Interviewer-Led vs. Interviewee-Led Case Interviews: What You Need to Know

If you're preparing for a case interview with top consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain, or BCG, you might have come across two distinct interview formats: Interviewer-Led and Interviewee-Led. Understanding the difference between these two formats is key to making sure you approach your preparation in the right way.

In this article, we'll walk you through what each case interview format entails, their similarities and differences, and the best strategies to succeed in both. Plus, we’ll share real-world examples from top firms to help you visualize what each type of case looks like.

Defining the Case Interview Formats

Interviewer-Led Case Interviews

In an Interviewer-Led case interview, the interviewer takes the lead. They present you with a structured problem and guide you through it step by step. You’ll be responding to a series of prompts that the interviewer gives you, which means you have less control over the direction of the case. The focus here is on your ability to think logically, follow the interviewer’s guidance, and move through the problem in an organized way.

Example: Take McKinsey, for instance. They’re known for their Interviewer-Led approach. A typical McKinsey case might start with the interviewer presenting a problem, like a company struggling with declining profits. From there, they’ll walk you through specific areas they want you to focus on—such as market analysis, cost structure, and potential recommendations—asking you targeted questions along the way. Your job is to respond to each prompt thoughtfully, while staying on track with the interviewer’s direction.

Interviewee-Led Case Interviews

Now, in an Interviewee-Led case interview, the tables are turned—you’re the one who leads the process. Instead of responding to prompts, you take charge by deciding how to approach the case. You’re expected to ask questions, make hypotheses, and guide the direction of the case. The interviewer will provide data only when you request it, giving you the freedom to steer the conversation in a way that makes sense to you.

Example: Bain & Company uses this format, where you’re in the driver’s seat. In a Bain case, you might begin by clarifying the problem—let’s say it’s a company looking to expand into a new market. You would then decide what information you need to proceed, perhaps asking the interviewer for data on the company’s market share, competition, or historical performance. As the case progresses, it’s up to you to structure your analysis, propose solutions, and keep the case moving forward.

Similarities Between the Two Formats

Even though Interviewer-Led and Interviewee-Led case interviews have their differences, they do share some important similarities. Recognizing these can help you feel more prepared, no matter which format you're facing.

Core Components

Both formats evaluate the same fundamental skills: your ability to think analytically, communicate clearly, and present structured solutions. Whether you're following the interviewer's lead or steering the case yourself, these skills are always put to the test.

Example: Let’s say you’re given a case like, “Why is the client’s profit declining?” In both formats, you’ll need to identify the key factors affecting costs and revenue. No matter who’s in control, your ability to break down the problem logically and come to a structured solution will be key to your success.

Case Structure

While the way the case plays out might differ, the basic structure remains the same: define the problem, analyze data, and make recommendations. The main difference lies in how you approach the case and how much direction you get from the interviewer.

Example: In an Interviewee-Led case, you would start by framing the problem yourself, asking the interviewer for the data you think is necessary. In contrast, in an Interviewer-Led case, the interviewer provides specific prompts and guides you through the case, step by step. But in both formats, you’ll still need to work through the problem methodically and come to a solid conclusion.

Key Differences Between the Two Formats

While Interviewer-Led and Interviewee-Led case interviews share some similarities, they differ in several key areas. Understanding these differences will help you tailor your approach depending on the format you’re facing.

Control and Direction

The biggest difference between these two formats is how much control you have over the case.

• Interviewer-Led: In this format, the interviewer is in charge. They ask specific questions and guide you through the problem step by step. Your job is to follow their direction, answer their questions, and think logically along the way.
• Interviewee-Led: Here, you’re the one driving the case. The interviewer will give you the case, but it’s up to you to decide how to approach it, what areas to explore, and what questions to ask. This gives you more control, but it also means you need to be more proactive and flexible in how you navigate the case.

Example: In an Interviewer-Led case at BCG, you might be given a business problem, like a company struggling with profitability. The interviewer will ask you questions about cost structures, revenue streams, and market factors. You’ll need to respond and work through each prompt in the order the interviewer provides. On the other hand, in an Interviewee-Led case at Bain, you might choose to explore profitability and market share at the same time, adjusting your approach based on the data you gather.

Information Flow

Another big difference is how information is shared between you and the interviewer.

• Interviewer-Led: In this format, the interviewer provides information gradually, following a structured path. They ask questions, give you data, and guide you through each step of the analysis. Your role is to absorb the information and work with it as you go.
• Interviewee-Led: In this format, you take the lead in asking for information. The interviewer won’t just hand you everything upfront—you’ll need to know which questions to ask and when. This gives you more responsibility, as you decide what data is most important for solving the case.

Example: In an Interviewer-Led case at McKinsey, the interviewer might ask you, “What factors would you consider when analyzing market size?” As you answer, they’ll provide more data based on your response. But in an Interviewee-Led case at Bain, you’d be expected to say, “I’ll start by looking at market size, and then move on to competitive analysis. Could you give me data on the competitors?” You’re the one leading the information-gathering process in an Interviewee-Led case.

Preparation Strategies for Each Format

Preparing for case interviews means getting ready for different styles. Whether you're facing an Interviewer-Led or Interviewee-Led case, it’s important to adjust your approach accordingly. Here’s how you can prepare for each.

Interviewer-Led Cases

In an Interviewer-Led case, the interviewer guides the process, asking specific questions and providing structure. Your job is to follow along, think critically, and respond to each prompt in an organized way.

• Key Focus Areas: You’ll want to practice listening carefully, staying on track, and applying frameworks like the profitability, market entry, and cost-benefit analysis to structure your responses.
• Example: If you're preparing for McKinsey’s Interviewer-Led style, focus on getting comfortable with the interviewer’s structured approach. Practicing mock cases with a mentor or friend can help you become more confident in responding to specific prompts, so you're ready for the flow of the interview.

Interviewee-Led Cases

In Interviewee-Led cases, you’re in control. From the beginning, you'll need to lead the case, decide how to approach the problem, and figure out what information you need. It’s all about being proactive and directing the conversation.

• Key Focus Areas: Focus on thinking quickly and structuring your analysis. The Issue Tree method is a great tool to break down complex problems and ask the right questions to drive the case forward.
• Example: When preparing for Bain’s Interviewee-Led format, practicing the “Issue Tree” method will be super helpful. This method allows you to dissect the problem into smaller parts and guide the case with the right questions, giving you the confidence to take charge during the interview.

Firm-Specific Approaches and Hybrid Formats

Different consulting firms have their own preferences when it comes to case interviews. Some prefer a structured approach, while others lean toward letting you take charge. Understanding these preferences will help you prepare more effectively and tailor your approach.

Firm Preferences

• Interviewer-Led Cases: Firms like McKinsey and Accenturefavor Interviewer-Led cases. These firms use the format to see how well you follow instructions, stay organized, and think quickly under a structured process.
  • Example: At McKinsey, you’ll follow a clear path set by the interviewer. The key here is staying on track and responding thoughtfully to each prompt, all while demonstrating your ability to think critically and logically.
• Interviewee-Led Cases: On the flip side, firms like Bain and BCGtend to prefer Interviewee-Led cases. They use this format to test your leadership skills, initiative, and your ability to steer the case in the right direction.
  • Example: At Bain, you’re in control. You’ll guide the case by asking the right questions, framing the problem, and deciding how to move forward. The interviewer is there to provide data and clarification, but you drive the conversation.

Hybrid Case Interviews

Some firms combine both Interviewer-Led and Interviewee-Led formats in what we call hybrid case interviews. This approach tests your ability to adapt and switch between leading the case and following the interviewer’s guidance.

• Example: At Deloitte, you might start by leading the case, such as a market-sizing problem, taking charge from the beginning. But halfway through, the interviewer might introduce new information or shift the direction, testing how you handle a change in pace or focus.

Summary

To wrap it up, Interviewer-Led and Interviewee-Led case interviews are designed to test similar skills but in different ways. The key to excelling in both formats is understanding their differences and preparing accordingly.

• Interviewer-Led cases are all about following a structured process. You'll need to think on your feet and respond to the interviewer's prompts in an organized way. Focus on mastering frameworks like profitability, market entry, and cost-benefit analysis so you can stay on track and think logically as the interviewer guides you.
• Interviewee-Led cases require you to take control of the conversation. You’ll need to structure the problem, ask insightful questions, and guide the case forward. Preparation for these cases should focus on building your leadership and initiative, as well as practicing frameworks like the "Issue Tree" method to help you break down complex problems.

It's crucial to understand what format the firm you’re applying to prefers. Firms like McKinsey and Accenture typically use Interviewer-Led cases, while Bain and BCG lean toward Interviewee-Led cases. Some firms even combine both formats in what’s known as a hybrid approach.