You have a case interview coming up. How can you be sure you're ready?

1 Understand the format

Case interviews can vary in terms of structure, duration, and style, depending on the firm and the interviewer. However, most case interviews follow a similar format: you will be given a brief introduction to the case, then you will have some time to ask clarifying questions, structure your approach, and share your hypotheses. Next, you will be asked to perform some calculations, interpret data, and draw insights. Finally, you will be expected to summarize your findings, provide recommendations, and answer any follow-up questions. You should familiarize yourself with the format and expectations of the case interview before you start practicing.

2 Practice with cases

The best way to prepare for a case interview is to practice with realistic and relevant cases. You can find many case examples online, in books, or in courses, but the most effective way to practice is with a partner who can give you feedback and challenge you. You should aim to practice with different types of cases, such as market entry, profitability, growth, pricing, and mergers and acquisitions. You should also practice with different levels of difficulty and complexity, and under different time constraints. The more cases you practice, the more confident and flexible you will become.

3 Master the frameworks

Frameworks are tools that help you structure your thinking and approach to a case. They provide you with a logical and comprehensive way to analyze a problem, generate hypotheses, and identify key issues. There are many frameworks that you can use, such as Porter's Five Forces, SWOT analysis, 4Ps of marketing, and value chain analysis. You should learn the basic frameworks and how to apply them to different situations. However, you should also avoid relying too much on frameworks and be ready to adapt them or create your own, depending on the specific case.

4 Brush up on your math

Math skills are essential for a case interview, as you will need to perform calculations, interpret data, and estimate numbers. You should be able to do basic arithmetic, percentages, ratios, and fractions quickly and accurately, without a calculator. You should also be familiar with some common business concepts and formulas, such as revenue, profit, margin, breakeven, and growth rate. You should practice your math skills regularly and improve your mental math techniques, such as rounding, estimating, and using benchmarks.

5 Communicate clearly

Communication skills are equally important as analytical skills for a case interview, as you will need to convey your thoughts, assumptions, and recommendations in a clear and concise manner. You should communicate with your interviewer throughout the case, not just at the end. You should explain your approach, share your hypotheses, ask relevant questions, and summarize your findings. You should also use charts, graphs, and tables to support your arguments and illustrate your points. You should practice your communication skills by speaking out loud, using simple and precise language, and avoiding jargon and filler words.