Asking questions Quote by Victor Cheng
““Candidate: I sense we’re just missing something critical. Something is causing this to happen. Either customers have changed in a way that has benefited our competitors but not our client, or competitors have changed in a way that attracts new business but we haven’t. (Note how I framed the issue in concrete terms: Either competitors or customers have changed. Laying out an issue in this structured way makes it easier for the interviewer to follow your logic. I could just as easily have said, “I think we need to look into the customers themselves,” or I could have started asking questions about customers. The problem with diving in this way is that it doesn’t give the interviewer any insight into the organization of your thought process. Are you asking questions like a reporter would, or are you asking questions for a specific purpose?””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Consulting Case Interview Strategies, Victor Cheng, 2016
Structuring problems by identifying whether changes stem from customers or competitors clarifies analysis and guides effective questioning.
In simple terms: Identify the root cause by categorizing changes.
Key Takeaway
Break problems into clear categories for better insight.
Themes
problem‑solving
strategy
communication
frameworks
interview technique
Mood
analytical
strategic
Type
practical
educational
When to use this quote
- Consulting case interviews
- business strategy meetings
- market analysis
- product development
- team brainstorming
Key Concepts
Cause‑effect analysis
structured thinking
diagnostic questioning
Questions to Reflect On
- What other lenses could reveal hidden drivers?
- How to stay flexible while using structures?
A Different Perspective
Rigid frameworks may overlook nuanced factors.
