Preparation Tips
Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Preparation:
1. Case in point
2. Random Guestimate sessions with friends
3. Supply chain overview
4. Case books -NITIE, IIMs
5. Strong CV Backup
6. HR questions
What went right?
1. I was able to have a very good discussion during my manager round and was able to come with quite an accurate ballpark figure for the guesstimate.
2. I was having a very good hold on my work experience and was able to answer things related to it.
What was your improvement area?
1. Having clarity and preparation about basic consulting related HR questions.
2. Different guestimates frameworks.
Suggestions:
1. Learn different structures and frameworks of guestimate.
2. Ask your friend to create random guestimates around your work experience and try solving that with the frameworks you have learned.
3. Be thorough about your work experience.
4. Say things only, which you can have a discussion about in detail. The interviewer keeps stopping you from elaborating upon the things you are saying, and it is always possible that he is already having good knowledge about those.
5. Be confident and ready to have a discussion about anything during the interview. And if you don't have the subject knowledge, you can always tell the interviewer in a polite manner and ask him to through some light about it.
1. Case in point
2. Random Guestimate sessions with friends
3. Supply chain overview
4. Case books -NITIE, IIMs
5. Strong CV Backup
6. HR questions
What went right?
1. I was able to have a very good discussion during my manager round and was able to come with quite an accurate ballpark figure for the guesstimate.
2. I was having a very good hold on my work experience and was able to answer things related to it.
What was your improvement area?
1. Having clarity and preparation about basic consulting related HR questions.
2. Different guestimates frameworks.
Suggestions:
1. Learn different structures and frameworks of guestimate.
2. Ask your friend to create random guestimates around your work experience and try solving that with the frameworks you have learned.
3. Be thorough about your work experience.
4. Say things only, which you can have a discussion about in detail. The interviewer keeps stopping you from elaborating upon the things you are saying, and it is always possible that he is already having good knowledge about those.
5. Be confident and ready to have a discussion about anything during the interview. And if you don't have the subject knowledge, you can always tell the interviewer in a polite manner and ask him to through some light about it.
I applied via Campus Placement
3 Interview Rounds
1
HR Round (3 Questions)
- Q1. My first interview was about my CV and the general HR questions were asked. Duration - 20 mins The interview started with Tell me your greatest achievement for ...read more
- Q2. Finally, the last question was linked to my first question as he asked that since this is not a leadership role initially and you have come after being a leader...read more
- Q3. Last but not the least, the interviewer asked if I had any question for him.
2
Case Study Round
Duration - 30 mins
Round started with interviewer introducing himself followed by the question tell me about yourself. Next, he asked me to go through the CV.
I started with the roles and responsibilities held during my professional career, but he straight away went to the project that I had done in my college. Then he asked about my hobbies. This discussion lasted for 10 minutes and then a simple case was given to me.
Case: The interviewer wants to purchase a restaurant near IIT Bombay and he wanted to know the profits generated in a day to get a better understanding whether to go for the deal or not.
[Please note that I stands for Interviewer and C stands for Candidate]
C: I started with the summary of the case and stated the objective once again to be on the same page with the interviewer. Then I went on to tell him the approach to calculate the profit which was basically to first calculate the revenues and then the costs that would be associated.
I: Go on.
C: I would start with the capacity. Can you tell me the capacity of the restaurant?
I: Its three times the size of the room.
C: Ok. So, this room has one table and can accommodate two more. So, total capacity would be nine tables multiplied by 4 and rounding it off, say 40 people.
C: Then, I divided it into three meals of the day and then I started with calculating the revenues for lunch hours. If there would be 80% occupancy and then dividing the entire section into two: veg and non-veg. I suggested that let’s say there is a standard thali.
I: No, don’t go with the Thali system.
C: I then took the price for a standard veg and non-veg dish added with some roti’s. Calculated the price for the entire restaurant. Then, I mentioned that an average person would take a total of half an hour in the restaurant, then per that I calculated the revenue for the four lunch hours and then for the entire day.
I: Now what all things will you consider for costs.
C: I would consider the cost of raw materials, labor wages, maintenance costs per day and calculated a rough estimate by starting with the cost of raw materials. Then went on to add the wages of labor considering the cook and the waiter charges. Then I added maintenance costs.
I: Any other cost heads you would consider.
C: Yes, the electricity charges per day and the water bills can also be added.
I: Ok. That’s it. Thank You.
After this, the case finished. He asked me whether I had a question or not and then asked me to wait outside.
Overall a very smooth experience. I was a little nervous at the beginning but as the case proceeded I calmed down. He made me comfortable and guided along the case.
3
Other Round (1 Question)
- Q1. Director round, Duration: 10 mins He introduced himself and asked me straightaway what were my job expectations and how well will I be able to handle the role. ...read more
Interview Preparation Tips
Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Preparations:
1. Formulation of CV and preparation for CV answers: All the interviews start with CV, so this section is of great importance. Frame a para on each CV point so as to anticipate the questions and the follow up questions that could be asked. All the numbers presented in CV should be backed by proper calculation for each data point.
2. HR Questions – Standard deck of HR Questions (39 Qs), circulated by Placement Committee was sufficient. An instance of all major questions was very important. I had written a para on each so as to anticipate the questions that could be asked.
3. Guesstimates: I prepared guestimates from my hobby and general topics in news like the number of cold play tickets expected to be sold. I used to practice it in groups to understand different approaches and formulate the best approach that would work for me. I maintained that in my case journal.
4. Cases: I primarily read Case in Point for preparation of cases. After having a decent idea of frameworks and having framed my own, I practiced some cases from IIM A. I practiced the cases with my friends to have a real feel of case interview.
1. Formulation of CV and preparation for CV answers: All the interviews start with CV, so this section is of great importance. Frame a para on each CV point so as to anticipate the questions and the follow up questions that could be asked. All the numbers presented in CV should be backed by proper calculation for each data point.
2. HR Questions – Standard deck of HR Questions (39 Qs), circulated by Placement Committee was sufficient. An instance of all major questions was very important. I had written a para on each so as to anticipate the questions that could be asked.
3. Guesstimates: I prepared guestimates from my hobby and general topics in news like the number of cold play tickets expected to be sold. I used to practice it in groups to understand different approaches and formulate the best approach that would work for me. I maintained that in my case journal.
4. Cases: I primarily read Case in Point for preparation of cases. After having a decent idea of frameworks and having framed my own, I practiced some cases from IIM A. I practiced the cases with my friends to have a real feel of case interview.
Interview Questions of Popular Companies
Campus Placement Interview Questions at Top Colleges
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