Case studies are descriptions of typical business situations. They form part of the recruiting process as they allow the interviewer to test a candidate’s:

• Ability to think on their feet
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to synthesize information and get to the heart of the problem
• Understanding of business issues
• Numerical and verbal agility
• Ability to work with limited facts
• Communication skills

While the questions and formats vary, each case study will begin with an introduction to a specific question or problem. You will have the opportunity to ask pointed questions in order to learn the most important factors surrounding the case. Then you will be asked to synthesize the crucial points and data in order to arrive at a conclusion. Most case studies have no single right answer, however, you are evaluated on your ability to ask appropriate questions, think and communicate clearly, and to drive to specific conclusions based on what you have learned. To help you with your interview preparation and to give you a better idea of what to expect, we have put together a ‘How to Crack a Case Study’ booklet, which you can download here.

Tips for Case Study Interviews

• Listen carefully to the introduction
• Take time to digest and clarify anything you don't understand
• Structure your approach by breaking the problem down and drawing yourself a mental map
• Communicate your structure and thought process to the interviewer
• Demonstrate that you have a clear overview of the case before you focus on specific areas
• Listen carefully to responses from the interviewer
• Look to build a two-way discussion, rather than simply giving answers
• Synthesise your answers and communicate the key insights
• Use your common sense

Good luck!