A case interview presents a business problem for candidates to solve in real time. Common at consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain.
A case interview presents candidates with a business problem to solve in real time. The interviewer shares a scenario—declining sales, market entry decision, cost optimization—and evaluates how the candidate structures their analysis and arrives at a recommendation.
Case interviews are most associated with management consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, but are increasingly used by tech companies, private equity firms, and corporate strategy teams. The format tests analytical thinking, business judgment, and communication under pressure.
Unlike behavioral interviews, case interviews have no "right answer." Interviewers evaluate your problem-solving process: how you break down the problem, what questions you ask, how you structure your analysis, and whether your recommendation is logical and supported by data.
Case interviewers score candidates on structure (did you organize the problem logically?), analysis (did you identify key drivers?), communication (did you explain your reasoning clearly?), and recommendation (is your conclusion supported by your analysis?).
The biggest mistake is jumping to an answer without structuring the problem first. Start by clarifying the objective, then outline your approach before analyzing specifics.
What is a case interview?
A case interview gives you a business problem to solve during the interview. You analyze the problem, ask clarifying questions, structure your approach, and present a recommendation. It tests how you think, not just what you know.
How do I prepare for case interviews?
Practice with case frameworks (profitability, market entry, pricing), do mock cases with partners, learn basic business math (percentages, growth rates), and read business news. Most candidates practice 30-50 cases before their interviews.
Are case interviews only used in consulting?
No. While consulting firms popularized case interviews, they are now used by tech companies (Google, Amazon), private equity firms, corporate strategy teams, and some healthcare and nonprofit organizations.