.png)
Case Interviews
Interview Format
The structure of a case interview is dependent on the interviewing firm. Generally, there is a behavioral section to the interview followed by a business case. The behavioral section of the interview provides the interviewee the opportunity to showcase his/her relevant skills for the position as well demonstrate interest in the particular firm and in consulting in general. This is a great opportunity for candidates to stand out from the crowd and typically takes place at the beginning of the interview, followed by the business case.
​
While the behavioral section is certainly important, the business case comprises the most critical portion of the interview. The length of the case is entirely dependent on the consulting firm, but in general, it is meant to be completed in about 20-30 minutes. The case is designed to allow the interviewee to show his/her critical thinking skills while solving a business related problem. The interviewee must analyze the information provided by the interviewer, highlight the relevant information to solve the case and then make a concise and feasible recommendation to the firm.
​
There are nuances in interviewing styles across consulting firms. Some firms will offer handouts that show a graphical representation of a set of data and ask you to quickly parse through the information to glean a critical insight for the client. Other firms will ask you to participate in a group-case interview to see how you perform within a team. It is important to research the interviewing tendencies of the different firms and then practice according. That way, when the interview is underway and suddenly the interviewer hits you with a curveball, you know exactly how to handle it.
​
Firms will typically leave a few minutes at the end of an interview for questions. This is another chance for you to distinguish yourself as a candidate! Come prepared with questions beforehand.
Differences Between Rounds
In the first round, firms provide a business case from a pool of cases that they have. These are usually a bit more straight-forward, with less specific industry or client information. In contrast, the second round usually involves interviews with more senior employees at the firm like principals and/or partners. In the second round, the case is often drawn from a real client case that the interviewer has worked on in the past. For the second round, it is a good idea to see what the interviewing office specializes in and research those industries briefly. While it is encouraged to ask clarifying questions at the beginning of a case interview, it can be helpful to understand the industries that your interview case is likely to occur in, both from a practical standpoint and as a matter of confidence.
​
First-round interviews are often administered by Duke graduates who have been at the firm for a few years. For these reasons, many interviewees report that the first-round feels less intimidating than the second-round. As a result, they find it easier to think clearly and perform well during a first-round interview. It is important to remember that both rounds are very similar in structure. While this is easier said than done, in order to receive a second-round interview, the firm must be confident in your caliber and relevant skills and aptitude for the job in order to progress you to the next round. Trust your instinct as much as you can, there’s a reason why you’ve made it till here. The firm believes in you, and that should help you believe in yourself.
Preparation
Start early! Marc Cosentino, author of Case in Point, says that he never would directly equate an interview with a test, but in the case of business problems, the more practice one has, the more likely they are to “ace” the interview. In addition, sufficient practice will allow you to tackle the interview with a degree of self-confidence that is critical to both success in the interview and, more broadly, as a consultant in the long run.
​
As a rule of thumb, it is best to begin your preparation for case interviews at least a month before you have your first interview. For case preparation, free to check out the resources we have on our website! In addition, many students have reported that using a case practice book, such as the aforementioned Case in Point, played a critical role in helping them land their consulting job. Last but not the least, many students find practicing cases with peers who are also interested in consulting to be quite helpful. These can give the interviewee a taste of the real case interview. Make sure to ask for critical feedback! If you’re interested in practicing cases with a friend, consider enrolling in our Case Buddy Program.