Case Interviews are a critical part of the interviewing world, even if they are only used for a very small portion of jobs. But if you're going to an MBA program, knowing how to handle cases will give you a leg up on your fellow students.
Or, if you're smart, you'll be more able to help them, wining points as a team player.
Case study interviews are widely used in consulting firms and strategic roles within large corporations to assess a candidate’s problem-solving ability, analytical thinking, and comfort with business ambiguity. These interviews aim to simulate real client scenarios to see how candidates structure their thinking, make assumptions, and drive toward solutions. Particularly in top business schools, where firms actively recruit, case interviews have become a benchmark for testing the skills necessary in high-level consulting roles. Candidates are often asked to analyze a situation in real time, and their performance in these cases is thought to reflect how well they will perform as actual consultants.
A central part of case interviews involves quantitative assessments, including estimation questions such as "How many golf balls fit in a 747?" These questions are not about getting the right answer, but demonstrating the ability to think clearly, structure estimates logically, and apply basic math to business-like scenarios. Interviewers value how candidates approach the problem—what assumptions they make, how they handle unknowns, and whether they simplify intelligently. The goal is to mimic situations where consultants must make quick decisions with limited data, guiding deeper analyses or decisions by grounding them in quick, directional logic.
In addition to estimation problems, candidates may also face quantitative tests involving time-pressured, data-driven questions that assess speed and accuracy with business math and interpretation. Success here demands sharp computational skills and the ability to quickly interpret charts, graphs, and word problems. Like case discussions, these tests mirror the reality of consulting work, where speed, clarity, and structure matter more than perfection. As the audio chapter will explore in more detail, effective preparation, strong frameworks, and a confident approach to structuring ideas can make all the difference. Whether you're just starting out or refining your skills, this episode is packed with insights that can help you succeed in this high-stakes interview format.
Sign up below to unlock the podcast and full content on this page—everything you need to master your interview and get hired.
If you’re already a member, enjoy the content!
Leave a Comment