Time pressure is a big factor in these horror stories. Sometimes the interviewer gives too little time to think through a complex case. This means the candidate has to rush through their analysis and solution, often leading to incomplete or inaccurate answers. Also, unfriendly or unhelpful interviewer behavior can be common. If the interviewer is cold and unresponsive to the candidate's questions or concerns, it can create a very nerve - wracking experience.
One common element is preparation. Candidates who succeed usually research the company, industry, and types of cases they might encounter. Another is the ability to structure problems. For example, using frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces. Also, clear communication is key. They need to be able to explain their thought process and solutions well.
One common element is unprofessional interviewers. For example, they may be late, rude, or not prepared. Another is unexpected and inappropriate questions, like asking about your political views when it has no relation to the job. Also, a bad interview environment can be part of it, such as a noisy or dirty room.
One common element is unprepared interviewers. They might not have read your resume properly before the interview and ask you basic things that are already on there. Another is a very uncomfortable or intimidating interview environment, like a super cold room or an interviewer who stares at you in a really unfriendly way.
Rude behavior from the interviewers is also common. They could be dismissive of the teacher's experience or ideas. I know a teacher who was told her previous teaching experience in a small school was 'not good enough' in a very condescending way during an interview.
I heard of a case interview where the technical equipment failed. The candidate was all set to present a complex data analysis case, but the projector didn't work and there was no backup plan. The candidate had to struggle to explain the graphs and data just verbally, which was a nightmare as it was hard to convey the full picture without the visual aids. It made the candidate seem less prepared than they actually were.
One common element is rude interviewers. They can be dismissive or condescending.
Nervousness is a big one. Many students get so nervous that they can't perform at their best. For example, they might forget important facts or concepts they've studied for years. Another common element is unexpected questions. These can range from really strange hypothetical situations to questions that seem to come out of left field and are not directly related to the student's area of study. And then there's the pressure of the interview environment itself. The formality and the knowledge that a lot is at stake can make students feel extremely stressed.
Misunderstanding the scope of the interview. Some students might study the wrong materials or focus on the wrong aspects of their subject. Then when they face unexpected questions, they are completely lost, which is a horrible situation to be in during an important interview like at Oxford.
Unexpected questions are common. For example, questions that are way out of the scope of normal prep. This can catch students off - guard.
One common element is being unprepared. For example, not knowing basic information about the company. Another is technical glitches, like a bad internet connection for an online interview. Also, unexpected interruptions, such as a noisy background during a phone interview.