Case Interviews
Case interviews are typically used by consulting firms to test a candidate’s problem solving and soft skills. Case interviews last 30-45 min each and firms can utilize up to 6 case interviews, usually divided into 2 rounds. The candidate must analyze and solve a business scenario while explaining and interacting with the interviewer. In a case interview, there’s an expectation that the candidate is knowledgeable about relevant business terminology while conducting in-depth analysis.
Case studies are often based on a problem/scenario the interviewer has worked on in real life. This part of the interview is intended to be similar to a dialogue where the candidate needs to be proactive about ask questions when attempting to close in on the correct conclusion. Case studies are often used in banking, sales, finance, or HR industries.
Culture fit or behavioral interviews are also part of the hiring process for consulting firms and may be separate from or part ofthe case interview. These interviews or interview segments are just as important to prepare for.
Before the Interview
- Preparing for Case Interviews
- Be aware of the specific hiring timelines in consulting
- Familiarize yourself with:
- Common interview questions and how to answer
- Case interview structure and types and common problem solving frameworks
- Market sizing: (structure, assumptions, computation) + top down or top down v. bottom up
- Profitability: decline, revenue, cost, scenarios
- Market study: market share decline, revenue growth, new market entry
- Mergers and acquisitions: financial buyer, corporate buyer
- Practice online, with a career coach, with friends or family, or in the mirror to get comfortable with the interview style
- Keep up with national and global news, especially on the days leading up to your interview
- Management Consulted
UT students have access to the full library of Management Consulted resources including: 600+ cases, 10,000+ case drills, 12 industry primers, and 9 video courses. To explore the tools available at Management Consulted, log in with your EID.
- Mock Case Interviews
- Use Management Consulted to prepare for case interviews with the library of cases and case drills you can practice on your own.
- Mock Case Interview Appointments: Select the Mock Interview appointment type and make a note that you are seeking a mock case intervew and note the company or firm you will be interviewing with. This is a simulated 60-minute case interview provides the opportunity to practice your case interviewing skills in a safe learning environment and receive feedback on areas of improvement.
- Learn about tracking your mock interview performance to identify areas of improvement and strength.
- Additional Resources
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During the Interview
- Success Strategies
- Be confident and utilize effective communication and analytical skills
- Reduce your use of fillers (uhm, you know, like, etc.)
- Repeat question back to recruiter to ensure you consider all the information provided
- Take notes, especially for numerical data
- Take a few moments to think about your first approach
- Work through your answer
- Talk through your analysis
- Double-check your calculations (count the zeroes)
- Maintain a dialogue with the recruiter and listen for their feedback
- During the alternate approach, you may ask the interviewer for additional data
- Be receptive to employer feedback
- Keep your composure (especially if you miss a calculation)
- Do your best to not contradict yourself in your final analysis
- Sample Frameworks
- I am required.I am required.
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After the Interview
- Next Steps
- If you are not given a timeline for next steps at the end of or soon after your interview, ask the recruiter or hiring manager if they have an estimated timeline or any other information they can provide.
- It is typically appropriate to follow up with the recruiter or hiring manager if you have not heard back after 5-7 business days after the interview if not given a timeline or 2-3 business days after the given time frame has passed.
- Following Up
- Ask your interviewer if you can email them with follow up questions
- Request detailed feedback from your interviewer to help with your preparation for future interveiws.
- Thank you emails are your opportunity to thank your interviewers, reinforce your interest and enthusiasm in the position and employer, highlight your key selling points, and add anything not addressed in the interview. The email should be sent within 24 hours of your interview. Carefully proofread the message and keep it concise and professional.
Sample Follow Up Email:
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Position Name] position at [Firm Name]. I enjoyed discussing the case on [mention case topic], particularly the challenge around [specific detail from the case or interview]. It gave me a deeper understanding of how [Firm Name] approaches [specific problem or process], and I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to your team.
If possible, I would love to connect with someone at the company/firm who has more expertise in [specific area discussed in the interview, e.g., data analytics, market research, client strategy, etc.], as I’m eager to learn more and deepen my understanding of this area/develop my skills in this area
Additionally, I would greatly appreciate any feedback you may have regarding my performance or analysis process during the interview, as I’m always looking to improve.
Thank you again for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you about next steps.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
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