Phone & Video Case Interview: How to Prepare

Phone and video case interviews have become a crucial part of the hiring process in consulting. As more firms embrace remote work, these digital interviews are becoming the new norm. While you may be prepared with your case frameworks and problem-solving skills, succeeding in a virtual setting requires additional preparation, especially when it comes to managing the technical aspects of the interview.

In this article, we'll dive into actionable tips to help you nail your phone and video case interviews, starting with the crucial technical setup and moving on to strategies that will boost your performance throughout the interview.

Technical Setup

Choosing the Right Technology

The technology you use for your virtual case interview can make or break your performance. A candidate I spoke with shared a frustrating experience: they had chosen an outdated video platform for their interview, which led to technical issues—lagging audio and frozen video. As a result, the interview felt awkward and disjointed, making it harder for them to showcase their skills effectively.

This candidate quickly learned that not all platforms are created equal. When they switched to Zoom for their next interview, the difference was night and day. The connection was more reliable, the audio was clearer, and the video didn’t freeze once. This made it much easier for the candidate to focus on answering the questions rather than worrying about technical problems.

Before your interview, make sure to choose a reliable platform like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype. Test it beforehand to ensure it's working smoothly with your device and internet connection. Doing a quick trial run will help you avoid unexpected issues on the day of your interview.

Ensuring a Stable Connection

There’s nothing more frustrating than losing your connection in the middle of a phone or video interview. A candidate once told me about their phone interview, where their internet connection kept dropping. While the interviewer could still hear them, their responses were delayed, causing awkward silences and making the conversation feel choppy.

To avoid this, make sure you have a stable internet connection. Whenever possible, connect via a wired Ethernet cable instead of relying on Wi-Fi, which can be unpredictable. A wired connection ensures that you won’t face unexpected lags or drops. If Wi-Fi is your only option, try to sit near your router or a spot with minimal interference from other devices.

It’s also smart to test your connection before the interview. A candidate I spoke with who had similar issues always kept a backup plan—a mobile hotspot—ready, just in case things went wrong. That extra preparation can save you when technical hiccups arise.

Optimal Audio and Visual Quality

In a virtual case interview, clear audio and visuals are essential for effective communication. One candidate shared how, during their first interview, they used their laptop’s built-in microphone and camera, which made them sound muffled and appear pixelated. The interviewer had trouble hearing them, which led to some frustration and missed opportunities to engage fully.

After receiving some helpful feedback, this candidate upgraded their setup by investing in a high-quality headset and an external camera. The improvement was immediate: the audio was crystal clear, and the video was sharp and professional. The candidate found that not only did it help the interviewer hear them better, but it also allowed them to communicate more confidently.

To improve your own audio and visual quality, consider investing in a good-quality headset with a built-in microphone or noise-cancelling features. This can eliminate background noise and ensure that your answers are easy to hear. Also, use an external camera (preferably 1080p or better) for sharper video quality, and make sure your lighting is good—natural light is best, but if that's not possible, invest in a simple desk lamp that lights your face, not the background.

Taking these small steps to improve your setup will make a huge difference in how you come across during your interview. It shows that you take the interview seriously and care about presenting yourself in the best possible light.

Environment Preparation

Selecting a Quiet Location

One of the easiest ways to improve your performance in a virtual case interview is by ensuring you’re in a quiet, distraction-free space. Imagine this: a candidate I spoke to tried doing their interview in a shared living room. Despite trying to block out the noise, family members were walking around, and a dog was barking in the background. It was clear that the distractions made it harder for them to focus, and it even affected the interview flow.

For their next interview, they made sure to choose a quiet, private room. With no interruptions, they could focus completely on answering the case questions and really engage with the interviewer. They found that it made a huge difference in how they approached the case and in how confident they felt.

So, take a moment to think about your space. Find a room where you can be alone and won’t be disturbed. If there’s a chance of noise, consider investing in noise-cancelling headphones to help you stay focused. Trust me—this small change can go a long way in boosting your performance.

Managing Background and Lighting

When it comes to virtual interviews, what’s behind you matters just as much as what you say. I’ve heard from candidates who didn’t think twice about their background, only to find out later that a cluttered space can distract from the interview. One candidate had their laundry pile in the background, and the interviewer commented on it. Not exactly the professional image they wanted to convey.

On the flip side, another candidate took the time to choose a clean, simple background—just a neutral wall with a tidy bookshelf—and it made all the difference. Combined with good lighting, they looked polished and professional, which helped them feel more confident and in control during the interview.

You don’t need anything fancy—just make sure the space behind you is neat and free from distractions. Sit in front of a plain wall or a simple bookshelf if you can. Lighting is equally important—natural light is the best, but if that’s not available, a desk lamp or ring light will do wonders to brighten your face.

These simple tweaks to your environment can make a big difference, ensuring that the focus stays on you and not your surroundings. After all, you want the interviewer to be focused on your answers, not what's going on behind you!

Personal Presentation

Professional Attire

It might seem like a minor detail, but what you wear during a virtual case interview can have a big impact on how you feel and how you're perceived. One candidate I spoke to decided to dress casually—think hoodie and jeans—for their remote interview, assuming it wouldn’t matter. But as soon as the interview started, they felt a bit off. Without the usual professional attire, they didn’t feel as confident or prepared, and it showed in their responses.

The next time, they opted for a professional look: a shirt, blazer, and slacks. The difference was night and day. Not only did they feel more confident, but the interviewer also commented on how polished they looked, which set the tone for a much smoother conversation. It’s amazing what a difference the right attire can make—not just in how others see you, but in how you see yourself.

So, even though you’re interviewing from home, dress the part. It’ll help you get into the right mindset and present yourself as the professional you are.

Body Language Awareness

Your body language speaks volumes, especially in a virtual interview. One candidate shared how paying attention to their posture completely transformed their interview experience. They made sure to sit up straight, look at the camera (not just the screen), and smile when appropriate. These small adjustments helped them seem more engaged and confident, even though the interview was happening through a screen.

In contrast, another candidate I spoke with admitted to slouching and occasionally fidgeting during their first video interview. They didn’t realize that these small actions could make them appear distracted or nervous. After some coaching, they focused on maintaining open body language—no crossed arms—and found that they connected much better with the interviewer.

Remember, even though you’re on a screen, your body language is still an important part of the conversation. Sit up straight, make eye contact with the camera, and avoid fidgeting. These simple actions will make you seem confident and engaged, even when you’re miles away from the interviewer.

Communication Skills

Clear and Concise Responses

One of the keys to excelling in a virtual case interview is the ability to give clear and concise answers. You want to avoid rambling while making sure you cover the important details. I spoke with a candidate who mastered this by keeping their answers structured yet to the point. When they were asked a challenging question, they didn’t rush through it. Instead, they broke their response into easy-to-follow steps: first laying out the assumptions, then outlining the process, and finally wrapping up with a clear conclusion.

This approach kept the interviewer engaged and made their responses easy to follow. It also showed that the candidate could think critically and stay focused, even with complex problems.

For you, the key takeaway is simple: keep your answers brief but thorough. Focus on the main points and stay on track without over-explaining. This will help you communicate more effectively and keep the interviewer’s attention.

Active Listening

Active listening can make all the difference in a virtual interview, especially since it’s easy to get distracted by the digital environment. One candidate I spoke to really nailed this aspect by being fully engaged throughout the interview. They nodded, smiled, and used verbal cues like “I see” or “That’s a great point” to show they were paying attention. This not only made the conversation more interactive but also helped build a connection with the interviewer.

Taking a moment to pause and reflect on what the interviewer says before you respond can also make a big impact. It shows that you’re thinking carefully about their words, which makes your responses more thoughtful and relevant. Active listening helps create a positive interview dynamic and can make the interview feel less like a one-way conversation.

So, as you prepare, remember that listening is just as important as speaking. Use your body language and verbal cues to show you’re engaged, and take time to think before you answer. It’ll make the conversation flow more naturally and help you connect better with the interviewer.

Managing Speaking Pace

When you’re in a phone or video interview, it can be tempting to rush through your answers, especially if you're nervous or eager to impress. But one candidate shared how speaking too quickly actually hurt their interview. Their answers were often hard to follow, and they didn’t sound as clear or confident as they could have.

After realizing this, they made a conscious effort to slow down and pace themselves. By speaking more deliberately, they gave the interviewer time to absorb their answers. They also sounded much more composed, which helped them convey their ideas clearly and confidently.

If you tend to speak quickly, try practicing your answers and focus on slowing down. Take a deep breath between thoughts, and pause if you need a moment to organize your response. A calm, steady pace will help you sound more confident and make your answers easier to follow.

Case Interview Strategies

Structured Problem-Solving

In a case interview, one of the most important things you can do is show that you can solve problems in an organized, logical way. A candidate I spoke to shared how using the MECE framework helped them tackle a challenging market-sizing case during their phone interview. Instead of rushing into assumptions, they started by breaking the problem down into distinct, non-overlapping categories. This gave them a clear roadmap to follow and made their thinking easy to follow, which is exactly what the interviewer needed to see.

The key here is that the candidate didn’t just dive into the problem—they made sure their approach was structured, organized, and easy for the interviewer to understand. By using frameworks like MECE or the 3Cs, you can keep your thoughts organized and make your response clearer, even when the problem seems complex. It shows that you can think logically, which is what the interviewer is really looking for.

So, next time you face a tough case, don’t just jump in—think about how to organize your response first. It’ll help you stay on track and give the interviewer confidence in your problem-solving skills.

Engaging the Interviewer

Remember, case interviews are a two-way conversation. Engaging with the interviewer can make all the difference in how the interview flows. One candidate I worked with stood out by asking clarifying questions whenever something wasn’t clear. For example, when the interviewer mentioned a specific market segment, they didn’t just assume they knew what it meant—they asked, “Can you clarify what you mean by that segment?”

This approach did two things: it gave the candidate the information they needed to answer correctly, and it also kept the interview interactive. Asking questions shows that you’re thinking critically about the problem, and it helps create a natural back-and-forth dialogue, which is always a positive in any interview.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions during your case interview. If something isn’t clear, speak up. This shows initiative, keeps the conversation flowing, and helps you provide a better, more informed solution.

Handling Technical Challenges

Technical issues are bound to happen, especially in virtual interviews, but how you handle them can say a lot about your professionalism. One candidate shared a story where their phone interview was interrupted when the call unexpectedly dropped in the middle of an important point. Instead of panicking or apologizing excessively, they calmly reconnected and picked up right where they left off, without skipping a beat.

This candidate’s ability to stay composed in the face of a technical glitch impressed the interviewer more than the glitch itself. It’s a great reminder that while technical issues are inevitable, your reaction matters more. By staying calm and handling the situation professionally, you keep the focus on your abilities rather than the problem.

If you run into a technical issue during your interview, stay calm and address it quickly. A little grace under pressure can go a long way in maintaining your professionalism and showing you can handle unexpected challenges with ease.

Mock Interviews and Practice

Simulating Real Conditions

When preparing for your virtual case interview, it’s not enough to just practice the cases—you need to prepare for the unexpected, too. One candidate I worked with took this approach by setting up mock interviews that closely mirrored real interview conditions. They practiced with a friend using a video platform, just like they would for the actual interview, while also adding potential challenges, like poor internet connection or background noise.

During one mock interview, their Wi-Fi connection dropped right in the middle of an important point. Instead of getting rattled, they calmly rejoined the call and picked up where they left off, handling the situation smoothly. This experience boosted their confidence and helped them stay composed, no matter what technical issues might come up during the real interview.

As you prepare, try to recreate the interview environment as closely as possible. Set up your technology, test it, and even add in potential issues—like your internet cutting out or other distractions. The more you prepare for these real-world challenges, the more confident and ready you’ll feel when they happen in the real interview.

Seeking Constructive Feedback

One of the most powerful ways to improve your performance is through feedback. A candidate I know took part in multiple mock interviews before their actual case interview. After each one, they received constructive feedback, including tips like speaking more slowly to ensure clarity and breaking down complex answers into digestible chunks.

Rather than feeling discouraged by the feedback, they embraced it and used it to make each new practice session better. Over time, their performance improved, and by the time the real interview came around, they had refined their answers and delivered them more confidently and clearly.

Make sure to seek out feedback from mentors, peers, or even professional coaches. It’s an invaluable tool for identifying areas you can improve and for refining your responses. The more you practice with feedback in mind, the better prepared you’ll be for the actual interview.

Post-Interview Etiquette

Expressing Gratitude

After your virtual case interview, taking a moment to express gratitude can leave a lasting positive impression. One candidate I worked with sent a thoughtful thank-you email right after the interview. In their message, they not only thanked the interviewer for their time but also highlighted specific points from the conversation that they found interesting or important. This personal touch helped the candidate stand out and kept their name fresh in the interviewer's mind.

The result? A few days later, the interviewer followed up with them for another round of interviews, and ultimately, they secured an offer. That thank-you email, while simple, played a big role in keeping the candidate top of mind and reinforcing their enthusiasm.

So, after your interview, don’t forget to send that thank-you email. It doesn’t have to be long—just a short message expressing appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your interest. It’s a small gesture that can go a long way in making a positive impression and keeping you on the interviewer’s radar.

Reflecting on Performance

Once the interview is over, take some time to reflect on how it went. This isn’t just about what didn’t go well; it’s about recognizing what worked and what you can improve for next time. One candidate I know made a habit of reviewing recordings of their mock interviews to pinpoint areas where they could do better. They realized they needed to speak more slowly and take a breath before answering complex questions, which helped them sound more confident and organized.

By actively reflecting on their performance, they were able to make real improvements, which led to stronger performances in future interviews. This process of self-reflection, though simple, was key to boosting their confidence and ensuring continuous improvement.

After each interview, take a moment to think about your performance. What worked well? What can you do better next time? This kind of self-assessment will help you improve steadily and keep building your confidence for the next opportunity.