I have an interview next week and I don't know how to do a case interview, how can I successfully prepare in a week......

Question

Margot · Answer

Hi there,If you only have a week, the key is to focus on the highest-impact activities instead of trying to learn everything. With a clear plan and daily practice, you can make significant progress in just seven days.1. Understand the case formatSpend the first day watching two or three complete case walkthroughs. This will help you understand the flow, what the interviewer expects, and how to transition between parts of the case.2. Learn a simple, repeatable structureYou do not need dozens of memorized frameworks. Instead, practice creating a clear, logical issue tree for any problem. Think in terms of “What is the problem?” → “What are the drivers?” → “How do we test them?”3. Drill essential math every dayWork on percentages, growth rates, break-even points, and chart interpretation. Practice explaining your math out loud so it becomes natural during the interview. Aim for both speed and accuracy, but clarity is the priority.4. Practice at least one full case dailyStart with easier cases and increase difficulty midweek. If possible, practice with a partner who can challenge your thinking and give feedback on your communication. Remember that interviewers care as much about your process as your final number.5. Master the conclusionMany candidates lose points here. Practice ending with a clear one-sentence recommendation, followed by two key insights from your analysis and one suggested next step.6. Simulate interview conditionsTime yourself, speak clearly, and use only the tools you will have during the real interview. This will make the actual interview feel much more familiar.By the end of the week, you should be able to work through a case with structure, confidence, and clear communication — even if it is not perfect.If you want to accelerate your learning, I offer focused coaching sessions where we run through a case together, identify your gaps, and create a tailored plan for your final prep days. I also offer a free intro call if you would like to discuss your preparation strategy before you start.Best,Margot

Pallav · Answer

Here’s your 7-day crash plan:Day 1: Learn what cases test + main types (profitability, market entry, growth, ops).Day 2–3: Memorize 2–3 base frameworks, practice structuring random problems.Day 4–5: Drill mental math + chart reading, do quick profitability/market sizing cases.Day 6: 3 full mock cases with partner, focus on clear communication & recommendations.Day 7: Polish fit stories, 2 more full cases under real-interview conditions.Tips: Quality > quantity, keep a case journal, talk through thinking if stuck, stay calm.

Cristian · Answer

Start by trying to push the interview and gain more prep time. Contact the recruiter, explain the situation and try to get as much extra time as you can. Postponing interviews is rather routine in consulting, so it won't affect your chances of getting the offer as long as you're polite and tell them in advance. Then find a really good expert coach and get a baselining assessment of your case performance. Then you'll know exactly what to focus on and how. That's what I'd do. Best,Cristian

Agrim · Answer

That is a challenging timeline.As a first step, I suggest contacting the HR to reschedule the interviews - citing that you need more time for preparation. It is not uncommon to see this practice and consulting firms often understand the requirement - without damaging your prospects.In either case - you will need to get ramped-up really quickly - and that is best done with the help of a coach.I offer a Masterclass where I take you from zero to 100 of casing in just 3 hours.Feel free to message me and we can get on a free intro call to plan out your 1-week crash course. My initial suggestion is below:Day 1 [Coaching]: 3-hour Masterclass for casingDay 1-3 [Self]: Solo practice with cases that I will provideDay 2-3 [Self]: Self-prepare FIT answersDay 3/4 [Coaching]: 3-hour Masterclass for 1 mock interview and revising FIT answersDay 4-5 [Self]: Any peer practice you can findDay 5-6 [Coaching]: One to Three mock interviews (including FIT) to finalise your casing skillsIf you wish to have a more coach-driven OR self-driven programme - we can hash it out on our free intro call.