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What is a business case interview?Ìý

Employers may ask candidates to evaluate a business situation during the interview process; this is called a business case interview.

How long is the case? What is it like?Ìý

Cases can be short (a few sentences) or long (10+ pages). Often candidates are asked to analyze and present the case during the interview, and are allotted a specific amount of time. Sometimes cases are assigned in advance of the interview and you are asked to come prepared to present during the interview. Cases may involve using a calculator or not.

What types of employers ask business case questions?Ìý

Consulting firms and those with analyst positions may use cases. But any type of organization or company may throw a case question at a candidate.

Why do employers use case interviews?Ìý

This is a great way to test your logic, problem-solving, and intellect. It’s also a way to see how well you understand the company’s business and industry.

What are typical questions given for a case interview?Ìý

Just like basic interview questions, case questions can vary as well. ÌýHere are some potential case interview topics:

·Ìý Ìý ÌýÌýHow can the firm grow revenue and/or increase profit?

·Ìý Ìý ÌýÌýHow should the firm set up distribution?

·Ìý Ìý ÌýÌýShould the firm make the acquisition?

·Ìý Ìý ÌýÌýWhat should the firm develop for its product/service pipeline?

·Ìý Ìý ÌýÌýHow should the department reorganize?

·Ìý Ìý ÌýÌýHow can the firm react to the competitive threat?

·Ìý Ìý ÌýÌýWhich market should the firm enter?

·Ìý Ìý ÌýÌýWhat should be the firm’s integrated marketing plan?

·Ìý Ìý ÌýÌýHow should the firm incentivize its sales force to meet its revenue goals?

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Basic Steps to Approach the Case:

·Ìý Ìý Ìý Read the case carefully – note important information

·Ìý Ìý Ìý Understand the question(s) being asked

·Ìý Ìý Ìý Watch your time

·Ìý Ìý Ìý Plan for your presentation and be ready to answer questions

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Steps to Analyze the Case:*

1.Ìý Ìý Establish Your Understanding

2.Ìý Ìý Set Up the Framework

3.Ìý Ìý Evaluate Case Using the Framework

4.Ìý Ìý Summarize and Make Recommendations

*Adapted from BCG web site:Ìý

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Additional Tips:

·Ìý Ìý Ìý Acknowledge missing information

·Ìý Ìý Ìý Use the data presented in the case when evaluating a firm’s situation – financial statements, charts, graphs, etc.

·Ìý Ìý Ìý Recognize there is not always a RIGHT answer – cases are to see how you work through problems

·Ìý Ìý Ìý Try practicing case interviewing to be prepared.

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Resources for Case Interviews:

Case in Point10Ìýby Marc P. Cosentino (the book is available on Amazon)Ìý

Ìý (use for accounting firms)

Megan Turnbull is a career counselor at theÌýÌýCareer and Professional Success team. SeeÌýfrom the Paul College CaPS team.