Acing Case Interviews: Introducing Our Evaluation Rubric

Acing case interviews is about mastering six core skills: correctness, comprehensiveness, succinctness, creativity, prioritization, and business acumen, all of which reflect the key abilities required in real-world consulting. Excelling in these areas ensures you provide accurate, insightful, and actionable recommendations, while effectively communicating and prioritizing solutions that create tangible impact for clients

1.        Correctness 

What it tests: Your ability to reach accurate conclusions through logical reasoning 

Why it matters: Consultants need to provide factually accurate insights and recommendations backed by reliable data and sound analysis to build trust and deliver lasting impact 

2.        Comprehensiveness 

What it tests: Your ability to break a large problem into small pieces and analyze the breadth and depth of all key aspects of a problem  

In brainstorming questions, it also tests your ability to generate ideas across a broad range 

Why it matters: Clients expect thorough solutions. Overlooking details can lead to incorrect or incomplete results, which erodes the quality of our deliverables and trust with clients  

3.        Succinctness 

What it tests: Your ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely. We often use a structured, top-down communication style called the Pyramid Principle. It means presenting the main idea first, followed by key insights, and then describing the nitty-gritty of each insight

In a case interview, you should explain your framework or ideas in a way that demonstrates structure and logical flow 

Why it matters: Consultants often present complex situations or ideas to busy executives. Delivering actionable insights in a clear, concise manner is essential for holding the audience’s attention 

4.        Creativity 

What it tests: Your ability to think outside the box and propose innovative solutions

Why it matters: Clients often engage consultants to explore creative solutions to the unique challenges they face, and creative solutions help them stay competitive and adapt to changing market conditions 

5.        Prioritization 

What it tests: Your ability to focus on the most critical issues that drive impact

In a case interview, you can demonstrate this skill by explaining why a specific idea or action is more relevant to the client - either because it has a significant impact or requires minimal resources to pursue. You can also deprioritize less impactful aspects of your framework (e.g., factors that account for only a small share of the overall problem)

Why it matters: Most consulting engagements have tight deadlines and limited resources, and prioritizing high-impact areas ensures efficient and timely project delivery. It also helps clients optimize resource allocation when they implement your recommendations 

6.        Business Acumen 

What it tests: Your understanding of business principles and ability to apply them effectively 

In a case interview, you can demonstrate business acumen by using client-specific terminology, applying relevant insights from real-life experience, or referencing trends in the client’s industry  

While firms like McKinsey mention that business knowledge is not explicitly assessed in a case interview, strong business acumen does enhance your framework and solutions, making them more insightful, persuasive, creative, and practical for real-world challenges

Why it matters: Good strategies are tailored to fit the client’s industry, business model, and market dynamics. Successful consultants must go below surface level and deliver practical, relevant solutions to unique client challenges by leveraging their business acumen