How do you conduct a consulting case interview to select the best candidates?

1 What is a consulting case interview?

A consulting case interview is a simulation of a real-life business problem that you have to solve in a limited time and with limited information. The interviewer will present you with a scenario, such as a client's challenge, a market opportunity, or a strategic decision, and ask you to structure your approach, ask relevant questions, perform calculations, and provide recommendations. The case interview is not only a test of your technical knowledge, but also of your creativity, logic, and communication skills.

2 How to prepare for a consulting case interview?

As an interviewer, you need to prepare for a consulting case interview by choosing a suitable case, defining the objectives, setting the difficulty level, and planning the questions and feedback. You should select a case that is relevant to the role and the firm, and that covers a variety of topics, such as profitability, growth, market entry, pricing, or operations. You should also have a clear idea of what you want to assess from the candidate, such as their analytical, conceptual, or interpersonal skills. You should adjust the difficulty level of the case according to the seniority and experience of the candidate, and avoid making it too easy or too hard. Finally, you should prepare a list of questions and hints that you can use to guide the candidate through the case, and a set of criteria and examples that you can use to evaluate and feedback their performance.

3 How to start a consulting case interview?

The start of a consulting case interview is important to set the tone and expectations for the rest of the session. You should introduce yourself and the case, explain the format and the rules, and ask the candidate if they have any questions. You should also establish rapport and trust with the candidate, and show interest and enthusiasm for their background and motivation. You should then present the case scenario and the main question, and give the candidate some time to read and process the information. You should also encourage the candidate to ask clarifying questions and to repeat or paraphrase the case to check their understanding.

4 How to conduct a consulting case interview?

The main part of a consulting case interview is where you observe and assess the candidate's problem-solving process and communication skills. To do this, you should follow a structured approach that consists of four steps: structure, analysis, synthesis, and conclusion. During each step, ask open-ended questions, provide hints and data, challenge the candidate's assumptions and logic, and listen actively and attentively to their answers. When evaluating the candidate's performance in the structure step, consider their ability to structure complex problems, identify key issues, prioritize areas of analysis, and communicate clearly and concisely. During the analysis step, assess their capacity to perform calculations, interpret data, draw insights, and test hypotheses. When it comes to synthesis, evaluate their skill in synthesizing information, articulating key messages, and providing actionable and realistic solutions. Finally, when concluding the case interview, evaluate their ability to wrap up effectively, address the main question, and demonstrate confidence and professionalism.

5 How to end a consulting case interview?

The end of a consulting case interview is an opportunity to provide feedback and appreciation to the candidate, and to answer any questions they may have about the role or the firm. You should highlight the strengths and areas of improvement of the candidate, using specific examples and evidence from the case. You should also thank the candidate for their time and effort, and express your interest and enthusiasm for their candidacy. You should then invite the candidate to ask any questions they may have, and answer them honestly and transparently. You should also inform the candidate about the next steps of the hiring process, and exchange contact details.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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