There are many types of job interviews that you will face in your job hunt- HR interviews,behavioral interview questions, panel interviews, group interviews, screening interviews, etc., are just a few to name. But each of them is equally challenging, some more than others.
Today, we will discuss another addition in this series of job interviews, Case Study interviews.
In this blog, we will dive deep into understanding what are case study interviews all about, followed by some crucial sample case study interview questions and answers to help you ace your upcoming interview.
Let’s begin!
What is a case study interview?
A case study interview is one where recruiters ask hypothetical business-related questions, to which the candidates have to provide recommendations accordingly.
The reason for these case study interview questions is to test the candidate's problem-solving abilities and quick-thinking capabilities.
Although every interview requires thorough preparation, case study interviews need a little more attention to ace.
Case study interview questions
It is important to know about the types of case study interview questions before we go looking for answers. Case study interview questions are of 4 types, namely:
- Standard case study questions and answers
- Market sizing case study questions and answers
- Business case study questions and answers
- Logical/ trick case study questions and answers
Here are a few sample case study questions and answers to help you understand better.
Standard case interview question
How would you introduce a product into a foreign market? What are the risks and benefits to consider i.e., producing in your own country vs producing in the new country, etc.?
“My first step will be to study the targeted market and understand the customers’ demands and requirements. Next, examine the cost of production in the new country and compare it to domestic production.
Once we have answers to these crucial factors, my next step is to draw up a marketing strategy that will appeal to new customers.Every customer base reacts differently to different advertisements.
This makes it crucial to nail the right marketing recipe especially when introducing your product to a new customer base.”
If a company is struggling, should it be restructured? Identify its three main problems. What is the most important problem the company is facing? How would you recommend the company address this problem? How would you turn this company around? Provide your reasoning.
“If I see a company struggling, my first action will be to identify the problem areas and break it down to the most critical one.
Once that is done, I will suggest a few reforms the company can undertake and give them 6 months to a year’s time. If the condition still does not improve, I would suggest a performance analysis of the problem areas, ask them to take a call accordingly.
I am not pro to downsizing hence I suggest it as the final option when all other reforms have failed.”
Logical case study interview questions
Why are manhole covers always round and not square?
“The reason why manhole covers are round is because a square cover if turned diagonally will fall right through. On the other hand, round covers will get stuck if turned diagonally.”
There are 23 football teams playing in a tournament. What will be the least number of games played to find a tournament winner?
“Given there are 23 teams contending and each round will only present 1 winner, the final winner can only be declared after 22 rounds.”
How will you put a giraffe in a fridge?
“I’ll open the fridge, put the giraffe in and shut the door.”
Tip: Remember, no specifics were provided. So, keep your answer simple and witty.
A woman and daughter walked into a restaurant. A man walked past and the women both said “Hello, Father”. How is this possible?
“The answer is rather simple and have only 2 options. He’s either a church priest or his name is Father.”
Business case study questions
How will you work with an underperforming team member?
“To work with an underperforming teammate, my first step will be to understand what drives them and the reason for their lack of optimum productivity.
Once I have this information, I will try to give them a friendly advice and try to encourage them more to perform better with small gestures like a team lunch.
If I am on the same work level with my teammate, I am not the right person to remind them of the implications of lagging behind. Hence my approach to keep them encouraged.”
Market sizing case study questions
- Please provide the total weight of a fully loaded Jumbo Jet at the time of take off.
- How will you weigh a blue whale without using a scale?
- How many people sell XYZ products in India?
- How many photocopies are taken in India each year?
These case study interview questions should be tackled carefully. Here are a few tips to face such case study questions and answers;
- Take time to gather your thoughts before answering
- Note down the key information and for calculations
- Be confident of your math skills
- Ask additional questions if you feel you are missing some information
- These questions test your ability to think laterally, logically, structurally and communicate effectively
- Use business frameworks like SWOT analyses to frame your answers
- Be aware of your market scenarios as most of market-sizing cast study interview questions test your awareness.
Conclusion
Hope these sample case study interview questions and answers were helpful.
In addition, when preparing to answer these questions, always carry a pen and notepad to note down information, basic calculations, etc. Secondly, ask more questions to collect more information you find lacking.
Apart from these, always practice case study interview questions and answers at home to build confidence.
All the Best!
