Case interviews test how you think and solve problems. They're common in consulting, finance, and strategy roles. Here's how to prepare and perform.
What is a case interview?
A case interview presents you with a business problem to solve. The interviewer watches how you:
- Structure your thinking
- Ask relevant questions
- Analyze information
- Communicate your reasoning
- Arrive at a recommendation
It's not about getting the "right" answer – it's about showing your problem-solving process.
Types of case questions
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Profitability | "Our client's profits have dropped 20%. Why?" |
| Market entry | "Should we enter the Danish market?" |
| Growth strategy | "How can this company double revenue?" |
| Pricing | "How should we price this new product?" |
| Operations | "How can we reduce delivery times?" |
The case interview framework
Follow this structure for any case:
1. Clarify (2-3 minutes)
- Repeat the problem in your own words
- Ask clarifying questions
- Confirm the objective
"So if I understand correctly, the goal is to identify why profits have declined and recommend solutions. Is that right?"
2. Structure (2-3 minutes)
- Ask for a moment to think
- Sketch a framework on paper
- Present your approach before diving in
"I'd like to analyze this in three areas: revenue, costs, and market changes. May I start with revenue?"
3. Analyze (10-15 minutes)
- Work through your framework systematically
- Ask for specific data when needed
- Do calculations if required
- Summarize findings as you go
4. Conclude (2-3 minutes)
- Summarize key findings
- State your recommendation clearly
- Mention risks or next steps
"Based on my analysis, I recommend focusing on customer retention first, as that's where we're losing the most value. The main risk is..."
Common frameworks
Profitability
Profit = Revenue - Costs
- Revenue = Price × Volume
- Costs = Fixed + Variable
Market entry
- Market attractiveness (size, growth, competition)
- Company fit (capabilities, resources, strategy)
- Entry approach (build, buy, partner)
Growth
- Organic: existing products, new products
- Inorganic: acquisitions, partnerships
- Market expansion: new segments, geographies
Tips for success
- Think out loud: Let them see your reasoning
- Stay structured: Don't jump between topics
- Ask questions: It's a dialogue, not a monologue
- Make assumptions: State them clearly if you need to
- Be numerical: Use specific numbers when calculating
- Stay calm: It's okay to pause and think
Common mistakes to avoid
- Jumping to solutions: Structure first, solve second
- Forgetting the big picture: Connect details to the main goal
- Silent thinking: Always share your thought process
- Generic frameworks: Adapt to the specific case
- Math errors: Double-check calculations
How to practice
- Practice with a partner who can give feedback
- Time yourself – cases usually take 20-30 minutes
- Practice mental math (percentages, multiplication)
- Read business news to build industry knowledge
- Record yourself to review your communication
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know the industry?
Not specifically. Interviewers are testing your thinking, not industry expertise. They'll provide relevant information.
What if I get stuck?
It's okay to ask for hints. Say: "I'm not sure how to approach this part. Could you point me in the right direction?"
How important is the final answer?
The process matters more. A wrong answer with excellent reasoning is better than a right answer with poor structure.
Try it yourself
- Find a practice case online or create one
- Set a timer for 25 minutes
- Work through it following the framework
- Record yourself if possible
- Review: Did you stay structured? Did you communicate clearly?
Next step
Want even more practice? Our guide with 50+ interview questions will help you prepare for any question type.