Tips for preparing for case interviews

Hi there,

Great question! While I strongly recommend working with a coach--not that I'm biased... ;), preparing on your own is absolutely doable with the right structure and resources. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare effectively:

1. Understand the Basics

• Learn the Case Interview Format: Research the structure of case interviews, including typical components:
  • Clarifying the problem
  • Structuring your approach
  • Performing quantitative analysis
  • Developing insights and recommendations
• Familiarize Yourself with Frameworks: While you don’t need to memorize them, frameworks (e.g., profitability, market entry, M&A) can help you structure your thinking. Use them as starting points and adapt them based on the problem. Being hypothesis-driven (e.g., we should enter the market if XYZ is true) and specific (i.e., drilling into the problems industry, business model, customers, etc. vs. generic business terms).
• Behavioral Questions Matter Too: Prepare for fit/behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Common themes include leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.

2. Build a Self-Preparation Plan

• Set a Schedule: Allocate regular time slots for practice (e.g., 1–2 hours per day). Balance time between practicing cases, reviewing solutions, and improving weak areas. If you have little time, you need to find a way to compress your prep into high-density, high-quality sessions.
• Use Reliable Resources: Leverage high-quality case books, online platforms, and company-specific guides:
  • Case books: Recent casebooks from top MBA programs, PrepLounge cases, among other sources
  • Websites: PrepLounge, Crafting Cases, etc.  
• Practice Mental Math: Speed and accuracy in mental math are critical. Use resources like CaseInterviewMath or apps like "Mental Math Trainer." Practice percentages, ratios, and break-even analyses. PrepLounge and other websites have tools to help you do this. When I was a candidate, I downloaded an app to do this on the go. 

3. Practice Actively

• Start with Solved Cases: Begin by working through solved cases step by step. This helps you understand expectations and develop your analytical and problem-solving approach. Drill: Read the prompt, set a timer for 2min, develop a framework, and read the rest of the case.
• Practice Out Loud: Simulate interviews by solving cases out loud. This improves your ability to communicate clearly and logically under pressure.
• Use a Mirror or Record Yourself: Practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself allows you to observe your communication style and body language. Look for clarity, confidence, and engagement.

4. Build Your Business Acumen

• Read Business News: Stay updated on trends in industries like technology, healthcare, energy, and retail. Sources like The Economist, Financial Times, and industry blogs are great for this.
• Understand Basic Business Concepts: Familiarize yourself with concepts like market sizing, cost structures, supply chain management, and competitive analysis. These often appear in cases.

5. Simulate Partnered Practice (If Possible)

• Join Case Prep Communities: Platforms like PrepLounge or Reddit’s consulting forums often have peers looking for partners to practice with.
• Ask Friends or Family to Help: Even if they aren’t consultants, they can act as the interviewer by following prompts from case books. This will give you real-time feedback and improve your response dynamics. I asked my wife once, and that didn't go well -- choose wisely! 

6. Evaluate and Improve

• Debrief Every Case: After each practice case, reflect on:
  • What went well?
  • What could be improved (e.g., structuring, math, communication)?
• Track Progress: Keep a journal of cases you’ve solved, challenges faced, and improvements made. This will show tangible progress and keep you motivated. Go back to successful frameworks to remind yourself how to approach a type of problem (e.g., profitability, market entry, etc.) 

7. Prepare for the Actual Interview

• Mock Case Your Way to Confidence: As you approach your interview, aim to simulate real-time cases under pressure. Coaching can help big time!
• Tailor Your Approach to the Firm: Review firm-specific guidance (e.g., McKinsey interviewer-led vs. Bain/BCG candidate-led).

Stay consistent and proactive. Self-preparation requires discipline, but every case you solve will build your confidence and sharpen your skills.

If you feel stuck or want to refine specific areas, consider investing in 1–2 mock sessions with a coach. Here to help if needed! 

Best of luck with your preparation!
 

Cheers,
Vini

Hi,

Thanks for reaching out.

There are many resources to prep without a coach.

Step 1:

Start with the foundations with Victor Cheng's case interview Secrets. It will give you a good introduction to case interviews as well as foundational structures.

Step 2:

Get hold of case books published by B schools to go through the cases and solutions. Also practice cases on prep lounge.

Step 3:

In parallel, practice with peers on prep lounge - increase the experience level of peers you are practicing with starting from low to high. The more cases you practice the better you will get if you address the feedback at the end of the case. It is like training your brain to get used to a process and problem solving just like training your muscles in a gym so you can push yourself more.

Step 4: 

In parallel, read primers and articles on different industries to understand the problems facing different industries. This can be very time consuming - so maybe allocate 30 - 45 mins of your day to this and be careful to not over-read.

Step 5:

If you have an interview with a firm, or targeting specific firms, reach out to alum from those companies if you know them to request if they will give you a practice case. Work on their feedback - those are very valuable.

When you feel good about the practice or if you have reached a plateau or need help with a specific type of case, work with a coach to improve or address the gaps.

In order to succeed:

As you progress in your journey, don't lose sight of the end goal and tailor your plan to meet that. Create a time table to plan and track your progress at the very beginning of this plan.

Optional: 

Go over advanced materials like Case in Point or "Look over my shoulder" by Victor Cheng for more involved case solving. Only if you have extra time.

Hope this helps. Feel free to reach out if you need more help. 

Thanks,

Soh