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Case Interview Secrets: A Former McKinsey Interviewer Reveals How to Get Multiple Job Offers in Consulting Paperback – April 20, 2012

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In Case Interview Secrets, you'll discover step-by-step instructions on how to dominate what many consider to be the most complex, most difficult, and most intimidating corporate job interview in the world—the infamous case interview. Victor Cheng, a former McKinsey management consultant, reveals his proven, insider's method for acing the case interview. Having personally secured job offers from McKinsey, Bain & Company, Monitor, L.E.K, Oliver Wyman, and A.T. Kearney , he has also been a McKinsey case interviewer—providing you with a hands-on, real-world perspective on what it really takes to land job offers.

Cheng’s protégées work in all the major strategy management consulting firms, including McKinsey, The Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, Monitor Company, A.T. Kearny, Oliver Wyman, L.E.K, Roland Berger, Accenture, and Deloitte , as well as in the strategic planning departments of numerous Fortune 500 companies. Whether you’re an undergraduate, MBA, PhD, or experienced-hire applicant candidate, you’ll discover:

• What case interviewers really say about you behind closed doors but wouldn’t dare tell you— until now
• The subtle yet specific performance differences that separate those who get management consulting offers from those who don’t
• The 10 biggest mistakes candidates make in case interviews (and how to avoid them)
• The 3 specific things interviewers expect in the first 5 minutes of a case that often decide the outcome on the spot
• An insider’s take on what interviewers really look for and why—and how to give them what they want
• Print length 292 pages
• Language English
• Publication date April 20, 2012
• Dimensions 6 x 0.73 x 9 inches
• ISBN-10 0984183523
• ISBN-13 978-0984183524
• See all details

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From the inside flap, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Innovation Press (April 20, 2012)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 292 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0984183523
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0984183524
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.73 x 9 inches
• #11 in Consulting
• #13 in Job Interviewing (Books)
• #36 in Job Hunting (Books)

About the author

Victor cheng.

Victor Cheng is a strategic advisor to Inc 500 CEOs. He has been featured as an business expert by the Fox Business Television Network, MSNBC, Time magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Harvard Business Review, Fortune Small Business, SmartMoney, Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur magazine.

Victor is a former McKinsey & Company consultant and has been a senior executive in several publicly owned technology companies. He’s a graduate of Stanford University and is the author of Extreme Revenue Growth, The Recession-Proof Business, and Case Interview Secrets.

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Case Interview Secrets

A former mckinsey interviewer reveals how to get multiple job offers in consulting.

In Case Interview Secrets, you’ll discover step-by-step instructions on how to dominate what many consider to be:

• the most complex;
• most difficult;
• most intimidating corporate job interview in the world;

The Infamous

Case interview.

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Secrets to Ace Your Next Case Interview

(from a former mckinsey case interviewer).

My CaseInterview.com Preparation Program provides you with free instant access to videos, frameworks, and the largest collection of free case interview training resources available online. This includes:

• Video Program – My Case Interview Secrets video program — 6 hours of training videos on how to pass the case interview;
• Downloads – PDF downloads of frameworks and slides from my Case Interview Secrets video program;
• E-Newsletter – My Case Interview Secrets e-newsletter – Tips and advice from me on how to best practice and prepare for the case interview;
• Math Practice Tool — Brush up on your case interview math with my interactive case interview math practice tool
• Partner Matching Service – Find other candidates around the world to practice case interviews with live for free. Also included is a library of cases to use in case interview practice.

We’ll never spam you or share your email. Unsubscribe at any time.

Hundreds of readers have got offers from McKinsey, Bain or BCG

“With Victor’s help, I went from not knowing anything about consulting to securing offers from McKinsey and BCG .” –Mihnea Munteanu, University of Michigan

“I received six offers–from McKinsey, BCG, Booz, Deloitte, A.T. Kearney, and Marakon . Everything Victor said was right!” –Michael Yang, Northwestern University

“Despite having a liberal arts degree from a state school, I landed a dream job with L.E.K. Consulting . Thanks, Victor.” –Jackson Boyar, Indiana University

“Victor has put me in a very difficult position–now I have to decide between offers from two of the top three consultancies!” –Christopher Perez, The Wharton School

“Victor gave me a clear understanding of how to structure a case interview using a highly logical approach. This helped me get offers from BCG and a boutique firm and make it to McKinsey’s final round before opting out.” –Martin Pustilnick, Boston Consulting Group, Argentina

“In my first attempt to break into consulting, I failed every one of my interviews with McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Oliver Wyman, Monitor, Booz and probably a few others. On my second attempt two years later, I followed everything Victor Cheng suggested and took advantage of every resource he provided … and received an offer from McKinsey!” –Daniel Suo, Business Analyst (Offer Recipient), McKinsey, Stamford

“Without Victor’s help, I never would have gotten an offer from BCG . What he teaches really makes the difference between getting an offer and not.” –Puttipath Tasnavites, Boston Consulting Group, Thailand

“After following Victor’s guidance, I had a complete breakthrough in my case interview performance and got an offer from Monitor.” –Marine Serres, Monitor & Company

“As a PhD candidate in engineering, I had an academic background that left me completely unprepared for the case interview process. That’s when I found Victor Cheng and ended up getting my dream job. Thank you, Victor!” –Zach Jacobson, McKinsey, New York

“Rather than ‘teach to the test,’ Victor teaches you how to think like a consultant. It’s an approach that required me to memorize nothing more than a few simple business ideas yet allowed me to perform well in the case interview regardless of the type of case I received. I could not have gotten my BCG offer without his help. Thank you, Victor!” –Warren Cheng, Boston Consulting Group, Hong Kong

“Victor and all his materials on the case interview are by far the best resources on the topic that exist. The combination of Victor’s advice and hard work made all the difference for me.” –Dmitry Papulin, McKinsey, Dubai

“Victor taught me how to prepare both technically and mentally, and this is what makes the difference between him and the competitors. Without his help I probably wouldn’t have gotten the offer from BCG. Thank you, Victor Cheng!” –István Mag, Boston Consulting Group, Hungary

“Victor is effective because he focuses on behaviors and habits that make you successful and not just on frameworks. With his help, I received a McKinsey Summer Associate offer.” –Abhi Patangay, Kellogg School of Management

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Author: victor cheng, title: case interview secrets. isbn: 978-0-9841835-2-4, other resources by victor cheng.

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Victor Cheng Look Over My Shoulder (LOMS) - Program Review

• Last Updated January, 2022

Former Manager, McKinsey

What Does the Victor Cheng Look Over My Shoulder (LOMS) Program Include?

Other products that can help you master consulting case interviews, what are the pros of the look over my shoulder program, my consulting offer’s bootcamp program, what are the cons of the victor cheng loms program, my consulting offer’s free “pass the case interview” video series.

One of the oldest and best-known programs covering consulting case interview prep is the Victor Cheng Look Over My Shoulder Program. Of course, nothing good comes free.

So, is it worth the price?

In this article we’ll give you the pros and cons of the Look Over My Shoulder (LOMS) program and tell you about other programs that can teach you to case as well, if not better, than Victor Cheng’s; which could potentially provide you with better value for your money. 

Let’s get started!

The Victor Cheng LOMS Program has evolved over the years. But at its core, it remains an audio podcast resource meant to provide aspiring consultants a sense of what it will take to pass case interviews and get into their dream firms.

The audio podcast resource is aptly named Look Over My Shoulder (LOMS), as it allows you to listen in on case interviews conducted by Victor Cheng, a former McKinsey consultant who has extensive experience both preparing for case interviews and conducting the actual case interviews.

The podcast itself consists of 8 cases provided to different caliber candidates, resulting in 20 hours’ worth of audio recordings and equivalent transcripts. This translates to roughly ~2.5 hours worth of material per case.

The length of time is because of the following:

• Each case is given to three different candidates, to better illustrate the difference in style and allow for more opportunities to see what good casing looks like.
• Beyond the actual interview, Victor Cheng also provides detailed commentary on every mistake made by the candidate and what they should have done instead.

Aside from the podcast resource, Victor Cheng also offers additional resources for an additional fee. These resources include:

• Cover Letter Toolkit
• Resume Toolkit
• Comprehensive Guide to Case Math
• Mental Math
• Case Interview Coaching Session
• Guide to Personal Experience Interview Toolkit

Now that you have a good idea of the Victor Cheng LOMS program, let’s discuss the pros and cons you should be aware of.

Nail the case & fit interview with strategies from former MBB Interviewers that have helped 89.6% of our clients pass the case interview.

1. Exposure to Good Quality Cases

As mentioned, the Look Over My Shoulder Program offers 8 cases for your reference. These cases cover a variety of industries, including retailing, commodities manufacturing, and logistics.

A good mix of problems are also covered, taking into account the case types candidates most often come across in actual case interviews, such as profitability improvements, revenue growth, market entry, and mergers & acquisition.

For a beginner caser with zero background on what to expect from case interviews, exposure to this set of solid cases provides an advantage since it allows you to focus on high-probability scenarios you yourself might face in an actual interview.

2. Exposure to Thoughtful Feedback Distinguishing Between Good & Distinctive Casing

Victor Cheng is a highly reputable case interview author, coach, and workshop leader. So there is value in hearing his “voice over” commentary for each case interview, as he provides on-the-spot feedback the exact second someone gets it right or wrong, and what else they could have done to make it better.

This type of commentary is invaluable especially if you’re starting out and are unsure on what “distinctive” casing looks like.

3. Unlimited and Convenient Access to the Program

Unlike certain programs, the Victor Cheng LOMS Program is yours forever.

Upon purchase, the program is delivered digitally and users can start using the program immediately. Once you have access to the program, you can download all the files and transcripts, so you have offline access.

Likewise, because of its audio podcast format, it makes it incredibly convenient to listen and learn on the go whether you’re driving to work or walking home.

You can rewind and re-listen to each case multiple times, and really internalize best practices covered or errors to avoid as many times as you want.

1. Heavy Emphasis on Passive Learning Versus Active Learning

There is no doubt that listening to other people doing case interviews provides greater familiarity on the structure and format of a case interview. 

However, without active practice, you don’t actually get the chance to put into action the knowledge you’ve learned. Studies show that learning from your own mistakes first-hand results in deeper insight versus those obtained through pure listening. 

The consensus is clear: Simply listening to the Look Over My Shoulder podcast isn’t enough to prepare YOU for a real case interview encounter. Good quality live practice and implementing constructive feedback obtained are the key to becoming a distinctive caser.

2. The Look Over My Shoulder Program Does Not Provide a Curriculum for Learning

What you hear is what you get. As a resource, this audio podcast is great for you to get a sense of what a case interview is like, and the right or wrong approach taken by the candidate within the context of the case they’re tackling.

While you can come up with pretty good casing tips from the podcast, there is no clear curriculum for teaching you what steps to do and what specific skills to learn (e.g. exhibit reading, maths, brainstorming, market sizing) in order to really ace a case.

Likewise, if you’re coming from a non-business background, simply using the Victor Cheng Look Over My Shoulder program will not be enough to get you up-to-speed on the core business concepts you should be familiar with, such as basic business terminologies or knowledge of different industry business models.

3. It does not cover all interview formats

The two most common case formats are the candidate-led case format (most common, utilized by BCG and Bain) and interviewer-led / command-and-control case formats (utilized by McKinsey).

The Look Over My Shoulder (LOMS) program recognizes this, and it actually gives you the option to purchase:

However, these aren’t the only interview formats being utilized by consulting firms nowadays.

First off, the Personal Experience Interview (otherwise known as the Behavioral Interview ) is utilized by consulting firms to test whether or not you’d be a good cultural fit for the company. 

Victor Cheng does offer a Guide to Personal Experience Interview, but it is only included in the Ultimate Case Interview Program, which costs roughly ~3x the Full LOMS Package.

Second, more dynamic case formats are starting to be adopted by consulting firms. These include written cases and panel interviews. While the basic problem solving toolkit remains the same, additional skills are also being tested here and must be prepared for.

4. The Program Isn’t Updated Often

While it is certainly true that the value any user attains is largely dependent on the amount of time spent practicing and learning from their mistakes, we also recognize that the consulting landscape is continually reinventing itself and the way it recruits top talents.

For example, many consulting companies are now utilizing Online Tests and Games (e.g. BCG Pymetrics Test, Bain Online Assessment, McKinsey Problem Solving Game) to quickly screen candidates as step one of the interview screening process. 

As such, while the Look Over My Shoulder program certainly covers the more traditional aspects of the case interview, it may not be wholly relevant for the newer formats and tests that are coming out today.

5. The Audio Format May Not Be for Everyone

Depending on preference and learning style, the audio format may not be the best learning format for everyone. Some people learn better visually, and may easily get distracted from a purely audio learning experience.

At the end of the day, Victor Cheng’s Look Over My Shoulder Program remains a good resource for case preparation, especially for beginners who are starting out in their casing journey.

However, it is certainly not a comprehensive resource as evidenced by the concerns highlighted above. Keeping that in mind, what other resources can you actually take advantage of?

Here at My Consulting Offer, we recognize that getting into consulting requires concerted effort and investment on your part. So to help you along, we want to make sure you have access to the best and most comprehensive resource available – namely the My Consulting Offer’s Consulting Bootcamp .

This Bootcamp makes use of a proven, step-by-step system, built by our team of global ex-McK/BCG/Bain recruiters and consultants, and utilized by thousands of applicants before you who now have added consulting to their resume.

Purchasing the MCO Get Into Consulting Bootcamp will give you access to the following:

• 14-value packed training modules (16+ hours of video lessons) ranging from recruiting to interviewing to preparing for consulting life once you get the offer.
• Exclusive access to our Facebook community.
• Masters of Casing: Live mock cases to showcase average versus distinctive casing in practice.
• Consulting Industry Guides: Industry cheat sheets from Private Equity to Aerospace Defense, which will get you up-to-speed quickly.
• “Think Like a Consultant” Homework and Drills.

Because we have so many materials on offer, which we update regularly, there is no expiration date to the MCO Bootcamp. Our goal is to provide you with the best value for your money.

How is the My Consulting Offer “Get Into Consulting Bootcamp” Different from LOMS?

1. one-stop resource useful for everyone, regardless of background or location.

It is important to note that the MCO Bootcamp was built as a resource for ALL consulting applicants, whether you are:

• Applying for generalist vs specialized consulting
• Going through campus recruiting vs experienced hire recruiting
• Applying for different locations across the globe

As such, MCO Bootcamp provides a clear step-by-step curriculum that is meant to walk you through:

• How to get an interview, including crafting a winning resume and networking into an interview.
• How to prepare for the case interview, broken down by case type and key skill areas tested.
• How to prepare for the behavioral interview, broken down by the most common themes asked.
• How to wow from Day 1 at your new job.

Our track record speaks for itself. 85% of our clients receive an offer at their dream firms. Our client base is not just people with top GPAs at Ivy League Schools. We prove that you can get a job in consulting even if you attend a non-target school, have a low GPA (e.g., 2.9), are a Ph.D candidate, are an MBA candidate, or are already working and want to switch to the consulting industry.

2. Heavy Emphasis on Active Learning vs. Passive Learning

Here at MCO, we believe that quality practice is key.

Beyond the comprehensive curriculum, purchasing MCO Bootcamp also gives you access to resume and cover letter templates, industry guide cheat sheets, proprietary homework and exercises for each critical skill area. All of these are meant as a resource for you to apply what you’ve learned in the video modules, so you can quickly build up the required skillset to ace your application and interviews.

Equally important, you’ll get access to our exclusive MCO community ensures you can easily find case partners of similar caliber and commitment as you. Nothing beats end-to-end case and behavioral practice with live partners.

Last but definitely not least, our team frequently checks and responds to questions about the course material, so all queries are answered in a timely manner.  

 3. Our Program Is Updated for Each Hiring Cycle

We recognize that the consulting landscape is continuously changing. We review, update, and expand our offerings to ensure relevance. We can do this because we keep in touch with clients who are now in consulting, recruiters at the firms we help our clients get roles with, and other public and internal updates.

Case in point, our Bootcamp has had new content releases every year since it was created. When there are changes in firms’ hiring plans or processes, you’ll know about it.

Regardless of your background or the consulting firm you’re trying to get into, we guarantee our Bootcamp can help.

Interested to know more? Click here.

If your budget is tight, you may also consider our free “Pass the Case Interview” video series. In this 3-part training series, we cover tips on how to pass the case interview in a week, as well as our tried-and-tested approach to both the case interview and the behavioral interview.

Add your email here to gain instant access.

In this article, we’ve covered:

• The pros of the Victor Cheng Look Over My Shoulder program,
• Cons of the LOMS program, and 
• Alternative Case Interview Prep programs that can provide more bang for your buck.

——————-

Still have questions?

If you have more questions about consulting interview prep programs, leave them in the comments below. One of My Consulting Offer’s case coaches will answer them.

Other people prepping for consulting case interviews found the following pages helpful:

• Our Ultimate Guide to Case Interview Prep ,
• My Consulting Offer’s Case Interview Prep Bootcamp , and
• MCO’s Free Consulting Case Workshop Video .

Help with Consulting Interview Prep

Thanks for turning to My Consulting Offer for advice on case interview preparation. My Consulting Offer has helped almost 85% of the people we’ve worked with to get a job in management consulting. We want you to be successful in your consulting interviews too. For example, here is how Suhani was able to get her offer from McKinsey.

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3 Top Strategies to Master the Case Interview in Under a Week

We are sharing our powerful strategies to pass the case interview even if you have no business background, zero casing experience, or only have a week to prepare.

No thanks, I don't want free strategies to get into consulting.

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Victor Cheng LOMS: Is It the Ultimate Guide to Case Interviews?

Discover the ultimate guide to acing case interviews with Victor Cheng's LOMS program.

Posted May 18, 2023

Table of Contents

Case interviews are a crucial part of consulting recruitment, and mastering them can often make or break your chances of landing a job at a top consulting firm. This is where Victor Cheng LOMS (Look Over My Shoulder) comes in. It is a popular case interview preparation guide that has garnered a lot of attention in the consulting industry. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Victor Cheng LOMS, from its history to real-life success stories of candidates who used it to ace their case interviews.

Understanding the Importance of Case Interviews in Consulting

Before delving into the specifics of Victor Cheng LOMS, it's crucial to understand why case interviews are so essential in consulting recruitment. Consulting firms use case interviews to assess a candidate's ability to analyze complex business problems, think critically, and communicate effectively. Considering that consulting involves solving a range of real-world business problems, case interviews are a great way to evaluate potential consultants' problem-solving skills and ensure their suitability for the job. The better you get at case interviews, the greater your chances of securing a consulting job offer.

Moreover, case interviews also test a candidate's ability to work under pressure and manage their time effectively. In a typical case interview, candidates are given a limited amount of time to analyze a complex business problem, develop a solution, and present their findings to the interviewer. This simulates the fast-paced and high-pressure environment that consultants often work in, making it a crucial skill to demonstrate during the interview process.

Finally, case interviews also provide candidates with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and innovation. Consulting firms are always looking for new and innovative solutions to complex business problems, and case interviews allow candidates to demonstrate their ability to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions. This is particularly important in today's rapidly changing business landscape, where companies need to be agile and adaptable to stay ahead of the competition.

What is Victor Cheng LOMS?

Victor Cheng LOMS is an audio-based case interview preparation guide that offers candidates a behind-the-scenes look at how real case interviews are conducted. The program features 6 hours of audio recordings of Victor Cheng, a former McKinsey consultant and a well-known figure in the consulting industry, providing commentary and insights on how to tackle case interviews. The guide also comes with a comprehensive set of case interview videos, transcripts, and written materials. It promises to help candidates develop the critical skills needed to master case interviews and secure top consulting jobs.

One of the unique features of Victor Cheng LOMS is that it provides candidates with the opportunity to practice their case interview skills through interactive exercises. These exercises simulate real case interviews and allow candidates to receive feedback on their performance. This hands-on approach to learning is highly effective in helping candidates build confidence and improve their problem-solving abilities. Additionally, the program offers personalized coaching and support to help candidates identify their strengths and weaknesses and develop a customized study plan. Overall, Victor Cheng LOMS is a comprehensive and effective tool for anyone looking to excel in case interviews and land their dream consulting job.

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The History and Development of Victor Cheng LOMS

Victor Cheng LOMS was developed by Victor Cheng, a former consultant at McKinsey & Company, one of the world's leading consulting firms. After leaving McKinsey, Cheng founded his consulting practice and started coaching candidates on how to crack case interviews. Based on his experiences coaching candidates, he developed Victor Cheng LOMS to help others prepare for case interviews and maximize their chances of success. Since its launch, the program has gained immense popularity and has been used by thousands of candidates globally.

Victor Cheng LOMS is a comprehensive program that includes video lessons, audio recordings, and written materials. The program covers a wide range of topics, including case interview frameworks, problem-solving techniques, and communication skills. The materials are designed to be easy to understand and follow, even for those who have no prior experience with case interviews.

In addition to the program itself, Victor Cheng also offers one-on-one coaching services to help candidates prepare for their interviews. The coaching sessions are tailored to each candidate's specific needs and provide personalized feedback and guidance. Many candidates have found the coaching sessions to be extremely helpful in improving their performance and confidence during case interviews.

Who is Victor Cheng and Why Should You Trust His Methods?

Victor Cheng is a renowned figure in the consulting industry. He is a former McKinsey consultant, an author of several case interview prep books, and a coach to thousands of candidates over the years. Cheng's insights and techniques have been widely praised for their effectiveness in helping candidates crack case interviews. His approach emphasizes the importance of developing a structured problem-solving framework and leveraging your business intuition to derive insights and recommendations. Cheng's track record of success in coaching candidates, combined with his vast experience and reputation in the industry, make his methods trustworthy.

In addition to his consulting and coaching work, Victor Cheng is also a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the industry. He has delivered keynote speeches and workshops at top universities and business schools around the world, including Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. Cheng's ability to distill complex business concepts into simple, actionable frameworks has made him a popular speaker among students and professionals alike.

Furthermore, Victor Cheng is known for his commitment to giving back to the community. He has donated a portion of his book sales to various charities and non-profit organizations, including Room to Read and the American Red Cross. Cheng's dedication to social responsibility and philanthropy has earned him respect and admiration from his peers and followers.

How to Use Victor Cheng LOMS to Ace Your Case Interviews

Using Victor Cheng LOMS effectively involves developing a structured approach to the program. It's recommended that you start by listening to the audio recordings and taking notes on Cheng's commentary and insights on how to approach case interviews. Next, you should watch the video case interviews, tackle them at your own pace, and practice your problem-solving skills consistently. Finally, you should review your progress and assess areas where you need to improve over time. By following this approach, you can significantly improve your case interview skills and increase your chances of success during consulting recruitment.

Another important aspect of using Victor Cheng LOMS is to practice with a partner or a group. This will help you simulate a real case interview scenario and receive feedback on your performance. You can also learn from your peers and observe their problem-solving techniques, which can be helpful in expanding your own problem-solving skills.

It's also important to note that Victor Cheng LOMS is not a substitute for actual case interview practice. While the program can provide you with valuable insights and techniques, it's crucial to practice with real case interviews to gain experience and confidence. You can find case interview partners through networking events, consulting clubs, or online forums.

The Pros and Cons of Using Victor Cheng LOMS for Case Interview Preparation

Like any case interview preparation guide, Victor Cheng LOMS has its pros and cons. On the positive side, the program provides candidates with a wealth of insights and techniques for cracking case interviews. The program is structured, well-organized, and features practical examples that make it easy to follow and apply. On the negative side, the program's audio format might not be ideal for everyone, and the program's pricing might be a bit steep for some. Furthermore, the program might not cover all types of case interviews or suit everyone's learning style.

One of the major advantages of Victor Cheng LOMS is that it offers a comprehensive approach to case interview preparation. The program covers all the essential aspects of case interviews, including problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills. Additionally, the program provides candidates with a range of frameworks and tools that can be applied to different types of case interviews. This makes it an excellent resource for candidates who want to develop a strong foundation in case interview skills.

However, one of the potential drawbacks of Victor Cheng LOMS is that it requires a significant time commitment. The program consists of multiple audio recordings, each of which can take several hours to complete. This means that candidates need to be willing to invest a considerable amount of time and effort into the program. Additionally, the program's audio format might not be suitable for candidates who prefer visual or interactive learning methods.

Comparing Victor Cheng LOMS with Other Case Interview Guides and Resources

There are multiple case interview preparation guides and resources available online. While Victor Cheng LOMS is considered one of the best case interview prep guides, it's worth exploring other resources to supplement your learning. For instance, other case interview books, such as Case In Point or Case Interview Secrets, might be more suited to your learning style or cover specific types of case interviews in more detail. Additionally, there are also many free resources available online, such as YouTube videos and case interview practice platforms, that can help you prepare for case interviews effectively.

Real-life Success Stories of Candidates Who Used Victor Cheng LOMS to Land Consulting Jobs

The proof of the pudding is in the eating, as they say, and this is true for case interview preparation guides. Fortunately, there are numerous success stories of candidates who used Victor Cheng LOMS to secure top consulting jobs. These candidates typically praise the program's structured approach, practical insights, and valuable tips for nailing case interviews. Overall, the program has garnered a lot of positive reviews from candidates who have used it to prepare for consulting recruitment.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Learning from Victor Cheng LOMS

Maximizing your learning from Victor Cheng LOMS involves consistent practice, critical thinking, and active engagement with the program's content. A few tips and tricks that can help you make the most of the program include practicing your problem-solving skills regularly, leveraging the program's transcripts and written content, and seeking feedback from others. It's also recommended that you supplement your learning with other case interview resources and practice platforms to ensure that you're fully prepared to tackle any case interviews that come your way.

In conclusion, Victor Cheng LOMS is an excellent case interview preparation guide that offers a comprehensive, structured approach to cracking case interviews. Its founder, Victor Cheng, has a well-established reputation in the consulting industry, and the program has helped many candidates land top consulting jobs. Whether you're an experienced candidate or a novice, Victor Cheng LOMS is worth considering as a part of your case interview preparation toolkit.

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Hacking the Case Interview

Looking Over My Shoulder, also known as LOMS, is 20 hours of audio recording of various consulting case interviews. If you’ve read Victor Cheng’s book Case Interview Secrets , you’ve likely been referred to or upsold on the program.

In these recordings, Victor Cheng interviews a variety of candidates in different case interview styles and formats. Cheng provides detailed commentary on each candidate’s performance in every step of the case interview.

The Look Over My Shoulder program currently costs $297.

For such a steep price, is the Look Over My Shoulder Program worth it? Is it the best case interview prep program in the market? Are there alternative resources that are better and cheaper?

In this comprehensive review of the Look Over My Shoulder Program, we’ll answer all of these questions and more.

While Look Over My Shoulder (LOMS) provides valuable perspectives and insights into the consulting case interview process, the $297 price does not justify its value as just an audio recording. There are plenty of mock case interview videos on YouTube that provide the same type of information more clearly and for free. For $297, there are other comprehensive case interview courses that will actually teach you step-by-step how to solve a case interview and provide plenty of mock cases that you can actually practice.

If you’re looking for a step-by-step shortcut to learn case interviews quickly, we'd recommend that you instead enroll in a comprehensive case interview course . These insider strategies from a former Bain interviewer helped 30,000+ land consulting offers while saving hundreds of hours of prep time.

What is the Look Over My Shoulder (LOMS) Program?

According to Victor Cheng, the goal of the Look Over My Shoulder Program is to help users “master the analytical problem-solving process desired by the top management consulting firms.” The program consists of 20 hours of audio recordings.

In these audio files, Victor Cheng interviews a variety of candidates in both interviewer-led and candidate-led case interview formats. Cheng provides detailed commentary on each candidate’s performance in every step of the case interview. There are eight cases that are used to interview 22 different candidates.

Cheng says that by listening in to what people do during case interviews, you will notice their case interview habits. By immersing yourself in these cases, you can internalize these habits and develop your own good habits that will lead to a good case interview performance.

The program has no video content. Victor Cheng claims that the audio delivery of the program forces uses to focus more on the content instead of focusing on the body language of candidates, which is not as relevant to their case skills.

Upon purchase, the program is delivered digitally within minutes of purchase, allowing users to start using the program immediately.

Cheng has said that there are no plans to update the Look Over My Shoulder Program, so it is likely to remain in its current form for years to come.

Benefits of the Look Over My Shoulder (LOMS) Program

1. Insights from a Former McKinsey Interviewer

Victor Cheng is a highly reputable case interview author, coach, and workshop leader. While recruiting for consulting, he passed 60 out of 61 case interviews, ultimately landing and accepting a job at McKinsey.

In the Look Over My Shoulder Program, Cheng provides real feedback and insights on candidates’ case interview performance from the perspective of a former McKinsey interviewer.

2. Learn the Difference Between Poor and Great Case Interview Performances

In the program, Cheng uses 8 cases to interview 22 different candidates. So, several candidates are given the same case. These candidates have a variety of different skill levels, so you’ll see what a poor case interview performance versus a great case interview performance sounds like.

You’ll notice things that candidates do that make them stand out from the crowd. You’ll also notice mistakes that candidates make that severely impact their case interview performance.

3. Variety of Cases

The eight cases covered in the program span a variety of different industries. Clients include a moving company, an Internet company, and a steel company. There are a mix of different case types, such as profitability and market entry cases. There is a focus on covering the types of cases you are most likely to see in your interviews.

4. Twenty Hours of Content

The Look Over My Shoulder Program has twenty hours of content. If you divide the price of the program, $297, by the hours of content, you are essentially paying $14.85 per hour to listen to the audio files. If you think about the price of the program this way, the price may not seem as high.

5. Convenient Format to Learn Case Interviews

Since the program consists entirely of audio, you can listen to the program’s mock interviews from anywhere. Whether you’re walking to class or commuting from home, the program is in a convenient format to be easily accessible even for busy people.

Look Over My Shoulder (LOMS) Positive Reviews:

“I purchased LOMS and was happy with my decision. It sure was expensive, but I found it far more helpful than Case in Point, or the vault guides.” (Review from WallStreetOasis)

“It's an excellent programme to practice cases by yourself, without a case partner. Especially if you haven't done many cases before, it can really give you a sense of the flow of a case interview, what/how to ask questions, and perhaps most importantly, what many of the common pitfalls are for candidates.” (Review from PrepLounge)

 “LOMS was the best educational resource to develop skills and best practices for case interviews. What differentiates LOMS from other books/resources is that it provides examples of the right and wrong way to go through a case interview. Very good for background knowledge and just starting out.” (Review from Reddit)

“LOMS helped me prepare for a case interview on short notice. I ended up getting the offer and would say my performance on the case was a big part of it.” (Review from CaseInterview.com)

Shortcomings of the Look Over My Shoulder (LOMS) Program

1. Listening to Cases is a Passive Exercise

While listening to other people do case interviews helps you become familiar with the structure and format of a case interview, it is not necessarily the best way to improve your actual case interview skills.

The best way to get better at solving cases is to practice case interviews either by yourself or through a case interview partner. Only through practice can you get better at developing structured frameworks, communicating clearly, and executing math proficiently.

The biggest shortcoming of the Look Over My Shoulder Program is that it is a passive program in which you learn by listening instead of actually doing.

2. Heavy McKinsey Bias in the Cases

All of the cases in the Look Over My Shoulder Program are in the McKinsey case interview style. They are all highly structured and organized. While these may be great to study for McKinsey interviews, they are much less similar to the styles of cases that other firms such as BCG and Bain give.

BCG and Bain cases can be much less structured and more discussion-based. Therefore, if you are preparing for interviews at consulting firms besides McKinsey, know that this program has a heavy McKinsey style case bias.

3. There are Many Free Resources to Watch Case Interviews

If you feel that the $297 price tag for the program is expensive, know that there are tons of free videos of mock case interviews on the internet. Going on YouTube and searching for “mock case interview” or “practice case interview” will give you hundreds of free videos.

Many of these case interview videos are made by former McKinsey, BCG, and Bain consultants, so they can be high quality resources. Additionally, since these mock cases are in video format, you’ll actually be able to observe people’s poise and communication style.

4. The Program Does Not Directly Teach How to Solve Case Interviews

The Look Over My Shoulder Program consists solely of 8 cases. The program does not directly teach you exactly how to solve case interviews. Instead, it relies on providing commentary on other people’s case interview performance to give you case interview tips.

Considering the program costs $297, you are essentially paying $37 per case, which feels pricy.

It would have been nice if the program had a curriculum for teaching exactly what to do and what to say in every step of the case interview.

5. Repetitive Case Interview Strategies

All of the candidates that Victor Cheng interviews in the program have been taught to solve cases in the way that Victor Cheng teaches. Therefore, the case interview strategies and techniques you will observe will feel repetitive after watching a few cases.

It would have been more helpful to see candidates using a wide range of different strategies and techniques to see which ones perform the best. Unfortunately, you’ll observe a lot of the same cookie cutter strategies in most of the audio files.

Look Over My Shoulder (LOMS) Negative Reviews:

“Comparing my recruiting experience (at the undergraduate level) to what LOMS was like, I would say the interviews were actually very dissimilar. The LOMS interviews were extremely structured, while I found that my interviews (including second rounds with Bain and BCG) were much more conversational.” (Review from WallStreetOasis)

“Nothing is going to be more helpful than actually practicing with the right partners. I know plenty of people who didn't use LOMS and got MBB offers by practicing with the right group of people on a regular basis.” (Review from WallStreetOasis)

“To put it bluntly, what is most important is that you actually have the required knowledge and skills to begin with. LOMS is rather less useful for this - which should be the core of your preparation. Hearing another candidates' attempt to solve cases is not actually a particularly good way to learn how to solve them yourself.” (Review from Quora)

“I don't think [LOMS] worth it. I bought Case In Point and did my preparation through free websites and that was it. There is so much free information and free practice cases on the web that paying such a large amount for case prep material is unnecessary.” (Review from WallStreetOasis)

Overall Assessment of the Look Over My Shoulder (LOMS) Program

The Look Over My Shoulder (LOMS) is great for beginners that are trying to get a sense of what a case interview is like and want to see exactly how candidates tackle and solve cases. The biggest benefit to the program is seeing the differences between a poor case interview performance and a great case interview performance for the same case.

Users of the program should be aware that the cases in the program are most similar to McKinsey style cases. Cases from other firms, such as BCG and Bain, can be quite different from the cases in the program.

Users should also know that the best way to get better at case interviews is to either work through cases by yourself or simulate a case interview with a partner. So, users will need to supplement this program with other resources to get actual practice. Listening to cases can only teach you so much.

If the $297 price tag does not bother you at all, the program may be worth a purchase. However, there are many free case interview videos on YouTube that you can watch to get most of the benefits that you would have gotten from purchasing the Look Over My Shoulder Program. There are also much more valuable case interview prep books and courses that you can purchase with that $297 instead.

For example, the video below shows you exactly what a real case interview looks like:

If you found this review helpful, we also have comprehensive reviews on Case Interview Secrets by Victor Cheng , Case in Point by Marc Cosentino , and on whether case interview coaching is worth it .

Recommended Case Interview Resources

Here are the resources we recommend to learn the most robust, effective case interview strategies in the least time-consuming way:

• Comprehensive Case Interview Course (our #1 recommendation): The only resource you need. Whether you have no business background, rusty math skills, or are short on time, this step-by-step course will transform you into a top 1% caser that lands multiple consulting offers.
• Hacking the Case Interview Book   (available on Amazon): Perfect for beginners that are short on time. Transform yourself from a stressed-out case interview newbie to a confident intermediate in under a week. Some readers finish this book in a day and can already tackle tough cases.
• The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook (available on Amazon): Perfect for intermediates struggling with frameworks, case math, or generating business insights. No need to find a case partner – these drills, practice problems, and full-length cases can all be done by yourself.
• Case Interview Coaching : Personalized, one-on-one coaching with former consulting interviewers
• Behavioral & Fit Interview Course : Be prepared for 98% of behavioral and fit questions in just a few hours. We'll teach you exactly how to draft answers that will impress your interviewer
• Resume Review & Editing : Transform your resume into one that will get you multiple interviews

Land Multiple Consulting Offers

Complete, step-by-step case interview course. 30,000+ happy customers.

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Crafting Cases

Main Content

Why do 97% of candidates get rejected from mckinsey, bcg and bain.

(Hint: they haven’t learned how to think and speak like real MBB consultants)

Memorizing frameworks and lists of questions may help you get started on your case interviews, but they eventually drive your offers away.

Join our free  7-day course to go beyond the basics and learn how to answer ANY   case interview question (even of case types and industries you haven’t seen before).

If you prepare like the average candidate, you will get average results

Most candidates start their case interview preparation following trusted resources.  You’ve all heard of them: Case in Point, Victor Cheng, etc.

They work well when you’re starting out.  We’ve used them ourselves back when we were preparing.  

The problem?   They can only get you so far…

The problem with traditional case interview approaches

We’ve met tons of smart people doing all they could to be top performers…

• They've read every book on the topic
• They've spent hours and hours learning different frameworks
• They've practiced dozens (even hundreds) of cases

So, why weren’t they performing well enough to get offers from top consulting firms yet?

Here’s why:

• While basic resources cover the basics well, they never teach you how to think like a consultant
• Interviewers are assessing nuanced thought patterns that aren't taught in those books
• It's like trying to learn calculus from a basic math book - helpful, but not enough for the whole journey

There are four key issues with traditional approaches...

They show you many frameworks to memorize, but never teach you how to build a custom structure for each case, as real management consultants do.

They give case examples that fit their methods perfectly, but ignore those that don’t (e.g. Public Sector) and pretend they’re uncommon in real interviews.

Even though they used to help candidates perform well in the past (when everyone was less prepared), they’ve become commoditized and can only get you to average nowadays.

They expose you to a lot of concepts and buzzwords (MECE, 80/20, Hypothesis), but never teach you the systems to apply them in a cohesive, systematic way in your cases.

Here's how we're different:

No more learning plateaus.  You’ll get a  structured method to learn case interviews. Much better than “just doing more cases” and hoping for the best.

Tools and techniques straight from the consulting job.  Instead of arbitrary “tips and tricks”, we teach techniques that come from the real job and work not only in case interviews, but also with real clients. 

Eliminate guesswork with out step-by-step systems.  We teach you how to be MECE, how to build your own frameworks and everything else you need in  a step-by-step way .

Tons of in-depth, well explained examples.  This helps you go beyond “conceptual knowledge” and understand the nuances of when and how to apply what you’ve learned.

Insights from your interviewer’s mind.  Learn not only what  to do, but also why  you should do it. You’ll grasp how interviewers think and feel like you could read their minds .

Learn by doing.  Every time we teach you a new tactic or technique, we also guide you through the application of that into a case problem so you can internalize what you learn.

Who are we?

We’re Bruno and Julio. We used to be consultants at McKinsey and Bain. 

We went through the very same preparation process you’re going through right now. As we studied for our cases, we were often frustrated with the lack of depth of all the case prep content we found online. 

We always felt like a piece of the puzzle was missing.

After we were out, we became case interview coaches, and felt that frustration crawl up our skins again. Many of our clients found it difficult to find good prep materials and we often had nowhere to point them to when they needed to learn a specific concept.

After coaching about 200 candidates over thousands of coaching sessions, we decided to do something about it. Combining our experience as candidates, consultants and coaches, we create the types of materials we wish existed back when we were preparing.

Learn more about us here.

What other candidates say...

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If you’ve been trying to learn Issue Trees, look no further.  Read the guide here.

The 9 VERY BEST case interview examples from the web, carefully curated, reviewed and commented

Not having to watch random case interview example videos will save you up to 20 hours of practice AND will also steer you away from the (many) unrealistic, even misleading examples out there.

This not only is a carefully curated list, but also has comments on super-important specific topics on the case and on the candidate’s performance that you could otherwise miss completely.

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New to consulting interviews? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

There are 2 parts to a consulting interview:

i) Behavioral questions , where the interviewer asks about:

• Strengths/weakness
• Teamwork/leadership experience
• Motivations/goals

ii) Business case , where the interviewer presents the candidate with a problem.The candidate is expected to:

• Break down the problem logically
• Develop hypotheses
• Interpret data
• Formulate recommendations

Often called “the fit portion” or alternatively “PEI” (personal experience interview). It is crucial not to neglect this portion of the interview and practice is key. Several best practices include:

• Have a collection of stories ready to tell
• Avoid rambling – keep answers to a max of 3min
• Emphasize leadership, entrepreneurial drive, personal impact
• Know why you are interested in consulting
• Take a moment to collect your thoughts before replying

Here, you will be presented with a business problem to solve. Examples include: finding out why a company might be experiencing reduction in profits or evaluating strategies for a product launch. Cases are about 25-35mins long

There are two types of case interview formats.

• Interviewer led : Primarily for McKinsey. The interviewer asks the candidate a series of discrete questions.
• Interviewee led: For Bain & BCG and most others. The interviewer provides some initial info but the candidate is expected to lead the conversation.

Regardless of format, you may have to complete the following tasks in solving the case:

• Draw out a “framework” outlining how you intend to solve the problem
• Develop a hypothesis surrounding the main question (e.g. reasons for decreased profits)
• Interpret charts/maps/data
• Calculate relevant business metrics
• Propose and defend a solution

Some best practices for cases include:

• Taking clear notes
• Drawing concise and MECE frameworks (mutually exclusive, comprehensively exhaustive)
• Focusing on the main question
• Communicate your hypotheses
• Communicate your thought processes and intentions
• Practice doing math accurately + fast
• Be able to defend recommendations rationally

A crucial part of interview prep is case practice among peers. Therefore, it is very important to be able to give a case well. Some best practices include:

• Read through the case beforehand
• Know what information should be given and what calculations to do
• Know the trigger for each step, i.e. knowing when to present the candidate with data if requested
• For interviewee-led, let the candidate explore the case and make mistakes instead of correcting them immediately
• Nudge interviewees in the right direction if they are spending too much time (>30min on 1 case)
• Give clear, specific feedback

Ready to begin hands-on interview prep? Here are some resources to get you started:

Club resources

• Interview prep series
• Online material repository with practices cases & slides from the interview prep series
• Case partner matching spreadsheet

Business news sources

• The Economist
• Fierce Biotech/Pharma/etc

Business podcasts

• The Motely Fool
• Freakonomics
• Planet Money
• Numbers Geek
• McKinsey Podcasts
• Market Place
• Victor Cheng’s Look Over My Shoulder
• FirmsConsulting
• MConsulting Prep
• MasterTheCase
• CaseInterview
• Management Consulted

Books – more available through Lane Library

• Case in Point:  Complete Case Interview Preparation  by Marc Cosentino
• Case Interview Secrets:  How to Get Multiple Job Offers in Consulting  by Victor Cheng
• How to Get Into the Top Consulting Firms by Tim Darling
• Ace the Case
• The 10-day MBA:  A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Skills Taught in Top Business Schools  by Steven Silbiger
• Crack the Case System:  Complete Case Interview Prep  by David Ohrvall

Other Miscellaneous

• Vault Career Insider guidebooks. Login using Free Student Access
• Victor Cheng’s website
• Consulting Case 101 database
• Prep Lounge : Mental math prep tools, Get connected with ADCs worldwide, Sharpen your Consulting Skills, and Much More!
• FastMath Crack the Case : multiple prep cases and videos
• Street of walls : Consulting Overview, Basic Frameworks, Sample Behavioral Questions & More!

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