The Case Interview Format

When applying to top consulting firms, one of the most crucial stages of the interview process is the case interview. This format is designed to assess a candidate’s analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and ability to think strategically under pressure. Here is a comprehensive overview of what to expect in a case interview

Structure of a Case Interview

A case interview is a 30-minute simulation of a typical business project that consultants may have worked on. Cases provide a real example of an on-job experience and the assumption is that if a candidate is successfully able to tackle a case interview, they are more likely to be a successful management consultant.

Case studies are the most important and usually the longest part of consulting interviews. In addition to the case study, the interview typically includes introductory small talk, a personal fit interview and closing questions (see the illustration below).

Many companies review and standardize their consulting cases prior to a real interview to ensure that the case is neither too difficult or too easy. Companies also ensure that a variety of skills are tested during the case interviews.

The Typical Flow of a Case Interview

The case interview typically follows a structured flow to ensure that both the interviewer and the candidate cover all necessary aspects of the business problem. In the following key points you will learn more about what a case interview involves:

1. Introduction and Warm-Up

• Introduction: The case interview usually starts with the interviewer briefly introducing themselves and explaining their role in the company.
• Resume Review: Often, there will be a short discussion about your background, experience, and why you are interested in consulting. This helps the interviewer get to know you better and assess your fit with the firm's culture.

2. Case Presentation and Problem Understanding

• Case Context: In the next step, the interviewer will present a business problem or scenario. This could range from market entry strategies, profitability analysis, to organizational changes. The problem is usually based on real-world business issues that the consulting firm dealt with.
• Understanding: You are expected to listen carefully, take notes, and clarify any points that are not clear to fully understand the scope and context of the problem, before diving into the analysis.

3. Framework Development

• Structuring Your Approach: You outline a structured approach or framework to tackle the problem. Common frameworks include the SWOT analysis, Porter’s Five Forces or the Pyramid Principle, with which you can structure your information. This step demonstrates your ability to break down complex issues into manageable parts.
• Communication: Clearly explain your framework to the interviewer, ensuring they understand your thought process and logical flow.

💡See the big picture: It is not enough to simply memorize the standard framework concepts. While the frameworks are useful for a rudimentary outline of case problems, they need to be optimized and adapted for the individual case. You can master case structuring, but only with the necessary practice.

4. Analysis and Problem Solving

• Collecting Data: The interviewer may provide additional data, charts or exhibits. Analyze this information to support your framework and build your argument.
• Hypothesis Testing: Formulate hypotheses based on your analysis and test them against the data provided. Adjust your approach as necessary based on new findings.
• Quantitative Analysis: Perform the necessary calculations to support your findings. This could include market sizing, profitability calculations or cost analysis.

5. Recommendations

• Summarize Your Results: Summarize your analysis and findings in a coherent summary. Highlight the key findings and explain how they address the problem.
• Make Recommendations: Provide clear, actionable recommendations based on your analysis. Be prepared to justify your suggestions with evidence from your analysis (i. e. data).
• Next Steps: Discuss possible next steps or further areas of investigation that the client may wish to consider.

6. Q&A and Discussion

• Interactive Discussion: The interviewer may question your conclusions or ask for further clarification. Be prepared to defend your recommendations and discuss alternative perspectives.
• Follow-Up: Conclude the interview with a brief summary of your approach, key findings and recommendations. Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to discuss the case.

Key Takeaways: Our Top Tips for Your Case Interview Preparation

💡 Practice Cases: Schedule mock interviews with peers on our meeting board to practice cases. Take a look at our resources, which offers a wealth of practice cases and interview tips.

💡 Study Frameworks: Familiarize yourself with common business frameworks and know when to apply them.

💡 Improve Math Skills: Brush up on your mental math and data interpretation skills. Being quick and accurate with numbers is crucial.

💡 Stay Informed: Keep up with current business news and trends. This will help you provide contextually relevant solutions.

By understanding and practicing these components, you can improve your performance in case interviews and increase your chance of securing a position at a top consulting firm. 🚀