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Case study interviews

Purpose of the case study

A ‘case study’ can form part of the selection process for a professional position, especially in consulting. Case studies are designed to assess your way of thinking analytically about a given situation or problem that you may typically encounter in the workplace. Your ability to both logically and creatively approach a complex problem involves a number of skills that will be assessed during the case study interview.

Case studies are broad, two-way discussions, rather than one-way tests and there are no right or wrong answers. The interviewer will be assessing the way you deal with complex or ambiguous problems in unfamiliar businesses and your ability to think under pressure and reach sensible conclusions in a convincing way with the available facts in a short time.

From your side, the case study should give you a real insight into the type of work that the company does. If you enjoy the case discussion with your interviewer, it's likely that you will enjoy working there.

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What will the case study questions relate to?

Questions or problems posed may pertain to numeracy and estimation to assess your quantitative analysis skills or relate to issues of personnel or customer satisfaction.

Questions may also be about diagnosing problems or making decisions.  When presented with a scenario that requires you to analyse a problem, you could ask questions to elicit further information, prioritise what you think needs to be done and suggest a logical way of approaching the situation.

Areas of specific interest or topical matters related to the organisation may be brought up during the case study interview. As you explain the reasoning and assumptions behind your responses, you have the opportunity to showcase your extensive research and preparation for the interview.

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What is the interviewer looking for?

Structured thought
  • Development of an approach or a plan around a framework.
  • Summarise findings and test hypotheses.
  • Draw conclusions and relate them back to the initial problem.

Reasoning and logic
  • Identify and prioritise issues.
  • Use original thought processes, logic and pragmatism.
  • Identify whether the solution makes sense.

Strong analytical and problem solving skills
  • Make reasoned and intelligent assumptions.
  • Sort and interpret data, present findings and evaluate consequences.

Professionalism and engagement
  • Maturity of thought.
  • Enthusiastic and confident approach.
  • Reflect an understand of the company and its purpose.

Communication
  • Listen actively and be able to understand and clarify what is required.
  • Express yourself articulately, concisely and effectively.

Creativity
  • Demonstrate an innovative and unique approach.
  • Lateral thought processes.
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Useful links and resources

Use the following resources to find out more about how to prepare and approach a case study interview. They include consulting firms’ websites which feature sample case studies:


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