Consulting Articles > Consulting Case Interviews > Charles River Associates Case Interview: How to Prepare and Succeed

If you’re targeting a consulting role at Charles River Associates, you’ll need to ace the firm’s rigorous case interview process. The Charles River Associates case interview tests your structured thinking, problem solving, and fit for a role in economic consulting, all in a high-pressure environment.

In this article, we will explore how the CRA interview process works, what to expect in the case interview, and how to prepare effectively.

What does the Charles River Associates case interview process involve?

The Charles River Associates case interview process typically includes two rounds featuring behavioral and case interviews, with some roles also including group interviews or assessments. Candidates may be evaluated on communication, problem-solving, and collaboration across multiple formats.

CRA’s hiring process is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills. Here's what you can expect at each stage:

• Application submission: Includes resume and cover letter focused on academic background, research experience, and interest in economic consulting.
• First round interviews:
  • Typically consist of two back-to-back interviews
  • Each includes a CRA case interview and behavioral questions
• Final round interviews:
  • Three to five interviews, often involving more technical cases and senior consultants
  • May include a group case interview, testing your teamwork and communication
• Additional assessments(for some roles):
  • Numerical reasoning
  • Critical thinking or writing tasks

The interview format may vary slightly depending on the office location, practice area, or role (e.g., litigation support, competition, life sciences).

You should also prepare for behavioral interview questions consulting firms typically ask, such as:

• Tell me about a time you worked under pressure
• Describe a situation where you solved a problem using data
• How do you handle working in a team setting with differing opinions?

Understanding this structure will help you better tailor your preparation to the expectations at each stage of the CRA interview process.

What skills and traits does CRA assess in its case interviews?

Charles River Associates case interviews assess structured thinking, analytical problem solving, business acumen, communication skills, and cultural fit. These core traits help CRA evaluate whether a candidate can succeed in the high-stakes, data-driven world of economic consulting.

Here’s a breakdown of what each trait means in practice:

• Structured thinking: CRA looks for candidates who can take complex problems and break them into clear, logical components. A well-organized framework signals your ability to prioritize and problem-solve under time pressure.
• Analytical problem solving: Expect to interpret data, conduct basic math computations, and estimate figures such as market sizing or profitability. Accuracy matters, but your method and explanation matter more.
• Business acumen: CRA values strong commercial intuition. Can you translate quantitative insights into business recommendations? Are your conclusions grounded in economic logic?
• Communication skills: You need to communicate your thought process clearly and concisely. Whether explaining calculations or summarizing findings, articulate delivery is key.
• Cultural fit and collaboration: Especially in group case interviews, CRA assesses how coachable, respectful, and collaborative you are. Being easy to work with is just as important as being smart.

These traits are evaluated throughout both case and behavioral interviews. For instance, a question that seems purely quantitative may actually test how well you communicate under pressure or whether you consider next steps after reaching a numerical conclusion.

How should you approach structuring and solving a CRA case interview?

To solve a Charles River Associates case interview effectively, follow a structured six-step approach: understand the case, build a framework, begin analysis, solve quantitative problems, address qualitative issues, and deliver a clear recommendation. This method shows your ability to think critically, prioritize, and communicate clearly under pressure.

Here’s how to apply each step during your CRA case interview:

1. Understand the case prompt

• Listen carefully to the case background.
• Ask clarifying questions if anything is unclear.
• Restate the objective to ensure alignment with the interviewer.

2. Build a logical framework

• Take 60 to 90 seconds to develop a structured thinking approach.
• Aim for a MECE (mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive) framework.
• Walk the interviewer through your structure before diving into analysis.

3. Kick off the analysis

• In a candidate-led case, choose a logical area to begin exploring.
• In an interviewer-led case, respond directly to the prompts given.
• Be flexible, but stay within your framework unless redirected.

4. Solve quantitative problems carefully

• Lay out your approach before doing math.
• Perform profitability analysis, market sizing, or other quantitative tasks step-by-step.
• Talk through your calculations out loud and sense-check your final numbers.

5. Tackle qualitative questions thoughtfully

• When asked for ideas, structure your answer into 2 to 3 categories.
• For opinion-based questions, provide a clear stance with 2 to 3 supporting points.
• Tie all qualitative insights back to the business objective.

6. Deliver a recommendation

• Be decisive. Present a clear answer with your top 2 to 3 supporting reasons.
• Include one next step or open question you’d explore further if you had more time or data.
• Keep your conclusion concise, confident, and aligned with the case goal.

This step-by-step approach ensures you're showing both analytical problem solving and communication skill-two of the core traits CRA evaluates.

What are the key strategies for preparing for a Charles River Associates case interview?

To prepare for a Charles River Associates case interview, you should master case fundamentals, practice with partners, and refine key skills like mental math, framework building, and business judgment. Strong preparation helps you build confidence and avoid common interview pitfalls.

Here’s a step-by-step strategy to guide your preparation:

1. Understand what the CRA interview tests

• Review the CRA interview process and learn what traits are evaluated.
• Know how economic consulting interview formats differ from traditional strategy firms.

2. Learn core case techniques first

• Study how to build MECE frameworks, interpret data, and deliver structured recommendations.
• Focus early on developing good habits rather than rushing into mock interviews.

3. Practice 3 to 5 cases solo

• Start by solving cases on your own to build familiarity with case structure and pacing.
• Work through frameworks and quantitative problem solving like breakevens or market sizing.

4. Then do 5 to 10 cases with a partner

• Partner practice simulates the real interview experience.
• Focus on clear communication, case leadership, and getting feedback.

5. Schedule at least one mock with a current or former consultant

• They can offer firm-specific feedback and pinpoint areas you’ve overlooked.
• Leverage alumni networks or LinkedIn connections for mock sessions.

6. Track and improve on weak areas

• After each case, write down what went well and what needs work.
• Common improvement areas include:
  • Making frameworks more specific
  • Reducing math mistakes
  • Speaking with more structure during qualitative questions

7. Stay sharp without burning out

• In the final two weeks before your interview, do 2 to 3 high-quality cases per week.
• Prioritize rest and review over volume to avoid “case fatigue.”

A well-rounded prep plan doesn’t just improve your performance, it also helps reduce anxiety by making each part of the case interview feel familiar and manageable.

What should you highlight on your CRA application and cover letter to stand out?

To stand out in your Charles River Associates application and cover letter, emphasize your quantitative skills, research experience, attention to detail, and motivation for economic consulting. Tailoring your materials to CRA’s project work and culture is critical.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Quantitative and analytical skills
  • CRA values candidates with strong data handling abilities.
  • Highlight coursework in econometrics, statistics, or applied mathematics.
  • Mention tools like Stata, R, or Excel used in prior internships or academic projects.
• Independent research and writing
  • Showcase experience conducting deep analysis or writing reports, such as honors theses or policy briefs.
  • Demonstrate comfort with complex datasets or structured investigations.
• Attention to detail
  • Give specific examples where you identified small issues that impacted larger outcomes.
  • Precision matters in economic consulting firms like CRA, especially in litigation support or competition cases.
• Interest in economic consulting
  • Avoid vague statements like “I want to be a consultant.”
  • Instead, explain why CRA’s blend of rigorous analysis and high-impact work appeals to you.
  • Reference your understanding of their industries or service lines (e.g. energy, healthcare, financial services).
• Cultural alignment
  • If you’ve attended a CRA info session, met firm representatives, or worked on collaborative projects, include this.
  • Show that you work well in team environments and have a professional tone.

Tip: Your resume and cover letter should complement each other, not repeat the same bullet points. Use the resume for facts and the cover letter to provide narrative context.

How do CRA interviews differ for economic consulting compared to general case interviews?

CRA interviews differ from general case interviews by placing more emphasis on data interpretation, economic reasoning, and technical rigor. Candidates are evaluated not just on structure and logic, but on how well they apply analytical thinking in a research-driven context.

Here are key differences to keep in mind:

• Emphasis on economics over strategy
  • While general consulting interviews may center on market entry or pricing, CRA cases often deal with regulatory analysis, competitive effects, or damage quantification.
  • Familiarity with economic models (e.g., supply and demand shifts, elasticity) is helpful.
• Quantitative depth
  • You may need to analyze a complex chart, run through market sizing assumptions, or interpret regression outputs.
  • Questions often mimic economic consulting firm projects, requiring structured data analysis under time constraints.
• Tool proficiency is relevant
  • While not tested directly in the interview, CRA values experience with tools like Stata, R, Excel, and SAS.
  • Highlighting experience with these in behavioral questions can show readiness to handle technical work.
• Interview pacing and structure
  
  • CRA interviews are usually interviewer-led. Expect clear direction, but be prepared to justify your steps and communicate your assumptions.
  • Some roles may include a group case interview, where collaboration and role clarity are essential.
• Precision and logic are prioritized
  • CRA case prompts may involve legal or policy contexts, meaning your analysis must be well-reasoned, defensible, and clearly communicated.
  • The interviewer will often probe your logic, not just your final answer.

Because CRA serves clients in high-stakes litigation and regulatory contexts, your ability to apply economic logic under pressure is just as important as traditional case performance.

How can you leverage behavioral insights to reinforce your case performance?

You can reinforce your case performance by demonstrating coachability, clear communication, and team awareness during behavioral and case interviews. These soft skills help interviewers assess how well you’d work with others on real CRA projects.

Here’s how behavioral traits show up during a case and how to use them to your advantage:

• Be coachable throughout the interview

  • If the interviewer gives a hint or redirect, acknowledge it and adjust.
  • Responding well to feedback signals you're easy to work with under pressure.

• Show structured communication, even in casual moments

  • Use clear transitions when moving from one point to another.
  • Pause briefly to organize your thoughts-this reflects professionalism and self-awareness.

• Demonstrate enthusiasm for problem solving

  • Let your curiosity and interest in economics or business issues show through.
  • Interviewers are more likely to remember candidates who seem genuinely engaged.

• Reflect confidence, not arrogance

  • Stand by your logic, but remain open to alternate perspectives.
  • Collaborative tone matters more than “being right” in economic consulting.

• Tie stories back to CRA’s values

  • When answering behavioral questions, emphasize traits that match CRA’s project work: precision, research depth, and integrity.
  • Example: “In my policy research project, I had to validate assumptions under tight timelines-similar to how consultants work on deadline-driven litigation cases.”

Remember, the line between behavioral and case performance is blurred. How you interact during the case (tone, mindset, clarity) can be just as important as the content of your answer.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: How to pass case interview questions?
A: To pass case interview questions, focus on structured thinking, clear communication, and strong quantitative problem solving. Practicing market sizing, profitability cases, and mock interviews will improve your performance in a Charles River Associates case interview.

Q: What types of questions to ask in a case interview?
A: In a case interview, ask clarifying questions that show structured thinking and business acumen. Good questions help refine assumptions, confirm objectives, and ensure your approach aligns with the CRA interview process.

Q: How hard is it to get into Charles River Associates?
A: It can be challenging to get into Charles River Associates due to the competitive selection process and rigorous CRA case interview preparation required. Strong problem-solving skills, industry knowledge, and polished communication are essential.

Q: What not to do in a case interview?
A: In a case interview, avoid jumping to solutions without structure, ignoring data, or failing to clarify key details. For a Charles River Associates case interview, skipping logical steps can hurt your score.

Q: What questions are asked in a decision interview?
A: A decision interview may include behavioral interview questions in consulting, such as leadership examples, teamwork challenges, and problem-solving approaches. These questions assess your fit, communication style, and alignment with CRA’s culture.