Cracking the case: Insights on mastering case interviews
Case cracking has become a central part of many recruitment processes where analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication matter. To understand what case interviews are really about and how to prepare for them, we met with Salla Vaajoensuu and Hertta Hankimaa from Boston Consulting Group. They shared their experiences and practical guidance on approaching case interviews with confidence and the right mindset.
Understanding case interviews
A case interview is a structured conversation built around a business challenge that the candidate is asked to analyse. Cases can explore a wide range of topics, from market entry or profitability assessments to operational challenges and strategic decisions, reflecting the wide variety of problems organisations face. Many cases draw on real project work, offering a realistic glimpse of the challenges teams encounter, although a case can ultimately be about almost anything.
Salla Vaajoensuu joined BCG over five years ago and now works as a Project Leader. She studied industrial engineering and management at the University of Oulu.
“The cases are often based on real projects we work on as consultants. The topic can be anything, and there are no rules. I have even done a holiday island case as a candidate.” - Salla Vaajoensuu
Rather than searching for a single correct answer, the goal is to see how you break down the problem, structure your thinking, and communicate your reasoning. As case interviews also reflect real ways of working, they give both the interviewer and the candidate a sense of whether the role and working style are a good match.
How to prepare
There are many useful resources to help build familiarity with cases, including case interview books, online guides, and walkthrough videos. Watching recorded examples can help illustrate how a case typically unfolds and how different approaches appear in practice.
“When I first started practising for case interviews, I had no idea what they were. My first step was to look up a case simulation video on YouTube to understand what the process is like." - Hertta Hankimaa
Learning about common frameworks is also helpful at this stage, as they introduce ways to structure a problem. What is important to remember, however, is that preparation should focus on learning how to apply these frameworks rather than memorising them, since each case is unique. Case cracking is often about finding the right balance between structure and creativity, showing that you can stay organised while also adapting to the specific challenge.
Once the basics feel familiar, active practice becomes the most valuable part of preparation. Working through cases with others helps you articulate your reasoning out loud, react to new information and gain confidence in explaining your thought process. If you do not have peers preparing for similar roles, several online platforms can match you with practice partners. Practising with someone you do not know can make the experience feel even more realistic and, in some cases, even better preparation than rehearsing with friends, as it mirrors the dynamic of an actual interview.
“Practising with others is incredibly valuable, because hearing someone else solve a case gives you insight into what the interviewer pays attention to." - Salla Vaajoensuu
Practising together also allows you to hear how another person structures their reasoning. This can help you imagine how you might sound in the same situation and highlight areas to refine. It also enables constructive feedback, which is one of the most effective ways to improve.
Hertta Hankimaa joined BCG in January and works as an Associate. She holds a degree in economics from Aalto University.
Performing under pressure
Even with strong preparation, moments of uncertainty are a part of the process. Staying calm helps you keep your structure and think clearly. Taking a moment to summarise your understanding out loud before moving on shows the interviewer how you reason, keeps the conversation aligned, and gives you a chance to regain your footing if needed. Asking for clarification when something feels unclear is also part of a thoughtful and collaborative approach. It is not a weakness, but quite the opposite. It signals that you are committed to fully understanding the problem before progressing.
“If you start to feel a bit lost it helps to pause for a moment and paraphrase what you’ve understood so far to make sure you’re on the right track.” - Hertta Hankimaa
The interview is meant to be an open and supportive discussion. Interviewers genuinely want you to do your best and will often help guide the conversation. If an interview doesn’t go as planned, do not feel discouraged! Many candidates require several attempts before they find their place, and each experience builds familiarity and confidence for the next time.
Three Key Takeaways from case interview preparation
Build structure instead of memorising frameworks. Learn to apply structured thinking to different situations rather than relying on pre-set templates.
Focus on the bigger picture. Case interviews are not only about solving the problem but about demonstrating how you think, communicate, and approach challenges.
Do not hesitate to ask for clarification if something is unclear. Ensuring mutual understanding shows confidence and careful thinking, not weakness.
