Case in Point:Complete Case Interview Preparation - 5th edition by Marc P. Cosentino Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Case in Point:Complete Case Interview Preparation - 5th edition
Book Review: Great resource for case interviews
Summary: 5 Stars
This book offers alot of example cases that really let you see how case interviews are structured. They also offer many frameworks that can be used while thinking about case problems. I think the way the information is presented is very clear and will be helpful in preparing for the next round of case interviews.Book Review: Great, thorough, entertaining case prep
Summary: 5 Stars
Marc Cosentino does an excellent job preparing you for case interviews. He knows what he is talking about, and he presents the material in an entertaining way, too! I highly recommend this book for everyone, but especially for those recruiting for a job in the consulting industry. Cosentino's book definitely helped me in getting a job with a great consulting firm.
I strongly recommend this book.
Book Review: Incredibly helpful for case interviews
Summary: 5 Stars
I found this book incredibly helpful for my case interview with a consulting firm this fall. I only read it briefly, but the basic strategy laid out in this book is simple and easy to conceptualize (and therefore easy to remember).
I am planning to keep this book handy for future case interviews.
Book Review: Nice read for all readers
Summary: 4 Stars
Very interesting read. Not only useful for case interview preparations but you can read it help improve your analytical and problem solving skills.Book Review: No substitute for practice!
Summary: 4 Stars
Case in Point is a powerful book. This quick, easy-to-read guide to case interviewing will give you an edge in many consulting interviews. It is written by a Harvard professor, and built on the feedback of students who have been through the real thing. The first couple of chapters contain some general interviewing advice. While not purely case-related, they set the tone for the interview scenario and provide good tips for passing the behavioral segment.
The third chapter is useful for helping develop a process in cracking a case question. The line of thinking taught in this chapter is also applicable to breaking down certain brainteaser questions such as "How many gas stations are in the US?" This part of the book is important because it instructs the reader how to ask the right questions.
Next, Cosentino introduces the Ivy Case system. This aspect of the book I found somewhat disappointing. I was expecting to find a very rigid process for approaching a case question, but unfortunately in these interviews there does not appear to be a one size fits all solution. The bulk of the Ivy Case System revolves around 12 case scenarios. In these scenarios, the book tries to categorize each type of case question based on objectives such as "Entering a New Market" or "Reducing Costs". I believe this is meant to simply the process of building a roadmap to the solution and applying the appropriate frameworks (such as porter's 5 forces, of the value chain). While many of the 12 scenarios pose similarities, I believe it is too hard memorize each problem/solution. Also, all of the categories would be business strategy related and may be effective for certain types of organizations such as IT-based consulting firms. However, the Ivy Case system puts you in the right frame of mind and can easily be adapted.
The most important section is the sample case chapter, which comprises most of the book. These 35 cases are excellent practice. I do not recommend reading through this section; instead, treat each case as if you were the interviewee and think about what you would do or say with the information presented.
Although Case in Point is a great preparatory book for case interviewing, it is no substitute for face-to-face practice with an experienced coach. I read this book quickly before an interview with an IT consulting firm in Chicago. Unfortunately, this alone was not enough preparation for the case question I was presented. Many consulting firms are looking for very specific structure in the way a candidate approaches a case, and the best way to hone in on the cookie-cutter responses they expect is to get hands-on practice.