Hardest case interview you've ever done/heard of?

Question

What's the toughest case interview you've encountered? What made it difficult?

Include:

Firm
Round
Level of interviewer (BA, consultant, EM, partner, etc.)
Why it was difficult? (ex: business issue was complex, quant heavy; issue presented was ambiguous and the partner never smiled and only said 50 words the entire time)

Answer 1

Hello!

I wouldn´t think in absolute terms here, since what is the most difficult for one person doesn´t need to be even difficult to other. It truly depends on the prior experience, similar cases you have practiced with, etc.

Generally, 2nd round cases tend to be more difficult for most people, given they are much more "unstructured" than in the 1st round (e.g., I just inherited a food truck from my uncle, how do I maximize my profits with it?)

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 2

Hello,

Here is my experience:

McKinsey
Final round
Partner
It was a though stressing interview, with papers ripped and the interviewer challenging every single word and proposing me to leave the office at one point

Anyway it was just a stress interview and they sent me the offer, in the end.

Best,
Luca

Answer 3

Unfortunately I neither know the firm, nor the round but the toughest one I came across is:

When and in which country will there be only electric/self-driving vehicles?

One approach to solve this: Define variables (e.g. regulations, market demand, supply) and make assumptions based on a map with all countries.

Answer 4

In my opinion, the toughest ones are the unconventional business cases based on economic trends. Here 2 real examples:
- what are the main issues for a British multinational after the Brexit?
- what would have you recommended to VW after the diesel gate?

Best,
Antonello