How to Open a Case Interview Like a Pro: Tips to Nail the First Step

Case interviews are the core of the consulting recruitment process. They test your problem-solving skills, structured communication, business sense, and ability to think on your feet without sweating bullets. Whether you're scouring consulting frameworks cheat sheets or getting lost in case books, one thing is clear: mastering how to open a case interview is the first step to cracking a case.

In our previous guide, we walked through the major segments of a case interview to help you understand the process with confidence. Today, we’re zooming in on that critical first step—opening a case interview smoothly, asking the right questions, and laying a rock-solid foundation for success.

Why the Opening Matters More Than You Think

Picture this: the interviewer has just finished rattling off the case background (aka "the prompt"). Most candidates are itching to dive headfirst into solving the problem. But wait! Hitting pause here can be your secret weapon.

The “Case Opening” isn’t just a polite formality; it’s your golden chance to clarify the problem, steer the discussion in the right direction, flex your industry insights, and show the interviewer that you actually know what you're doing.

Let’s break it down step by step:

Step 1: Confirm Key Information Provided

If you're just starting case preparation, focus on repeating the prompt verbatim. The goal here is to train your attention and improve your speed in capturing key information.

The pro move? Paraphrasing the key points while showing you "get" the industry context.

Here’s an example:

• If the interviewer says, “Our petroleum client is facing profitability challenges, experiencing a 20% decrease over the past three years...”
• You can say: “This is indeed a tough issue for our client. Recently, I saw in ABC reports that the industry overall has faced challenges due to the rise of renewables and growing interest in electric alternatives. Do we know if other competitors are experiencing the same decline?”

This subtle twist helps you prioritize your framework - whether the root cause lies in internal issues or external market turbulence. It also demonstrates business acumen without sounding rehearsed.

Step 2: Ask Smart Clarifying Questions

Good consultants ask good questions. Great ones? They ask fewer but sharper ones. Aim for 2-3 core questions that help you laser-focus on solving the issue and build a killer framework.

Here are two question categories to keep in your back pocket:

a. Business Model Questions

These help you understand how the client's operations, products, and market work—especially useful when you’re not a subject matter expert.

• Example: “I’m not very familiar with how insurance companies generate revenue. Could you provide a quick overview?”

b. Target/Criteria Questions

Clarifying constraints or success metrics helps you zero in on what actually matters.

• For a profitability case: “Does our client have a specific profitability target to hit, and by when?”
• For a market entry case: “Does our client have a financial goal or timeline for entering the market?”
• For an M&A case: “Are there any investment limitations we need to consider?”

Final Tip: Keep It Short and Sweet

A strong “case opening” should typically take no more than 3 minutes. After clarifying the problem, smoothly transition to structuring your approach by saying something like:

“Alright, I think I have enough information for now. May I take a few moments to structure my thoughts?”

By mastering the “Case Opening,” you’ll enter the rest of your consulting interview with a clear direction and greater confidence.

Stay tuned for more actionable tips on crushing your case interviews.