in order to better take notes initially, this is what I would recommend:
- Use abbreviations.Eg, for revenues use R, for costs use C, for increase use an arrow directed up, etc.
- Write down essential information only. You do not have time to write everything, thus you should exercise in writing down only the necessary information. If you have a client which produces steel which has four plants, with a revenue problem, your notes could be something as Steel producer, R (arrow down), 4 plants
- Keep different section in the paper for different pieces of information. My recommendation would be to divide the paper in 4 areas as reported below; when talking notes, you can then put the information in the appropriate box. Sometimes you would have to do back and forth, as you may get information, objective 1, additional information, objective 2, etc.
- top-left: who is the client
- bottom left: initial information
- top right: objectives
- bottom right: structure
It’s not ideal to ask the interviewer to slow down, although that’s better than missing key information; something you can definitely do is instead clarify the areas you feel you have not heard correctly when you repeat the initial information provided.
Hope this helps,