A case study interview is a common assessment used by companies on LinkedIn to evaluate critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. Candidates are presented with a business scenario and asked to analyze the situation, identify key issues, and propose viable solutions. Preparing for a case study interview requires understanding the typical framework, practicing sample cases, and honing communication skills. With the right preparation, candidates can successfully tackle these assessments and stand out from the competition.
Understand the case study framework
Case studies typically follow a standard framework:
- The interviewer presents a business situation or scenario.
- The candidate is given time to review the information and ask clarifying questions.
- The interviewer outlines what the ideal solution would achieve.
- The candidate analyzes the case details, identifies key issues, proposes solutions, and outlines implementation steps.
- The interviewer asks follow-up questions and probes the candidate’s thought process.
- The candidate summarizes and reiterates the most important points.
Understanding this basic framework allows candidates to mentally prepare for the progression of the case interview. Candidates should listen carefully to the initial prompt, take notes on important details, and clarify any unclear points upfront. During the analysis phase, candidates should vocalize their thought process while structuring the issues and developing solutions. Candidates should wrap up by clearly reiterating their proposed solutions and next steps.
Practice sample cases
Gaining exposure to sample case studies helps prepare candidates for the types of business scenarios and questions they may encounter. There are many resources online with practice cases spanning marketing, operations, finance, strategy, and general management. Candidates should try to complete several practice cases under timed conditions. This helps approximate the actual interview setting. For each practice case, candidates should strive to:
- Comprehensively break down the business situation provided
- Identify 3-5 key issues to be addressed
- Propose at least 2-3 solutions for each key issue
- Outline implementation steps and predicted results
- Summarize the proposed solutions and actions
Practicing these steps will prepare candidates to thoroughly analyze new business scenarios and develop well-structured solutions on the spot during actual interviews. Candidates can also practice outlining their thought process verbally to get comfortable effectively communicating their analysis.
Develop communication skills
Communication skills are critical in case study interviews. Candidates must be able to articulate their thought process in a clear, logical, and succinct manner while collaborating with the interviewer. Key tips for communication include:
- Ask clarifying questions up front before beginning the analysis
- Thinking out loud while structuring the issues and solutions
- Making eye contact and engaging with the interviewer
- Using clear and concise language while avoiding filler words
- Walking through proposed solutions step-by-step
- Summarizing the main points and takeaways at the end
Candidates should avoid long pauses or rambling explanations. The interviewer is evaluating how candidates communicate and collaborate in real-time. Practicing sample cases out loud and with a partner helps hone communication abilities.
Structure and organize your thinking
Interviewers evaluate how logically and coherently candidates structure their analysis. Before starting to solve the business case, candidates should take 1-2 minutes to visually organize the details provided. This helps identify interconnections between case elements and provides an analysis framework. Next, candidates should vocalize a structured approach to solving the case, for example:
- Issue 1: Cost structure challenges
- Issue 2: New competitor in market
- Issue 3: Supply chain bottlenecks
Maintaining an organized, methodical approach throughout demonstrates analytical skills and strategic thinking. Candidates can practice using whiteboards or scratchpads to outline their visual structure.
Demonstrate quantitative abilities
Case studies often involve interpreting numerical data and financials. Candidates should brush up on their math skills to perform quick calculations and demonstrate quantitative reasoning. When presented with numerical data:
- Clarify what the data represents
- Analyze trends over time
- Identify outliers or notable variances
- Use the data to inform strategic recommendations
Doing a few quick mental math exercises can warm up candidates’ quantitative skills right before the interview. Approximating the figures or ratios is fine during verbal discussions but candidates should aim to be precise when doing written analyses.
Propose strategic solutions
Interviewers ultimately assess candidates on the solutions and strategic recommendations they propose. Candidates should take a creative but sensible approach to developing solutions for each key issue identified. Proposed solutions should clearly outline:
- Specific strategic actions to take
- Required resources and implementation steps
- Potential obstacles and mitigating actions
- Expected outcomes and KPIs
Backing up solutions with logical reasoning and potential upside helps demonstrate strategic thinking. Candidates should remember to focus on the actions most critical for success rather than trying to propose overly complex solutions. Prioritizing solutions with the clearest links to the company’s goals will earn the most points.
Review the job description
Candidates should thoroughly review the job description before the interview to tailor their examples and solutions accordingly. The case study will likely touch on skills, experiences, and subject matter expertise outlined for the role. Candidates can reference their background that aligns with key requirements in the job description while presenting their qualifications throughout the case discussion.
Ask thoughtful questions
The case interview also provides an opportunity for candidates to ask probing questions and demonstrate engagement. Candidates should prepare thoughtful questions ahead of time on topics like:
- The company’s competitive positioning
- New product development strategies
- Organizational culture and values
- Career development and training
Asking insightful questions shows the candidate’s strategic interest beyond just solving the case prompt.
Summarize and conclude
Candidates should be sure to leave time at the end to reiterate and summarize their proposed solutions for the major issues identified. Quickly summarizing the 2-3 best solutions helps reinforce key takeaways for the interviewer. Candidates can reemphasize solutions that draw directly from their skills and experience aligned with the role. Concluding on a strong, memorable final statement will leave interviewers with a positive lasting impression.
Sample Case Study Interview Questions
Here are some sample case study interview questions and analysis frameworks:
Revenue growth case
Your client is a publicly traded technology company seeking to improve revenue growth. Their revenue has been stagnant for 3 years. How would you identify opportunities for growth?
Framework:
- Ask clarifying questions about the company’s financial statements, products, and existing customer base
- Analyze last 3 years of financials – is growth stagnant across products? Certain geographies?
- Review current customer and market trends in company’s industry
- Identify new potential revenue sources through:
- New product development
- New customer segments or geographic markets
- Pricing and promotions
- Strategic partnerships
- Outline 2-3 approaches to improve growth aligned with analysis
- Propose implementation plan, investment level, and KPIs
Operational efficiency case
Our client is a retail company struggling with high operations costs. Their net profit margins have declined 2% annually over the past 3 years. How would you identify and address the issues?
Framework:
- Ask clarifying questions about financial statements, operating costs, and current operations
- Review income statement and cost structure – where are the largest costs?
- Do any costs stand out as exceeding industry benchmarks? Why?
- Evaluate current operations and processes against retail competitors
- Propose initiatives to reduce operating costs through:
- Improved inventory management
- Store operations optimization
- Process automation and streamlining
- Strategic partnerships
- Outline implementation plan and expected cost savings
- Propose metrics to track operational improvement
Market entry case
Our client is considering expanding their consumer technology products into a new international market. What factors would you consider to evaluate attractiveness and prepare market entry?
Framework:
- Ask clarifying question about current operations, target product segments, and considered international markets
- Outline key factors to evaluate market viability:
- Market size and demand for products
- Competitive landscape
- Relevant economic, political and regulatory factors
- Cultural nuances and localization needs
- Supply chain logistics
- Propose market entry strategy (direct, partnership, acquisition) aligned to analysis
- Outline execution plan covering legal requirements, localization, pricing, sales/distribution
- Propose metrics to track market entry success and timeline
Conclusion
With the right preparation and practice, candidates can successfully tackle a case study interview on LinkedIn. Understanding the standard case interview framework, practicing sample cases, honing communication skills, organizing analysis, and asking thoughtful questions are key to standing out. Candidates should be sure to align their examples and qualifications to the role throughout the case discussion. Demonstrating strong analytical thinking and strategic problem solving through a sound case study analysis can substantively strengthen a candidate’s application. Preparing ahead of time and applying these strategies will help candidates have an impactful interview and land the job.
