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Chapter 6: Case Study Exercises

A resource guide to help you master case study exercises

Page contents:

What is a case study exercise, how to answer a case study exercise, what skills does a case-study exercise assess, what questions will be asked in a case study exercise, case study exercise tips to succeed, key takeaways.

Case-study exercises are a very popular part of an assessment centre. But don't worry, with a bit of preparation and understanding, you can ace this part of the assessment.

Case study exercises are a popular tool used by employers to evaluate candidates' problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and decision-making abilities. These exercises can be in the form of a written report, a presentation, or a group discussion, and typically involve a hypothetical business problem that requires a solution.

The case study presents the candidate with a series of fictional documents such as company reports, a consultant’s report, results from new product research etc. (i.e. similar to the in-tray exercise except these documents will be longer). You will then be asked to make business decisions based on the information. This can be done as an individual exercise, or more likely done in a group discussion so that assessors can also score your teamworking ability.

Before you start the exercise, it's important to carefully read and understand the instructions. Make sure you know what you're being asked to do, what resources you have available to you, and how your performance will be assessed. If you're unsure about anything, don't be afraid to ask for clarification.

Once you've read the case study, it's time to start analysing the problem. This involves breaking down the problem into its component parts, identifying the key issues, and considering different options for addressing them. It's important to approach the problem from different angles and to consider the implications of each possible solution.

During the exercise, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to work well under pressure, to think on your feet, and to communicate your ideas effectively. Make sure to use clear and concise language, and to back up your arguments with evidence and examples.

If you're working on a group case study exercise, it's important to listen to the ideas of others and to contribute your own ideas in a constructive and respectful way. Remember that the assessors are not only evaluating your individual performance but also how well you work as part of a team.

When it comes to presenting your solution, make sure to structure your presentation in a clear and logical way. Start with an introduction that sets out the problem and your approach, then move onto your analysis and recommendations, and finish with a conclusion that summarizes your key points. Make sure to keep to time and to engage your audience with your presentation.

A case study exercise is designed to assess several core competencies that are critical for success in the role you are applying for. There will be many common competencies that will be valuable across most roles in the professional world, these competencies typically include:

Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to identify and analyse problems, and to develop and implement effective solutions.
Analytical Thinking: The capacity to break down complex information into smaller parts, evaluate it systematically, and draw meaningful conclusions.
Decision-Making Abilities: The ability to make well-informed and timely decisions, considering all relevant information and potential outcomes.
Communication Skills: The capacity to convey ideas clearly and concisely, and to listen actively to others.
Teamwork Skills: The ability to collaborate effectively with others, and to work towards a shared goal.
Time Management: The capacity to prioritise tasks and to manage time effectively, while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.

By assessing these competencies, employers can gain valuable insights into how candidates approach problems, how they think critically, and how they work with others to achieve goals. Ultimately, the aim is to identify candidates who can add value to the organisation, and who have the potential to become successful and productive members of the team.

Different companies will prioritise certain competencies; the original job description is a great place to look for finding out what competencies the employer desires and so will likely be scoring you against during the assessment centre activities.

The type of questions that may be asked can vary, but here are some examples of the most common types:

Analytical Questions: These questions require the candidate to analyse a set of data or information and draw conclusions based on their findings. For example: "You have been given a dataset on customer behaviour. What insights can you draw from the data to improve sales performance?"
Decision-Making Questions: These questions ask the candidate to make a decision based on a given scenario. For example: "You are the CEO of a company that is considering a merger. What factors would you consider when making the decision to proceed with the merger?"
Group Discussion Questions: In a group case study exercise, candidates may be asked to work together to analyse a problem and present their findings to the assessors. For example: "As a team, analyse the strengths and weaknesses of our company's current marketing strategy and recommend improvements."

The questions are designed to test the candidate's problem-solving, analytical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills. It's important to carefully read and understand the questions, and to provide well-reasoned and evidence-based responses.

It has been known for employers to use real live projects for the case study exercise with sensitive information swapped for fictional examples.

Information from the case study exercise lends itself to be used as scene-setting for other exercises at the assessment centre. It is common to have the same fictional setting running through the assessment centre, to save time on having to describe a new scenario for each task. You will be told in each exercise if you are expected to remember the information from a previous exercise, but this is rarely the case. Usually the only information common to multiple exercises is the fictional scenario; all data to be used in each exercise will be part of that exercise.

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Here are some key tips to help you prepare for and successfully pass a case study exercise at an assessment centre:

Understand the Brief: Carefully read and analyse the case study brief, making sure you understand the problem or scenario being presented, and the information and data provided. Take notes and identify key issues and opportunities.
Plan Your Approach: Take some time to plan your approach to the case study exercise. Consider the key challenges and opportunities, and identify potential solutions and recommendations. This will help you structure your thoughts and prioritise your ideas.
Use Evidence: Use evidence from the case study, as well as your own research and knowledge, to support your ideas and recommendations. This will demonstrate your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Stay Focused: During the exercise, stay focused on the task at hand and avoid getting sidetracked by irrelevant information or details. Keep the objective of the exercise in mind, and stay on track with your analysis and recommendations.
Collaborate Effectively: If the case study exercise involves group work, make sure to communicate clearly and effectively with your team members. Listen actively to their ideas, and contribute constructively to the discussion.
Be Confident: Have confidence in your ideas and recommendations, and be prepared to defend your positions if challenged. Speak clearly and confidently, and use evidence and data to support your arguments.

Here is the summary of what case-study exercises are and how to pass them:

A case study exercise is a type of assessment where candidates are presented with a hypothetical business scenario and asked to provide solutions or recommendations.
These exercises assess a range of competencies such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, decision-making, communication, teamwork, and time management.
To pass a case study exercise, it's important to carefully read and understand the brief, plan your approach, use evidence to support your ideas, stay focused, collaborate effectively, be confident, and manage your time effectively.

Fully understanding the format of the exercise, taking practice case-study exercises and following our tips outlined above will drastically improve the chances of you standing out as a star candidate at the assessment centre.

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Case Study Exercise At Assessment Centres

A case study exercise is a practical assessment commonly used in the latter stages of recruitment for graduate jobs. One of several activities undertaken at an assessment centre , this particular type of exercise allows employers to see your skills in action in a work-based context.

What is a case study exercise?

A case study exercise consists of a hypothetical scenario, similar to something you’d expect to encounter in daily working life. You’ll be tasked with examining information, drawing conclusions, and proposing business-based solutions for the situation at hand.

Information is typically presented in the form of fictional documentation: for example, market research findings, company reports, or details on a potential new venture. In some cases, it will be verbally communicated by the assessor.

You may also have additional or updated information drip-fed to you throughout the exercise.

You could be asked to work as an individual, but it’s more common to tackle a case study exercise as part of a group, since this shows a wider array of skills like teamwork and joint decision-making.

In both cases you’ll have a set amount of time to analyse the scenario and supporting information before presenting your findings, either through a written report or a presentation to an assessment panel. Here, you’ll need to explain your process and justify all decisions made.

Historically, assessment centres have been attended in person, but as more companies look to adopt virtual techniques, you may take part in a remote case study exercise. Depending on the employer and their platform of choice, this could be via pre-recorded content or a video conferencing tool that allows you to work alongside other candidates.

What competencies does a case study exercise assess?

There are multiple skills under assessment throughout a case study exercise. The most common are:

Problem solving

In itself, this involves various skills, like analytical thinking , creativity and innovation. How you approach your case study exercise will show employers how you’re likely to implement problem-solving skills in the work environment.

Show these at every stage of the process. If working in a group, be sure to make a contribution and be active in discussions, since assessors will be watching how you interact.

If working solo, explain your process to show problem solving in action.

Communication

How you present findings and communicate ideas is a major part of a case study exercise, as are other communication skills like effective listening.

Regardless of whether you present as an individual or a group, make sure you explain how you came to your conclusions, the evidence they’re based on and why you see them as effective.

Commercial awareness and business acumen

Assessors will be looking for a broader understanding of the industry in which the company operates and knowledge of best practice for growth.

Standout candidates will approach their case study with a business-first perspective, able to demonstrate how every decision made is rooted in organisational goals.

Decision making

At the heart of every case study exercise, there are key decisions to be made. Typically, there’s no right or wrong answer here, provided you can justify your decisions and back them up evidentially.

Along with problem solving, this is one of the top skills assessors are looking for, so don’t be hesitant. Make your decisions and stick to them.

Group exercises show assessors how well you work as part of a team, so make sure you’re actively involved, attentive and fair. Never dominate a discussion or press for your own agenda.

Approach all ideas equally and assess their pros and cons to arrive at the best solution.

What are the different types of case study exercise?

Depending on the role for which you’ve applied, you’ll either be presented with a general case study exercise or one related to a specific subject.

Subject-related case studies are used for roles where industry-specific knowledge is a prerequisite, and will be very much akin to the type of responsibilities you’ll be given if hired by the organisation.

For example, if applying for a role in mergers and acquisitions, you may be asked to assess the feasibility of a buy-out based on financial performance and market conditions.

General case studies are used to assess a wider pool of applicants for different positions. They do not require specific expertise, but rather rely on common sense and key competencies. All the information needed to complete the exercise will be made available to you.

Common topics covered in case study exercises include:

The creation of new marketing campaigns
Expansion through company or product acquisition
Organisational change in terms of business structure
Product or service diversification and entering new markets
Strategic decision-making based on hypothetical influencing factors

Tips for performing well in case study exercises

1. process all the information.

Take time to fully understand the scenario and the objectives of the exercise, identify relevant information and highlight key points for analysis, or discussion if working as part of a team. This will help structure your approach in a logical manner.

2. Work collaboratively

In a group exercise , teamwork is vital. Assign roles based on individual skill sets. For example, if you’re a confident leader you may head up the exercise.

If you’re more of a listener, you may volunteer to keep notes. Avoid conflict by ensuring all points of view are heard and decisions made together.

3. Manage your time

Organisational skills and your ability to prioritise are both being evaluated, and since you have a set duration in which to complete the exercise, good time management is key.

Remember you also need to prepare a strong presentation, so allow plenty of scope for this.

Make an assertive decision

There’s no right answer to a case study exercise, but any conclusions you do draw should be evidenced-based and justifiable. Put forward solutions that you firmly believe in and can back up with solid reasoning.

5. Present your findings clearly

A case study exercise isn’t just about the decisions you make, but also how you articulate them. State your recommendations and then provide the background to your findings with clear, concise language and a confident presentation style.

If presenting as a group, assign specific sections to each person to avoid confusion.

How to prepare for a case study exercise

It’s unlikely you’ll know the nature of your case study exercise before your assessment day, but there are ways to prepare in advance. For a guide on the type of scenario you may face, review the job description or recruitment pack and look for key responsibilities.

You should also research the hiring organisation in full. Look into its company culture, read any recent press releases and refer to its social media to get a feel for both its day-to-day activities and wider achievements. Reading business news will also give you a good understanding of current issues relevant to the industry.

To improve your skills, carry out some practice case study exercises and present your findings to family or friends. This will get you used to the process and give you greater confidence on assessment centre day.

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Assessment Centre Case Studies Practice & Tips – 2024

Case studies are a central part of the exercises making up most assessment centres . Employers use them to provide valuable insight into the applicants. They provide a way to assess a graduate or job-seeker’s capability and their potential performance after selection. To do this, the assessment centre presents the candidate with a simulated situation that might be faced on the actual job and waits to see how the candidate will respond. The information assessors collect proves invaluable to companies as they work through the screening and hiring process with the candidates who are most likely to perform well in the job opening.

What Is a Case Study Exercise?

Case studies are simulation exercises that put a candidate into situations they might actually see while on the job. The exercises can be done as a group or individually. Which it is will depend on the employer and the assessment centre. The case studies typically provide information that includes financial reports, market studies, or competition analysis and other information that may relate to any aspect of the profession. It may also provide other company reports, consultant’s reports, new product research results, and more. This makes the exercise similar in some ways to an in-tray exercise though the documents are longer for a case study.

Key Features of Case Studies

The exercise can be presented at the end either in written report format or as a presentation, depending on the preference of those running the exam. The assessors then evaluate the candidate’s ability to analyze information with a logical approach to decision making and their aptitude for tackling difficult situations. From there, they score performance.

Case study exercises often are based on a few core topics. Some of these include:

Finding the feasibility and profitability for the introduction of a new product or service
Merger, acquisition, or joint venture related managerial decisions
Annual report evaluation and profitability and loss analysis
Task prioritization and problem-solving with a given deadline

Many times, the case study’s theme or scenario provides the stage for other assessment centre exercises, so paying attention to what the scenario is and the information provided about it can prove helpful in further exercises. If this is the case, the problem-solving case study is likely to show up as one of the first few exercises you do after re-taking the necessary psychometric aptitude assessments for score confirmation.

Competencies Required for Case Studies

The key competencies that case study exercises usually assess are:

Analytical thinking and assimilation of information
Commercial awareness and Innovation
Organization
Decisiveness and Judgment

The goal of the exercise is to review and analyze the given information to come up with solid business decisions. The assessors will look at both the decision reached and the logical justification for the recommendations. Because of this, the test is not designed to have one ‘correct’ answer. Instead, it is concerned with the approach to solving the issue as much as it is with the solution.

This is the point in the assessment and pre-hiring process where candidates should show the recruiters what they can do. Usually, the exercise lasts around forty minutes. Employers may use either fictional examples or, in some cases, even real live projects with the sensitive information replaced for fictional information.

Due to the nature of the exercise, job-seekers and graduates taking this type of assessment should possess several key skills. They must be able to interpret large quantities of data from multiple sources and in varying formats, use analytical and strategic analysis to solve problems, formulate and commit to a decision, demonstrate commercial and entrepreneurial insight on a problem, and use oral communication skills to discuss the decisions made and the reasoning behind them. Without these key abilities, case exercises may prove challenging for individuals.

How to Prepare for Case Study Exercises?

With the large amount of information presented on assessment centre case studies and the many things to consider, it can be difficult to know where to start. Particularly for those participating in a graduate assessment centre case studies with no prior experience with assessment centres, the case study may seem daunting.

However, it is possible to prepare with some case study practice and by reviewing assessment case study examples similar to the ones that will be given in your assessment centre. These tips for preparation and practice as well the day of will help those facing a case study assessment to do so with confidence.

Case Studies: Tips for Success

Review the advice below as you begin to prepare for the assessment centre:

If it is a group exercise , show the recruiters you can work with the team.
For a group exercise, determine what roles individuals in the scenario are associated with and how they may interact with your or impact the analysis and decision-making process.
Determine what information needs to be kept and what should be discarded as early on as possible.
Manage time carefully and plan your approach based on the time available to you.
Consider all possible solutions and analyze them carefully before choosing a decision.
When finished, ensure that you have a solid foundation for the proposal and a plan of action to implement for your chosen solution.
Make sure you communicate that foundation and the logic behind your decision.
When presenting as a group, actively participate but avoid dominating the conversation or situation.
Gather information on the organization, job profile, and any other data that could be in the case study to be prepared before assessment day if possible.
If you do not need to present for a group exercise, consider nominating yourself as someone who can respond to questions.
Practice structuring and delivering presentations in a case study format before testing.

If you follow the advice above and put in enough time practising and preparing to feel confident, you should be able to ace this portion of your assessment centre. Remember that the solution is not the most important thing about this exercise. How you work with others and the reasoning behind your answer is. So, use the time you have wisely and do not overlook anything as you work to come to a good solution. As you do this, relax and use this as a chance to show the recruiters that you really know what you said you did during the interview stage . That is what this exam is about.

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Why Do Employers Use Case Studies at Assessment Centers?

What to expect from a case study exercise, how to prepare for the case study exercise in 2024, how to approach a group exercise, how to approach a presentation, case study exercises at assessment centers (2024 guide).

Updated November 21, 2023

Should you be invited to be tested at an assessment center as part of an employer's recruitment process, one of the exercises you may face is a case study .

A case study exercise presents you with a scenario similar to what you would experience in the job you have applied for.

It will generally be accompanied by documents, emails or other forms of information.

You are asked to make business decisions based on the data you have been provided with, either alone or as part of a group of candidates.

A case study enables employers to assess your skill-base and likely performance in the job, providing them with a more rounded view of the type of employee you would be and the value you would bring to the company.

Commonly used in the finance, banking, legal and business management industries, the main advantage to employers of using case study exercises is to see candidates in action, demonstrating the skills they would be expected to use at work.

The skills assessed when participating in a case study exercise will vary depending on the employer, the industry and the job applied for, but may include:

Analytical skills
Strategic thinking
Decision making
Problem-solving
Communication
Stress tolerance
The ability to assimilate information quickly and effectively
Organisational skills
Situational judgment
Commercial awareness
Time management
Team working
Knowledge pertinent to the industry or job, for example, marketing skills

Despite the skills that the employer is actively assessing, such as those mentioned above, success in a case study exercise relies on your ability to:

Interpret and analyze the information provided
Reach a decision
Use commercial awareness
Manage your time
Communicate well

Practice Case Study Exercises with JobTestPrep

There are generally two types of case study exercise that you may face as part of a selection process:

Subject-related case studies pertinent to the job you are applying for and the related industry
General case studies that assess your overall aptitude and skills

The actual scenario of the case study exercise you face will vary, but examples of typical case studies include:

Expanding a team or department
Deciding whether an acquisition or merger is advisable
Investigating whether to begin a new product line
Re-organisation of management structure
The creation of an advertising campaign
Responding to negative publicity
Choosing from three business proposals
Developing a social media presence

Prepare for Case Study Exercises with JobTestPrep

For example: You are presented with the scenario of an IT company that went through an expensive re-brand one year ago. At that time, the company moved to bigger premises in a better area, and two new teams of developers were recruited to work with two new clients. The IT company has recently lost one of those clients and is facing increasing costs as the rent is raised for their premises. The company's directors have concluded that they must make one of the following changes: Make staff redundancies and offer the chance to several employees to change to part-time hours Move to less expensive premises in a less desirable area Combine a move to a flexible working business model where employees work part of the week from home and desk-share in the office along with a physical move to smaller premises in the same area where the IT company is currently based

You are asked to advise the directors on which change would provide the greatest benefit.

Here is another example:

A multi-national environmental testing organization buys out an oil-testing laboratory. A gap test is carried out on whether: The oil-testing lab should be brought in line with the rest of the organization concerning its processes, customer interface, and testing procedures The oil-testing lab should be closed down and its clients absorbed into the rest of the organization The oil-testing lab should be allowed to continue as it is, but new processes put in place between it and the larger organization

You are asked to consider the findings of the gap test and suggest the best course of action.

Just as you would prepare before a job interview, it is always in your best interests to prepare before facing a case study exercise at an assessment center.

Step 1 . Do the Research

There is a whole range of research you can look into to prepare yourself for the case study exercise:

The job description and any other literature or documents forwarded to you
The employer's website and social media
Industry related news stories and developments

Any of the above should provide you with a better understanding of the job you have applied for, the industry you will work within, and the culture and values of the employer.

Step 2 . Use Practice Case Studies

Practicing case study exercises in the run-up to the assessment day is one of the best ways you can prepare for the real thing.

Unless the employer provides sample case studies on their website or as part of their recruitment pack, you will not know the exact format that the exercise will take; however, you can build familiarity with the overall process of a case study through practice.

You can find plenty of practice case study exercises online. Most of these come at a cost, but you may also be able to find free sample case studies too.

For case study resources at a cost, have a look at JobTestPrep .

For two free sample case study exercises, you might like to visit Bain & Company's website .

Scroll down to the Associate Consultant Case Library. Europa also offers an extensive and detailed sample case study .

Step 3 . Timed Practice

Once you have sourced one or more practice case studies, take the opportunity to practice to a time limit.

The case study may come with a time limit, or the employer may have already told you how long you will have to complete the real case study exercise on the day.

Alternatively, set your reasonable time limit.

Timed practice will improve your response time and explain exactly how much time you should allocate to each stage of the case study process.

Step 4 . Improve Your Reading Comprehension

One skill that is key to handle a case study exercise successfully is your reading comprehension, that is, your ability to understand written information, interpret it and describe it in your own words.

In the context of a case study, this skill will help you to assimilate the information provided to you quickly, analyze it and ultimately reach a decision.

In the run-up to your assessment day, put aside time to improve your reading comprehension by reading a wide variety of material and picking out the key points of each passage.

You might find it especially helpful to read professional journals and news articles related to the job you have applied for and the related industry.

Try to improve the speed at which you can read but still retain information too. This will prove helpful during the real case study exercise.

Step 5 . Practice Mental Math

The case study exercise may include prices, area measurements, staff numbers, salaries and other numeric values.

It is important that you can complete basic mental math calculations, such as multiplication and percentages.

Practice your mental math using puzzle books, online math resources and math problems that you create yourself.

You can find plenty of online business math resources, for example:

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Math and Business Guide
Money Instructor
Open Textbook Library

If you need to prepare for a number of different employment tests and want to outsmart the competition, choose a Premium Membership from JobTestPrep . You will get access to three PrepPacks of your choice, from a database that covers all the major test providers and employers and tailored profession packs.

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How To Prepare for Case Study Exercises at Assessment Centers

Top Tips for Approaching Case Study Exercises

Now that you have prepared yourself, you can further improve your chances of a successful outcome by following our top tips on approaching case study exercises on the day.

Read the Information Carefully

Read all of the information provided as part of your case study exercise to understand what is being asked of you fully.

Quickly identify the key points in the task and the overall decision you have been asked to make, for example:

Has the exercise provided you with a choice of outcomes you must decide between, or must you create the outcome yourself?
What information do you need to make your decision?
Are there calculations involved in the task?
What character are you playing in the task (for example, HR manager or business consultant) and what are that character's motivations?
Who is your character presenting their response to? Company directors, client or HR department?

Prioritize the Information

Prioritize the information by importance.

Which pieces of information are most pertinent to the task, and what key data do they provide?

Can any of the information be dismissed? Does any of the information contradict or sit in conflict with others?

Divide Up the Tasks and Allocate Time

You will generally be asked to come to a conclusion or advise a course of action regarding your case study exercise; however, you may have to carry out several tasks to arrive at this result.

Once you have read through the information, plan out what tasks the exercise will entail and allocate time for each one.

Do Not Be Distracted by Finding the Only 'Right' Answer

Where you are provided with several outcomes, and you must decide on one, do not assume that anyone's outcome is the only right answer to give.

It may be that any of the outcomes could be correct if you can sufficiently support your decision from the information provided.

Keep the Objective in Focus

What does the task ask you to do?
Must you choose between three business acquisitions?
Are you providing advice on whether or not to invest?
Are you putting together a plan for a staff redundancy situation?

Keep the objective of the case study exercise in mind at all times.

Support Your Decision With Evidence

The conclusion you come to may seem obvious to you, but you must be able to support your decision with evidence.

Why would it be better for the company to invest in property overstock? What is the benefit to the company of entering a new market?

It is not sufficient to know which outcome would be the best. As in the real-life business world, you must be able to support your claims.

If you are assessed as part of a group, you must arrive at a conclusion as a team and bear in mind your strengths.

For example, do you have a good eye for detail and would therefore be suited to the analytical part of the task?

Arrive at a list of tasks together and then assign the tasks to different members of the group.

Please make sure you contribute to the group discussions but do not dominate them.

Group assessments are generally used by employers who place value on leadership, teamwork and communication skills.

If you are asked to present your findings or conclusion as part of a case study exercise, bear in mind to whom the task has asked you to make that presentation.

For example, a business client or a marketing manager.

Make sure that you can fully support the reasons that you came to your conclusion.

If you are presenting as a group, make sure that each group member has their role to play in the presentation and that everyone knows why the group came to that conclusion.

Act professionally to suit the job you have applied for. Be polite, confident and well-spoken.

Case study exercises are just one of the many methods that employers use to assess job applicants, and as with any other aspect of the selection process, they require a degree of consideration and preparation.

The best way to improve your chances of a successful outcome and reduce exam tension is to research the job and the industry, practice case study exercises and improve your skills.

You might also be interested in these other Psychometric Success articles:

Or explore the Aptitude Tests / Test Types sections.

Your Guide to Assessment Centre Case Studies

Case studies are a vital activity at assessment centres. Graduate recruiters use them to assess a candidate’s capability after being shortlisted; to see the candidate “in action” and obtain valuable insights on how they would perform on the job. Just like how job interviews and assessment centre presentations are all about telling recruiters what you can do; case studies are about demonstrating your potential to recruiters in a practical way.

What Is a Case Study Exercise?

A case study is a simulation exercise that gives candidates a realistic representation of a scenario that they’ll experience while on the job. The exercise – depending on the recruiter and the nature of the job you’re applying for – may be done as a group or individually.

In short, you will be provided with a brief describing a problem that the company is trying to solve, and then asked to come up with a proposed solution to said problem. You (and your group) will then need to present your proposed solution to recruiters and defend or justify your approach.

The case study brief will typically provide additional information such as financial reports, market studies, competition analysis, and other information that may relate to any aspect of the job. It may also provide other company reports, client reports, new product research, etc.

How You’ll Be Assessed

Case study exercises are designed to give the recruiter a fair and balanced evaluation of each candidate. Be it an individual or group case study exercise, recruiters are typically monitoring these competencies:

Analytical Thinking
Assimilation of Information
Commercial Awareness
Organisational skills
Decisiveness

If it’s a group case study exercise, recruiters may be assessing how the group interacts and who takes thelead. Some examples of competencies are:

How you interact with other people – your interpersonal skills
How you deal with a difficult teammate
How you would fit into the workplace
How you cope with group or peer pressure

How It Usually Goes

Case study exercises are often timed and you’ll need to carefully examine the brief before presenting your findings and solutions. After analysing the documents and deciding on a way forward, you or the team will be required to present your talking points in the form of a presentation. With individual case studies, you will probably present your solutions at an interview with a recruiter or in a written form.

It’s important to note that a case study exercise is just as much about assessing your approach to solving the problem as the solution you arrive at. Case study exercises are usually designed not to have one “correct” answer. As long as you can justify your proposed solution and withstand scrutiny from recruiters, you are likely to score marks.

Example Case Studies

Try your best at these 2 quick case study examples and grab a family member or friend to present your solutions and findings to. Remember to time yourself for the exercise and read your case study brief carefully and understand what the recruiter is looking for.

Example Case Study 1

The following group exercise is an investment case study. Candidates have to work together to find answers and respond to incoming news and data. They then have to make a presentation to a ‘management board’.

A conglomerate of media companies is looking to make a significant acquisition. It has identified a target e-commerce company and approached a number of investment banks for their views on the merits of a potential deal and a target price. Based on these presentations, the publisher will decide whether to proceed with a bid and, if so, select one bank to act as their adviser.

Your team is one of the investment banks bidding to win the mandate. You need to analyse the figures provided; to review the marketplace, your potential client and the target company; and to prepare a five-minute presentation giving your recommendations. (e.g. whether to go ahead, go ahead under specific conditions, hold off on the deal entirely. etc.)

Example Case Study 2

This is an example of a case study used for FMCG graduate programmes. In this case, the groups are given a pack with details of the product range, sales figures, marketing campaigns and news clippings. The basic problem in this type of scenario is that a product range or the company receives some negative publicity on the eve of a new product launch or marketing campaign. Assessors are interested in whether and how you would respond to it.

You are a member of the marketing team at a global organisation, Choc-O-Lot Ltd. It is headquartered in Europe and manufactures and distributes chocolate products throughout the world. Its flagship bar is ‘Dairy Dream’, but the business has expanded rapidly over the past eight years, launching new products and diversifying into new areas (such as starting a new capsule coffee product lineup).

The company is planning a huge brand relaunch. Just as Choc-O-Lot is about to launch a marketing campaign, articles appear online alleging that Choc-O-Lot treats its workers, and members of its supply chain poorly. In particular, its Malaysian manufacturing plant is alleged to be exploiting migrant workers. These articles are widely shared on social media, with calls from readers for a boycott. What would you do?

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What are case studies?

Case studies are usually comprised of a scenario (real or imagined), a set of instructions and an information pack.

You should expect to receive information in multiple formats (emails, reports, graphs and statistics) and you’re likely to be given 30-60 minutes to research and prepare a piece of analysis.

Case studies may feature at assessment centres as part of individual written tasks, group exercises and/or presentation activities .

Your next steps

Attend an assessment centre workshop

Use our free resources to practise

Why do employers use case studies?

Like situational judgement tests and in/e-tray tasks, case studies offer employers a glimpse of your potential to perform the role, as well as a sense of what it might be like to work with you.

Some of the key skills which employers may be looking for are:

interpretation
decision-making
prioritisation
interpersonal and communication
presentation (verbal and written)

How do I improve my chances of success? Including FREE access to eCareersGrad and Graduates First

Don’t waste precious time looking for the ‘right’ answer – there probably isn’t one. Focus on reaching a reasoned decision that you’ll be able to justify to your assessors.
If asked to choose between a series of proposals, record their pros and cons as you read through the information pack including key statistics.
Keep an eye out for inconsistencies and gaps in the information. Highlighting these in your report or presentation will earn you points for attention to detail and analysis.

Mastering the Consulting Case

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Master the Consulting Case contains:

15+ video-based candidate answers showing what good looks like (and doesn’t) for key case scenarios including market sizing, market entry, revenue growth and more…
recruiter answer scoring guides and illustrated answer structures for handling the case introduction, issues analysis and dealing with the numbers
Spotlights on how to use case ‘frameworks’, essential financial concepts and mastering note-taking

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Master the Consulting Case with eCareersGrad

Through Graduates First you can access a wide-range of resources.

It also has a useful Top Employer Profiles and Job Assessment Stages section linking to further information about how each organisation approaches its recruitment process and the kinds of assessments you may face. Over 100 organisations are profiled on the site.

There are short videos to help you navigate the process of preparing for case studies including tips, step-by-step guides, feedback reports and a jargon buster.

Students - register for free access using your UoN email address

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Case interviews

A case interview or case study interview involves a business or organisational problem the company may have faced, and is a chance to demonstrate your analytical, reasoning and communication skills. They are designed to assess your ability to do the work of a consultant, i.e. work with a client to identify key problems or challenges facing their business or organisation and to develop effective solutions and actions to address these.

You might be invited for a case study interview if you are applying for consulting positions and will generally be invited in the second round of interviews. It will be a one-to-one interview with a consultant, followed by competency based questions .

Case interviews usually work best if they develop into a discussion between the interviewer and you. Ask questions and try out ideas with the interviewer.

What is the company looking for?

Case interviews are not intended to test your business or sector knowledge but it is important to be able to demonstrate your commercial awareness. You will find it helpful to have a basic understanding of key business concepts e.g. revenue, fixed and variable costs, profit, market share, customers, competitors and stakeholders.

As well as this, recruiters will be looking for a genuine curiosity about, and enthusiasm for, business issues and problems.

Try to demonstrate how you can:

Work with a client to identify key problems facing their company
Develop effective solutions to these
Listen actively
Ask relevant and probing questions
Problem solve, show you can thinking in a structured manner
Confidently work within a time limit
Apply your commercial awareness
Analyse quantitative data
Think creatively and on your feet
Translate analysis into actionable recommendations
Communication conclusions in a concise and persuasive manner
Interact well with clients
Show enthusiasm, motivation and maturity

Having a knowledge of some common frameworks that can be used to structure the analysis of a problem or issue, such as SWOT analysis, Boston Matrix, Porter’s 5 Forces, may help, but do not slavishly apply one of these; your knowledge of frameworks is not important, your ability to think in a structured, creative way is.

How should I respond to a case study?

It is important to understand your primary objective is not to find ‘the’ solution to the case but rather to demonstrate your analytical, reasoning and communication skills.

Do not jump to conclusions or rush towards an answer. It is the process by which you get to your conclusions that interests the interviewer.

Identify the critical issue from the written case study
Listen carefully to verbal information or responses to your questions or comments
Break the problem into parts, describe this out loud. Do not be tempted to follow a common framework (such as SWOT analysis or Boston Matrix) although knowledge of these may help you structure your answer
Ask relevant questions to gain a fuller understanding of the problem
Make notes of important facts, figures or thoughts and make calculations if you think this would help – avoiding calculations when they are necessary could look as though you are not confident using numbers
Describe your overall approach out loud so the interviewer understands your thought processes and can point you in the right direction if you are heading the wrong way – always use this advice if it is given
Similarly, if you get stuck say so and ask for extra input
Show that you are enjoying the process – do not show frustration or lack of confidence
Identify a range of options for consideration
Conclude by recommending one or two ideas for action

How should I prepare for a case study interview?

Brush up on your maths (formulae, percentages etc.)
Practise using sample case studies
Practise with a friend
Attend a case study careers seminar
Book a case study practice interview at LSE Careers
Come to the careers service and use the paper resources and books
Read business news
Look at firms' websites

Practice case study appointment

LSE Careers offers one-to-one practice case studies designed for students with interviews at management consultancy firms coming up. We can offer feedback on the structure, content and presentation of a case study. We have a small bank of practice case studies for management consultancy covering areas like profitability and strategy.

A practice case study can also help if you are preparing for case interview with a Big Four firm but would not be appropriate for an economic consultancy role in a Big Four firm or specialist economic consultancy.

Please see our practice interview information for details of how to book.

Resources from LSE Careers

Vault: Career insider Free for LSE students and alumni, this popular careers portal has lots of company profiles for consulting firms as well as general application and interview advice. They produce two e-guides to case interviews contains advice and practice cases - both free to download for LSE students - Vault guide to the case interview and Vault guide to the case interview practice guide 2
CaseCoach Free to students and alumni (up to five years post graduation). CaseCoach is a comprehensive online preparation course for consulting interviews, developed by former McKinsey consultants. The course covers both the case and the fit interviews. It includes a library of 25+ cases with solutions, practice exercises, 12 bite-sized video lectures covering the skills assessed by the top firms and 14 interview videos featuring successful candidates.

More case interview tests and tips

This list below contains links to sample case study interviews and advice articles.

Case interviews question and answers

Useful information about case interviews and three examples to practice

Case interview tutorials and advice on what consultancy firms are looking for in an applicant. Free registration is required.

Gives sample case questions, including 'back of the envelope' questions and business problems

Dartmouth's resources on careers in management services and consulting. Includes powerpoint presentations on case study interviews from Accenture, Bain, BCG, Parthenon and Investor Group. Resources on careers in management services and consulting. Includes presentations on case study interviews from Accenture, Bain, BCG, Parthenon and Investor Group.

This guidebook is designed to help aspiring consultants understand, prepare for and succeed in consulting interviews

Excellent UK-based graduate careers website containing lots of advice articles, information about graduate entry to consulting careers and up to date listings for graduate and internship recruitment schemes and insight events.

Contains case study information and resources including the updated sections of their 'Crack the Case' publication

Learn about the types of interviews at McKinsey.

An online bootcamp to help you prepare for case study interviews.

Advice and resources for succeeding in psychometric tests, assessment centres, e-tray exercises and case studies

Site that offers articles on case study interviews

PwC Assessment Centre: 2023 Success Guide

Table of Contents

PwC Assessment Centre Success Guide

This guide will tell you what to expect and how to succeed in the PwC recruitment process, which is known to be very difficult to pass.

An important point before we begin

Note that different employers use different test suppliers. PwC uses SHL tests. You can practice them here .

Download our Ultimate Assessment Day & Interview Guide 2022 here . (It's packed with tips, tricks and insider-secrets to help you succeed.)

PwC Assessment Centre Success Guide

The PwC Assessment Centre is one of the most competitive assessment events in the UK, particularly for graduates. Before you attend, it is vital that you understand what is required to succeed.

As such, this guide will cover each of the 6 assessment criteria used by the PwC tests to assess candidates.

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PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 1: Business and Client Service

At the PwC Assessment Centre, it is very important that you can demonstrate you have an interest in what they do. As such, you need to show a level of business knowledge about the company. This includes their clients and the market they operate in. So, make sure you dedicate some time to researching the PwC.

Action point: Download PwC’s annual report and spend an afternoon digesting it and making notes on the key points . ( You can find it here .) Reference your findings in your interview. It will mark you out as someone with an eye for detail and good commercial acumen.

(Do enough research before the PwC tests to assess know your potential employer’s business and financial position. As a minimum, you should understand what their turnover is, how much of that is net profit and how much debt the business carries. What are the key challenges they currently face in their marketplace? What are their aims during the next 5 years?)

PwC emphasized the importance of client focus. So, it is important that you can show that you have an understanding of PwC’s key clients’ business needss.

Action point: Read some PwC case studies and think of 2-3 ways you could actively improve their top 5 clients’ businesses and you will put a big tick in this box.

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 2: Working in Teams

In the PwC assessment test, you must be able to highlight specific examples of how you have worked with others toward a shared goal. It will help you to answer the following:

How adaptable is your approach?
Can you negotiate?
Can you influence?
Are you sensitive to others’ work styles and can you be flexible?
How can you prove that you are respectful of other people’s backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs?

Action point: Make a list of 5 solid examples that you can reference during the PwC assessment test (throughout the day) and you will wow your assessors.

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 3: Communicating with Impact and Empathy

At the PwC assessment test, like any other assessment centre, you must demonstrate you can communicate in a fluent and effective way. This can be hard on the day itself because you are likely nervous.

Action point: Prepare 3 examples of how your communication skills directly led to a successful outcome of some kind. (Hint: try and prepare an example for each of the following: your colleagues, your manager and a client.)

For tips on keeping your nerves under control at your PwC assessment test, read our article “ How To Deal With Nerves & Anxiety At Your Assessment Centre “.

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 4: Manage Projects & Economics

During your PwC assessment test, you will be asked to provide examples that show you can plan and perform work according to strict deadlines and success criteria.

What tasks and projects can you highlight at your PwC assessment test that show you can work to inflexible timings and flourish under pressure?

Action point: Prepare 2 examples – one of which must demonstrate you have the ability to ‘think on your feet’.

(Did the goalposts move for this project? Did the deadline get brought forward? Did the client/stakeholder alter their requirements while the project was in motion? What did you do -that was awesome- that saved the day?)

This is an absolutely key criterion that carries a lot of weight in the PwC assessment test. Take the time to prepare in this area.

HINT: Make circular references back to your CV and tie in your examples to present powerful and cogent examples. (The Telegraph has a good section you can plunder for CV tips .)

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 5: Be Open-minded, Agile with Change and Practical

One of the interview techniques that is commonly used in the PwC assessment test is what we refer to as ‘the rug pull’: throwing a candidate off step by introducing something new or unexpected, to see how they react to change and how good they are at thinking on their feet.

So, you need to be able to move from one topic to the next and display seamless focus.

Action point: Practise talking in detail about career highlights or your aims for the future. Move from one to the other every 30 seconds or so.

Switching gears can be tough, but you will notice after 5-10 minutes or so how much easier it becomes to take that stream of consciousness forward with enthusiasm and without missing a beat.

Action point 2: Prepare 2 examples for your PwC assessment test of how you dealt with change in a professional or academic setting . How did you maintain your effectiveness throughout the transition?

Stop worrying! Download a 12-step assessment day cheatsheet & be perfectly prepared.

Click here to download your copy.

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 6: Personal Development

Many people can and do impress on the PwC assessment test, but the one trait that separates strong candidates from elite candidates is a focus on self-improvement.

Read this article “ The Real Secret To Career Success ” for more information.

The personal development criteria may seem trivial and simple for an actual test like this, but you should take it seriously. This is an important part of the PwC application process, so prepare for it like how you would prepare for other parts of the test.

Action point: Think of ways on how you can demonstrate a commitment to your personal development and the future. Action point 2: Check out Stephen Covey’s business classic “ The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People “. It’s a bible for success in your career and personal life. Referencing this at your PwC assessment test will make a big impression on the assessors. Action point 3: You can also ask question during your PwC interview. For example, you can ask about how PwC can help you grow. Are their training and development opportunities if you get accepted?

Practise PwC’s Assessment Exercises & Tests

Nothing will improve your performance more than familiarity with the tests and exercises that PwC uses. Practising beforehand will improve your competence and also help you feel more relaxed, which will further boost your performance level.

You can practise the tests that PwC uses here . (These tests aren’t free, but they are a must-buy for candidates who want to do everything possible to ensure they succeed in PwC’s notoriously difficult recruitment process.)

Important: PwC Use “Cut-e” Style Tests

As you may have read elsewhere on the site, different employers use different test suppliers to assess candidates. The difference between tests can be small or big, as there are various test publishers in the market.

If you want to be part of the Audit and Tax graduate programmes of the PwC, you will need to take cut-e tests. You find practice tests in the following: cut-e verbal tests and cut-e numerical tests .

PwC Assessment Centre – A Useful Video from PwC

FastMaths – Case Study Interview Preparation

This course from Matthew Tambiah gets straight to the point. It teaches fast techniques to help candidates quickly solve the commercial problems posed in management consulting interviews and case studies. If you are seeking a job with companies like KPMG, PwC, or Deloitte, this one is for you.

The course has two components.

1) The first half of the course teaches techniques to answer numerical reasoning tests and perform calculations quickly and efficiently without using a calculator or spreadsheet (as required in case interviews).

2) The second half of the course reviews the most common types of quantitative problems given in case study interviews. The course shows students the most efficient solution method for each problem type and how to use the computational techniques taught in the first portion of the course to generate answers quickly and efficiently.

The course highlights how to use the results of the quantitative analysis to generate insights and recommendations relevant to the overall case.

All the example problems used in the course are derived from real case studies from leading management consulting firms including Deloitte, McKinsey, BCG, and Accenture.

Some final questions for you…

Do you have to take a numerical reasoning test or a verbal reasoning test ? If so you may want to check out the aptitude tests section of the site.
You can find practice tests and tons of free advice on every other type of ‘reasoning test’ too: numerical , verbal , abstract , logical , inductive , diagrammatic , spatial , mechanical comprehension , UKCAT and Watson-Glaser tests .
Worried about your assessment day? Maybe you’re worried about performing a presentation or preparing for an interview or group exercise or in-tray exercise ?
Perhaps you’d like some guidance on how to deal with nerves & anxiety at your PwC assessment test?
Lastly the Tools and Resources page is packed with useful equipment and ‘A’ List recommendations that will make your life easier.

Final Words

Hopefully, this PwC assessment test preparation guide will provide you with ample test preparation materials to pass the recruitment process and achieve your dream career.

On your assessment day, remember to stay calm. Just keep in mind that you have done all you can to prepare. Focus on answering questions properly and hope that all your hard work pays off.

Turbocharge your employability NOW

Get your copy of our Ultimate Assessment Day & Interview Guide here. It's packed with tips, tricks and insider-secrets to help you succeed.

1. Are PwC assessments hard?

PwC test assessments can be hard, but they are also very rewarding. The assessments are designed to test your skills and knowledge, which you can improve with proper preparation.

2. How long is the PwC Assessment?

The PwC online assessment, which includes aptitude tests and a video interview, takes about two hours to complete. The PwC final assessment will be yours if you succeed in this phase of the assessment process and are invited.

3. How do I pass the PwC Test?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to pass the PwC assessment test may vary depending on your individual strengths and weaknesses. However, there are some ways to improve your chances: study hard for the tests, practise answering interview questions, and dress smartly.

4. What can I expect at the PwC Assessment Centre?

The PwC assessment test is a full day of activities that will test your skills and abilities. You can expect to complete a number of exercises, including case studies, interviews, and group activities. Be prepared to be evaluated on your problem-solving skills, teamwork abilities, and communication skills.

5. How long does PwC take to get back to you?

It can take a few weeks for PwC to get back to you. They will likely let you know whether you have been successful or not at the end of the process. Be patient and wait for the results.

Sarah is an accomplished educator, researcher and author in the field of testing and assessment. She has worked with various educational institutions and organisations to develop innovative evaluation methods and enhance student learning. Sarah has published numerous articles and books on assessment and learning. Her passion for promoting equity and fairness in the education system fuels her commitment to sharing insights and best practices with educators and policymakers around the world.

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Assessment Center Case Studies Practice & Tips – 2024

Case studies are a central part of the exercises making up most assessment centers . Employers use them to provide valuable insight into the applicants. They provide a way to assess a graduate or job-seeker’s capability and their potential performance after selection. To do this, the assessment center presents the candidate with a simulated situation that might be faced on the actual job and waits to see how the candidate will respond. The information assessors collect proves invaluable to companies as they work through the screening and hiring process with the candidates who are most likely to perform well in the job opening.

What Is a Case Study Exercise?

Case studies are simulation exercises that put a candidate into situations they might actually see while on the job. The exercises can be done as a group or individually. Which it is will depend on the employer and the assessment center. The case studies typically provide information that includes financial reports, market studies, or competition analysis and other information that may relate to any aspect of the profession. It may also provide other company reports, consultant’s reports, new product research results, and more. This makes the exercise similar in some ways to an in-tray exercise though the documents are longer for a case study.

Key Features of Case Studies

Case study exercises often are based on a few core topics. Some of these include:

Finding the feasibility and profitability for the introduction of a new product or service
Merger, acquisition, or joint venture related managerial decisions
Annual report evaluation and profitability and loss analysis
Task prioritization and problem-solving with a given deadline

Many times, the case study’s theme or scenario provides the stage for other assessment center exercises, so paying attention to what the scenario is and the information provided about it can prove helpful in further exercises. If this is the case, the problem-solving case study is likely to show up as one of the first few exercises you do after re-taking the necessary psychometric aptitude assessments for score confirmation.

Competencies Required for Case Studies

The key competencies that case study exercises usually assess are:

Analytical thinking and assimilation of information
Commercial awareness and Innovation
Organization
Decisiveness and Judgment

How to Prepare for Case Study Exercises?

With the large amount of information presented on assessment center case studies and the many things to consider, it can be difficult to know where to start. Particularly for those participating in a graduate assessment center case studies with no prior experience with assessment centers, the case study may seem daunting.

However, it is possible to prepare with some case study practice and by reviewing assessment case study examples similar to the ones that will be given in your assessment center. These tips for preparation and practice as well the day of will help those facing a case study assessment to do so with confidence.

Case Studies: Tips for Success

Review the advice below as you begin to prepare for the assessment center:

If it is a group exercise , show the recruiters you can work with the team.
For a group exercise, determine what roles individuals in the scenario are associated with and how they may interact with your or impact the analysis and decision-making process.
Determine what information needs to be kept and what should be discarded as early on as possible.
Manage time carefully and plan your approach based on the time available to you.
Consider all possible solutions and analyze them carefully before choosing a decision.
When finished, ensure that you have a solid foundation for the proposal and a plan of action to implement for your chosen solution.
Make sure you communicate that foundation and the logic behind your decision.
When presenting as a group, actively participate but avoid dominating the conversation or situation.
Gather information on the organization, job profile, and any other data that could be in the case study to be prepared before assessment center day if possible.
If you do not need to present for a group exercise, consider nominating yourself as someone who can respond to questions.
Practice structuring and delivering presentations in a case study format before testing.

If you follow the advice above and put in enough time practicing and preparing to feel confident, you should be able to ace this portion of your assessment center. Remember that the solution is not the most important thing about this exercise. How you work with others and the reasoning behind your answer is. So, use the time you have wisely and do not overlook anything as you work to come to a good solution. As you do this, relax and use this as a chance to show the recruiters that you really know what you said you did during the interview stage . That is what this exam is about.

Assessment Center

Written Exercises
Job Interviews
Competency-Based Interview Q&A
In-Tray Exercise
Case Studies
Group Exercises

Page contents:

How do case study exercises work.

Updated: 08 September 2022

Assessment Centre Exercises:

Analysis Exercise
Role Play Exercise
Group Exercise
Presentation Exercise

During an assessment day, it is common that you need to undertake a case study exercise . These exercises place candidates in real-life situations where they are tasked with solving problems faced by professionals in the real world. A case study typically involves being given various documents containing different information, either detailing a problem or situation that needs dealing with and requiring the candidate to resolve the issue at hand by formulating a plan. The problems or situation in the case study will be similar if not identical to problems encountered in the role itself. Candidates are also provided with background information to the elements of the case study, whether these be details of fictitious companies or sales figures, or other. The resolutions or solutions provided by the candidate regarding the problems are part of the assessment centre performance rating.

Why are case study exercises used?

Case study exercises are proficient predictors of role performance as they will resemble the work being done on the job. Therefore, case study exercises typically tilt highly on an assessment centre rating for candidates. Likewise, if a presentation exercise is required after the case study, based on details brought up during the case study, then your case study rating will likely impact your presentation exercise rating. Equally, this may manifest into the role play exercise which will do a similar thing to the presentation exercise – carrying on the case study situation. It is also entirely possible for the case study to be continued in a group exercise – which evaluate a candidate’s ability to work in a team. Given all this, you will need to perform well in the case study exercise to ensure a high rating.

What will the case study exercise be like?

As mentioned, the case study exercise you will be asked to perform will be similar to the type of work you will have to do in the role you are applying for.

The case study exercise may be purchased off the self from a test provider who specialize in the test style. This will mean that it won't be fully specific to the company you are applying to, but will be related to the role. Likewise, it can be designed bespoke if the organization requires specific role assessment. It's likely the larger and harder to get into the company is, the more tailored their exercises will be.

How can I prepare for the case study exercise?

Analysing technical documents and company reports may be helpful practice in preparation for a case study exercise. This will give a chance to familiarize yourself with the types of information typically found in these documents, and thus the case study exercise. Practicing case study exercises will also act as great preparation and they will provide a great insight into how they work and how they are to be handled. This will also prevent any unnecessary unknowns you could have before taking a case study exercise, as you will have already experienced how they work in practice.

We have an assessment centre pack which contains an example of the exercises you could face.

Coping with case studies for graduate jobs

targetjobs editorial team

Last updated: 25 Jan 2023, 13:39

Our tips on how to prepare for an assessment centre case study exercise will help you show graduate recruiters how well you could perform in the job.

A woman at a table, reading the briefing pack of a case study

Case studies at graduate assessment centres allow an employer to see you in action. An interview is all about you telling recruiters what you can do; the case study is about showing them, and so it’s arguably one of the fairest and most realistic components of a typical assessment day.

What do graduate assessment centre case studies involve?

The case study exercise can be for individuals or groups. You will usually be given some information about a work-related scenario and invited to examine the evidence before presenting your findings and solutions – either verbally (in a presentation or case study interview) or in written form. You may also be drip-fed additional information to assess and respond to throughout the allocated time.

At virtual a assessment centre, candidates are usually sent to a part of a platform to view the case study briefing pack before joining the rest of their group in a breakout room.

Discover what virtual assessment centres involve and how best to approach them

Example assessment centre case study exercise 1

The following group exercise is a genuine investment case study. Candidates have to work together to find answers and respond to incoming news and data. They then have to make a presentation to a ‘management board’.

A publisher of scientific journals and books is looking to make a significant acquisition. It has identified a target company and approached a number of investment banks for their views on the merits of a potential deal and a target price. Based on these presentations, the publisher will decide whether to proceed with a bid and, if so, select one bank to act as their adviser.

Your team is one of the investment banks bidding to win the mandate. You need to: analyse the figures provided; to review the marketplace, your potential client (the publisher) and the target company; and to prepare a five-minute presentation giving your recommendations, eg whether to go ahead, go ahead under specific conditions etc.

Example assessment centre case study exercise 2

This is a similar example of a case study used for commercial and marketing graduate programmes. In this case, the groups are given a pack with details of the product range, sales figures, marketing campaigns and news clippings. The basic problem in this type of scenario is that a product range or the company receives some negative publicity on the eve of a new product launch or marketing campaign; assessors are interested in whether and how you would respond to it.

You are a member of marketing team at the global organisation, Choc-O-Lot Ltd. It manufactures and distributes chocolate products throughout the UK and Europe. Its flagship bar is ‘Dairy Dream’, but the business has expanded rapidly over the past eight years, launching new products and diversifying into new areas (such as running chocolate-themed experience days). The company is planning a huge brand relaunch. Just as Choc-O-Lot is about to launch a marketing campaign, an article appears in the national press alleging that Choc-O-Lot treats its workers, and members of its supply chain, poorly. It is widely shared on social media, with calls for a boycott. What would you do?

Tips for preparing for the case study exercise in advance

Read the organisation’s graduate recruitment literature and check its website for sample case studies and recent press releases. Try to get a feel for the type of work it’s involved in and the kind of business decisions it has to make or advise clients on. Read up on issues affecting the industry the employer works in; it might give you an advantage when evaluating options.
Practise your mental arithmetic, as you may have to demonstrate your quantitative ability without a calculator.
Practise mock case study exercises. Go to AssessmentDay , our commercial partner, for free and paid-for example case studies. Check, too, with your careers service, as many run workshops on how to successfully prepare for case study exercises.

Get the insights and skills you need to shape your career journey with Pathways. Informed by years of conversations with recruiters, this course will give you the best tips and resources, allowing you to feel more at ease presenting to others.

Tips for approaching the case study exercise on the day

Be clear about what you’re being asked to do. Understand what the problem is, what your role is and what your objectives are.
Start by reading through the information pack and assessing which parts of the information are relevant – you should be able to annotate the pack. Then, you might want to list key points to be considered when coming to your solution or to brainstorm possible solutions, before considering the pros and cons to each one.
Manage your time to ensure you complete the exercise. If you’re working in a group you could volunteer to be the timekeeper or ensure that someone else takes on this role. Allow time to prepare for the final presentation at the end of the session, if one is required.
If you’re working in a small group you could divide up the tasks between you. You could nominate someone to assess any new information passed to the group during the course of the exercise. You could also nominate a note-keeper.
In a group exercise, don’t dominate but do contribute to discussions. Articulate what you’re thinking so the assessors can see how you approach problems. Ask for more information or clarification if you’re unsure.
Don’t lose sight of your objectives. The final presentation or written report should be relevant, clear and concise, and should include a summary of your conclusions and recommendations.

Tips for great presentations at graduate assessment centres

Make sure the presentation is delivered in an appropriate style for the target audience. If your briefing scenario states that you are presenting back to a client, address the assessors as if they are clients. Consider what they are likely to know about the industry and what they don't know.
If you are asked to make a recommendation or give a view, make this the start point of your presentation, and then present your reasoning and analysis.
Think carefully about who and how many people will present back – switching between presenters needs to be quick and slick. If you don’t present back, nominate yourself as someone who will respond to questions.
How to structure and deliver a great presentation at an interview or assessment day .

targetjobs editorial advice

This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the targetjobs content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

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Case Study Exercise Tips for Assessment Centres or Interviews

Assessment centres have become one of the most popular and accurate predictors of which candidates are the right fit for the job, with case study exercises becoming one of the most common tasks candidates will face.

Assessment centres test the suitability of potential employees through a range of exercises over an extended period of time, with case study exercises providing a crucial stage in determining the best candidates. But case study exercises are also commonplace in other forms of interviews, so it’s best to be fully prepared just in case.

Here we take a closer look at what this task involves, and highlight some top tips for case study success.

What is a Case Study Exercise?

Designed to simulate a real work situation the case study generally revolves around a particular scenario which the candidate is expected to deal with.

The scenario will be relevant to the industry the organisation is part of and to the specific post you are applying for (case studies are particularly popular within the finance, banking and accountancy sectors).

Having been presented with an information pack outlining the scenario candidates are then expected to work individually or in a group to determine the best course of action. Reasons must be given for the recommendations and evidence presented to support them.

Skills being tested include the ability to quickly and effectively interpret information and the capacity to develop a robust plan of action. Where the task is undertaken on a collective basis employers are testing candidates team working and leadership skills.

Preparing for the Case Study Exercise

You are unlikely to discover the exact nature of the exercise until the day of the assessment centre, but it is still possible to carry out research in advance.

Carefully review the company’s graduate recruitment information and check out their website for possible case study examples.
Also read around issues within the relevant industry and business topics currently making the news. Practice skills such as speed reading, analysing large amounts of information and mental maths so that you are able to engage them quickly on the day.
Also, investigate the possibility of working with a professional career coach who can give specific advice tailored to address your particular situation.

Performance on the day

Although you may feel under pressure, it is important to relax and take enough time to fully digest the background information you are given.

Carefully review the scenario and ensure you understand what is being asked of you. Diving straight into the task may feel dynamic but this approach risks missing the whole point of the exercise.
Try to divide the task into manageable chunks and set deadlines for completion of each stage. This will ensure you keep on track in terms of timing which is crucial.
If working in a group , encourage the assignment of roles such as note taker and time keeper- this is how it would be in a real-life office environment.
Be proactive in your style of engagement with others but don’t take over completely. Participants are observed throughout and while employers certainly don’t want to employ a ‘shrinking violet’ type character they also tend to steer clear of people who are overtly dominant.
Stay focused on the objectives of the task. If you think the group is veering off track, remind them about the overall goals. Play a key role in the communication of the group findings and ensure that the presentation delivered is clear yet concise.

Case studies should follow a logical order – brief outline of scenario, issues discussed, summary of conclusions and recommendations. Knowing this means that you can be as prepared as possible for any case study exercise that comes your way.

Remember that everyone is being tested on the unfamiliar, and so any research preparation you have undertaken will help you perform on the day.

For more tips to succeed at assessment centres and all types of interview contact the experts at Interview Skills Consulting.

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As mentioned earlier, the exercises focus on examining how well do you work alone and as part of a team. The stage requires you to complete a case study alone. Use this PrepPack™ to prepare for this challenge.

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Preparing for the test will help will improve your scores and give you the edge you need to get the job.

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PA Consulting hiring processes follow similar patterns for each type of recruitment, but the exercises you will encounter depend on the level you are applying to. There are also some differences at each level between technical recruitment and business roles. For all positions, however, expect to complete interviews and/ or aptitude tests, as well as attend an assessment centre.

What Will I Face During the PA Consulting Assessment Centre?

There are a lot of different exercises that you will face during the day. It is therefore really important to get a good night's sleep if possible. Remember, a relaxed mind is the best mind. Try to be friendly even if you are nervous. It is often the interaction between candidates and workers that convince the assessors that you are the right choice for the job. Be prepared to complete the PA Consulting case study and participate in the PA Consulting Group exercise.

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COMMENTS

Assessment Centre Guide: Case Study Exercise
A case study exercise is a type of assessment where candidates are presented with a hypothetical business scenario and asked to provide solutions or recommendations. These exercises assess a range of competencies such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, decision-making, communication, teamwork, and time management.
How To Succeed At The Assessment Centre Case Study (2024)
Tips for performing well in case study exercises. 1. Process all the information. Take time to fully understand the scenario and the objectives of the exercise, identify relevant information and highlight key points for analysis, or discussion if working as part of a team. This will help structure your approach in a logical manner.
Deloitte Assessment Centre & Study Guide (2024)
The Deloitte assessment centre written exercise lasts for 1 hour and takes the form of a case study. They will be looking for the following things: Your ability to extract and identify the most important points. The clarity of your writing and how you present your ideas. Your tone and ability to write appropriately for the given audience.
Assessment Center Case Study : A Detailed Guide
A case study assessment is a popular tool used in assessment centres for evaluating candidates by presenting them with complex and previously unknown scenarios.After analyzing the information and identifying the most relevant parts, candidates answer questions that provide the employer with insights regarding important aspects of the candidate's knowledge, cognitive abilities, and personal ...
Assessment Centre Case Studies Practice & Tips
The key competencies that case study exercises usually assess are: Analytical thinking and assimilation of information. Commercial awareness and Innovation. Organization. Decisiveness and Judgment. The goal of the exercise is to review and analyze the given information to come up with solid business decisions.
How to Prepare for Case Study Exercises at Assessment Centers
Step 1. Do the Research. There is a whole range of research you can look into to prepare yourself for the case study exercise: Any of the above should provide you with a better understanding of the job you have applied for, the industry you will work within, and the culture and values of the employer.
What happens at a consulting assessment centre?
2. Case studies One of the interviews at an assessment centre may be a case study interview. You'll be presented with a business problem and asked to come up with a solution. Assessors will be looking at how you process information, solve problems and react to new and surprising situations.
Your Guide to Assessment Centre Case Studies
Writer, gradmalaysia. Case studies are a vital activity at assessment centres. Graduate recruiters use them to assess a candidate's capability after being shortlisted; to see the candidate "in action" and obtain valuable insights on how they would perform on the job. Just like how job interviews and assessment centre presentations are all ...
PDF Assessment Centres: Case Study Activities
Aims And Objectives. By the end of the session, you will have -become familiar with different types of case study exercises -discovered what assessors and recruiters are looking for -learned some strategies and techniques for dealing with case studies at interviews and assessment centres -practised analysing a case study and drafting and ...
Case studies
Case studies may feature at assessment centres as part of individual written tasks, group exercises and/or presentation activities. Your next steps . ... Master the Consulting Case contains: 15+ video-based candidate answers showing what good looks like (and doesn't) for key case scenarios including market sizing, market entry, revenue growth ...
Case interviews
Case interviews. A case interview or case study interview involves a business or organisational problem the company may have faced, and is a chance to demonstrate your analytical, reasoning and communication skills. They are designed to assess your ability to do the work of a consultant, i.e. work with a client to identify key problems or ...
PwC Assessment Centre
The PwC assessment test is a full day of activities that will test your skills and abilities. You can expect to complete a number of exercises, including case studies, interviews, and group activities. Be prepared to be evaluated on your problem-solving skills, teamwork abilities, and communication skills. 5.
Assessment Center Case Studies Practice & Tips
The key competencies that case study exercises usually assess are: Analytical thinking and assimilation of information. Commercial awareness and Innovation. Organization. Decisiveness and Judgment. The goal of the exercise is to review and analyze the given information to come up with solid business decisions.
Case Study Exercise (Free Practice)
Case study exercises are proficient predictors of role performance as they will resemble the work being done on the job. Therefore, case study exercises typically tilt highly on an assessment centre rating for candidates. Likewise, if a presentation exercise is required after the case study, based on details brought up during the case study ...
Challenges in Assessment Centres: Lessons from Experience
Abstract. The success of the assessment centre (AC) approach has been widely acknowledged and its widespread practice testifies to this. In India, its adoption as a tool for HRD is increasing slowly and steadily. Its proven success is due to its strong criterion and content-related validity. However, certain challenges during design and ...
Coping with case studies for graduate jobs
Example assessment centre case study exercise 2. This is a similar example of a case study used for commercial and marketing graduate programmes. In this case, the groups are given a pack with details of the product range, sales figures, marketing campaigns and news clippings. The basic problem in this type of scenario is that a product range ...
How To PASS Your Assessment Centre
Hey guys, in this video I share my top tips and tricks for passing assessing centres, interviews, group exercises and case studies . I have successfully pass...
How to ACE your Assessment Centres!
Heyy guys, I hope this video will help you prepare for your assessment centres. I haven't exactly done a virtual assessment centre but I would hope that some...
Case Study Exercise Tips for Assessment Centres or Interviews
Assessment centres have become one of the most popular and accurate predictors of which candidates are the right fit for the job, with case study exercises becoming one of the most common tasks candidates will face.. Assessment centres test the suitability of potential employees through a range of exercises over an extended period of time, with case study exercises providing a crucial stage in ...
Case Study Interviews
Got a case study interview lined up?! watch this!MINDFULL LEARNING📚 Commercial Law Assessment Centre Guide by Mindfull Learning (USE CODE 'SIMS35' FOR 35% O...
Centrica Case Study
Our virtual assessment centre platform (EVAL) allowed Centrica to utilise the power of data and technology to improve their recruiting of graduates across the board. Some of the key benefits seen were: £25,000+ savings in Assessment Centre costs. 50% reduction in number of Assessment Centres needed. Up to 75% reduction in turnaround time from ...
PA Consulting Interview, Online Tests, and Assessment Centre
If you successfully pass the online tests, you will be invited to a PA Consulting interview. This interview usually lasts about 45 minutes. Interviews tend to be the most stressful stage of the recruitment process. However, thorough preparation can significantly reduce the factor of stress. Rehearsed answers, a list of relevant skills and ...
PA Consulting Interview Questions
PA Consulting interview details: 448 interview questions and 397 interview reviews posted anonymously by PA Consulting interview candidates. ... Application, Hirevue, Assessment centre. 4 tasks, group exercise (in pairs), presentation (5 mins), case study interview, 1 to 1 interview with a senior. Assessment day lasts fr0m 9pm-1pm, smooth ...

Chapter 6: Case Study Exercises

Page contents:

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Case Study Exercise At Assessment Centres

What is a case study exercise?

What competencies does a case study exercise assess?

Problem solving

Communication

Commercial awareness and business acumen

Decision making

What are the different types of case study exercise?

Tips for performing well in case study exercises

2. Work collaboratively

3. Manage your time

Make an assertive decision

5. Present your findings clearly

How to prepare for a case study exercise

Choose a plan and start practising

Assessment Centre Case Studies Practice & Tips – 2024

What Is a Case Study Exercise?

Key Features of Case Studies

Competencies Required for Case Studies

How to Prepare for Case Study Exercises?

Case Studies: Tips for Success

Assessment Centre

Related Links:

Why Do Employers Use Case Studies at Assessment Centers?

Step 1 . Do the Research

Step 2 . Use Practice Case Studies

Step 3 . Timed Practice

Step 4 . Improve Your Reading Comprehension

Step 5 . Practice Mental Math

Top Tips for Approaching Case Study Exercises

Read the Information Carefully

Prioritize the Information

Divide Up the Tasks and Allocate Time

Do Not Be Distracted by Finding the Only 'Right' Answer

Keep the Objective in Focus

Support Your Decision With Evidence

Your Guide to Assessment Centre Case Studies

What Is a Case Study Exercise?

How You’ll Be Assessed

How It Usually Goes

Example Case Studies

Example Case Study 1

Example Case Study 2

More Related Advice

Careers and Employability Service

Case studies

What are case studies?

Your next steps

Why do employers use case studies?

How do I improve my chances of success? Including FREE access to eCareersGrad and Graduates First

Mastering the Consulting Case

Register for free access

Legal information

Case interviews

What is the company looking for?

How should I respond to a case study?

How should I prepare for a case study interview?

Practice case study appointment

Resources from LSE Careers

More case interview tests and tips

Further reading

PwC Assessment Centre: 2023 Success Guide

PwC Assessment Centre Success Guide

An important point before we begin

PwC Assessment Centre Success Guide

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 1: Business and Client Service

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 2: Working in Teams

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 3: Communicating with Impact and Empathy

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 4: Manage Projects & Economics

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 5: Be Open-minded, Agile with Change and Practical

Stop worrying! Download a 12-step assessment day cheatsheet & be perfectly prepared.

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 6: Personal Development

Practise PwC’s Assessment Exercises & Tests

Important: PwC Use “Cut-e” Style Tests

PwC Assessment Centre – A Useful Video from PwC

FastMaths – Case Study Interview Preparation