Case Studies 101 – the most important case questions for future consultants

In previous posts, I’ve discussed interviews, resumes, and the general recruiting process. Today, I want to touch upon one of the most important but often overlooked aspects of the interview process – the case study.

What are case studies?

A critical component of the interview process. Case studies are descriptions of real or hypothetical business problems. Candidates are expected to understand, analyze, and recommend solutions to these problems.

Why do consulting firms use case studies?

Because doing well in cases requires the same skills that consultants use:

• Understanding of basic business concepts (eg, revenues and costs, suppliers and customers, market structure, etc)
• Analytical, structured-thinking
• Business-oriented creativity and insight
• Communication and presentation

A case study mirrors the work that consultants do day-to-day

What should I do to prepare myself for case studies?

• Practice as much as possible – with friends, colleagues, contacts within consulting firms. Even practice in front of a mirror to assess your communication style, body language, etc
• Review case study-specific resources – from the Vault Guides to Cosentino’s Case in Point. Don’t go overboard (in particular, Cosentino’s guide is helpful but not a must-have)
• Review general business problems – get your hands on as many case studies as possible. Most consulting firms post a few online, such as McKinsey here. The more exposure you have, the more familiar each question will seem. Even when you’re reading the Wall Street Journal, Fortune, etc – put yourself into the CEO’s shoes at every opportunity

Further reading: 2 smartest case study techniques

I released a guide on case studies and consulting interview questions. Click here to check it out!

I’m not that good at case studies. Can I get an offer by conquering the “fit questions” and my resume?

No. Your performance on case studies accounts for at least 50% (and usually more) of your “score” in determining offers. It is the most underprepared area for candidates, but something the best applicants excel at. If you want an offer, you’ll practice, practice, practice.

I’ve heard that some companies/interviewers don’t ask standard case studies. Instead, they ask questions like “How many golf balls would fit into a 747?” or “How would you rescue the auto industry today?”

That will happen, particularly in later rounds and with more senior interviewers. They may not be prepared to run you through a standard case, or they may want to see how you handle the unexpected. One question I faced (not at McKinsey but another firm) was the following:

Can you explain why Starbucks actively promotes the construction of locations that are so close to each other that they cannibalize sales?

If this happens, don’t panic. The interviewer is still looking for the same things – how crisp and logical is your thinking; how well do you communicate those thoughts; and how much do you understand of the basic business underpinnings.

Further reading: 10 steps to solving any sizing question

Thanks for reading! For more background info and if you’re new to Management Consulted, here are some recommended posts: Management Consulting and the Consulting Industry 101; Investment Banking vs Management Consulting; Day in the life of a Management Consultant; Overview of the management consulting recruiting process

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Related posts:

• Welcome All Future Management Consultants – Favorite Posts, Link Roundup, and Reader Questions
• How important is undergrad GPA for MBA consulting recruitment?
• Networking 102: It’s Never Been More Important – And It Truly. Does. Work.

Tagged as: Case in point, case studies, consultants resumes, consulting interviews, Cosentino, summer recruiting, vault guide, what is consulting