A case interview is the analysis of a business question. The candidates will be given a business problem and asked for the opinion. They have to ask the interviewers logical questions that will permit them to make a detailed recommendation. There is no specific answer to the case problem.

Major management consulting firms usually use several stages of case interviews to assess candidates' suitability. They look for the candidates’ thought process that is both analytical and creative (what consultants love to call "out-of-the-box" thinking). Candidates with business background would receive case questions that require a deeper understanding of business models and processes.

Rundown of a case interview (example only)

1. Data book (10 - 20 pages) will be given
2. 15 minutes preparation
3. Interactive Interview
4. Evaluation and feedback from interviewers

Each case interview normally lasts about 45 minutes. Some recruiters will conduct 4 - 8 case interviews on the same day, with breaks or causal conversations with Human Resources managers.

Tips & Skills for Short Case Reading and Analysis

• Key days / years
• Milestone Actions / Achievement / Change

• What environment
• Why
• Results / Implications

• Focus on trends
• Ratios that reveal profit trend, financial health
• Some critical facts are hidden under the surface of apparently “no problem” figures

• How it was formulated?
• Based on what analysis?
• Impact on market share
• Cost / benefit
• Competitor reaction
• Next trend prediction
• Brand revitalisation

Get familiar with basic financial terms, e.g. ROE, ROI, NPV, NAV, IRR, Valuation, Asset Pricing, CAPM, Financial ratios, Indicators and Statistics.

Update on marketing strategy and development in hot industries: Insurance, finance, banking, communications, hotel, FMCGs (Specific knowledge of the industry covered by the case question is a bonus).

• Point out this is a case of: (nature of case)
• e.g. marketing strategy of a sauce company, especially on brand sustainability, growth, and international expansion.
• e.g. organisational restructuring and new business development.
• e.g. revitalisation of a declining brand and market share.
• A quick summary of your analysis of the strategies and options.
  
• Your view on possible actions, alternatives, and constraints.
• When you analyse stick more to the facts provided by the case.
• Can also use market information you know outside the case. But have to make a fine balance of not too much.