Interviewer view · keep this screen to yourself

A lower level now, or the same pay where you are?

You run the case. Read the prompt, answer questions from the notes below, and share data only when the candidate asks for it or gets stuck. Score at the end.

Case timer

00:00

Target length:

1. Read the prompt aloud

Read it slowly, then pause. Let the candidate ask questions before they structure.

Fictional and illustrative, in euros. You earn EUR 80,000 and expect a EUR 2,000 rise each year if you stay. A firm offers a lower level at EUR 70,000. It expects to promote you after year 1, to EUR 85,000, then EUR 95,000 in year 3. Compare three years.

2. Answers to clarifying questions

This case has no scripted clarifying answers. Answer from the prompt, and say "assume what you think is reasonable" if the prompt does not cover it.

3. A model structure

Compare the candidate's structure with this one. A different split can be just as good if it is clean and fits the problem.

Three-year pay = the sum of pay in each of the three years, for each choice
- Stay: EUR 80,000, then a EUR 2,000 rise each year
- Move: EUR 70,000, then 85,000, then 95,000

4. The working, step by step

Each step shows how a strong candidate works it out. Share a new fact from it only when the candidate asks or is stuck, and let them do the math: the result in the dark box is what they should reach.

Step 1: Stay
What a strong candidate does: Add three years with a EUR 2,000 rise each year.
Three-year pay if you stay (EUR): 80,000 + 82,000 + 84,000 = 246,000
Step 2: Move
What a strong candidate does: Add the three years of the offer.
Three-year pay if you move (EUR): 70,000 + 85,000 + 95,000 = 250,000
Step 3: The gap
What a strong candidate does: Move minus stay.
Three-year gain from moving (EUR): 250,000 - 246,000 = 4,000
Step 4: If the promotion comes a year late
What a strong candidate does: Then the move pays 70,000, 70,000 and 85,000.
Three-year pay if the promotion is late (EUR): 70,000 + 70,000 + 85,000 = 225,000

The recommendation to listen for

At the end, say: "The CEO walks in. What is your recommendation?"

The move costs EUR 10,000 in year 1 but is EUR 4,000 ahead after three years, if the promotion comes on time. If it comes a year late, the move is EUR 21,000 behind. So ask how promotion works and how often it runs late before you accept.

Risks a strong answer names: Promotion timing is a firm's expectation, not a promise; Bonuses and benefits can change the totals.

Next steps: Ask the firm how long people at your level take to be promoted; Compare the work and the learning, not only the pay.

Score the candidate

Score each criterion from 1 to 5. A 2 or a 4 sits between the descriptions.

This case has no exhibit. Score Exhibit reading on how the candidate used the data you gave them: did they pick out the number that matters and say what it means?

Structuring

1: No clear structure, or a memorized framework that does not fit the problem.
3: A sensible structure, but with some overlap, a gap, or no clear priority.
5: A structure built for this problem, with no overlap and no gaps, a stated hypothesis, and a clear first step.

Math

1: Frequent errors, no units, or needed heavy help to finish.
3: Right answers but slow or messy working, or one error caught late.
5: Accurate and clearly narrated, with units, a sense check, and what the number means.

Exhibit reading

1: Read the chart aloud without finding the number that matters.
3: Found the key number but gave only part of the so-what.
5: Pulled the right number quickly and said what it means for the case.

Synthesis

1: Summarized what was done, with no clear answer.
3: Gave an answer, but with weak reasons or no next step.
5: Answer first, then two or three reasons with numbers, the main risk, and next steps.

Communication

1: Hard to follow: long silences, no signposting.
3: Clear most of the time, with some rambling.
5: Calm and concise, signposted each step, and checked in with the interviewer.

Total

0 out of 25

Score all five criteria to see the band and the feedback template.

Next: another case in Partner mode

Swap roles and run the next case, so you both practise answering and scoring.

Run the next case: Turn 18 years of hospital work into one number Choose another case