Case Study Interviews

Typically, management consulting firms specializing in strategy work use case-style interviewing. This has the benefit of offering candidates a sense of the type of work that they will do, while allowing the employer to assess the candidates. However, case interviewing can be used by any employer who is looking for strong problem-solving ability.  Below are some hints about preparing and succeeding in such an interview, coupled with examples of real companies that use the case study interview. 

Great hints from the masters themselves:  Harvard Business School.  The Case Study Interview-why do they do it, what should you do before the Interview?

The Business Case Study Interview.  Great information from The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.  It includes... Who uses this style of assessment, what types of case questions are there, what should I consider when answering a case question?

Wisdom from Strategic Management Consultants (pdf format).  Hear it from the "horses mouth".  An example of a typical interview, ten golden rules to bear in mind, what not to do.

Companies Using the Case Study Interview Method:   Examples and Hints.
A.T.KEARNEY (pdf format).  Preparing for your case interview, what to expect, how to succeed during your interview and case types. 

The Boston Consulting Company.  What to expect from a BCG interview.  Interview tips, structure, attitude, interactive cases. 

Cap Gemini Ernst & Young.  Check out the consulting zone and test your hand at real-life consulting assignments as you help clients solve difficult problems, this is a part of their selection process.

Capital One.  Their recruitment and selection includes case interviews, scenarios and helpful ideas to prepare and manage this process.

McKinsey and Company.  Case interview tips, why we use case studies, how you should approach the case, some common mistakes.

Mercer Management Consulting. Interview preparation, get practice using their interactive cases.