The Case Study Interview at Deloitte

An application on the company website got me in for the video interview and then on to the case study interview within the span of a week.

In the initial conversation with the Talent Acquisition Manager, I learnt the case study interview would be a one-hour session with the group director and involve a case scenario where I would be assessed for my:

• communication skills
• analytic thought process and real-life business acumen
• ability to probe for more information and think on my feet
• story-telling capabilities using a well-composed format with a beginning, middle and end solution to the problem at hand

The case scenario would be a journey with a certain outcome and no right answers.

On her YouTube video, Hanna says the case study interview is about solving a real-life problem and solving it in a logical and methodological way.

Analyzing the key drivers of the business and being able to really put yourself in the client's shoes is a major part of the case study, as shown in the screen shot.

The following webpage on the Deloitte website recommends this five-step approach while working through the case interview:

1. Understand the issue; ask clarifying questions as needed
2. Identify the underlying assumptions
3. Summarize specific issues and findings
4. State your recommendations
5. Outline next steps and expected results/impacts

It also recommends the following tips to demonstrate your best thinking:

• Take notes throughout the case exercise
• Be sure to fully understand the case question
• Ask questions, but connect the dots rather than use them as a crutch to paint the picture for you
• Develop and articulate a framework and initial hypothesis that you intend to explore
• Take time to compose your thoughts–don't just start talking
• Structure your analysis into a clear, logical story
• Walk the interviewer through your thinking and explain your assumptions
• Don't panic—engage the interviewer in a business conversation
• Don't forget that the case interview is an opportunity to learn about a Deloitte project

From what I've heard from a couple of friends who went through the case study interview, the format is most likely a question such as: how many taxi cabs would be on the streets in Melbourne during rush hour traffic?

Another approach to a detailed case study interview is probably best shown in the following video by Bain and Company.

The best answer is one that involves a highly analytical and structured thought process - but only as long as it is well articulated and broken down into logical argumentation.

Some of the top approaches coaches recommended for case study interviews is to:

1. Identify root-causes that are mutually and exhaustively exclusive (MECE). For example, a decline in profits is due to either declining revenues or increasing costs - further reasons can be broken down from these two mutually exclusive and mutually exhaustive possibilities. Simply identifying some random reasons that may not cover the entire spectrum is a much weaker approach.

2. Showcase analytic and quantitative skills galore. State numbers, percentages, statistics, analytic insights and so on to show you know the science, and know it well.


A good example that highlights the right approach to guesstimate type interviews is available in this video by a former McKinsey consultant.


Applicants who appear for the interview have varying degrees of preparation, ranging from hiring professional services to perfect their case interview skills to those like me who have had just enough time to research some tips, so it's easy to feel unprepared no matter what your level of preparation.

When all is said and done, I understand that the best way to go about it (and the strategy I will use), is to take this as an opportunity to learn about Deloitte projects, roll up your sleeves and immerse yourself in the situation as if you are meeting a client. Be alert and sharp but also receptive and patient. Be at your professional best and don't let fear or panic overcome you.

While we're at it, the following Sky Business news interview with Giam Sweigers, the dynamic CEO who's aggressively steering Deloitte to the top slot, is probably quite relevant. In it he talks about 'Innovate or Die' with a strong emphasis on agility, disruption and rapidly adopting new technology.

The Deloitte website also has a number of other hot topics and brilliant research papers that are always a good read.