Case Study Interview Prep

Cracking Case Study Interviews

Case interviews, common in consulting firms and business strategy roles, test your analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and communication under pressure. The interviewer presents a business problem — "How many gas stations are in Chicago?" or "Our client's profits are declining, why and what should they do?" — and evaluates how you structure your approach, not just your final answer. The key is to think out loud, ask clarifying questions, and break complex problems into manageable components. Interviewers want to see your thought process, so narrate your reasoning as you work through the case.

Master common case frameworks that provide starting points for structuring your analysis. For profitability cases, use the profit formula (Revenue minus Costs) and break each component into subcategories. For market entry decisions, consider market attractiveness, competitive landscape, company capabilities, and financial projections. For market sizing ("How many pizzas are sold in New York annually?"), use a logical estimation approach: start with population, segment into relevant groups, estimate consumption per group, and multiply. The specific framework matters less than demonstrating structured, logical thinking. Practice using these frameworks on sample cases until they become second nature.

Ask clarifying questions before diving into analysis. When presented with a case, don't immediately start solving — take 30 seconds to ask questions that will help you understand the context. "What geography are we focused on?" "What's the company's current market position?" "Are there any constraints we should consider?" This shows that you gather information before making decisions, a critical skill in business. It also buys you time to think and ensures you're solving the right problem. The interviewer may provide additional details that significantly impact your approach.

Practice, practice, practice. Case interviews are a learned skill, not a natural talent. Work through practice cases from resources like "Case in Point" or online case libraries. Do mock interviews with friends, ideally ones who have consulting experience. Record yourself solving cases and review the playback — you'll notice verbal tics, unclear explanations, or logical gaps you didn't catch in the moment. The more cases you practice, the faster you'll recognize patterns and the more confident you'll become. Consulting firms know that most candidates prep extensively — showing up unprepared is a signal that you're not serious about the role.