Case Interview Preparation: Consulting

This guide provides updated, evidence-based advice to help you excel in consulting case interviews. Sources are cited throughout for verification and further reading. 

What is a Case Interview? 

A case interview is a simulation of a real consulting project where you analyze a business challenge and recommend a solution. Consulting firms use case interviews to assess your: 

  • Problem-solving
  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Analytic ability
  • Creativity and adaptability
  • Strategic thinking

Most hiring processes follow this order: 

  • Initial screening: Resume review and possibly a phone/video screen 
  • First round: 1–2 case interviews (30–60min), primarily verbal/hybrid format 
  • Final round: 2–3 additional cases, with more senior interviewers, possibly written or group cases included 
  • New digital steps: AI driven video assessment or simulations (“case games”) 

Format Description Frequency/Notes 
Verbal (Oral, mostly virtual) Classic interview: scenario presented, candidate leads analysis and discussion aloud. Still most common; both candidate- and interviewer-led styles 
Written Given documents/graphs; analyze and create a short presentation or memo. Used in some final rounds or regionally with major firms  
Combined (Hybrid) Starts verbally but includes on-the-fly data analysis of exhibits in conversation. Increasingly common/expected 
Group/Digital Group discussion to solve a case, or digital gamified/AI-driven assessment. Used as screening or special rounds, varies by firm  

  • Structured Thinking: Logic, ability to organize and break down complex problems 
  • Business Acumen: Understanding of key concepts, market forces, industry trends 
  • Quantitative Analysis: Calculations, data interpretation, comfort with ambiguity 
  • Communication: Clarity, engaging explanations, active listening 
  • Adaptability: Responding to new info, adjusting hypotheses, thinking creatively 
  • Recommendations: Synthesis of analysis, next steps, consideration of risks and implementation  

Firms now value custom, tailored frameworks instead of memorized, cookie-cutter solutions. However, there are 8 core frameworks that students should master and pull from to customize their solutions. Candidates should: 

  • Develop a unique structure for each case based on context—not force a standard model 
  • Use classic frameworks (e.g., 4Ps, 3C’s & Business Situation, profitability) as inspiration, not as templates 
  • Adapt, combine, or revise your structure in real time as new data emerges  

The shift to more hybrid, digital, and real-world data-driven formats requires agility in your approach.  

Sample Frameworks

  • Profitability: Revenue, Costs, Market Factors, Value Levers 
  • Market Entry: Market Size, Barriers, Competition, Internal Capabilities, ESG/Regulatory 
  • Operations: People, Process, Technology, Digital Tools
  • Custom Structure: Adapt and combine frameworks to the unique case problem. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Solving a Case Interview 

  1. Listen and Clarify: Paraphrase the problem, ask clarifying questions. 
  2. Structure: Outline a custom approach/framework. Justify why you chose it. 
  3. Analyze: Drill into key drivers, ask for / interpret data (verbal or written). Revise your approach as needed. 
  4. Quantitative Thought: Perform and explain calculations, interpret exhibits. 
  5. Recommendation: State your answer first, then support it. Consider risks and offer next steps. 

    • Digital & AI Assessments: Gamified and AI-based screenings are now standard, especially for initial rounds.  
    • Virtual & Remote Interviews: Ensure confidence on video calls, use digital whiteboards, and effective screen-sharing.  
    • Practice with Data: More emphasis on interpreting real-world dashboards, charts, and using AI tools.  
    • Sustainability & ESG: Cases on sustainability and ethical business are more common. Be ready to address ESG topics.
    • Industry Specialization: Expect sector-specific cases and questions on AI/data analytics trends. 

    • Practice out loud and with others (online or in-person) 
    • Simulate hybrid cases: Mix data exhibits into verbal practice 
    • Use up-to-date casebooks from reputable sources
    • Familiarize yourself with digital formats: Practice using video, digital whiteboards, and screen-sharing 
    • Understand and articulate AI/data tools and ESG issues—even in frameworks 
    • Build frameworks from scratch, justifying choices based on the specific problem  

    Resource Description Format/Audience 
    CaseCoach Step-by-step video guides, practice cases, drills Free, online, AU sponsored
    Management Consulted Guides, video demos, free course and cases Free/Paid, online 
    CaseBasix 100+ industry-specific practice cases Free, online 
    McKinsey, BCG & Bain Official prep pages with free practice cases and videos Free, firm websites 
    Careernomics Directory of case competitions, career events, industry reports, networking Free with AU login, online 
    MBA Exchange Case interview guides, competition listings, consulting career support, workshops Free with AU login, online 
    AU Library E-books and case prep guides for AU students Free for AU login 
    Big Interview Practice sets, webinars via AU career center Free for AU login 
    PrepLounge Up-to-date articles, casebooks, practice partners Free/Paid, online 

    • Case Interview Secrets 
    • Mastering the Case Interview: The Complete Guide to Interviewing with the Top Consulting Companies 
    • Case in Point: Complete Case Interview Preparation 
    • Vault Guide to the Case Interview 
    • Case in Point: Graph Analysis for Consulting and Case Interviews 

    *Find more books on consulting here: AU Library consulting search results 

    **You may be prompted to log-in with your AU credentials prior to accessing these resources.

    *Resource not purchased by AU; may require subscription. 
    †Available through Career Development (email kogodcareers@american.edu) for access. 
    ‡Resource may require subscription for full access. 

    Company Resource(s) 
    Accenture Succeeding in Case Study Interviews (blog post) 
    Bain & Company Interview preparation tips and interactive case studies & “Ace the Case” Brochure 
    Boston Consulting Group Interview process, tips and guided practice cases 
    Dean and Company Interview preparation 
    Deloitte Interview tips, Interactive cases, Federal Case Interview Prep 
    LEK Consulting Interview tips, Management Case Example, Market Sizing Example 
    McKinsey & Company Interview process, tips, and problem-solving game, Interviewing with McKinsey – video 
    Oliver Wyman Interview preparation and case interviews 
    PwC Recruiting Process, Digital Fitness App 
    EY Interview Process Guide, Interview Tips 
    KPMG “Applicants Guide to Acing the Interview”, Interview Process Guide 

    Resource Description 
    Careernomics  Industry Guide 
    MBA Exchange Industry Guides 
    Management Consulted Recruiting Timelines 
    KTN Webinars Consulting Career Resources, Career panels, Bootcamps 
    Forté Foundation Industry Snapshot: Consulting 
    Top Consulting Firms Global firm list 
    Consulting Crossing Job board 
    Consulting Terminology Dictionary 

    Tips: 

    • Use only reputable, up-to-date resources—case interview formats continue to evolve rapidly.  
    • Engage with official firm resources and real case examples (see consulting firms’ own sites). 
    • Leverage AU-provided opportunities: library resources, practice sets, live consulting clubs, and virtual seminars. 

    Detailed Prep Guides: 

    Practice Sources and Further Reading: 

    Remember: Genuine business sense, flexible thinking, and clear communication are more important than ever. Rely on current guides, practice often (including digitally), and keep your approach tailored and adaptable.