How should I tackle an interview where they give me a text to read?

The amount of time they give you will vary. Think carefully about how much they have given you to read in the time, it will almost certainly be enough for 2 or 3 good reads. In the reading time: Read it once through, underlining things you find interesting, and then a second time making notes. Think while you are reading it the second time why the interviewer has chosen this piece, and what they are going to ask about it. For example: - "The business has been losing customers for many years due to competitors" Possible interviewer question: Why do you think are the competitors gaining in this situation when XXX firm is not? Note: although a correct answer exists (which maybe you would know if you have heard of the particular case) this does not matter, they are looking for ideas, it would probably be good to give a few possibilites, stating which you think is more likely. A good idea might be to write the main points of the article, for example: competition, duopoly, technological innovation, changing consumer demands If the text reminds you of any reading that you have done, or any recent news that you have seen - jot down these ideas too. If you have a chance to bring these up in the interview, it will show your ability to link their set-text to other knowledge are research you have done. If there is anything you do not understand, note it. If it is important to your understanding of the whole piece, then ask about it in the interview (remember, they want to know that you are good at learning, and asking questions makes you good at learning) - but if it is not central to the piece, then do not waste time asking about more minor details. If you have time, think of some questions of your own that might have been sparked by the writing, and any opinions you have formed. For example: "I find it interesting that XXX, made this strategic decision, when XXX decided to go another way, and I would be curious to know what the industry trends are". You might have an opportunity to make a comment like this in the interview, and the interviewer will probably be able to asnwer you, and start a discussion surrounding the topic. In the interview: The piece of text acts as a spring board for the discussion that follows, questions about the text will then lead to more broad and general questions. You will have your notes and text infront of you, and it is ok to pick it up and refer to it while you are being questioned. A good piece of advice is to not always feel like you have to start talking as soon as the interviewer asks you a question, you can take a few moments to think, look at your notes, and come up with what your opinion is.