Stating the Recommendation

In a case interview, it’s not just about analyzing the problem, but also about presenting a convincing and actionable recommendation. At the end of your case interview, you'll often get the chance to summarize your solution and present your recommendations. This is your moment to demonstrate that you’ve both understood the issue and developed a clear action plan!
 

4 Steps to State a Strong Recommendation in a Case-Interview

To succeed, it’s important to be structured and precise. Fortunately, we’ve brought some tips to help you formulate a strong recommendation. We’ll illustrate these through four steps using the case study from Mercedes-Benz Management Consulting: “Exploring the future of automotive mobility”, which focuses on exploring new revenue streams and business opportunities in terms of innovations and monetization strategies.

Step 1: Restate the Case Question.

Start your recommendation by clearly and concisely restating the original question or problem. This shows that you have a handle on the situation and makes it easier for your interviewer to follow your response.

👉 Case Example: “Our task was to explore and evaluate new business opportunities and monetization strategies for Mercedes-Benz.”
 

Step 2: Answer Directly and Concisely.

Formulate your recommendation clearly and without hesitation. Your goal is to provide an unambiguous answer that gets straight to the point.

👉 Case Example: “I recommend focusing on digital vehicle services and introducing a subscription-based model for premium features.”
 

Step 3: List Supporting Points.

Explain the key reasons supporting your recommendation. These should be clear, well-founded arguments emerging from your analysis that highlight the benefits of your recommendation.

👉 Case Example: “The recommendation is based on the rising demand for digital services, the opportunity for continuous revenue through subscriptions, and the positive financial forecast.”
 

Step 4: Suggest Next Steps.

Outline concrete actions needed to implement your recommendation. This demonstrates that you not only have an idea but also a clear plan for practical execution.

👉 Case Example: “The next steps should include developing a detailed plan for digital services, identifying target audiences, and creating a timeline.”
 

Wrapping It Up

A compelling recommendation at the end of your case interview is key to leaving a strong impression. With a clear answer, well-supported arguments, and concrete next steps, you can show that you’ve tackled the challenge and provided a practical solution. 🚀