(Updated links from August 7, 2017 Blog Post and 3/4/2019 Updated Post)
 
Consulting companies that utilize case interviews will often offer tips for preparing for this interview style. Since this interview focuses on problem-solving, the key aspects are:
Listening and understanding the case details
Asking about missing details or for clarification
Showing your thought process by thinking through the case out loud.

The case interview is typically used to show how you would interact with clients and organize projects. Treat the case interview as if it is a client problem or project proposal.

Some companies, like McKinsey & Company offer sample cases. If your targeted employer doesn't offer sample cases, check for actual client or project stories under the "About" or "Services" tabs.

For additional tips on preparing, review these company pages:

• Bain & Company - https://www.bain.com/careers/hiring-process/interviewing/
• McKinsey & Company (Includes sample cases) - http://www.mckinsey.com/careers/interviewing 
• Deloitte (Includes practice case) - https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/careers/articles/join-deloitte-case-interview-prep-tool.html

Other companies may incorporate a case study as a written essay.

Review your prospective employer's career pages for information on their interview process. Also, check sites like Glassdoor.com for other descriptions of the interviewing process with comments from other candidates.

#career #interviewing #mondaythoughts

One of the biggest challenges when applying for that job or preparing your self-evaluation is deciding what to say. In my coaching and my personal career, I use a two-column analysis to brainstorm accomplishments and highlight strengths. I've put together a handout to help you get started.

The time is ripe for you to develop a great answer to the interview question, "Tell me about a time you had to overcome a challenge."

Individuals have several options to pursue to achieve their long-term goals. Different career paths can lead to similar career goals, like different geographic paths to the same map location. I developed the Career Path worksheet to help you brainstorm where you are, what you want to achieve, and the possible paths for achieving your goals.

You can move through the worksheet from top to bottom or bottom to top, but spend time on each section:

• Your current strengths, knowledge, skills, and experience (bottom)
• Long-term goals and the knowledge, skills, and experience needed (top)
• Immediate career options and the knowledge, skills, and experience needed (middle)

Each day brings more worries and questions. The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) manages the unemployment benefits process for Illinois and has added information to their website for people impacted by COVID-19.

"Unemployment benefits may be available to some individuals whose unemployment is attributable to COVID-19. IDES recently adopted emergency rules to try to make the unemployment insurance system as responsive to the current situation as possible." (https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/COVID-19-and-Unemployment-Benefits.aspx : accessed 27 Mar 2020) Check the website for frequently asked questions and up to date details.

In addition to other questions, the page answers the following:

• What determines if I'm able to work?
• What determines if I'm available for work?
• What determines if I'm actively seeking work?
• What if I'm temporarily laid off because the place where I work is temporarily closed because of the COVID-19 virus?
• What if I quit my job because I am generally concerned over the COVID-19 virus?

If you live in another state, check your state's criteria for unemployment benefits.

#career #COVID19 #unemployment

If you are not sure where to start, use your peers to guide you. Here are the blog posts and resource pages that were most often visited in 2019. 

The Top Bartimus Career Consulting Blog posts from 2019 are:

• Starting 2019 Right (These tips are still on point)
• Case Interview Preparation
• Ask Good Interview Questions
• Are You A Reluctant Networker?
• Getting Unstuck One step at a Time

The Resource pages that were visited most often were:

• Self Assessment
• Career Transition
• Linkedin and Resumes
• Interviewing
• Networking 101

2020 Vision
Through coaching and online resources, my vision is helping you understand today's job search process, identify and communicate your strengths, and tell your story.

If you have questions that aren't covered by these posts and pages, ask me.