The case study interview can seem daunting, but is a great opportunity for you to showcase how you think. We are looking for people who are able to structure problems, break them down, solve the component parts and then put them back together to form robust solutions. Therefore, the following are the keys to success:

• Understand the problem - repeat it back to check you have it right. Ask clarifying questions
  
  
• Structure the problem - think through how you will break it down, what the component parts are, how you will solve them and how you will put it back together. Use a pencil to jot down ideas
  
  
• Prioritise - you won’t have time to solve the whole problem, so pick off the most significant parts first
  
  
• Do the sums - do high level calculations on the back of an envelope (you won’t have a calculator so it’s a good idea to practise your long multiplication, division, addition, subtraction and percentages in advance). We’re not looking for you to have precise answers, just an estimate
  
  
• Reach a conclusion - pull it all together in to an answer or recommendation. If you have not completed the analysis, the interviewer will give you a clue when it’s time to do this, but if you can, complete it earlier

Remember the following:

• Ask questions - it’s supposed to be a conversation with the interviewer, so ask them questions; get feedback and hints if you get stuck. If you don’t have a piece of knowledge ask them and they will either tell you, or help you work it out
  
  
• Stop and think - don’t start down the first path you think of, or jump around in a haphazard pattern
  
  
• Communicate - remember the interviewer is trying to understand how you are thinking, so you have to walk them through it, even if you can do it in your head. This is great practise as you may have to walk your team and/or client through your solutions
  
  
• Be brave - tackle the most significant issues, even if they are the hardest. We want you to go for the most significant issues first, and we’re there to help if you get stuck