I have an interview at DHL Consulting at the German offices. What kind of cases should I focus more on? and how should I structure my prep? I also saw that their is a role play section in one of the interviews, what exactly is that?

Hi Kunal,

For SC/Ops-related roles (and DHL is definitely one of those), my suggestion is to focus on two things:

1. Strategy Basics: you should be able to handle market sizing/entry, profitability, investment-related cases. I wouldn't focus too much on, say, M&A / PE

2. SC/Ops Specific Knowledge: you should get very deep on Ops and Cost Cut cases, getting familiar with concepts like Net Working Capital, Utilisation/Efficiency metrics, Operating Leverage, Total Cost of Ownerships, etc.

DHL Consulting has published a few cases on PrepLounge, so start from there! On the role play section for in-house consulting, this is typically a question where you mimic a real-life situation. E.g., "You are in the team room with your manager and you should discuss how to set up the analysis for this specific problem: ..."

Best,
Tom

Hi Kunal,

DHL Consulting interviews tend to be more operations and implementation oriented than classic MBB interviews, reflecting the nature of DHL's business.

For cases, I would focus on:

• Supply chain and logistics optimization
• Cost reduction and operational efficiency
• Network design (warehouses, transportation routes, distribution centers)
• Capacity planning and resource allocation
• Growth and market entry cases related to logistics services
• Digital transformation and automation in operations

When structuring your prep, I would suggest:

• 60% case practice, especially operations and profitability cases
• 20% fit questions (Why DHL Consulting? Why in-house consulting?)
• 20% exhibit interpretation and quantitative analysis

A key difference versus MBB is that DHL often values practicality and implementation. Don't stop at the recommendation. Always think about execution, risks, stakeholder management, and operational feasibility.

Regarding the role play, this is typically not a case interview. Instead, you are asked to simulate a real consulting situation. Common examples include:

• Convincing a resistant stakeholder to support a project
• Presenting recommendations to a client or senior manager
• Managing a difficult conversation with a project team member
• Negotiating priorities between competing stakeholders

The interviewer usually plays the stakeholder and evaluates:

• Communication skills
• Stakeholder management
• Empathy and active listening
• Ability to remain structured under pressure
• Persuasion and conflict resolution

My advice for the role play is to avoid "winning the argument." Instead, focus on understanding the other person's concerns, asking good questions, and finding common ground. That's often what DHL Consulting is looking for.

Congrats on the DHL invite.

On cases. DHL cases lean operational and practical. Logistics, supply chain, warehousing, process optimisation, network design. Less abstract market sizing. Pull operations cases from PrepLounge and study DHL's businesses (Express, Supply Chain, Freight, eCommerce) so you can speak fluently.

How to prep. 20 to 30 operations-flavoured cases. Strong fit prep (team challenges, ambitious targets come up a lot). Practise out loud.

On the role play. You play the consultant, interviewer plays a difficult client (frustrated, resistant, or getting bad news). Tests client handling, empathy, and composure. Stay calm, listen, acknowledge concerns, then move toward a solution. Don't push back hard, compromise wins.

Good luck.

Kunal, 

You can expect cases relevant to DHL's work, both in terms of content and project type. 

Regarding the format of the role-play section, it's best to ask the recruiter directly.

Good luck with the prep!
Best,
Cristian