Q1 - They asked the TV series case: assume you're the CEO of this company, and the company currently has a TV show called Analyst. When you're deciding whether to cancel this show, what factors do you need to consider?
I answered from the revenue and cost angle. After I finished, the interviewer asked a follow-up, something like "do you think you need to consider the market situation?" I got what she meant, so I quickly added: thanks for the reminder, whether to cancel also needs to consider market trends and so on.
Q2 - They gave an exhibit and asked me to calculate the expected return of the Analyst and Shark Bank projects. Note: remember to ask the interviewer about Shark Bank's chance of success/failure, don't assume 50%.
After calculating, they asked which project I'd choose. I calculated Analyst as higher, so I still chose Analyst.
Q3 - What are some ways to improve Analyst's profitability?
I again answered from the revenue/cost angle. But I dug myself a hole here — when I answered, I talked about what revenue sources the TV show might have and how each could be improved, but for reducing cost I said that given the context I wasn't familiar with the cost structure of this project. The interviewer then pressed further: based on common sense, what do you think the cost components should be? I didn't answer this part well. Lesson: don't dig yourself a hole if you haven't prepared for it.
Q4 - If you're now considering selling the Analyst project, what factors do you need to consider?
(I don't remember the specific details of this question — it was similar to Q1 anyway.)
Q5 - Verbal numbers question: Analyst's remaining project life is only two years. Shark Bank's total profit after two years is $22M. If you sell Analyst now, you lose 1.5 million subscribers, at $32 per user. I calculated that if you sell, the revenue-cost gap is $51M. The interviewer asked: if a competitor offered you $51M, would you sell? I said no, because I felt there was still potential upside that wasn't being factored in.
Then the interviewer followed up again: what if your company were struggling financially, would you sell then? I rambled something about how if they gave cash immediately that would be negotiable.
I don't think this question has one fixed answer — after the interview I checked other people's write-ups and some people answered "sell." I think as long as you can make your reasoning hold together, it's fine.
There were about ten-something minutes left at the end, so I asked the interviewer a few questions. She told me I'd hear back from recruiters in 2-4 days.
But 1.5 hours after the interview ended, I already got an email from the recruiter scheduling a Power Day.
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