Simon-Kucher Case Interview: How to Prepare and What to Expect

If you're preparing for a Simon-Kucher case interview, it's essential to understand both the structure and the unique focus areas of their interviews. Known for their expertise in pricing and revenue optimization, Simon-Kucher interviews emphasize real-world business thinking, analytical rigor, and communication skills. Whether you're a student or an experienced hire, getting familiar with what the process involves will help you stand out.

In this article, we will explore the full Simon-Kucher case interview process, what they assess, case types, sample questions, and strategies to prepare effectively.

What does the Simon-Kucher case interview process look like?

The Simon-Kucher interview process typically includes two rounds, each with multiple interviews that combine business case studies and behavioral questions. First-round interviews are usually conducted by consultants and involve 30-minute sessions, while second-round interviews are led by more senior professionals and last 30 to 40 minutes.

You'll typically go through the following steps:

• First Round: Two back-to-back 30-minute interviews. Each includes one business case and a few behavioral or fit questions. These interviews are conducted by consultants or senior consultants.
• Second Round: Three interviews lasting 30 to 40 minutes each. You’ll again encounter case interviews paired with behavioral questions, this time with managers, directors, or partners.

In some regions or roles, an online math or logic test may be included earlier in the process. This is often designed to assess your comfort with numerical reasoning and pattern recognition.

Candidate-led case interviews are standard across both rounds. This means you’ll be expected to structure the case, ask relevant questions, and drive the analysis with minimal interviewer guidance.

Each session evaluates not only your problem-solving and communication skills but also your understanding of business dynamics. Unlike firms focused purely on strategy, Simon-Kucher cases often emphasize monetization, pricing strategy, and revenue growth, reflecting their client work.

What business skills and traits does Simon-Kucher evaluate in its case interviews?

Simon-Kucher case interviews assess your structured problem-solving ability, pricing acumen, business judgment, communication clarity, and professional presence. They look for candidates who can break down complex issues, think commercially, and support their insights with logic and data.

Interviewers are evaluating more than just whether you “get to the right answer.” They want to see how you think, communicate, and collaborate under time pressure. The following traits are core to their assessment criteria:

• Problem-Solving Skills: Can you define the business issue, break it into manageable parts, and develop a logical structure for analysis?
• Business Sense: Do you understand fundamental concepts like supply and demand, market segmentation, value perception, and profitability levers?
• Analytical Thinking: Are you comfortable with numbers, able to interpret data, and capable of drawing insights from charts, graphs, and calculations?
• Communication: Can you clearly explain your thought process, summarize key takeaways, and adapt how you speak depending on the audience?
• Confidence and Presence: Do you appear calm, thoughtful, and professional under pressure?

Simon-Kucher often includes pricing-heavy cases. This means you’ll need to think beyond “cost-plus” or simple market benchmarking and instead focus on perceived value, customer willingness to pay, and pricing strategy frameworks.

You don’t need a business background to succeed, but you do need to demonstrate commercial awareness and structured thinking. The ability to ask clarifying questions, challenge assumptions tactfully, and articulate trade-offs will set you apart.

How should you approach solving a Simon-Kucher pricing-focused case?

To solve a Simon-Kucher case effectively, begin by understanding the business context and confirming the case objective. Then, structure your analysis around pricing and revenue levers, ask for data where needed, and communicate clearly through both qualitative and quantitative reasoning.

Most Simon-Kucher cases are candidate-led, which means you're expected to steer the case from start to finish. Here's how to approach them step by step:

1. Understand the Case Prompt

Take clear notes as the interviewer introduces the case. Confirm the business objective early - for example, “Should the company raise prices?” or “How can revenue be increased?”
  If the industry or context is unfamiliar, ask targeted clarifying questions.

2. Build a Pricing-Relevant Structure

Simon-Kucher interviews often center around pricing strategy, so general strategy frameworks may fall short. Instead, tailor your structure to include:

• Customer segmentation
• Willingness to pay
• Competitive pricing landscape
• Cost structure (if relevant)
• Potential pricing models (e.g. value-based, dynamic, tiered)

3. Drive the Analysis

Once you’ve laid out your structure, guide the case forward. You might be asked to:

• Estimate price elasticity or customer lifetime value
• Perform breakeven or margin analysis
• Prioritize which segments to target for a price increase

Be transparent about your assumptions and check in with the interviewer as you work through calculations.

4. Synthesize Insights and Recommend

At the end of the case, tie your insights directly to the objective. Offer a clear recommendation backed by logic and data, followed by potential risks or next steps. For example:

“I recommend increasing prices by 10% for premium users, based on their higher willingness to pay and low churn risk. However, we should A/B test this before a full rollout.”

Simon-Kucher doesn’t expect one “correct” answer - they care more about how you solve the problem. If your thinking is structured, your math is clean, and your recommendation is actionable, you’re in good shape.

What pricing, growth, and marketing case types can you expect at Simon-Kucher?

Simon-Kucher case interviews frequently focus on pricing strategy, revenue growth, and go-to-market challenges. You’ll likely encounter scenarios where the client is launching a new product, adjusting pricing models, or identifying ways to grow topline revenue.

Simon-Kucher’s niche in topline strategy shapes the types of cases you’ll face. These aren’t just classic profitability or market entry problems. Instead, they often require you to think like a pricing consultant. Here are some common case themes:

1. Pricing Optimization

You may be asked to help a company:

• Set the launch price for a new product
• Increase prices without losing customers
• Design a pricing tier for different market segments
• Move from cost-plus to value-based pricing

Example: “A smartphone manufacturer wants to determine the optimal launch price for a flagship device. How would you approach this?”

2. Revenue Growth Strategy

Cases often explore how a company can increase revenue without simply cutting costs:

• Identify high-potential customer segments
• Adjust product mix or bundles
• Expand sales channels or pricing levers

Example: “A global knife manufacturer is experiencing flat sales. What can be done to drive long-term revenue growth?”

3. Marketing & Sales Effectiveness

Simon-Kucher may also assess your ability to solve go-to-market challenges:

• Improve salesforce performance
• Increase conversion rates
• Design promotions that drive volume without margin erosion

Example: “A hospitality company wants to evaluate the impact of increasing its daily room rate from $180 to $200. Should they do it?”

While some firms stick to generic strategy cases, Simon-Kucher’s interviews are often more practical and commercially focused. You’ll need to combine customer insight, basic math, and clear business judgment to perform well.

What are common mistakes candidates make in Simon-Kucher cases?

Common mistakes in Simon-Kucher case interviews include using generic frameworks, ignoring pricing dynamics, making unclear assumptions, or rushing through the math. Candidates also struggle when they fail to connect their analysis back to the core business objective.

Here’s a closer look at where candidates often go wrong - and how you can avoid these pitfalls:

1. Using Memorized Frameworks: Many candidates rely on standard frameworks like profitability or 4Ps, even when the case requires pricing-specific thinking. Simon-Kucher interviews often demand tailored structures that explore customer value perception, pricing models, or segmentation. A one-size-fits-all approach will make you sound rigid or unprepared.

2. Weak Assumptions and Logic: If you make assumptions without explaining your rationale, you risk losing credibility. Always walk the interviewer through your logic, check if additional data is available, and pause to confirm alignment before proceeding.

3. Overlooking the Objective: Some candidates get so caught up in detailed calculations or market sizing that they forget the bigger picture. Always tie your analysis back to the main business question - whether it's maximizing revenue, determining price points, or identifying growth opportunities.

4. Sloppy Math or Unlabeled Work: Simon-Kucher cases involve basic quantitative reasoning, but accuracy matters. Candidates who rush through calculations or fail to clearly label their work create confusion. Practice mental math, but also write out steps neatly and double-check units or percentages.

5. Over-Talking or Under-Communicating: Being articulate is key - but clarity doesn’t mean talking endlessly. Aim to give concise answers, pause to confirm direction, and use structured communication. Rambling responses or one-word answers both hurt your credibility.

6. Forcing a Recommendation: In the final stage, some candidates give a generic recommendation just to “wrap up.” Instead, use your analysis to build a logical, outcome-driven conclusion, and suggest next steps if there are open questions.

Simon-Kucher interviewers don’t expect perfection. But they are looking for clarity, structure, and commercial sense - especially around pricing decisions. If you stay focused, communicate well, and keep your analysis linked to revenue outcomes, you’ll avoid most of these common traps.

What sample case examples reflect typical Simon-Kucher business problems?

Simon-Kucher case interviews often draw from real-world scenarios involving pricing decisions, revenue growth, and product strategy. These cases test your ability to structure ambiguous problems, analyze trade-offs, and deliver data-backed recommendations under time pressure.

Here are several case examples that reflect the firm’s consulting focus:

1. Smartphone Launch Pricing: A consumer electronics company is preparing to launch an innovative smartphone. How should they determine the optimal price point?  This case tests your understanding of value-based pricing, competitive positioning, and customer segmentation.

2. Stalled Sales Growth in Knives Business: A global kitchen knife manufacturer has experienced flat revenue over the last five years. What strategy should they pursue to boost long-term growth?  Focus on identifying untapped segments, pricing levers, and potential new distribution channels.

3. Hospitality Pricing Strategy: A hotel chain is considering raising its average room rate from $180 to $200. Should they proceed? You’ll need to evaluate price elasticity, customer churn risk, and revenue impact.

4. Store Expansion for Pizza Chain: A major pizza chain wants to expand its number of stores. How should they decide on the next locations? Although not pricing-led, this tests your market prioritization and data analysis skills.

5. Olympics Broadcasting Bid: A television network is bidding to acquire broadcast rights for the upcoming Winter Olympics. How much should they bid? This case explores pricing under uncertainty, ROI estimation, and qualitative judgment.

6. Casino Profitability Optimization: A casino chain wants to increase profitability. What levers should they consider? You might explore pricing of services, customer tiers, or marketing effectiveness.

Each of these cases reflects Simon-Kucher’s emphasis on topline strategy and pricing challenges. When practicing, look for examples that involve customer value, price sensitivity, bundling, and willingness to pay, as these are central themes in many of their projects.

What behavioral or fit questions appear alongside Simon-Kucher case interviews?

Alongside case interviews, Simon-Kucher typically asks a few behavioral or fit questions to assess your motivation, teamwork skills, and cultural alignment. These are used to evaluate whether you'd thrive in a client-facing, collaborative, and entrepreneurial environment.

You’ll usually encounter 2 to 4 behavioral questions per interview round. While they’re shorter than the case portion, they carry significant weight. Here are the most commonly asked questions:

1. Why Simon-Kucher?: Prepare 2 to 3 specific reasons. You might mention their pricing specialization, international presence, project variety, or collaborative culture.

2. Why Consulting?: Interviewers want to hear a thoughtful answer. You could emphasize learning opportunities, business exposure, or problem-solving passion - and relate them to your background.

3. Walk Me Through Your Resume: Give a clear, concise overview of your academic and professional path. Highlight major decisions and link them to why you're now pursuing consulting.

4. Tell Me About a Time You Led a Team: Use a structured response (e.g., STAR method). Emphasize initiative, collaboration, and impact - not just holding a leadership title.

5. Describe a Time You Faced Conflict or Disagreement: Choose a situation where you resolved the issue constructively. Interviewers want to see emotional intelligence and communication skill.

6. Give an Example of When You Failed: Be honest but strategic. Choose a low-risk example and focus on what you learned and how you improved.

7. Tell Me Something That’s Not on Your Resume: This is your chance to share a unique story or passion. Choose something that reveals depth and authenticity.

8. Do You Have Any Questions for Me?: Always say yes. Ask thoughtful, specific questions about the interviewer’s experience, recent projects, or team dynamics.

Even though these questions aren’t technical, they help interviewers assess your fit with Simon-Kucher’s fast-paced and pragmatic culture. Prepare your responses in advance and practice delivering them with confidence and clarity.

How can you prepare most effectively for a Simon-Kucher case interview?

To prepare effectively for a Simon-Kucher case interview, focus on mastering pricing strategy cases, practicing candidate-led structures, refining your mental math, and strengthening your ability to communicate insights clearly. Since Simon-Kucher emphasizes topline growth, your preparation should be tailored to those themes.

Here’s a step-by-step preparation approach:

1. Understand the Firm’s Focus: Simon-Kucher is known for its work in pricing, marketing, and sales strategy. Study basic pricing models like value-based pricing, price discrimination, bundling, and freemium. Explore how different industries price their products and services.

2. Practice Pricing-Focused Cases: Use case books or mock interviews to simulate pricing scenarios. Key case types include:

• Launching a product and determining price
• Evaluating a price increase
• Designing a new pricing model for existing offerings
• Estimating customer willingness to pay

In your mock sessions, practice building frameworks that are custom to the case, not recycled from generic examples.

3. Sharpen Quantitative Skills: Simon-Kucher often includes math-heavy case sections. Practice:

• Mental math drills (percentages, ratios, breakeven points)
• Structured calculations (e.g., revenue projections or margin impacts)
• Reading and interpreting charts or exhibits quickly

4. Refine Your Communication: Clarity matters as much as content. Practice:

• Summarizing insights concisely
• Structuring your responses before speaking
• Presenting final recommendations with confidence

Mock interviews with peers or coaches can help uncover filler language, unclear logic, or communication gaps.

5. Review Your Behavioral Answers: Prepare concise, authentic answers to fit questions. Use frameworks like STAR to stay structured and practice delivering answers with energy and professionalism.

6. Simulate Interview Conditions: Time yourself, take notes by hand, and use real case prompts to simulate pressure. Practice both the problem-solving and recommendation stages, especially under time constraints.

7. Know the Logistics: Finally, check if your role includes an online math or logic test before interviews. If so, spend time with GMAT-style questions or logic puzzles in advance.

Effective Simon-Kucher interview prep blends case mastery with commercial intuition and sharp communication. Aim to show that you can think like a pricing consultant - not just solve a case.

Succeeding in a Simon-Kucher case interview comes down to preparation, focus, and business-minded thinking. By understanding the interview format, practicing pricing-driven case types, and refining both your analytical and communication skills, you’ll be well-positioned to stand out. Remember that interviewers aren’t just evaluating your answers - they’re observing how you think through complex challenges and communicate your ideas under pressure.

With the right preparation and mindset, you can approach the Simon-Kucher case interview with confidence and clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes Simon-Kucher stand out as being different or interesting compared to other consultancies?
A: Simon-Kucher stands out for its deep specialization in pricing, marketing, and sales, with case interviews often focusing on real-world revenue growth challenges. This niche expertise gives candidates exposure to unique case types compared to more generalist consulting firms.

Q: Does Simon-Kucher pay well?
A: Simon-Kucher generally offers competitive consulting salaries, especially for roles requiring strong pricing strategy and structured problem-solving skills. Total compensation can also include performance bonuses and benefits, varying by location and level.

Q: What is Simon-Kucher pricing strategy?
A: The Simon-Kucher pricing strategy emphasizes maximizing revenue and profitability through data-driven price optimization, customer segmentation, and value-based pricing. This focus often appears in Simon-Kucher pricing case interview examples during recruitment.

Q: How to prepare for a case study discussion?
A: To prepare for a case study discussion, practice structuring your approach, using consulting case frameworks, and communicating recommendations clearly. For Simon-Kucher case interviews, emphasize pricing strategy thinking and quantitative reasoning.

Q: Are case interviews hard?
A: Case interviews can be challenging because they test structured problem-solving, business judgment, and communication under time pressure. In a Simon-Kucher case interview, pricing-focused problems and candidate-led formats can add extra complexity.