Case Study

• Case interviews are used to gain exposure to a candidate’s thought process. Interviewers are looking to see that you understand the problem and can develop a logical thought process in reaching your conclusion. They are not necessarily looking for the “right” answer.
• Before the case is read, understand what the expectations are (i.e. is there a time limit, is it ok to ask questions).
• Take notes. Remember the interviewer can see your notes too. Be sure you are writing down key points (not just anything/everything) and use your notes as a means of showing off your organizational skills (i.e. numbers, bullet points…).
• Pause and collect your thoughts, but take no more than one minute.
• It is usually ok to ask questions, but be sure you are asking intelligent questions. For example, use questions to clarify your understanding of a key piece of information or if a term used is outside your field of expertise, ask for clarification (i.e. how does your company define “xx term”?). Sometimes, your questions show as much insight into your thought process as your answers.
• Pay attention to hints. Many interviewers will slant the case toward the strengths of your resume. Take any hooks they offer.
• Try drawing a quick diagram to help walk the interviewer through your answer. Remember he/she is interested in your thought process, so be sure it is easy to follow.
• Learn frameworks to help structure your analysis (i.e. Porter’s Five Forces, Kotler’s Four P’s of marketing, the Four C’s – Customer, Competition, Cost & Capabilities, Economies of Scale, and BCG’s Growth-Share Matrix). Avoid bouncing around.
• Analyze the case from many perspectives. This will help demonstrate your well-rounded background and ability to think through many scenarios (i.e. Marketing, finance, human resources…).
• You will often be asked to estimate data, rather than be given data that is needed to answer the case. Make an educated guess and briefly justify your estimate. Don’t get hung up on missing a piece of information.
• Draw on your experiences to make educated guesses about the case (theory, internships…)
• Cases being presented will often times be one that a company actually worked on for a client. In that case, there may be “bonus points” for drawing the same conclusions as the company did. Fish for hints.
• The interview will often end after the case. Show enthusiasm by asking other questions and getting to know the interviewer(s).
• Have fun! If the interviewer doesn’t think you’re having fun solving the case, what makes him/her think you’ll have fun with a client?