Topic Overview

Basics of Case Interviews

Why Are Case Interviews Used in Consulting?

The Case Interview Format

The Personal Fit Interview

Key Questions in the Personal Fit Interview

Interviewer- vs. Candidate-Led Cases

The STAR Method

Consulting Skills & Preparation

Skills Tested in a Case Interview

Preparation Plan

Self Study

Practice With Peers

Practice with Coaches

Note-taking in Case Interviews

Charts and Data in Case Interviews

Case Leadership

Stating the Recommendation

Creativity

Business Sense

Presentation and Communication

General Knowledge

Types of Cases

Market Sizing

Market Entry

Growth Strategy

M&A Cases

Valuation Cases

Profitability Cases

Brainteaser

Pricing

Competitive Response

Case Structuring

Approaching a Case

How to Build a Good Structure

How to Communicate Your Structure

How to Practice Structure

Frameworks

Issue Tree

MECE Principle

Porter's Five Forces

Pyramid Principle

2x2 Matrices and the BCG Matrix

SWOT Analysis

4C Framework

4P Framework

7S-Framework of McKinsey

The Value Chain

The PESTEL Analysis for Consulting

The Scrum Framework

Case Math

Why Math Matters

How to Practice Math Skills

ROI and ROAS

Break-Even Analysis

CAGR - Compound Annual Growth Rate

Fast Math

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Fixed & Variable Costs

Opportunity Costs

Net Present Value - NPV

Balance Sheet

Supply and Demand

Useful Business Analysis Tools

ABC Analysis

Pareto Principle

Product Life Cycle

Benchmarking

Core Competencies

The 5 Cs of Credit

The Business Model Canvas

The Balanced Scorecard

The Cynefin Framework

Kotter Change Management Model

The Capability Maturity Model (CMM)

The Competing Values Framework

SMART Goals in Consulting

Public Value Strategic Triangle

GROW Model

Hoshin Kanri Matrix

The Stacey Matrix

The Influence Model

ADKAR Model

McKinsey Growth Pyramid

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

Correlation and Causality

Common Terms of Business

Economy of Scale and Economy of Scope

The Tuckman Model

The Kanban Framework

The Blue Ocean Strategy

Lean Management

Servant Leadership

Peter Principle

Emotional Intelligence

Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

DevOps

Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Kolb's Learning Circle

Interpersonal Communication

Six Sigma

The Role of the Hypothesis in Consulting

The Roots and Effects of Inflation

Learning Organization

Theory of Planned Behavior

Situational Leadership

Theory of Constraints

Herzbergs 2-Factor Theory

Income Statement

Cash Flow Statement

Design Thinking

Capability-Based Planning

Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

Back to overview

Self Study

In every preparation plan, you take center stage. 🎯 And with you, one of the most important components in preparing for your case interviews: the self-study part. In the realm of self-study, you have various opportunities to familiarize yourself with the fundamental concepts and frameworks. This involves grasping the theoretical foundations and then applying them to practical cases.

It is less important to memorize everything. Instead, you should try to analyze the cases independently and use the frameworks as a basis to develop your own customized structures.

Self-study is essential because it lays the foundation for a deep understanding of problem-solving and fosters the ability to solve problems independently and creatively. By independently working through and applying the concepts, the knowledge is firmly anchored, which is particularly beneficial in practice.

Let's Move On With the Next Articles:

Practice With Peers

Consulting Skills & Preparation

Preparing for case interviews is a crucial step for success in the consulting industry. These interviews are known for their complexity and the high demands they place on applicants. One of the most effective methods for preparing for case interviews is practicing with like-minded peers. PrepLounge offers excellent opportunities to find suitable interview partners for joint practice with the world's largest case interview community. This article highlights why practicing with like-minded peers is beneficial, how to optimally use PrepLounge's resources, and provides tips on how to get the most out of mock interviews.

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Practice with Coaches

Consulting Skills & Preparation

When preparing for a case interview, especially under time constraints, working with an experienced coach can significantly enhance your chances of success.💡 Pro Tip: PrepLounge offers access to over 800 (former) management consultants from top firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, who are ready to help you perfect your interview technique.

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Market Sizing

Types of Cases

Questions about market size are frequently asked in case interviews in consulting because they require a blend of logic, mathematics, and common sense. They can be asked as standalone questions or as part of a larger case. Applicants who are familiar with market sizing questions can really perform here.

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