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Interview Tips

While there are no set rules on how to solve a case, we have found that some advice can help you succeed.

Do Listen and Interact

The interviewer will start by laying out the problem or the question. Regularly during the case, she/he will make comments to orientate the discussion and help you towards a solution. You should carefully listen to him/her and ask questions to clarify any point: The comments are intended to help, not to hinder or trick you. You should also adapt your thoughts, hypotheses, and options according to the information communicated to you throughout the case.

Do structure the problem around a customized framework

At the outset, you should take the time to quickly structure the problem and highlight the major areas that you will want to explore. The best candidates put down markers to help both themselves and the interviewer navigate through their answers. The more sensible the structure the better, but the main thing is to have one–and one which you can pragmatically use in a twenty-minute discussion.

Do focus on issues where most impact can be brought

The interviewer may let you choose the key issues to explore further. Focus on the ones where you think your recommendations can potentially create the most value. Also, explain the logic that drove you to your choice of key issues

Do explore a variety of options with creative thinking

Once you have chosen the key issues to focus on (for example, how to increase revenues from new products), you should come up with a couple of hypotheses on how to do this. You will make the best impression by going beyond standard answers, conventional wisdom, or generally accepted rules.

Do demonstrate business judgment

The interviewer will ask you probing questions about your comments, hypotheses, or conclusions. This is so she/he can test your ability to use your own judgment, given the (sometimes limited) information available to you.

Do perform simple calculations quickly and accurately

At some point, the interviewer will ask you to make some simple calculations. Besides the calculation itself, which should be accurate, the interviewer looks at how you integrate what you have discovered so far about the problem into the calculation.

Do synthesize your thoughts and conclude the analysis

At the end of the interview or when the analysis comes to an end, you should go back to the original question. It is then time to summarize in a few words your key hypotheses and the options developed and to conclude with the most relevant recommendations you would make to the client.

Don’t jump too quickly into the analysis

Before starting the analysis, make sure that you understand the question and its main components. Ask further questions if some elements are unclear to you.

Don’t panic if the answer is not readily apparent

You are not expected to know everything about every business situation. So do not panic if you do not seem to be making headway or if you are stuck in a dead end. The objective of the entire interview is to discuss your thoughts, present your hypotheses, imagine options, and to finally develop a solution through your interaction with the interviewer.

Don’t defend your own solution at all costs

It might be that the solution you develop is wrong or inappropriate. In this case, the interviewer will make it clear to you so that you can adapt your solution. Do not defend your answer at all costs. On the other hand, you should be ready to defend your approach if you believe it is a good one. The interviewer may just want to test whether you actually firmly believe what you are saying. Be self-critical and flexible enough to follow the direction that looks most promising to you, even if this means changing course.

Don’t internalize your thought process

The interview is set up as a discussion. Therefore, make your logic and hypotheses explicit. A good case interview is not limited to answers and solutions.

Don’t stick to an artificial framework

Standard frameworks are not always applicable to the business situation discussed. Make sure that you keep your structure simple and that it helps you go straight to the key issues.

Don’t rely on circulated cases or use advanced knowledge

The case presented might be familiar to you: A friend may have told you about it or you might have a specific knowledge in the same area. Most often, this advanced knowledge has a negative impact on case performance. We therefore advise you to mention this to the interviewer who will choose another business situation.

One last piece of advice: be yourself and have fun discussing the case. If you find this conversation exciting and entertaining, you'll likely enjoy being a consultant at BCG.

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