What Is a Case Interview?

Consulting firms today are using Case Interviews to test the ability of potential employees who have applied at their firm. The main purpose of the interview is twofold. First is to determine how capable the applicant is with problem solving skills, secondly to assess how they came about their solutions gathering methods. In case interviews, the applicants are presented with a situation – a business problem usually. The applicants are then required to explore the problem and come up with recommendations. Usually the interview lasts about 30-45 minutes.

For any applicant the interview is an integral part of their hiring process. For most it’s the basis on which they are selected in the firm. Therefore, the ability and tenacity to prove their worth is usually done in the first interview. However, in order to excel in the interviewing process it is important to understand the requirements of the meeting. Suffice it to say the myths and facts of Case Interview are far easier to understand if communications between the employer and the Consultant have been clarified from the onset. Below we will outline some of the aspects and results required for success.

1. One of the biggest misconceptions about Case Interview is that there is only one answer or solution to the Case given. This is simply not true. In reality there can be a number of solutions to a case since there can be a number of approaches including circumstances that will apply as an acceptable solution.
   
   
   
   
2. One does not need to answer the case without objections if they are relevant. All the interviewer expects is that they produce a thoughtful and structured solution. The main purpose of this type of interview is to test the ability of the potential consultant on how they evaluate the situation, analyze the problem and then ultimately come up with a solution step by step.
   
   
3. A Potential Consultant does not need specialized knowledge to do the case, however some analytical thought is required.

Throughout the career of any Consultant the realization becomes apparent that all problems will require a methodical breakdown and analysis. It can be in the form of analytical studies, comparison studies, focus groups, online surveys or a combination of all. Regardless of the style or method it will require in depth research. The approach is always the same. Here is a decomposition of what one should do in a case interview.

• Listen to the case carefully.
  
  
• Start with understanding then decomposing the problem.
  
  
• Once the problem is clear write down any hypothesis that comes to mind.
  
  
• Test this hypothesis and in case the results do not solve the problem then think of another hypothesis. Repeat the process until there is an acceptable solution that is “logical” (the different variations or hypothesis will show the potential employer that the Consultant is open to trying various methods.)
  
  
• Summarize your findings and present them to your interviewer.

Giving a case interview can be difficult. However, what is needed is a comprehensive well-written concise solution outlining the methods used. In other words, giving logical explanations to support the solutions. This way the interviewer will analyze the extent to which the Consultant is capable of understanding a problem and finding a solution. Needless to say in this competitive market this form of interviewing potential employees is used at most Fortune 100-500 companies.