Case interviews are a key step of the selection process for consulting jobs. They test how you approach problems, how analytically and clearly you think, and how well you communicate under time pressure. You’ll be asked to solve a business problem, which may resemble a real project in its complexity, and to develop a clear, well-founded recommendation.
To help you stand out and boost your chances of landing the offer, here’s a quick guide to what you should definitely do — and what you should avoid — in your next case interview.
Be well prepared: Inform yourself about the company and its industry before the interview. This shows that you are genuinely interested and helps you better understand the context of the case.
Ask relevant questions: Asking smart, targeted questions helps you better understand the problem and shows that you're thinking critically. It also signals your ability to work with clients.
Listen carefully: Pay close attention to what the interviewer is saying. If something is unclear, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Interviewers won’t penalize you for asking, but they may if you miss important information.
Accept guidance: If your interviewer gives hints or asks leading questions, follow them. They’re not trying to confuse you — they're giving you an opportunity to course-correct.
Use a clear and structured approach: Structure is essential. Take a moment at the beginning to break down the problem and outline your approach. This shows you can think logically and communicate clearly.
Explain your thought process: Even if you make a mistake, walking the interviewer through your thinking gives them insight into your approach. It also allows them to support you if you're heading in the wrong direction.
Be creative: There’s rarely only one “correct” solution. Creativity can help you stand out, especially if your approach is realistic and well-reasoned.
Take notes: Use your paper to keep track of information, structure your approach, and perform calculations. Good note-taking helps you stay focused and organized throughout the interview.
Be yourself: Professionalism is important, but so is authenticity. Be personable and approachable. In the end, your interviewer is also asking themselves whether they’d enjoy working with you.
Stay focused: Don’t lose sight of the case objective. Use the conclusion to summarize your key points and restate your recommendation clearly.
Don’t get lost in the details: Always keep the big picture in mind. Avoid diving into calculations or hypotheses without first understanding the context.
Don’t panic when you’re stuck: It's okay to take a few seconds to think. If you’re unsure, summarize what you’ve understood so far or ask a clarifying question to regain orientation.
Don’t rush: Avoid jumping to conclusions without fully grasping the case. Take the time to develop a thoughtful approach before diving in.
Don’t let nerves take over: Interview anxiety is normal, but try to stay calm. Regular practice, especially under timed conditions, helps reduce stress and builds confidence.
Don’t explain obvious math: Be efficient in your communication. You don’t need to explain every simple calculation in detail — just the steps that matter.
Don’t be afraid to ask: Clarifying questions are not a weakness; they’re a strength. They show that you're actively processing information and thinking critically.
Don’t ask random or overly specific questions: Focus your questions on high-level aspects that help you better understand the structure of the problem.
Don’t act like a robot: Interviewers aren’t just looking for technical skills — they want to see interpersonal skills as well. Be friendly, engaged, and authentic.
Don’t forget to say thank you: Always end the interview on a polite note. A quick thank-you and, if possible, a short follow-up message can leave a lasting positive impression.
By keeping in mind these key tips, you can increase your chances of performing well on interview day. While these tips may seem overwhelming, remember that the more you practice, the more you will naturally start to incorporate them in your case interviews.
Remember as well that a case interview is ultimately assessing you as a consultant. When in doubt, think “what would a consultant need to demonstrate”. If all else fails, remember and try to embody this single sentence summary for an optimal candidate:
Good luck with your next case! 🍀
With his experience at BCG, an MBA from NYU, and coaching thousands of candidates, Ian offers practical tools, mindset shifts, and customizable frameworks to help individuals prepare optimally for any interview – no matter their background or career stage.
