Types of Consulting Cases: Your Complete Guide to Consulting Interviews

Case interviews are one of the most important parts of the consulting recruitment process. If you're preparing for a consulting interview, you’ll quickly realize that these interviews are not just about finding the right answer—they’re about showing how you think and approach complex business problems. Consulting firms use case interviews to assess your problem-solving skills, your ability to analyze data, and how clearly you communicate your findings. Essentially, they want to see if you can handle the kind of challenges you’ll face as a consultant.

For firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, case interviews are a key tool in selecting candidates. These firms know that a consultant’s role isn’t just about theory; it’s about applying structured thinking to real-world problems. That’s why they put so much emphasis on your approach to solving cases—how you break down a problem, form hypotheses, and present your solutions.

Common Case Types

When you enter a consulting case interview, you can expect to face a variety of case types. These cases are designed to assess different aspects of your problem-solving abilities. Here's a quick overview of some of the most common ones you'll encounter:

• Profitability Cases: In these, you’ll be tasked with figuring out why a company’s profits are declining and how you can help improve them. It's all about diving deep into both revenue and cost drivers.
• Market Entry Cases: Here, you’ll evaluate whether it’s a good idea for a company to enter a new market. You’ll need to consider competition, costs, and potential customer demand.
• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Cases: These cases will test your ability to assess whether a merger or acquisition would make sense for a company. You’ll need to consider synergies, strategic fit, and financial viability.
• Pricing Strategy Cases: You’ll need to decide on the best price for a product or service while balancing customer demand, competition, and profitability.
• Growth Strategy Cases: In these, you’ll help a company figure out how to expand its business. This could involve new products, entering new markets, or strategic partnerships.

Throughout this article, we’ll dive deeper into each of these case types. You’ll learn how to approach them step-by-step, and by the end, you’ll have a solid framework for tackling each case with confidence.

Detailed Breakdown of the Case Types

In this section, we will dive into the most common consulting case types you'll likely encounter. For each, we’ll break down the definition, the objective behind the case, a structured approach to solving it, an example question, and tips to ensure you excel. Understanding each case type will help you feel more confident as you prepare for your consulting interviews.

1. Profitability Cases

• Definition: Profitability cases are focused on identifying the reasons behind a company’s declining profits. Your task is to assess both revenue and costs and figure out where inefficiencies or declines are happening.
• Objective: The interviewer wants to assess your ability to analyze financial data and pinpoint where a company can improve to increase profitability.
• Approach: Start by breaking down the problem into two categories—revenues and costs. From there, analyze each area systematically. Look into pricing, sales volume, and market share for revenue, and investigate variable and fixed costs for expenses.
• Example Question: "Your client, a national retail chain, has seen a 15% decline in profits over the last year. What steps would you take to identify the root causes and recommend improvements?"
• Tips for Success:
  • Be methodical: Break down the problem into the basic elements of revenue and costs.
  • Use frameworks: Utilize the profitability framework to ensure you cover all angles.
  • Dive into the details: Don’t be afraid to ask about specific costs or revenue drivers to get a clearer picture.

2. Market Entry Cases

• Definition: In market entry cases, you’re asked to evaluate whether a company should enter a new market. This might include entering a new geography, targeting a new customer segment, or launching a new product.
• Objective: The goal is to test how well you evaluate opportunities and risks. Interviewers want to see your ability to conduct a market analysis, identify key drivers, and assess whether entering the market will be beneficial for the company.
• Approach: Start by conducting a market analysis. Assess the market size, competition, customer needs, and regulatory environment. Then, evaluate the company’s internal capabilities and whether it has the resources to succeed in this market.
• Example Question: "Your client, a leading smartphone company, is considering entering the smartwatch market. What factors should they consider before making a decision?"
• Tips for Success:
  • Think broadly: Consider external factors like competition and regulations.
  • Analyze internal capabilities: Is the company equipped with the right resources and expertise to enter the market?
  • Use structured frameworks: Applying a framework like Porter’s Five Forces or the 4Ps (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) can help organize your thoughts.

3. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Cases

• Definition: M&A cases evaluate the potential benefits and risks of merging with or acquiring another company. You’ll need to assess the strategic fit between the two companies and how the merger or acquisition would create value.
• Objective: The interviewer wants to evaluate your ability to understand synergies, financial feasibility, and the strategic alignment between two companies.
• Approach: Assess the financials, strategic fit, and potential synergies. Look into cost savings, increased market share, and new capabilities that the merger could bring. At the same time, assess risks such as integration challenges or cultural fit.
• Example Question: "Your client is considering acquiring a competitor in a different region. What factors should they consider to assess if this acquisition makes sense?"
• Tips for Success:
  • Focus on synergies: Think about cost-saving opportunities or revenue growth from the merger.
  • Balance strategic and financial aspects: Look at both the numbers and the strategic goals behind the acquisition.
  • Identify risks: Highlight potential challenges such as integration hurdles or cultural differences.

4. Pricing Strategy Cases

• Definition: Pricing strategy cases ask you to determine the optimal price for a product or service. This involves balancing profitability, market demand, and competition.
• Objective: The interviewer wants to see how you evaluate customer willingness to pay, assess competitor pricing, and create a pricing strategy that aligns with business goals.
• Approach: Start by considering the company’s cost structure and profit margins. Then, assess customer preferences and competitor pricing. You may also need to explore the market demand curve and elasticity to find the optimal price point.
• Example Question: "Your client is launching a new premium coffee machine and needs help determining the right price point. How would you approach this?"
• Tips for Success:
  • Know the costs: Understand the company's cost structure and profit margin expectations.
  • Assess market demand: Consider customer price sensitivity and how much they are willing to pay.
  • Stay competitive: Always keep an eye on competitor pricing and market positioning.

5. Growth Strategy Cases

• Definition: Growth strategy cases involve identifying ways for a company to expand. This could involve launching new products, entering new markets, or forming strategic partnerships.
• Objective: Interviewers want to see how well you can think strategically about the future growth of a company and assess opportunities for expansion.
• Approach: Start by identifying the company’s core competencies and market position. From there, explore potential growth avenues such as new products, markets, or distribution channels. Evaluate the risks and rewards of each option.
• Example Question: "Your client is a software company looking to grow. Should they focus on expanding into new geographic markets or developing new product features?"
• Tips for Success:
  • Focus on core strengths: Consider how the company’s existing resources and capabilities can drive growth.
  • Be creative: Look at various avenues for growth, from geographic expansion to new product lines or acquisitions.
  • Evaluate risks and rewards: Always weigh the potential return against the risks involved in each option.

6. Market Sizing Cases

• Definition: Market sizing cases challenge you to estimate the size of a market or a specific segment within a market. These cases typically require quick, logical thinking and basic math to arrive at a reasonable answer.
• Objective: The interviewer wants to assess your ability to break down a broad, vague problem into manageable components and make reasonable assumptions to arrive at a well-supported estimate.
• Approach: Start by asking clarifying questions to narrow the scope of the problem. Then, make reasonable assumptions about population size, spending habits, or market penetration, and use these assumptions to calculate the size of the market.
• Example Question: "How many cups of coffee are sold in New York City every day?"
• Tips for Success:
  • Structure your assumptions: Break down the market into smaller components (e.g., population, frequency of purchase).
  • Use round numbers: When you don’t have exact data, use easy-to-calculate numbers and justify them logically.
  • Communicate your thinking: Be sure to explain your assumptions clearly and show the interviewer how you arrived at your estimate.

7. Operations Cases

• Definition: Operations cases focus on improving a company's operational efficiency. You might be asked to streamline a process, reduce costs, or identify areas for improvement in the supply chain or production.
• Objective: Interviewers use operations cases to assess your ability to identify inefficiencies and develop solutions that increase operational effectiveness.
• Approach: Analyze the current operational processes, identify bottlenecks or areas where inefficiencies are present, and suggest improvements. Think about supply chain, production processes, and how the company could reduce waste or improve workflow.
• Example Question: "Your client, a large manufacturing company, has been experiencing delays in production. How would you approach identifying the root cause and recommending a solution?"
• Tips for Success:
  • Think systemically: Look at the entire operation, from procurement to delivery, to find potential inefficiencies.
  • Prioritize high-impact areas: Focus on changes that will have the largest effect on overall efficiency.
  • Consider technology: Suggest ways technology might streamline operations or reduce costs.

8. Organizational Design Cases

• Definition: In organizational design cases, you’re asked to help a company improve its organizational structure. This may involve recommending changes to the reporting structure, team composition, or leadership alignment to better meet the company's goals.
• Objective: The goal is to test your ability to understand a company’s internal structure and recommend changes that would improve efficiency, communication, and overall effectiveness.
• Approach: Start by understanding the company’s current organizational structure. Identify pain points, such as unclear reporting lines, inefficient decision-making, or underutilized resources. Then, suggest structural changes that could resolve these issues.
• Example Question: "Your client, a fast-growing tech startup, is struggling with internal communication between their product and marketing teams. How would you restructure the organization to improve collaboration?"
• Tips for Success:
  • Align with company goals: Make sure your recommendations support the company's long-term strategy.
  • Be realistic: Consider the company’s culture and size when suggesting changes.
  • Ensure clear communication: Highlight how your changes will improve collaboration and decision-making.

9. Product Launch Cases

• Definition: Product launch cases ask you to develop a strategy for introducing a new product to the market. This could include market research, pricing strategy, promotional plans, and distribution channels.
• Objective: Interviewers want to assess how well you can think through all aspects of a product launch, from market analysis to go-to-market strategy.
• Approach: Start by analyzing the target market and customer needs. Then, develop a strategy for pricing, promotion, and distribution. You should also evaluate potential risks and how the company could mitigate them.
• Example Question: "Your client is launching a new high-end blender. What steps should they take to ensure a successful product launch?"
• Tips for Success:
  • Understand the target customer: Consider their needs, preferences, and willingness to pay.
  • Create a comprehensive plan: Don’t just focus on one area—think about pricing, marketing, and distribution.
  • Plan for risks: Think about potential obstacles (e.g., competition, market readiness) and suggest mitigation strategies.

10. Supply Chain Optimization Cases

• Definition: Supply chain optimization cases focus on improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of a company’s supply chain. These cases could involve streamlining operations, reducing inventory costs, or improving supplier relationships.
• Objective: The interviewer wants to evaluate your ability to analyze a company’s supply chain and propose changes that will enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Approach: Analyze the existing supply chain to identify areas of inefficiency, such as excessive inventory or long lead times. Then, propose changes to optimize the process, such as renegotiating with suppliers, improving logistics, or using technology to automate certain tasks.
• Example Question: "Your client is a global retailer and is facing high costs in their supply chain. What steps would you take to reduce those costs?"
• Tips for Success:
  • Identify key inefficiencies: Look for areas where time or resources are being wasted.
  • Consider technology: Think about how technology could streamline operations and improve efficiency.
  • Focus on cost drivers: Evaluate the most significant contributors to supply chain costs and prioritize them.

12. Economic Cases

• Definition: Economic cases involve assessing how macroeconomic factors, such as market trends, regulatory changes, or economic shifts, affect a business or industry. These cases require you to analyze external factors and their potential impact on a company's strategy.
• Objective: The interviewer wants to test your ability to think broadly about the external environment and how it affects business decisions. They want to see if you can connect economic data to real-world business scenarios.
• Approach: Begin by analyzing the relevant economic factors—interest rates, inflation, consumer demand, etc. Then, consider how these factors affect the industry and company in question. It’s important to connect the dots between macroeconomic trends and their potential impact on a company’s financial performance or strategy.
• Example Question: "Your client is a consumer electronics company. How might the recent increase in tariffs affect their business, and what steps can they take to mitigate the impact?"
• Tips for Success:
  • Stay up to date: Keep informed about current economic trends that could influence industries.
  • Think macro-to-micro: Start with the broader economic trends and then narrow down to how they affect the company.
  • Prioritize impact: Focus on the economic factors with the most direct influence on the company’s business.

13. Brain Teaser Cases

• Definition: Brain teaser cases are designed to test your problem-solving abilities, creativity, and analytical thinking in unconventional scenarios. These questions often involve logic puzzles, lateral thinking, or complex, abstract problems.
• Objective: The goal here is to evaluate your ability to think outside the box and approach a problem with creativity and structured logic. Interviewers want to see how well you handle unexpected challenges and how you think through complex, seemingly unsolvable problems.
• Approach: Start by clarifying the problem and identifying key variables. Break the problem down into smaller, manageable pieces. Often, brain teasers require you to make assumptions, but always explain your thought process clearly. Don’t be afraid to ask for additional information if needed.
• Example Question: "How many piano tuners are there in Chicago?"
• Tips for Success:
  • Think out loud: The interviewer is interested in your thought process, so explain each step clearly.
  • Be logical: Use assumptions and logical reasoning to break down the problem.
  • Stay calm: These cases are often meant to test your ability to stay composed under pressure.

14. Non-Profit Strategy Cases

• Definition: Non-profit strategy cases focus on helping a non-profit organization develop or refine its strategy. This could involve increasing donations, improving operational efficiency, or expanding its impact.
• Objective: The interviewer is looking to assess your ability to apply business strategy concepts to the unique challenges faced by non-profits, which often have different objectives and constraints than for-profit businesses.
• Approach: Start by understanding the organization’s mission and its goals. Identify areas where the organization can improve, whether it’s through better fundraising, more effective use of resources, or expanding its reach. Consider external factors such as government regulations or public perception.
• Example Question: "Your client is a non-profit focused on improving education in underprivileged areas. What strategy would you recommend to increase donations and expand their impact?"
• Tips for Success:
  • Understand the unique dynamics of non-profits: They have a social mission rather than just a profit motive.
  • Focus on impact: Rather than profitability, focus on how to increase social value or mission fulfillment.
  • Use business frameworks: Many traditional business frameworks (like SWOT or Porter’s Five Forces) can be adapted to non-profit cases.

Case Interview Formats

Case interviews are not just about the case content—they’re also about how the interview is structured. Knowing the format of the interview can make a huge difference in how you approach the case. In this section, we’ll cover the main formats you might face: Interviewer-Led, Interviewee-Led, Group Cases, and Written Cases. By understanding these formats, you’ll feel more prepared to tackle whatever comes your way.

Interviewer-Led vs. Interviewee-Led

What’s the Difference?

• Interviewer-Led: In these interviews, the interviewer takes the lead. They will guide you through the case, asking specific questions and setting the pace. This is the most common format at firms like McKinsey.
• Interviewee-Led: In this format, you’re the one leading the case. The interviewer gives you a broad problem, but it’s up to you to structure the solution and direct the flow. This format is often used by BCG and Bain to test your ability to organize your thoughts and drive the discussion forward.

How Do They Affect Your Approach?

• Interviewer-Led: Here, your job is to follow the interviewer’s lead. Listen carefully, answer their questions thoughtfully, and make sure you stay on track. This is about showing that you can follow a structured approach and address each aspect of the case as it unfolds.
• Interviewee-Led: This is your chance to shine as a leader. Start by outlining a clear structure for solving the case and guide the conversation. Engage the interviewer by walking them through your thought process, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification when needed.

Tips for Success:

• Interviewer-Led: Stay flexible and responsive. Pay close attention to the interviewer’s guidance, and make sure you’re addressing each aspect of the case thoroughly.
• Interviewee-Led: Own the case! Take control from the start by setting the agenda, and ensure you keep the conversation moving forward while being open to feedback.

Group Cases

What’s Involved in Group Cases?

Group cases are a bit different because you’re not solving the problem alone. Instead, you’ll collaborate with other candidates in a team setting, simulating how a real consulting team might approach a problem. The interviewers will be watching how you interact with the group and contribute to the solution.

How Do They Work?

You’ll be given a case prompt along with a group of candidates. Together, you’ll need to work through the case and come up with a solution. While the case itself is important, interviewers are also paying attention to how well you work with others—can you communicate clearly, listen, and collaborate?

Tips for Success:

• Be a Team Player: While it’s important to contribute your ideas, make sure you’re engaging with others and building on their ideas. Collaboration is key.
• Lead When Needed: Don’t be afraid to take charge and guide the group when appropriate. Suggest next steps or volunteer to lead discussions.
• Stay Professional: Group cases are often about testing how well you can collaborate, so be sure to remain respectful of others’ opinions and maintain a positive, solution-focused attitude.

Written Cases

What Are Written Cases?

Written cases are slightly different from the traditional interview formats. In these cases, you’ll be given a set of materials (like reports, data, or market research) and asked to analyze them before presenting your findings and recommendations in writing.

What’s Expected?

The key to succeeding in written cases is your ability to structure your thoughts clearly and analyze the information efficiently. You won’t have the chance to engage with the interviewer, so your written response needs to be clear, organized, and thorough. You may also be asked to present your findings after submitting your written response.

Tips for Success:

• Manage Your Time: Written cases often come with tight time limits, so make sure to allocate your time wisely. Outline your thoughts first, then dive into the analysis and leave time to review.
• Be Structured: Organize your response with clear headings and logical flow. Start with an executive summary, then move to analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Use Data Effectively: Don’t just present the numbers—analyze them. Explain how the data supports your conclusions and recommendations.

By understanding the different case interview formats, you’re setting yourself up for success. Whether you’re in an Interviewer-Led, Interviewee-Led, Group Case, or Written Case interview, knowing how to adapt your approach will help you perform confidently. Each format requires different skills, but with the right preparation, you’ll be able to handle any case interview that comes your way.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Case interviews can be challenging, and even small mistakes can have a big impact on your performance. While preparing your answers and practicing case frameworks is important, it’s equally crucial to be aware of common pitfalls that many candidates fall into. By recognizing these mistakes, you can adjust your approach and ensure that your problem-solving and communication skills stand out during the interview.

Overlooking Key Information

Why It Happens

In case interviews, the pressure to quickly come up with a solution can sometimes lead you to overlook subtle details or important data. You may become so focused on solving the problem that you miss out on clues that can significantly impact your approach.

How to Avoid It

To avoid missing key information, you need to make sure you’re actively listening and paying attention to every detail. Be mindful of how the interviewer presents the case, as they may intentionally include crucial data that will help you form a more accurate analysis.

• Pause before jumping in: When new information is presented, take a moment to fully understand it. Don’t rush into your response—give yourself time to think through all the details.
• Clarify when unsure: If something seems ambiguous or unclear, ask for clarification. It’s better to pause and ensure you understand everything than to make assumptions that lead you astray.
• Engage with the data: Use active note-taking to ensure you capture important points. If new data is introduced during the interview, revisit your notes to reassess your approach.

Lack of Structure

Why It Happens

Sometimes, candidates rush into the analysis, trying to solve the case quickly, and skip over the important planning stage. While enthusiasm is great, a lack of structure can lead to confusion and missed opportunities. Without a clear framework, it’s easy to lose focus or fail to address all aspects of the case.

How to Avoid It

It’s essential to always start with a clear structure. A framework serves as your roadmap and keeps you organized, ensuring you address all key components of the case logically.

• Take a moment to plan: Before diving into analysis, take a few seconds to outline your approach. This can be a simple framework or a structured list of key areas to explore.
• Break the case into smaller chunks: Divide the problem into smaller, manageable parts. This helps you tackle each piece of the puzzle step-by-step, ensuring you don’t miss anything.
• Stay organized: Use structured thinking tools, like MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive), to ensure your approach is both comprehensive and clear.

Failure to Engage the Interviewer

Why It Happens

Sometimes, candidates get so caught up in solving the case that they forget the interview is also about communication. The interviewer is there not only to assess your analytical skills but also to see how you engage with them. If you’re too quiet or fail to interact, you might miss valuable opportunities to showcase your communication skills.

How to Avoid It

Engage the interviewer throughout the process. Think of it as a conversation, not just a one-way analysis. Involve the interviewer by sharing your thought process and checking in with them along the way.

• Think out loud: Always explain your reasoning as you go. This lets the interviewer follow your thinking and offers them a chance to guide you if you’re heading in the wrong direction.
• Ask for feedback: Occasionally, check in with the interviewer. Ask if your approach makes sense or if they want you to explore a particular aspect in more detail.
• Maintain a flow: Don’t be afraid of pauses. Take a moment to gather your thoughts if needed. However, try to keep the conversation moving by verbally processing your thoughts, engaging the interviewer with questions or observations.

By being aware of and avoiding these common pitfalls—overlooking key information, lacking structure, and failing to engage the interviewer—you’ll ensure that your problem-solving and communication skills shine in the interview. Remember, it’s not just about solving the case—it’s about how you approach it and how well you communicate your process to the interviewer.