Play-by-play Tips for Preparing for & Tackling Case Studies in Assessment Centres
This article aims to give you tried-and-true, step-by-step guidance on preparing for case studies in assessment centres at international commercial law firms when you apply for vacation schemes and training contracts. This practical guide brings you through the process from months in advance to the day of the assessment centre.
2-3 Months in Advance: Building a Strong Foundation
1. Gradual Learning:
Technical Knowledge: Start by gently learning the technical knowledge relevant to your field. This will include understanding M&A processes, financial principles, or industry-specific regulations. On the Case Study Success website, you will find a wealth of free and paid resources that will give you strong foundations in each of these areas. Treat this like exam preparation, but allow yourself plenty of time to internalise the information - do NOT cram last-minute, as that will overwhelm you and is not conducive to your ability to apply your technical knowledge in a fluid and tailored manner on the day.
Soft Skills Development: Engage in activities that enhance your soft skills, such as joining debate clubs or participating in group discussions. These experiences will improve your communication and analytical skills.
2. Practice Case Studies:
Simulate Scenarios: Regularly practise case studies as if you were in an assessment centre. This will help you become familiar with the format and develop a methodical approach to analysis.
Seek Feedback: Discuss your case study solutions with peers or mentors to gain insights into areas where you can improve.
1-2 Weeks Before: Final Preparations
1. Review and Revise:
Revisit Key Concepts: Go over the technical knowledge you've accumulated over the past months. Focus on areas that you found challenging.
Mock Assessments: Conduct mock assessments under timed conditions to simulate the pressure of the actual day.
2. Receive the Assessment Centre Invite:
Understand the Format: Carefully read the invitation to understand the format and requirements of the case study. This will help you tailor your final preparations accordingly.
1 Day Before: Ready Yourself
1. Gather Materials:
Coloured Highlighters: Ensure you have coloured highlighters ready. These will be helpful for marking important information in the case study documents.
Crib Sheet: Prepare an A4 crib sheet summarising all the technical knowledge you've learned. This will serve as a quick reference you can use to refresh your memory right before you get into the AC. If you prefer this done-for-you, find our extensive catalogue of cribsheets under the Shop tab.
2. Rest and Relaxation:
Get Plenty of Sleep: Prioritise a good night's sleep. Case studies require common sense and logical reasoning, which can be impaired by sleep deprivation.
Relaxation Techniques: Call on your usual methods for relaxation, such as meditation or a light walk, to calm any pre-assessment nerves.
1 Hour Before: Final Touches
1. Last-Minute Review:
Cram Your Crib Sheet: If you're a crammer, quickly review your crib sheet to refresh your memory. If not, relax and trust in the preparation you've done over the months. You’ve got this!
2. Confidence Boost:
Positive Mindset: Remind yourself of the extensive preparation you've done. This confidence will set you apart from 95% of candidates who may have panic-prepared at the last minute (yes, the vast majority do that).
During the Assessment: Strategic Execution
1. Initial Overview:
Study the Table of Contents: If available, closely examine the table of contents to familiarise yourself with the documents provided.
Understand the Instructions: Carefully read the instructions to grasp the task requirements.
2. First Pass Analysis:
Skim the Document Pack: Quickly skim through the documents, highlighting anything that initially seems relevant. Note down page numbers and brief descriptions on a separate piece of rough paper.
Organise Notes: Revisit the instructions and organise your notes into sections that align with the task requirements. If the instructions include questions, use them to structure your analysis. If not, you will need to come up with your own structure that makes sense, but check out this article for a formula that works great as a starting point in most cases.
3. Tailor Your Approach:
Written Format: Now that you have organised your rough notes, that is your plan. String this plan into prose with clear headings to create a coherent written response. NOTE: You should have seen by now how much preparation goes into the planning stage. Do not attempt to start writing until and unless you have a solid plan. Writing down your stream of consciousness is painfully obvious to the reader and you will be penalised for weak structure!
Oral Format: Use your notes as a guide for your presentation, but be prepared for your assessor to want to jump around different parts of your structure. If that happens, address their question there and then - do not make them wait and do not say “I will address that later” unless absolutely necessary. Adaptability will give you extra points and assure your assessor that you are sensitive to your supervisor/client’s needs.
