Do you know why most consulting candidates, even the smart ones, get rejected? It’s not because they freeze under pressure or don’t know their frameworks. It’s because they haven’t practiced enough with real case examples.

After helping hundreds of candidates land offers at top firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, I can tell you this: the people who succeed are the ones who put in the reps with real, practical cases.

In this guide, I’m breaking down the five main types of case interviews you’re most likely to face. Not just the theory; you’ll get actual examples, insider tips, and proven strategies to handle each one like a pro.

5 Main Types of Case Interviews with Real Examples

Case interviews come in various flavors, each testing different aspects of your business acumen. Having worked at McKinsey for years, I can tell you that mastering these core types will prepare you for virtually any scenario you might face.

Profitability Case Examples

These cases focus on diagnosing why profits are declining or how to improve financial performance. They’re among the most common cases you’ll encounter

A classic profitability case involves a pharmaceutical company that has increased drug sales but is experiencing decreased overall profit. The key here is to separate revenue factors from cost drivers. Start by confirming that prices haven’t decreased despite higher sales volume, then investigate manufacturing, marketing, and distribution costs.

Another common example features a luxury watch manufacturer experiencing its first unprofitable year. This case often includes a strategic twist – perhaps the company invested heavily in new production capabilities or expanded too quickly into new markets.

Market Entry Case Examples

Market entry cases test your ability to evaluate new opportunities systematically.

Consider the case of a European speaker manufacturer considering U.S. market entry. You’ll need to assess market size, competitive landscape, entry barriers, and potential strategies (direct sales vs. distribution partnerships).

Another example involves a Brazilian light bulb manufacturer looking to enter another Latin American country. This case often includes complexities around local regulations, energy efficiency standards, and distribution channel challenges.

For market entry cases, focus on three key questions:

1. Is the market attractive? (size, growth, competition)
2. Can we win? (competitive advantage, barriers to entry)
3. Is it worth it? (investment required, potential returns)

M&A Case Examples

M&A cases evaluate your ability to assess strategic fit and the financial implications of potential acquisitions.

A common example features a soda company considering buying a nearby potato chip manufacturer. You’ll need to evaluate synergies (shared distribution, marketing efficiencies), market expansion opportunities, and potential risks.

Another typical case involves a gym franchise thinking about buying the rights to a new exercise machine. This requires analyzing how the acquisition fits into the company’s broader strategy, customer preferences, and competitive positioning.

When analyzing M&A cases, consider both quantitative factors (financial return, synergies) and qualitative factors (strategic alignment, cultural fit, and risk).

Decision-Making Case Examples

Decision-making cases test your ability to structure complex business problems and recommend the optimal path forward when multiple viable options exist.

A typical scenario involves a tech startup CEO who must choose between three growth strategies: expanding internationally, developing a new product line, or acquiring a smaller competitor.

You’ll need to evaluate each option against criteria like resource requirements, timeline to profitability, and strategic alignment with company strengths.

For decision-making cases, structure your analysis this way:

• Define the problem clearly
• Establish criteria for solutions
• Consider alternatives
• Identify the best alternatives
• Develop and implement an action plan
• Evaluate and monitor the solution

The key is demonstrating logical thinking while acknowledging that business decisions often involve uncertainty and trade-offs between competing priorities.

Operations and Cost Reduction Examples

Operations cases test your ability to identify inefficiencies and recommend process improvements.

An airline responding to a competitor’s strategy change (the A+ Airlines case) requires analyzing route profitability, fleet utilization, and customer segmentation to determine the optimal competitive response.

The bottling plant efficiency improvement case (often based on Pepsi’s LA bottling plant) involves identifying production bottlenecks, quality issues, and labor utilization problems.

When tackling operations cases, use the 3P approach:

1. People (skills, organization, incentives)
2. Processes (workflow, automation, quality control)
3. Physical assets (capacity, maintenance, technology)

Top Case Interview Examples from Leading Consulting Firms

Each consulting firm has its own case interview style. Understanding these differences can give you a significant advantage.

Let’s look at real examples from top firms.

McKinsey & Company Case Examples

McKinsey typically uses an interviewer-led approach, meaning the interviewer guides you through the case with specific questions.

Diconsa involves enhancing financial services for remote communities in Mexico. This case tests your ability to design services for underserved populations while ensuring financial sustainability. You’ll analyze customer needs, service delivery models, and cost structures.

Electro-Light focuses on preparing a beverage company for a new product launch. You’ll need to assess market potential, competitive positioning, and go-to-market strategy for an innovative sports drink.

GlobaPharm examines pharmaceutical industry M&A opportunities. This case requires evaluating potential acquisition targets based on strategic fit, R&D pipelines, and financial synergies.

National Education involves developing strategies for improving a country’s education system. This public sector case tests your ability to work with multiple stakeholders and limited resources.

McKinsey cases often include social impact considerations alongside business metrics.

BCG Case Interview Examples

BCG typically employs a candidate-led format, where you drive the analysis and request specific information.

The Climate Challenge case asks you to help a consumer goods company reduce its environmental impact. You’ll need to analyze the carbon footprint across the value chain and recommend cost-effective reduction strategies.

The Customer Satisfaction case involves improving metrics at a digital bank. You’ll analyze customer journey touchpoints, identify pain points, and propose service improvements that balance cost and impact.

The IT Architecture/Cloud Migration case focuses on helping a company upgrade its ERP system. This technology strategy case requires assessing current systems, cloud options, and implementation approaches.

BCG cases often feature data exhibits and charts that require careful interpretation.

Bain & Company Case Examples

Like BCG, Bain uses a candidate-led format but often with greater emphasis on quantitative analysis.

CoffeeCo asks whether to open a new coffee shop. This case requires market sizing, competitive analysis, and financial modeling to determine if a new location will be profitable.

FashionCo investigates declining revenues in a fashion company. You’ll analyze sales trends across product lines, customer segments, and geographical regions to identify the root causes.

Private Equitas focuses on maximizing investment returns for a private equity firm. This case tests your ability to identify value creation opportunities across a portfolio of companies.

Bain cases frequently include mental math calculations to test your quantitative skills under pressure.

Deloitte and Other Firms’ Case Examples

Deloitte cases often reflect their diverse consulting services spanning strategy, operations, and technology.

Recreation Unlimited involves enhancing the digital customer experience for a sportswear company. You’ll evaluate the current online shopping experience and recommend improvements to increase conversion and customer loyalty.

Agency V focuses on reputation recovery for a federal agency after a public relations crisis. This case requires stakeholder analysis, communication strategy, and organizational change recommendations.

Accenture cases frequently focus on technology integration and digital transformation, while Oliver Wyman offers industry-specific cases like “Urban Grocer” that test retail operations knowledge.

Capital One cases center around financial analysis and market sizing with emphasis on data-driven decision making.

Looking for more personalized preparation? High Bridge Academy offers specialized training with ex-McKinsey, Bain, and BCG consultants who know exactly what these firms are looking for.

Proven Approach to Solving Any Case Interview

Beyond specific examples, mastering a reliable problem-solving approach is crucial for case interview success.

The Four-Part Case Structure

The most effective approach to case interviews follows a clear four-part structure:

The opening phase is where you correctly understand the problem. Take time to clarify the case objective, key stakeholders, and relevant constraints. Don’t rush to solution mode before fully understanding the problem.

For example, if asked about declining profits, confirm whether the goal is short-term profit recovery or long-term sustainable growth.

The structure phase involves creating an effective framework. This isn’t about forcing pre-memorized frameworks but rather developing a customized approach for the specific case.

Good structures are:

• Mutually exclusive (no overlap between branches)
• Collectively exhaustive (covers all important areas)
• Tailored to the specific problem
• Logical and easy to follow

The analysis phase focuses on data interpretation and insights. Request relevant information, perform calculations accurately, and draw meaningful conclusions from the data.

Always explain your thinking process and the significance of your findings.

The recommendation phase delivers compelling conclusions. A strong recommendation:

• Answers the original question
• It is supported by your analysis
• Acknowledges implementation challenges
• Considers next steps

Framework Selection Guide

Choosing the right framework depends on the case type.

Use profitability frameworks when analyzing financial performance issues. The profit equation (Profit = Revenue – Costs) provides a simple starting point, but you should expand it to include volume, price, fixed costs, and variable costs.

Market sizing frameworks work best for estimation cases. The top-down approach starts with a total population and applies relevant percentages, while the bottom-up approach builds from individual units to reach a total.

For unique cases that don’t fit standard templates:

1. Identify the core business problem
2. List the 3-5 key drivers of that problem
3. Create relevant sub-branches for each driver
4. Prioritize areas based on likely impact

Avoiding framework rigidity is essential. Memorized frameworks signal a lack of original thinking to interviewers. Instead, adapt frameworks to the specific case context.

Quantitative Analysis in Case Interviews

Strong quantitative skills separate top candidates from average ones.

Mental math shortcuts can save precious time in case scenarios. For percentage calculations, use the fact that 10% is easy to calculate and build from there. For example, to find 15% of 80, first calculate 10% (8) and half of that (4), then add them together (12).

Break-even analysis appears frequently in case interviews. The formula (Fixed Costs ÷ Contribution Margin per Unit) gives you the number of units needed to cover costs.

For market sizing calculations, round numbers make mental math easier. It’s better to be slightly imprecise but clear in your thinking than to get bogged down in complex calculations.

Data interpretation strategies include looking for trends, comparisons against benchmarks, and identifying outliers. Always ask “So what?” after any calculation to explain its business implications.

Common Case Interview Mistakes and Solutions

After observing thousands of case interviews, I’ve identified the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

The number one mistake is jumping straight into calculations without establishing a clear structure. This leads to a scattered analysis that misses key areas.

Other frequent mistakes include:

• Making assumptions without stating them explicitly
• Failing to take notes effectively during the case
• Treating the case as a one-way presentation rather than a collaborative discussion
• Getting stuck on difficult calculations
• Missing the forest for the trees (focusing on details without addressing the main question)

To avoid these pitfalls, use this approach:

• Clarify the objective before proceeding 
• Lay out your structure transparently 
• Engage with the interviewer throughout 
• Articulate your assumptions 
• Regularly summarize your findings and next steps

The High Bridge Bootcamp offers a comprehensive preparation program, equipping participants with consulting-ready skills that are essential for success in interviews and beyond.

Case Interview Preparation Strategy

Effective preparation requires a systematic approach combining solo practice, partner work, and strategic planning.

Solo Preparation Techniques

Self-directed case practice can be highly effective when done correctly.

Read through case examples actively rather than passively. For each case, pause and structure your approach before reading the solution.

Develop a self-testing system to measure your progress. After completing a case, rate yourself on key dimensions:

• Problem definition
• Structure quality
• Analytical rigor
• Communication clarity
• Recommendation strength

Create a note-taking system that works for you. Many successful candidates use a two-column approach with the case structure on the left and calculations on the right.

Partner Practice Methodology

While solo preparation builds fundamentals, partner practice is essential for simulating real interview conditions.

Finding case partners can be challenging. Reach out to classmates, university consulting clubs, or online communities. The High Bridge alumni community connects over 1000 peers to share experiences and offer support.

Establish clear roles for each practice session. The interviewer should prepare the case in advance, while the interviewee should approach it fresh.

Provide specific, actionable feedback after each practice case. Focus on both content (framework, analysis, recommendations) and delivery (communication, presence, confidence).

Record your practice sessions occasionally to identify unconscious habits or verbal tics that might detract from your performance.

Final Week Preparation Plan

The week before your interview requires special preparation.

Mental preparation techniques include visualization of successful case performance and stress-reduction practices. Imagine yourself calmly solving complex problems and delivering confident recommendations.

Last-minute review priorities should focus on strengthening areas of weakness rather than trying to absorb new content. Review your notes from previous practice cases and refine your approach based on feedback.

The day before your interview, avoid cramming. Instead, review 1-2 cases in your target firm’s style, get adequate rest, and prepare logistically (interview location, dress code, materials).

Expert Tips from Former Consulting Interviewers

As a former McKinsey interviewer, I’ve seen what separates successful candidates from the rest. Here are insider tips that can give you an edge:

First impressions matter tremendously. Research shows interviewers form initial judgments within the first 7 seconds that often persist throughout the interview.

The questions you ask reveal your thinking quality. Thoughtful clarifying questions demonstrate business acumen, while generic questions suggest a lack of insight.

Use the High Bridge Storytelling Framework for behavioral questions. This structured approach ensures you deliver compelling responses that highlight your consulting potential:

1. Headline: Start with a compelling one-sentence summary
2. Context: Briefly set the scene
3. Challenges: Outline what made the situation difficult
4. Alternatives: Show what could have been done
5. Actions: Describe what you actually did
6. Results: Demonstrate the impact
7. Reflection: End with what you learned

This framework helps interviewers understand not just what you did, but how you think, exactly what consulting firms are looking for.

Demonstrate coachability during the case. If the interviewer provides a hint or suggestion, acknowledge it and incorporate it into your thinking.

Show genuine enthusiasm for the problem. Consultants face challenging problems daily; your natural curiosity and engagement signal consulting fit.

The High Bridge Academy incorporates these insider perspectives through coaching from 60+ former MBB consultants who have been on both sides of the interview table.

Final Note

Remember that case interviews test how you think, not just what you know. Focus on developing a structured approach to problem-solving rather than memorizing frameworks or solutions.

Start your preparation early, practice consistently, and seek quality feedback. The High Bridge Consulting Program offers the most comprehensive preparation available, with personalized coaching and proven methodologies that have helped thousands of candidates secure offers at top consulting firms.

Have questions or want to learn more? Schedule a discovery call. We’re happy to help.