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Case Overview
What is a Case Interview?
A case interview is a hypothetical business situation that is used to assess a candidate’s problem-solving abilities. This method aims to replicate real consulting scenarios in a short time frame, typically 30 to 45 minutes. The case interview tests how candidates approach and solve hypothetical business situations, mirroring the analytical, data-driven decision-making required in consulting.
Case Interview Format
The structure of a case interview varies depending on the specific firm. Typically, there is a behavioral portion and a business case. Depending on the firm, there may be differences in this format depending on the interview round. The behavioral portion allows the candidate to demonstrate his or her relevant skills for the open position as well as their interest in the specific firm and the consulting landscape more generally.
The business case is designed to allow the candidate to show his or her critical thinking abilities while solving a hypothetical business problem. Ultimately, the candidate must analyze the provided information in order to make a reasonable recommendation to the firm.
Different firms will have different interviewing styles. Some firms’ case interviews will be in a group format to see how you work with others on a team. Other firms will show you graphical representations of data and ask for your takeaways and recommendations for the client. It is very important to research the interviewing tendencies of the different firms and adjust your preparation accordingly.
Lastly, firms will save a few minutes at the end of the interview for you to ask them questions. Be sure to come prepared with questions beforehand!
Preparation
Give yourself enough time! The more you practice, the better able you will be to successfully tackle the interview with self-confidence.
As a rule of thumb, it is best to begin your preparation at least a month before you have your first interview. However, depending on your familiarity with business-related subjects, adjust your prep time accordingly. It can be helpful to set a goal of a certain number of “live cases” you wish to complete before your interview - consultants at McKinsey, BCG, and Bain report doing around 30+ practice interviews.
For case preparation, check out the resources we have on this website! Many students also find practicing cases with peers who are also interested in consulting to be quite helpful. Make sure to always ask for feedback and good luck!
There are usually two rounds:
In the first round, the business cases are typically a little more straightforward in that they include less industry and client-specific information. The second round of interviews is often with senior employees like principals and partners. This round’s business case is often a real client case that the interviewer worked on in the past. If you are provided information about your interviewers ahead of time, it is helpful to research what they specialize in and research those industries.