Roland Berger Case Interview: Format, Preparation Tips & Strategy

If you’re preparing for a Roland Berger case interview, understanding the format and expectations can significantly improve your chances of success. Known for its structured process and real-world business challenges, Roland Berger's interview format includes candidate-led cases, group discussions, and behavioral questions that test your problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

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

What is the Roland Berger case interview format?

Roland Berger’s case interview format typically consists of two rounds, with each round involving a mix of case interviews and behavioral or fit questions. Candidates may also be asked to participate in a group case interview, especially in final rounds. The structure is rigorous and designed to simulate real consulting scenarios.

Here’s what you can expect:

• First Round:
  • Two 30 to 40-minute interviews
  • Conducted by junior to mid-level consultants
  • Primarily case interviews with a few behavioral questions
• Second Round:
  • Three interviews with senior consultants or partners
  • One behavioral/fit interview
  • Two case interviews
  • May include a group case interview depending on office location

This format is consistent across most global offices, though minor variations can occur. All case interviews are typically candidate-led, which means you're expected to drive the case forward by structuring the problem, asking clarifying questions, and suggesting next steps.

Interview Logistics:

• Most interviews are 30 to 45 minutes long
• Cases may include profitability, market entry, or operational scenarios
• Behavioral questions assess your motivation, teamwork, and leadership skills
• Final round interviews are often more challenging and evaluative

The Roland Berger interview process is designed not just to assess raw analytical skill, but also to gauge how well you communicate under pressure and collaborate with others, both essential qualities for success in consulting.

How is the Roland Berger case interview different from McKinsey or BCG?

Roland Berger case interviews are typically more candidate-led, with broader flexibility in how you approach the case, unlike McKinsey’s interviewer-led format. While all three firms test business judgment and problem-solving, Roland Berger often places greater emphasis on structured thinking, real-world practicality, and entrepreneurial mindset.

Here’s how Roland Berger’s interviews stand out:

• Case Format:
    Roland Berger follows a candidate-led format, where you're expected to take ownership of the case from the beginning. You choose what part of the problem to explore, drive the analysis, and propose the next steps. This contrasts with McKinsey, where the interviewer guides the flow and questions.
   
• Industry Focus:
    Roland Berger has a strong presence in industrials, automotive, and manufacturing sectors, especially in Europe. The cases may reflect that specialization, requiring familiarity with operational and value chain dynamics more than other firms might.
   
• Group Case Component:
    A unique feature in Roland Berger’s final round is the group case interview. While BCG and Bain occasionally use group assessments, Roland Berger’s version is more structured and closely observed, testing your ability to collaborate, synthesize viewpoints, and lead without dominating.
   
• Cultural Fit Assessment:
    Roland Berger values independence, creativity, and pragmatic problem-solving. Behavioral interviews tend to test not only your leadership and teamwork stories, but also how well you align with the firm’s entrepreneurial and empathetic culture.
   
• Quant + Qual Balance:
    Compared to BCG’s occasional heavy data focus or Bain’s private equity lean, Roland Berger cases usually require a balanced approach: structured math and practical reasoning, combined with clear recommendations.

What types of cases does Roland Berger use in interviews?

Roland Berger case interviews cover a wide range of business scenarios, with a strong focus on profitability, market entry, operational efficiency, and occasionally public sector or sustainability topics. While the exact case may vary by region and role, most are rooted in real-world consulting engagements and test both your structure and creativity.

Common Roland Berger case types include:

• Profitability:
    These cases focus on identifying and solving for declining margins, rising costs, or revenue challenges. You may be asked to break down the components of profit and propose actionable strategies to improve performance.
   
• Market Entry:
    You might be asked to assess whether a company should enter a new geography or product segment. These cases typically involve market sizing, competitive analysis, and go-to-market strategy.
   
• Operations and Cost Reduction:
    Roland Berger often uses cases that explore process improvements, supply chain restructuring, or efficiency gains, especially in industries like automotive or manufacturing.
   
• Mergers & Acquisitions:
    While less common for entry-level roles, some interviews may involve assessing an acquisition target’s strategic and financial fit.
   
• Public Sector or Sustainability:
    In regions where Roland Berger has strong public sector work (such as Europe), candidates may receive cases involving policy impact, infrastructure, or ESG-driven challenges.

Examples from Roland Berger's website and past interviews include:

• Improving profitability for a public transport operator
• Assessing whether to launch 3D-printed hip implants
• Advising a brewery facing demand surges due to unexpected media exposure
• Helping an agriculture company decide whether to enter meat processing
• Developing a growth strategy for a video interpreting app

In general, Roland Berger looks for a structured but flexible approach, you should be comfortable breaking down complex business problems and building tailored frameworks rather than relying on generic ones.

How should you approach a Roland Berger case interview step-by-step?

To succeed in a Roland Berger case interview, follow a structured 6-step process: understand the case, define the objective, build a framework, explore the problem, synthesize insights, and deliver a clear recommendation. This structured yet flexible approach aligns with Roland Berger’s candidate-led format and helps demonstrate both business logic and communication skills.

Here’s a breakdown of the step-by-step approach:

1. Clarify the Problem and Confirm the Objective

   • Listen carefully to the case prompt
   • Ask clarifying questions to ensure full understanding
   • Restate the objective in your own words to confirm alignment

2. Structure the Problem Using a Custom Framework

   • Take a minute to organize your thoughts
   • Build a framework tailored to the case type (e.g. profitability, market entry)
   • Explain your framework clearly to the interviewer before diving in

3. Drive the Case Forward Proactively

   • Propose where to begin your analysis based on your framework
   • Ask for relevant data or make structured assumptions
   • Stay hypothesis-driven but flexible as new information comes in

4. Solve Quantitative Questions with Precision

   • Set up calculations before jumping into math
   • Walk the interviewer through your logic out loud
   • Use round numbers for ease and sanity check your answers

5. Address Qualitative Questions Thoughtfully

   • Brainstorm structured ideas (e.g. risks, go-to-market strategies)
   • Use logical groupings to organize your points
   • Support recommendations with business intuition and reasoning

6. Deliver a Clear, Actionable Recommendation

   • Summarize your conclusion in one sentence
   • Support it with 2 to 3 key insights from your analysis
   • Mention next steps or unresolved questions if relevant

Throughout the interview, maintain a collaborative tone with the interviewer, think out loud, and stay calm under pressure. Roland Berger isn’t just testing for the “right” answer, they want to see how you think, structure, and communicate like a consultant.

What is the best way to prepare for Roland Berger quantitative questions?

To prepare for Roland Berger quantitative questions, focus on mastering mental math, understanding key business formulas, and practicing structured problem-solving under time pressure. The goal is not just speed, but clarity in how you set up, explain, and execute your calculations.

Here’s how to strengthen your quant prep effectively:

• Practice Core Business Math
   Roland Berger case interviews often involve profitability breakdowns, breakeven analysis, market sizing, or cost optimization. Be confident with:
  • Revenue = Price × Quantity
  • Profit = Revenue – Costs
  • Contribution margin, fixed vs. variable costs
  • Percent changes and growth rates
• Set Up Before You Solve
   Before diving into calculations, outline your approach:
  • “To calculate market size, I’ll multiply population × usage rate × average price.”
  • This shows structured thinking and avoids wrong assumptions.
• Think Out Loud
   Talk through your logic. For example:
  • “If each customer spends $40 monthly and there are 10,000 customers, monthly revenue is $400,000.”
• Use Round Numbers Where Appropriate
    Interviewers care more about how you get to the answer than minor precision. Estimate and simplify where it makes sense.
• Double-Check for Sanity
    Always pause to check if your result makes real-world sense. This helps avoid off-by-a-zero mistakes.
• Practice with Realistic Drills
    Use math drills modeled on consulting-style cases, not just GMAT-style problems. Practice under timed conditions and vary the types of business math.

Quantitative questions are a consistent part of Roland Berger case interviews, but they are rarely complex. What matters most is whether you approach them logically, explain your process clearly, and demonstrate comfort with numbers in a business context.

How do you answer qualitative questions in Roland Berger cases?

To answer qualitative questions in Roland Berger cases, use a clear structure, generate insightful ideas, and explain your reasoning with business logic. These questions test your creativity, market understanding, and communication, not just your ability to brainstorm.

Here’s how to approach them effectively:

• Use a Structured Framework
   Even for open-ended questions, organize your thoughts before answering. For example:
  • For “How can the client grow revenue?”, consider: new customer segments, pricing strategies, product expansion, and distribution channels.
• Group and Prioritize Ideas
   Rather than listing random points, cluster ideas into meaningful categories:
  • “We could increase revenue either by acquiring new customers or by increasing revenue per customer. Let’s explore both.”
• Support with Reasoning
   Avoid vague answers. Explain the “why” behind each point:
  • “Expanding into urban markets could work well because current demand is concentrated in rural regions, creating untapped potential.”
• Tailor to the Case Context
    Align your responses with the client’s industry, constraints, or goals. Show that you’re not giving generic answers, but thinking like a consultant.
   
• Summarize Key Takeaways
   After discussing multiple points, briefly summarize your overall direction:
  • “In short, the client has several feasible paths to growth, but the most immediate opportunity is optimizing cross-selling to their existing base.”

Common qualitative prompts in Roland Berger interviews include:

• “What are the key risks of this strategy?”
• “How would you position the product?”
• “What should the client consider before entering this market?”

Qualitative questions are your chance to show structured thinking, client awareness, and business intuition, all core to succeeding in a Roland Berger case interview.

What is the Roland Berger group case interview and how do you succeed in it?

The Roland Berger group case interview assesses your ability to collaborate, think strategically, and contribute meaningfully within a team setting. You’ll work with 3–5 other candidates to solve a business case while being observed by interviewers who focus on communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, not just the final answer.

What to Expect in the Group Case:

• Format Overview
  • Group of 4 to 6 candidates
  • 10 to 15 minutes to read and prepare case materials individually
  • 15 to 20 minutes of open group discussion
  • 15 to 20 minutes of Q&A with the interviewers
• Case Materials
    Each participant receives the same documents, typically containing charts, financials, and a business scenario. You won’t be given a “script”, success depends on how the group analyzes and discusses the case collectively.
• Interviewer Role
    Interviewers do not guide or participate in the discussion. They watch how you interact, contribute, and respond to group dynamics.

How to Perform Well in a Roland Berger Group Case:

• Add Value Without Dominating
    Speak early, but don’t take over. Support others’ ideas and build upon them when possible.
• Propose a Structure
   Suggest an approach early on:
  • “Why don’t we first identify the key problems, then prioritize potential solutions?”
• Be a Facilitator
    Help guide the discussion by keeping it focused and ensuring everyone has a chance to contribute.
• Demonstrate Active Listening
   Refer back to what others say to show you’re engaged:
  • “Building on Priya’s point about the pricing model…”
• Show Flexibility and Respect
    Don’t interrupt or dismiss others. If you disagree, do so tactfully and offer an alternative perspective.
• Volunteer for a Role
    Offer to keep time, take notes, or summarize key points. These small actions show initiative and teamwork.

Remember, multiple people in the group can receive offers, this is not a zero-sum game. Your goal is to contribute meaningfully, think critically, and show that you’d be a collaborative, capable consultant.

What behavioral and fit questions does Roland Berger ask?

Roland Berger uses behavioral and fit questions to assess whether you align with the firm’s values, mindset, and team culture. You can expect questions about your motivation, teamwork, leadership, and resilience. These are just as important as the case interview, especially in final rounds.

Here are the most common questions and how to approach them:

• Why do you want to work at Roland Berger?
    Prepare 2 to 3 reasons tied to the firm’s culture, industry focus, or entrepreneurial style. Show that you’ve done your research and aren’t just recycling generic answers.
• Why consulting?
    Emphasize learning opportunities, client exposure, and impact. Link your background to why the consulting path fits your goals.
• Walk me through your resume.
    Tell a concise, achievement-focused story that highlights key decisions and transitions. End with why it leads naturally to consulting.
• Tell me about a time you led a team.
    Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Focus on how you motivated others, navigated conflict, or achieved results through collaboration.
• Describe a time you failed.
    Choose a real example where you learned something critical. Show ownership, growth, and how you applied the lesson later.
• Tell me about a time you had to persuade someone.
    Demonstrate emotional intelligence and structured thinking. What was your goal? How did you tailor your message? What was the outcome?
• What is your proudest accomplishment (on and off your resume)?
    Show depth. Pick something meaningful and explain why it mattered to you and what it says about your values or skills.
• What questions do you have for me?
    Ask thoughtful questions that reflect genuine curiosity about the interviewer’s experience, client work, or the firm’s vision.

Tips for Fit Interview Success:

• Use structured stories with clear impact
• Be authentic but professional
• Reflect Roland Berger’s culture: pragmatic, entrepreneurial, team-oriented
• Practice aloud, delivery matters

Behavioral questions are your chance to make a personal connection and differentiate yourself beyond technical skills. Strong answers here can significantly increase your chance of receiving an offer.

What are the best resources to prepare for Roland Berger case interviews?

The best resources to prepare for Roland Berger case interviews include official case examples from the firm, candidate-led practice materials, casebooks, peer coaching, and realistic mock interviews. Since Roland Berger follows a candidate-led format and includes group interviews, it’s important to prepare across case types and interview styles.

Top preparation resources include:

• Roland Berger's Official Case Examples
   On their careers website, Roland Berger shares two video-based case walkthroughs:
  • Transit-Oriented Development (Profitability case)
  • 3D-Printed Hip Implants (Market entry case)
      These are excellent for seeing how the firm frames real consulting problems.
• University MBA Casebooks
    Top business schools publish casebooks with hundreds of real interview cases. These offer a wide variety of frameworks and industry examples you can use for solo or partner practice.
• Case Interview Prep Books and Guides
    Focus on materials designed for candidate-led interviews. Prioritize resources that teach how to structure, lead, and adapt during open-ended cases.
• Peer Practice and Case Interview Groups
    Practicing with peers simulates the real pressure of interviews. Look for people who give clear feedback, challenge assumptions, and rotate through roles (interviewer/interviewee/observer).
• Mock Interviews with Experts or Coaches
    Especially valuable if you're preparing for a final round or struggling with a specific skill (e.g. structuring or synthesis). Realistic mocks help refine your timing, communication, and confidence.
• Group Case Practice
    Since Roland Berger includes group case interviews, gather a small group to simulate the format. Assign roles, time the discussion, and reflect on what worked and what didn’t.

Additional Tips:

• Track your performance across cases to identify patterns
• Alternate between quantitative-heavy and qualitative cases
• Record yourself to analyze delivery and body language
• Focus on improving business judgment, not just frameworks

Consistency and real-time feedback are key. Roland Berger interviews reward structured thinking, confidence, and collaboration, so choose resources that reflect those expectations.

How can you stand out and increase your chances of receiving an offer?

To stand out in a Roland Berger case interview, you need more than just correct answers; you must demonstrate structured thinking, strong communication, cultural fit, and business judgment. Top candidates show they think like consultants from the moment they walk in.

Here’s how to differentiate yourself:

• Lead the Case with Confidence and Clarity
    Roland Berger favors a candidate-led style. Take initiative early, structure problems logically, and clearly communicate your approach at each stage.
• Show Business Intuition, Not Just Frameworks
    Go beyond generic buckets. Tailor your framework to the case context and support your ideas with realistic, industry-relevant insights.
• Think and Communicate Like a Consultant
   Throughout the case, speak clearly and synthesize your thinking as you go. For example:
  • “So far, fixed costs appear to be the main issue, I'd next explore utilization levels.”
      This shows logical progression and keeps the interviewer engaged.
• Bring Structure to Behavioral Answers
    Use the STAR method and emphasize results. Highlight leadership, collaboration, and resilience, key traits valued at Roland Berger.
• Collaborate Effectively in the Group Case
    Focus on facilitating discussion, supporting teammates, and driving progress. Avoid dominating. Treat your peers like colleagues, not competitors.
• Ask Insightful Questions
    When given the opportunity, ask thoughtful questions about the interviewer’s experience, the firm’s focus areas, or recent project themes. Show genuine curiosity and engagement.
• Simulate the Real Interview Environment
    Practice under time pressure, with minimal notes, and with professional tone and pacing. This builds both confidence and poise for the actual interview day.

Above all, tailor your preparation to Roland Berger’s style: entrepreneurial, pragmatic, and collaborative. If you can combine sharp analysis with authentic teamwork, you’ll be well-positioned to succeed.

Final Thoughts

The Roland Berger case interview process is rigorous but rewarding. With its candidate-led format, group case component, and strong emphasis on structured thinking and collaboration, it tests not only your analytical ability but also your communication and teamwork skills. By understanding the format, practicing realistic cases, and aligning your preparation with the firm’s culture and expectations, you’ll set yourself apart from other candidates. Stay focused, be structured, and approach each case with curiosity and clarity, and you’ll be one step closer to securing your offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the second round interview at Roland Berger?
A: The second round interview at Roland Berger focuses more on senior-level evaluation, with tougher case interviews and in-depth behavioral questions. It may also include a group case interview to assess collaboration and leadership in a high-stakes setting.

Q: Can I prepare for a case interview in a week?
A: Yes, you can prepare for a case interview in a week by focusing on case interview frameworks, practicing candidate-led cases, and reviewing common behavioral interview questions. Use your time strategically to simulate full cases and refine your communication.

Q: How do I know if a case interview went well?
A: You’ll know a case interview went well if you structured your answers clearly, handled the math accurately, and built strong rapport with your interviewer. Positive feedback, extended discussion, or detailed next steps can also be good signs.

Q: What not to do in a case interview?
A: In a case interview, avoid jumping into solutions too quickly, skipping structure, or guessing numbers without logic. These mistakes can signal poor preparation or weak consulting case interview skills.

Q: Can you take notes during a case interview?
A: Yes, you can take notes during a case interview and it’s encouraged. Writing down key facts helps you structure your thinking and stay organized throughout the consulting case discussion.