Tips to Ace Case Interviews

Case interviews are widely used by consulting firms, financial institutions and increasingly by technology and product companies to assess candidates’ problem solving, analytical and communication skills. In these interviews, you will be presented with a real or simulated business problem and asked to analyse it, develop insights and recommend solutions.

WHO USES THEM AND FOR WHAT ROLES

Case interviews are typically used by organisations recruiting for consulting, strategy and analytical roles. Consulting firms, such as McKinsey subject candidates to rigorous multi-stage interviews, including case interviews to assess candidates.

Other than management consulting, roles requiring strong problem-solving and analytical skills, such as investment banking and private equity, also use case interviews to evaluate their candidates’ problem solving and analytical ability. Tech companies such as Google and Microsoft also incorporate case interviews into their hiring process, particularly for roles that require complex problem solving and strong data analytical skills.

Consulting firms (e.g. McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and Deloitte) use multiple case interviews to evaluate problem-solving ability, logical reasoning and client communication skills.
Investment banks and private equity firms use case-style exercises to test financial and analytical acumen.
Technology companies (such as Google, Amazon and Grab) and product-based firms may use business or product case interviews to assess structured thinking, market sizing and data interpretation skills.
Public agencies and sustainability consultancies increasingly use case-style assessments to evaluate candidates’ ability to solve complex policy or ESG-related problems.

COMMON FORMATS OF CASE INTERVIEWS

Case interviews are typically conducted one-on-one and last between 30 to 60 minutes. Candidates may be presented with incomplete and ambiguous information and are required to make recommendations based on their analysis of the problem.

Case interview formats vary depending on the organisation and interview round. Regardless of the format, keep in mind the same objective applies: the interviewer is looking for a logical and structured approach.

Interviewer-led: This is a highly structured format where the interviewer controls the flow of the interview, guiding the candidate through questions to assess their problem-solving approach.
Candidate-led: In this format, the candidate is presented with an open question and is expected to lead the discussion, decide which areas to explore, and structure their own analysis.
Written or online case: The candidate analyses data (often in Excel, Google Sheets, or an interactive dashboard) and summarises findings in a short presentation or report. This format evaluates data interpretation skills.

WHAT INTERVIEWERS LOOK OUT FOR

Problem Structuring Skills: Interviewers assess how logically and methodically a candidate approaches a problem. This involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, logical components.
Analytical Skills: Interviewers look for the ability to analyse data, identify patterns and make data-driven decisions. Quantitative skills are often tested to evaluate how well candidates handle numbers under pressure.
Problem-Solving Ability: Case interviews are designed to test how creatively and effectively a candidate solve a problem, especially in scenarios where information is incomplete or unclear.
Business Acumen: Candidates are expected to show an understanding of basic business concepts, industry dynamics and real-world implications of their recommendations. Show you understand the commercial, customer, or operational implications of your ideas.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Interviewers may throw curveballs or change certain aspects of the problem to see how well the candidate can adapt to new information and unexpected challenges.
Communication and Data Storytelling: Clear and concise communication is crucial in delivering recommendations to clients. Interviewers observe how well candidates explain their thought process, articulate their analysis, and present their conclusions.
Confidence and Poise: Interviewers observe how candidates handle stress, uncertainty, and time constraints. Stay calm, listen actively and engage professionally — especially in group discussions.

Case interviews are designed to test how you think, not what you memorise. By practising regularly, applying structured and data-driven reasoning, and communicating with confidence and clarity, you can stand out as a capable problem solver ready for today’s fast-evolving business challenges.