How to succeed in a case interview?

Case interviews can be a common part of recruitment processes nowadays, especially in the field of consulting. Solving different cases can be familiar to many also for example from studies. At BearingPoint, case tasks are included in most recruitment processes as a way to demonstrate key consulting skills. At the same time, we want to provide candidates concrete examples of what it’s like to work as a consultant and do client projects.

[You can also find this blogtext in Finnish: Kuinka onnistua case haastattelussa]

What is a case interview?

Case interview aims to simulate a real-life client situation.  Often, the case is focused around a challenge or opportunity faced by a fictional client company, which requires the help of consultants. The scenarios can vary and be approached by using many different problem-solving methods.

The purpose of the case interview is to evaluate candidate’s analytical reasoning and structure, communication skills, the ability to work in challenging situations and general business understanding.

At BearingPoint we usually reserve one hour for the case interview. In the beginning, the interviewer presents the case and the assignment. They might also give some extra materials for solving the case. After this you have time for independent working, where you get acquainted with the material, make analysis and prepare your own solution. At the end, you present the analysis and the solution proposal to the interviewer.

What to take into consideration when preparing for the interview? Here are a few tips for success

Focus on problem solving

Focus on finding a solution to the presented problem – don’t analyse for the sake of analysing. Keep in mind that 20% of the analysis often produces 80% of the actual solution. If you have time left, go through your answer once more, before presenting it to the interviewer.

Think aloud and remember the interaction

Aim to demonstrate your own thinking process (think out loud!) and the assumptions that you have made in different phases of the problem-solving. Usually, the most important part is the reasoning behind your outcome and not for example precisely the right numbers. During the interview, you can ask questions from the interviewer to confirm that you are on the right track. Imagine that you are in a client meeting – interaction is a key factor there too.

Structure the solution

Consider how you could present the analysis and solution proposal as clearly and coherently as possible. Could you perhaps use some familiar problem-solving methods or frameworks? Do however acknowledge that the use of frameworks is not mandatory and it might even limit your thinking and the outcome.

Be aware of the time

Plan your time usage and stick to it. Managing your time is important in client projects, hence it’s one of the evaluation points of the case interview.

Practice makes perfect (+ good luck with your interviews)

When preparing for a case interview, we suggest you to review different problem-solving methods and frameworks. You could also familiarize yourself with the different types of cases so you know what might come up. Could you perhaps practice solving a case and presenting it to a friend? Anyhow, through practicing with concrete examples you can build routines for problem-solving, which makes handling them easier over time. Quick tip! Often, practicing a case (or any other) interview is more effective when you do it with someone that you don’t know beforehand that well. Could there be someone in your network who you could ask to help? For example, students in your field whom you haven’t got to know yet might also be preparing for interviews, so they could be great practice partners for you.

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Hopefully this article helps you prepare for your case interview. You can read about BearingPoint’s career opportunities and recruiting policies from our website bearingpoint.fi/careers.