50+ Case Interview Questions and Examples From Top Firms
Discover over 50 case interview questions and examples from top consulting firms. Prepare effectively for your next interview with expert insights and tips!
Posted August 22, 2024
Table of Contents
Let’s face it, consulting interviews can be intimidating, especially with their complex case questions. These questions are designed to assess your problem-solving skills, analytical ability, and strategic thinking, crucial competencies for success in the consulting world. Recognizing the types of case interview questions and mastering them can significantly elevate your chances of landing your dream job in prestigious firms like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to mastering case interview questions, providing insights into the most common consulting case interview questions and detailed case interview examples from top consulting firms. From McKinsey case interview questions to unique challenges posed by firms like Deloitte and Accenture, we've got you covered. We will also share tips on how to ace your case interview and how to prepare for different types of case interview questions effectively.
By the end of this article, you'll have a well-rounded understanding of what to expect and how to showcase your problem-solving prowess when it matters most. Let’s begin!
List of Case Interview Questions, Practice Cases, and Examples
In preparing for your consulting interviews, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the most common types of case interview questions. On this list, we will provide sample questions from the top consulting firms.
McKinsey Case Interview Examples
To excel in McKinsey case interviews, it's crucial to practice with specific examples that mirror the real challenges you might face. Here are some detailed scenarios from McKinsey to guide your preparation:
1. Beautify Case
Sample Question #1: Beautify is excited to support its current staff of beauty consultants on the journey to becoming virtual social media-beauty advisors. Consultants would still lead the way in terms of direct consumer engagement and would be expected to maintain and grow a group of clients. They would sell products through their own pages on beautify.com, make appearances at major retail outlets, and be active on all social media platforms.
What possible factors should Beautify consider when shifting this group of employees toward a new set of responsibilities?
Sample Question #2: One of the key areas that Beautify wants to understand is the reaction of current and potential new customers to the virtual social media-beauty advisors.
Imagine you are a current Beautify customer and you mostly shop at your local department store because you enjoy the high-touch service offered by in-store consultants. What features would make you consider switching to a mostly virtual sales experience?
See more questions here.
2. Diconsa Case
Sample Question #1: What should the team investigate to determine whether the Diconsa network could and should be leveraged to provide a range of basic financial services to Mexico’s rural population?
Sample Question #2: The team has estimated that it currently costs a family 50 pesos per month in transportation and food to make the journey to collect benefit payments. The team also estimates that if benefits were available for collection at local Diconsa stores, the cost would be reduced by 30 percent.
Twenty percent of Mexico’s population is rural, and of that number, half currently receive state benefits.
You can assume that Mexico has a population of 100 million.
You can also assume that families in Mexico have an average four members, and that this does not vary by region.
If every family could collect state benefits at their local Diconsa stores, how much in total per year would be saved across all Mexican rural families receiving state benefits?
See more questions here.
3. Electro-Light Case
Sample Question #1: What key factors should SuperSoda consider when deciding whether or not to launch Electro-Light?
Sample Question #2: SuperSoda executives believe that the company's position as a top-three beverage company gives it strategic impetus toward achieving the desired market share. However, they ask the team to outline what would be needed to achieve the target 12.5 percent share of the electrolyte-drinks market. What would SuperSoda need to do to gain the required market share for Electro-Light following its launch?
See more questions here.
4. National Education System Transformation
Sample Question #1: What issues would you want to investigate in diagnosing the current state of the Loravian school system?
Sample Question #2: One of the clients at Loravian’s educational department mentions neighbor country “C” as an example, because it’s outperforming all of Loravia's economic peers and neighbors in the international assessment. She believes that the more concentrated school structure in this country is a big reason for better outcomes in the international assessment. She suggests that having larger, less fragmented schools allows for more effective teacher selection and training, leading to improved education outcomes for students. Finally, she shares that 15 percent of Loravia's population is currently attending school.
What would be the reduction in the total number of schools in Loravia if it were to achieve the same average school size as neighbor country C?
See more questions here.
5. Talbot Trucks Case
Sample Question #1: What information would you want to collect to understand the attractiveness for Talbot Trucks in producing and selling eTrucks in Europe?
Sample Question #2: After running focus groups with Talbot Trucks’ customers, the team concluded that the total cost of an eTruck needs to be the same as a diesel truck to be considered attractive to customers. Currently, a Talbot Trucks diesel truck costs €100,000.
Assuming that the figures above do not change, what is the maximum price Talbot Trucks can charge for its eTruck so that the total cost of ownership is equal to that of a diesel truck?
See more questions here.
6. Shops Corporation Case
Sample Question #1: What types of factors would you want to explore to understand how Shops Corporation might improve its diversity within senior leadership?
See more questions here.
7. Conservation Forever Case
Sample Question #1: What factors could the team consider when choosing one of the three specific geographies on which to focus the conservation efforts?
Sample Question #2: The director of CF likes these initial projections, but is not convinced that the assumptions are realistic. They tell the team, “According to your model, there are three levers we need to focus on to generate revenue from ecotourism in Peru: number of visitors, length of stay, and spending amount. What are your best ideas for how to maximize each lever? And how about some ideas outside of the constraints of this model?”
Your team is meeting in ten minutes to generate ideas in preparation for a workshop with leaders from several coastal communities, and you are jotting down some notes.
What ideas do you have to generate revenue linked to ecotourism?
See more questions here.
McKinsey offers case interview examples that cover various industries and problem-solving scenarios, helping you prepare for any interview question. Engaging with these cases will not only boost your confidence but also enhance your ability to approach complex business problems with innovative solutions.
BCG Case Interview Examples
At BCG, the case interview process is designed to simulate the real-world problems that client teams face, allowing you to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and specialized skills relevant to the role. Embracing the challenge with enthusiasm will not only make the experience rewarding but also provide a true taste of consulting life at BCG. Here are some of their case interview examples:
Here are a few examples of common case questions:
- Should a company enter a new market?
- Should a company pursue a new product line?
- How can a company improve its profitability?
- How can a company reduce costs?
- How can a company improve its customer satisfaction?
Read: How to Prepare for Boston Consulting Group Management Consulting Case Interviews?
Bain Case Interview Examples
During your preparation for Bain case interviews, it's essential to delve into specific examples that reflect the real challenges you may encounter. Here's are five examples of practice cases and mock interview tips provided by Bain to guide your preparation:
- Coffee Shop Co. Practice Case
- FashionCo. Practice Case
- Associate Consultant Mock Interview
- Consultant Mock Interview
- Written Case Interview Tips
Read: Bain Case Interviews: A Comprehensive Preparation Guide
Deloitte Case Interview Examples
Deloitte provides a rich array of materials and interactive case studies designed to prepare you for the rigors of their case interviews. These examples reflect real client engagements, offering insights into the complex problems you may face and the analytical, creative, and strategic thinking required to solve them.
Deloitte Case Examples
Footloose Case Study sample questions:
- How big is the work boot market (expressed in euros)? Does Duraflex get more of its revenue from work boots or casual boots?
- Explain why Badger is outperforming Duraflex in the work boot market.
- What changes would you recommend to Duraflex’s work boot strategy? Why? Would you recommend they introduce a sub- branded boot line?
Engagement Strategy: Federal Agency V sample questions:
- To begin an engagement strategy, how might you establish a baseline to measure employee engagement against?
- What characteristics would you look for in external organizations to use as potential benchmarks?
- What are the various populations of the workforce and how would you engage them?
- How will you use Deloitte’s relationship with, and institutional knowledge, of Agency V to develop your deliverables?
Recreation Unlimited sample questions:
- What are potential reasons for Recreation Unlimited's poor eCommerce performance relative to competitors?
- In order to win digital customers, Recreation Unlimited wants to find ways to improve and differentiate their digital customer experience. What are some potential ways to improve the customer experience and how does improving customer experience create value for the customer and value for the business?
- As part of the digital strategy that Recreation Unlimited is considering, they are debating whether to improve the website experience or increase digital marketing. Since they are not sure they will have the budget for both, they want you to help them decide. How would you approach this question?
Strategic Vision: Federal Benefits Provider sample questions:
- What steps should the Deloitte team take to develop a 10-year strategic roadmap for the Agency?
- What are the components or metrics of a business case that should be considered to justify the development of a 10-year strategic roadmap?
- In building the 10-year strategic road map, the Deloitte team realizes there are several key challenges that pose impediments to implementing the Agency’s vision. What is the cost of each challenge to the Agency?
- Leaders in the various departments remain skeptical that the 10-year vision can positively impact their unique operations, while employees are largely unaware of the 10-year vision initiative. How might Deloitte develop an impactful change management strategy to institutionalize the goals of the 10-year vision and ensure buy-in across the Agency’s diverse workforce?
Talent Management: Federal Civil Cargo Protection Bureau sample questions:
- What data would you want to have to be able to move forward?
- What immediate steps would you take to review screening processes and training procedures?
- How would you incorporate things like job descriptions and competencies in your review in order to build a new human capital strategy?
- How will you engage and develop leadership given the Chief Administrator is new to the role and has a different background?
Click here to practice a consulting case interview.
Read: Best 30 Free Resources to Get into Management Consulting
Accenture Case Interview Examples
Accenture's case interviews serve as the final hurdle to becoming a consultant at the firm. These interviews are uniquely structured to assess a candidate's ability to solve complex business problems. The format includes both interviewer-led and candidate-led cases, providing a comprehensive evaluation of your problem-solving capabilities.
Learn more about Accenture’s Case Interview Workbook here.
OC&C Case Interview Examples
OC&C, a globally recognized but relatively smaller strategy consulting firm, is known for its rigorous case interviews that reflect real-life client challenges. These interviews are designed to assess a wide range of skills, from analytical thinking to business acumen, tailored to the firm's focus on private equity clients and seven key industries.
1. Leisure Clubs Case sample questions:
- What factors might you analyze to determine what is going to happen to demand for leisure clubs?
- What is likely to happen to demand for leisure clubs?
- What is the critical issue for our client?
2. Important Whisky in an Emerging Market Case sample questions:
- What information would you require to help explain the slowing down of growth?
- What is driving profitability down?
- What are the potential strategic options?
Oliver Wyman Case Interview Examples
Oliver Wyman's case interviews are designed to uncover how you approach unstructured challenges and evaluate data to build comprehensive solutions. The firm encourages candidates to think critically and creatively, using logical components to break down complex problems.
See how Oliver Wyman can help you with interview preparation by explaining conversational and case interviews, as well as sharing interview tips and explaining what the role of the case interview is.
A.T. Kearney Case Interview Examples
A.T. Kearney's interview process is notably rigorous, tailored to assess a wide range of abilities from analytical thinking to strategic problem-solving. Take a look at A.T. Kearney’s case example and case book to help you how to prepare effectively:
Strategy& / PWC Case Interview Examples
Strategy& / PWC focuses on executive-level strategic issues, such as capability identification, market positioning, and operational efficiency. This branch's case interviews are designed to simulate real business challenges, helping to prepare candidates for the demands of strategic consulting roles. Here's a closer look at the types of questions you might encounter:
Sample Question 1: Market sizing
- Estimate the size (by value) of the UK grocery retail market
Sample Question 2: Market sizing
- Estimate the size (by value) of the UK retail cooking sauces market
Sample Question 3: Interpreting information and drawing conclusions
- Look at the chart on the following slide
- Interpret the meaning of the chart
- How are things changing? Who's winning and who's losing?
- Given your knowledge of the UK grocery market, why might this be?
Learn more about case interview preparation by reading through Strategy& / PWC’s presentation.
L.E.K. Consulting Case Interview Examples
The case interview process at L.E.K. Consulting is rigorous – designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to solve complex business problems. The interviews are structured across multiple rounds, each focusing on different aspects of your analytical and strategic thinking abilities. Here's what you need to know to prepare effectively:
Roland Berger Case Interview Examples
The case interviews at Roland Berger are designed to evaluate your ability to display key personality traits, with a notable preference for candidates who have international experience, as this is explicitly stated by the firm. Roland Berger has provided two case webinars on their website. Each example provides a case scenario, problem, and tips on how to answer the questions.
- 3D Printed Hip Implants Case / 3D Printed Hip Implants Case 2 sample questions:
- Based upon the explanation process: Which are the most important costs to consider?
- Is additive manufacturing of the hip implant – based upon the given information – lucrative?
- Which measures could increase the economic feasibility of the product?
- Transit Oriented Development Case / Transit Oriented Development Case 2 sample questions:
- How would you split the 416 stations between little, medium, and large revenue potential?
- How can the public transport operator of Munich increase its revenue through focusing on its existing rail stations?
Capital One Case Interview Examples
The structure of a Capital One case interview typically involves three key sections: outlining the business situation and framework, tackling quantitative questions, and formulating a recommendation based on your calculations. Expect scenarios that might not strictly adhere to the MECE principle (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive), which is often a staple in consulting case interviews. This approach reflects the real-world ambiguity you might face in business situations, requiring a flexible and adaptive problem-solving strategy. Here's a video walkthrough on everything there is need to know about Capital One case interview:
EY Parthenon Case Interview Examples
EY-Parthenon case interviews are designed to mimic real-life challenges, providing a glimpse into the practical work of a consultant. The interviews are candidate-led, similar to styles seen at BCG or Bain, and focus on several key areas including analytical thinking, structured problem-solving, and effective communication. The EY-Parthenon behavioral interview questions are comparable to those you would encounter in interviews for other top-tier management consulting firms. Be prepared to answer the following questions:
EY-Parthenon Case Interview Behavioral/FIT Questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in consulting, and why specifically EY-Parthenon?
- Describe a time when you worked on a team project. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team’s success?
- Can you provide an example of a challenging problem you faced at work and how you solved it?
- How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure? Can you give an example?
- Tell me about a time when you had to influence someone to achieve a goal.
- How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple projects to manage?
- Describe a situation where you had to deal with a difficult team member. How did you handle it?
- What is your greatest professional achievement so far?
- Give an example of a time when you had to learn something new quickly.
- Why do you think you would be a good fit for EY-Parthenon’s culture?
- Tell me about a time you failed or made a mistake. How did you handle it?
- Can you provide an example of a project where you demonstrated leadership?
- How do you handle feedback and criticism?
- Are there any questions that you have for me?
- Your answer for this question must be a resounding “YES”. The more you have questions for them, the better because that shows that you’ve researched the company. You may ask about a particular previous project they did or something in particular to their operations.
Online Case Interview Examples from Consulting Clubs
Mastering the case interview is essential in consulting, and consulting clubs are key in this preparation. NYU, Duke, and Kellogg Consulting Club, for instance, provide free various interview cases, both individual and group, that mimic real consulting challenges.
- NYU Stern MCA 2020-2021 Casebook
- Columbia Business School 2021 Casebook
- The Duke MBA Consulting Club Casebook 2021-2022
- UCLA Case Book 2019 – 2020
- Darden School Of Business 2021-2022 Casebook
- Kellogg Consulting Club 2020 Casebook
- Cornell MBA Johnson Consulting Club Casebook 2020-2021
- Notre Dame Casebook 2022
- FMS Consulting Casebook 2021-22
- INSEAD Consulting Club Casebook 2021
- IIMC Consulting Casebook 2021-22
- IIM Lucknow Casebook 2022
- Harvard Business School Management Consulting Club Case Interview Examples
- Berkeley Haas School of Business Consulting Club Interview Preparation Guide and Case Interview Examples 2019
How to Ace Your Case Interview
To excel in your case interview, it's crucial to demonstrate a blend of problem-solving skills, analytical ability, strategic and logical thinking, and comfort with ambiguity. These elements are essential as they reflect real client projects that you might handle at firms like Deloitte Consulting LLP.
Read: The 15 Most Common Consulting Interview Questions — With Answers
Step-by-Step Approach to Case Interviews
- Understand the Issue: Start by clarifying the case question. Ensure you fully grasp the problem before proceeding.
- Develop a Framework: Articulate a framework and initial hypothesis to explore. This helps in structuring your response and guides your analysis.
- Analytical Execution: Engage in logical storytelling. Walk the interviewer through your thought process and explain your assumptions. Take notes and structure your analysis clearly.
- Recommendation and Next Steps: Conclude with a strong recommendation based on your findings. Outline the next steps and expected results or impacts.
Read: Mastering Consulting Cases: A Step-by-Step Approach
Tips on How to Prepare For Your Case Interview
To excel in your case interview preparation, it's essential to engage in extensive practice with a variety of case types. Successful candidates often practice with dozens of case interview scenarios, treating the preparation process with the same rigor as studying for finals or the GMAT. Here are key steps to enhance your preparation:
- Diverse Practice Cases: Ensure the practice cases you use cover a broad spectrum of problems, including profitability, market sizing, and business expansion scenarios. This variety prepares you for any curveballs and helps develop flexibility in applying different frameworks.
- Quality of Practice Materials: Select high-quality practice cases from trusted sources. The content and structure of these cases should closely mimic the types of cases presented in actual interviews at top consulting firms.
- Framework Mastery: Rather than memorizing frameworks, focus on understanding and adapting them to fit different case scenarios. This approach helps in crafting tailored solutions during your actual interview.
- Time Management: Practice managing your time effectively during mock interviews. Top consulting firms like Bain appreciate candidates who can efficiently organize and analyze information under time constraints.
- Engage with Realistic Simulations: Participate in mock interviews and case sessions that simulate the actual interview environment. This practice helps you refine your problem-solving approach and improve your communication skills under pressure.
- Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Stay informed about new trends and changes in the consulting interview landscape. Engage with resources that provide updates and insights into evolving interview formats.
Personalized Coaching: Consider working with an experienced coach who can provide personalized feedback and guidance. Coaching can significantly enhance your performance by focusing on areas that need improvement.
Practice with Experts from Leland
Through an extensive exploration of the various aspects of case interviews across prestigious consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Accenture, and others, it's evident that thorough preparation and an adaptable mindset are critical for success.
Leland offers comprehensive case study interview preparation tailored to help you excel in consulting case interviews. Our experienced consultants provide personalized coaching, realistic case simulations, and strategic feedback to enhance your problem-solving skills and boost your confidence. With our expert guidance, you'll be well-prepared to tackle any case interview challenge and make a lasting impression.
FAQs
What questions should you consider asking during a case study interview?
- In your case study interview, it's crucial to ask insightful questions to understand the context fully. Consider asking about how the interviewee discovered your company, the timeline of their engagement, their initial experiences with your company, the challenges they aimed to address, and whether they considered any competitors or alternative solutions.
What strategies can enhance your performance in a case interview?
- To excel in a case interview, start by taking a moment to organize your thoughts before responding. Structure your response logically, guiding the interviewer through your thought process and clarifying any assumptions you make. Maintain composure and treat the interview as a professional conversation, which can help alleviate pressure.
How can you excel in a case study interview?
- To perform well in a case study interview, make sure to take detailed notes throughout. Even if you are not familiar with the industry, focus on demonstrating your analytical skills and how you approach problem-solving. Communicate clearly and ensure you have a thorough understanding of the problem you're asked to analyze.
What types of questions are typically asked in case interviews?
- Case interviews generally include questions from nine key categories, such as framework or issue tree questions, market-sizing and guesstimate questions, valuation inquiries, brain teasers, chart interpretation, value proposition analysis, informational queries, and mathematical problems.
Preparing for consulting recruiting and/or case interviews? Here are some additional resources to help:
- Top 3 Tactics to Ace Your Case Interview
- A Comprehensive Guide to McKinsey & Co., Bain & Co., and Boston Consulting Group
- From No Offers to Multiple Offers - How to Take Your Casing to the Next Level
- Soft Skills for Consulting: Why They Matter and How to Develop Them
- Five Tips to Break Into Management Consulting
