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Top MS Excel Interview Questions And Answers

Microsoft Excel , a popular spreadsheet program from Microsoft is extremely important for businesses, analysts, and professionals in many industries. It helps manage, analyze, and show data, making Excel skills very valuable making it favoured by top companies like JPMorgan Chase, KPMG, Deloitte, and PwC for its simplicity and powerful features.

In this article, we will look at the  50+ Excel Questions And Answers  perfect for both Freshers and experienced professionals . These interview questions are also helpful for individuals who are preparing for roles such as data analysts , business analysts , and accountants . These Excel Interview Questions cover everything about Excel 365, from the basics to advanced formulas, VBA, macros, and more.

Top MS Excel Interview Questions And Answers

Table of Content

Excel Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers

Intermediate level excel interview questions, advanced level excel interview questions, 1. what is excel used for.

Excel is a spreadsheet program used for data organization, analysis, and visualization. It provides many features such as:

  • Performing Complex Calculations with the help of buil-in functions such as COUNTIF, SUM etc.
  • Creating charts
  • Creating Graphs for Data Visualisation and more.

2. Explain the difference between a workbook and a worksheet.

  • A workbook is a spreadsheet program file that you create in Excel. A workbook contains one or more worksheets.
  • A worksheet consists of cells in which you can enter and calculate data. The cells are organized into columns and rows.

3. How do you navigate between worksheets in a workbook?

Use sheet tabs at the bottom of the Excel window.

workbook

4. How do you reference a cell in a formula?

Use the cell address in the formula (for example, A1).

5. Explain the difference between relative and absolute cell references?

When a formula is copied, relative references change, while absolute references remain constant.

For example, $A$1 is an absolute cell reference as it will not change if we move from one cell to another. However, relative cell reference is by default used by Excel and the cell reference will change if we move from one cell to another.

6. What is the order of operations in Excel formulas?

The order of operations in Excel formulas is

  • Parentheses
  • Multiplication and Division (left to right)
  • Addition and Subtraction (left to right).

7. How do you create a chart in Excel?

Select data you want to include, go to the “ Insert ” tab, and choose a chart type.

Q7

MS Excel Toolbar

8. What is conditional formatting, and how do you apply it?

It’s formatting applied based on specified conditions. To apply conditional formatting , select a category, go to “ Home ” > “ Conditional Formatting .”

Q8

9. Explain the VLOOKUP function.

VLOOKUP is a function in Excel that searches for a value in the first column of a range and returns a value from the second column in the same row.

10. What is a cell in Excel?

A cell is the intersection of a column and a row, identified by a unique address (for example, A1).

11. How do you freeze panes in Excel?

Go to the “ View ” tab, select “ Freeze Panes ,” and choose an option.

Q1

12. What is the CONCATENATE function used for?

The CONCATENATE function combines two or more text strings into one string.

13.How can you remove duplicates in Excel?

Select the range, go to “ Data ” > “ Remove Duplicates .”

Q3

14. What is the difference between CONCATENATE and CONCAT functions?

CONCAT is a new function that replaces CONCATENATE, providing additional features.

15. How do you protect a worksheet or workbook with a password?

Right-click on the sheet tab or workbook tab, choose “ Protect Sheet” or “ Protect Workbook ,” and set a password.

Q5

16. Explain the PivotTable function.

Some of the functions of PivotTable are:

  • Summarizes and analyzes data from a range into a concise, tabular format.
  • Aggregates data based on arithmetic operations.
  • Allows filtering and sorting of data.
  • Enable deep data analysis.

17. What is the purpose of the INDEX-MATCH function?

It is an alternative to VLOOKUP, which is used to look up values in a table.

18. How do you transfer data in Excel?

Copy the data, right-click the destination cell, select “ Transpose ” under “ Paste Special. “

Q8-E

19. Explain the HLOOKUP function.

The HLOOKUP function is used to search for a value in the first row of a range and returns a value in the same column from another row.

20. What is the Paste Special feature used for?

It allows you to choose specific formatting options when you paste data.

21. How do you find and replace data in Excel?

Press Ctrl + H to open the Find and Replace dialog box.

22. What is the IF function, and how is it used?

It performs a logical test and returns one value if true and another if false.

23. How do you create a drop-down list in Excel?

Use the Data Validation feature under the “ Data ” tab.

Data-validation

24. Explain the difference between COUNT, COUNTA, COUNTIF, and COUNTIFS functions.

  • COUNT counts the number of cells with numbers.
  • COUNTA counts non-empty cells.
  • COUNTIF counts cells based on a single criterion.
  • COUNTIFS does the same with multiple criteria.

25. How can you round a number to a specified number of decimal places in Excel?

Use the ROUND function, for example, =ROUND(A1,2) rounds the values in A1 to 2 decimal places.

26. What is the purpose of the CONCAT function?

Concatenates a category or multiple ranges.

27. Explain the difference between a relative and an absolute reference in a formula.

Relative Reference

Absolute Reference

and is copied to A2, it gets adjusted to “ and copied to A2, it remains as “

28. How do you use the IFERROR function?

It returns a custom result if a formula generates an error; otherwise, it returns the result of the formula.

29. What is the difference between a line chart and a scatter plot?

  • A line chart connects data points with lines
  • A scatter plot displays individual data points.

30. How do you use the SUMIF and SUMIFS functions?

SUMIF adds values based on a single criterion. SUMIFS does the same with multiple criteria.

31. What is the purpose of the TRIM function?

Removes extra spaces from text, leaving only single spaces between words.

32. How do you create a named range in Excel?

Select the range, go to the “ Formulas ” tab, and click “ Define Name .”

Q7-E

33. Explain the purpose of the VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) in Excel.

The main purpose of VBA is that it allows automation of tasks and the creation of custom functions using the Visual Basic programming language.

34. How do you password-protect a workbook?

Go to “ File ” > “ Info ” > “ Protect Workbook ” > “ Encrypt with Password .”

Q9

35. What is the difference between CONCATENATE and TEXTJOIN functions?

TEXTJOIN is a more versatile function that can join text using a specified delimiter and ignore empty cells.

36. How do you use the COUNTBLANK function?

It counts the number of blank cells in a range.

37. Explain the terms ‘workbook’

A workbook is the complete Excel file containing multiple worksheets.

38. How do you create a macro in Excel?

Go to the “ View ” tab, click “ Macros ,” select “ Record Macro ,” perform actions and stop recording.

Q13

39. What is the purpose of the PMT function in Excel?

The PMT function calculates the payment for a loan based on a constant interest rate and periodic payments.

40. How do you create a data table in Excel?

Use the “ What-If Analysis ” tool in the “ Forecast” Groupunder the “ Data ” tab.

Q15

41. Explain the significance of the ROUND function in Excel.

The ROUND Function rounds a number to a specified number of digits.

42. What is the purpose of the NETWORKDAYS function?

It calculates the number of whole workdays between two dates, excluding weekends and optionally specified holidays.

43. How can you link data between different worksheets?

Use cell references or create formulas that reference cells in other worksheets.

44. Explain the difference between the terms ‘filter’ and ‘sort’ in Excel.

  • Sorting arranges data in a specified order
  • Filtering displays only the data that meets specific criteria.

45. How do you use the AVERAGEIF and AVERAGEIFS functions?

  • AVERAGEIF calculates the average based on a single condition.
  • AVERAGEIFS does the same with multiple criteria.

46. What is the purpose of the SUBTOTAL function?

It calculates a subtotal in a list or database, ignoring other subtotals.

47. How do you convert text to columns in Excel?

Use the “ Text to Columns ” feature under the “ Data ” tab.

Q22

48. Explain the importance of the MAX and MIN functions in Excel.

  • MAX returns the highest value
  • MIN returns the lowest value in a range.

49. How can you create a histogram in Excel?

Use the “ Histogram ” tool in the “ Data Analysis ” toolpack.

Q24

50. What is the purpose of the COUNTIF function?

The COUNTIF function counts the number of cells that meet a single condition.

Excel Interview Questions and Answers – FAQs

What are the five basic excel functions.

The five basic Excel Functions are: The VLookup Function. The Concatenate Function. Text to Columns. Remove Duplicates. Pivot Tables.

What are the 5 Basic Excel Formulas?

The 5 Basic Excel Formulas are: =SUM(C2:C5) =MIN(E2:E5) =MAX(E2:E5) =AVERAGE(C2:C5) =COUNT(E2:E5)

How do I prepare for an Excel Interview?

Prior to the interview, engage in practicing various Excel tasks. Get ready to respond to common interview inquiries. Review and update your resume along with other application documents.

What is Excel basic questions?

Some of the basic Excel questions are: What is Microsoft Excel? What are the basic components of Excel? How do you enter data into Excel? What is a formula in Excel? How can you save an Excel document?

What is formula bar in Excel?

A formula bar is that toolbar in Excel that is situated just beneath the Ribbon and above the Spreadsheet Grid.

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Excel Expert Interview Questions

The most important interview questions for Excel Experts, and how to answer them

Getting Started as a Excel Expert

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Interviewing as a Excel Expert

Types of questions to expect in a excel expert interview, technical proficiency questions, problem-solving and case study questions, data analysis and interpretation questions, scenario-based excel challenges, behavioral and communication questions, preparing for a excel expert interview, how to prepare for an excel expert interview.

  • Brush Up on Advanced Excel Functions: Ensure you have a strong grasp of advanced Excel functions such as VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, pivot tables, data validation, array formulas, and macros. Practice using these features in real-world scenarios.
  • Understand Data Analysis and Reporting: Be prepared to discuss how you analyze large datasets and generate reports. Familiarize yourself with Excel's data analysis tools like Power Query, Power Pivot, and the ability to create dynamic dashboards.
  • Review Case Studies and Business Scenarios: Practice solving business problems with Excel. Be ready to explain how you've used Excel to streamline processes, improve data accuracy, or provide actionable insights in previous roles.
  • Prepare for Practical Tests: Many interviews include a hands-on Excel test. Refresh your skills on common test topics, such as data manipulation, formula writing, and chart creation.
  • Stay Updated on Excel Developments: Excel is constantly evolving, so make sure you're familiar with the latest features and updates, including integration with other Microsoft tools like Power BI.
  • Communicate Your Thought Process: Be ready to explain your reasoning and approach to solving Excel-related tasks. This demonstrates your analytical thinking and attention to detail.
  • Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare questions that show your interest in how the company uses Excel and data analysis in their operations. This can also reveal opportunities where your skills could be particularly beneficial.
  • Practice Explaining Complex Concepts: You may need to explain complex Excel functions or data analysis concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Practice communicating these ideas clearly and concisely.
  • Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews focusing on both technical Excel questions and behavioral questions to refine your communication skills and technical proficiency.

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Excel Expert Interview Questions and Answers

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Top 10 Excel Interview Questions for Job Seekers

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Microsoft Excel was released over thirty years ago, but it’s still one of the most useful applications on the market. It owes its enduring popularity to a huge number of features that allow users to analyze data quickly and easily. Since Excel’s launch, many competitors have unsuccessfully tried to displace it as the tool of choice for data analysis. Nevertheless, Excel still reigns supreme.

Because spreadsheets are so popular — and useful — many companies conduct Excel interviews before extending job offers. This helps ensure that job applicants are qualified — and comfortable using Excel on the job.

If you’ve got an upcoming Excel interview, you’re probably wondering what sorts of questions you might get. Recruiters are generally vague on details, and it can be scary to walk into a conversation like this one blind.

So, we’ve provided our list of the 10 most common Excel interview questions so that you can get some practice in before you exam. With a little bit of advance preparation, you’ll feel prepared and confident on interview day.

Show Me Question #1

1. What are the most important data formats seen in Excel, and how are they used?

Your Excel interview may start out with an easier question like this one. If you've spent any time in Excel, you've almost certainly had a chance to experiment with different data types, and will likely be familiar with some of the most frequently-used:

  • Numbers. Numbers are one of the most frequently-seen data types in Excel. They can be formatted with a customized number of decimal places, and appear with or without commas separating the thousands digits. Numbers can be added, subtracted, divided, multiplied, or included in formulas and functions that accept numerical inputs.
  • Dates. Excel can display dates in any number of ways, including the classic US-style MM/DD/YYYY format. Dates can be added or subtracted using standard addition and subtraction, and can also be manipulated using a slew of date-based functions. Interestingly, dates in Excel are technically also stores as numbers, with each date represented as the number of days elapsed since January 1, 1900 . For example, the date May 6, 2019 is stored in Excel as the number 42,129 , because there are 42,129 days between January 1, 1900, and May 6, 2019.
  • Percentages. Numbers can also be formatted as percentages, which multiplies the given number by 100 and adds a percentage sign at the end. For example, the number 0.08 is equivalent to the percentage 8% .
  • Strings. Text is stored in Excel in a format called a string . Strings of text can contain standard characters such as letters, numbers, and punctuation; strings can be manipulated via text-manipulation functions like MID and RIGHT .

2. What is the order of operations used when evaluating formulas in Excel?

Just like in standard mathematics, Excel uses an order of operations when evaluating different operators within the formula bar. You'll almost surely recognize the acronym PEMDAS — it's the order of operations taught in mathematics classes worldwide, and it's also the order that Excel uses. PEMDAS stands for:

  • Parentheses
  • Multiplication
  • Subtraction

When evaluating formulas, Excel always processes operators in this order. If you find yourself receiving an unexpected result from your mathematical formulas, double-check to make sure that parentheses are used properly to achieve the results you want.

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3. What is a function in Excel?

If you're a frequent Excel user, functions are probably second nature to you. You've used SUM , AVERAGE , and even VLOOKUP so many times that you don't even think about what a function actually is when you're creating spreadsheets.

As such, this question may come as a surprise to you — especially because describing what a function is can be a bit difficult if you never think about it.

Here's an easy way to do it: think of a function like a recipe. It's used to combine a bunch of ingredients — which may not taste particularlly good individually — into something much more useful.

The name of the function is like the title of the recipe. It describes what the function does, like take a SUM or an AVERAGE .

The arguments of the function describe what ingredients go into it. Individual functions can take any number of arguments, from one to an infinite number. It all depends on the function.

Finally, the output of the function is what comes out the other side: a useful quantity that can show you important data, or be used as an input to other functions in your spreadsheet.

4. In your opinion, what are a few of the most useful functions in Excel? How do you use them?

This is a tricky question, because it asks you to use your subjective judgement rather than answering objectively. As such, you'll have a wide range of latitude in your response — and you should have a well thought-out reply prepared that demonstrates both your proficiency with Excel and your wide range of past experience using spreadsheets.

Here are a couple of our top recommendations for features, formulas, and functions to discuss:

  • INDEX MATCH . VLOOKUP and INDEX MATCH are two of Excel's most important and commonly-used functions. As veteran Excel users know, they're used to look up values from an external table, and are important parts of automating your work with dynamic spreadsheets. One of the two is bound to come up in any Excel interview, but if you get this question, we recommend bringing up INDEX MATCH . It's a slightly more useful function, and also lacks many of the disadvantages of VLOOKUP , like the inability to insert new rows and columns into your sheets. If you go with this function, outline how you've used it in the past to dynamically lookup values and populate columns of data that would otherwise need to be manually copied and pasted.
  • IF statements . IF statements are another staple of any Excel veteran's arsenal. Bring them up to let your interviewer know that you've created advanced spreadsheets that make decisions based on criteria calculated in real-time.
  • PivotTables . PivotTables are an extraordinarily useful tool, and if you're applying for a job that requires intermediate or advanced Excel knowledge, they're sure to be an important criteria used by your interviewer. You may have used PivotTables for any number of things in the past, but be sure to emphasize how useful they are when quick, accurate calculations are necessary based on large sets of data with hundreds or thousands of rows.

5. What is the syntax of the VLOOKUP function? Are there any disadvantages to using this function?

VLOOKUP is one of the most commonly-used functions in the business world, and if you've got an Excel interview, you'll almost certainly be asked about it. Be sure you're properly prepared for your interview by memorizing the syntax of VLOOKUP by heart:

VLOOKUP 's arguments can be described as follows:

  • lookup_value defines a value to look up within an external table of data.
  • table_array defines a table of data in which to look up the lookup_value . The lookup_value must appear within the first column of this table.
  • col_index_num tells the function how many columns into the table_array to look for a value to return.
  • range_lookup is a TRUE / FALSE switch that tells the function whether to look for an exact match, or an approximate match, to the specified lookup_value .

As for disadvantages — VLOOKUP does have one crucial one: since the col_index_num is usually entered manually into the function, VLOOKUP can break if columns of data are inserted into the table_array after the function is written. This may not seem like a major disadvantage, but can cause hours of frustration over broken formulas if you're not careful.

To fix the problems that sometimes occur when columns of data are inserted, consider replacing your VLOOKUP formulas with INDEX MATCH , which contains similar functionality with none of the disadvantages.

6. What is the difference between absolute and relative cell references? In which situations would you use each?

As many Excel users know, one of the most magical features of Excel is the cell reference . Cell references allow users to include the values of external cells in formulas dynamically — rather than hard-coding particular values manually.

However, cell references can be confusing when copied and pasted to different locations. By default, Excel uses relative cell references, which change dynamically as they are copied and pasted around a sheet. For example, if a reference to cell A1 is copied and pasted one row down and one column to the right, the new reference will point to cell B2 . This allows users to perform similar calculations on different ranges of cells quickly and easily.

In contrast, absolute cell references do not change when they are copied and pasted to other locations within a sheet. Absolute cell references can be used on either rows, columns, or both at the same time, and are indicated using the $ sign. For example, if a reference to cell $A$1 is copied and pasted one row down and one column to the right, the new reference will point to cell A1 — it won't change at all, because both the row and column are locked. If a reference to cell $A1 is copied and pasted one row down and one column to the right, the new reference will point to cell A2 — only the row number will change, because the column letter is locked.

Here's a handy table that will show you what the $ sign means depending on where you see it in a cell reference:

Format Meaning Explanation
$A$1 Row and column locked Cell reference will not change at all as cell is copied and pasted.
$A1 Column locked Only row reference will change as cell is copied and pasted.
A$1 Row locked Only column reference will change as cell is copied and pasted.
A1 Nothing locked Both row and column will change as cell is copied and pasted.

7. What is a PivotTable, and when would you use one? What are the key PivotTable 'sections' into which users can drag columns?

As one of the most-used Excel features in business settings, PivotTables are sure to come up during any in-depth Excel interview. Be sure you're prepared in advance with a firm grasp of what exactly PivotTables are, and why they're useful in practice.

Simply put, a PivotTable is a tool used to summarize large quantities of data quickly and easily. It can help you analyze a data set of tens, hundreds, or even thousands of rows with minimal effort using a number of pre-defined functions — like SUM , COUNT , and AVERAGE .

There are many use cases for PivotTables, but they're most handy when you need to analyze a large data set quickly. If you've got high-level, one-off questions on a massive data set — for example, "how many cookies did we sell in February of last year", or "which salesperson closed the most deals this March", chances are a PivotTable is the perfect way to answer them.

Each PivotTable is composed of a number of key sections, into which the columns of a target data set can be bucketed:

  • Report filter . This section allows us to filter our table by one or more criteria. For example, we can only show data in our Pivot Table for the month of January.
  • Column labels . This section allows us to summarize data across columns, placing data labels along the top of the screen.
  • Row labels . This section allows us to summarize data across rows, placing data labels along the side of the screen.
  • Values . This section allows us to specify what we're summarizing — for example, total sales or number of items ordered.

8. Do PivotTables have any drawbacks? How can they be solved?

Of course, no Excel feature is without its drawbacks, and there's a chance your interviewer will dive deeper into your PivotTable knowledge by asking you to explore some of their weaknesses. This will help the recruiter assess your in-depth experience on one of Excel's most important features — after all, PivotTables can't be used for everything!

If asked about the drawbacks of PivotTables, consider the following:

  • Input data needs to be formatted properly . PivotTables can only be used in specific situations in which the input data set appears in flat file format — meaning that it's broken down to it's most granular level. If data is already summarized on a table, PivotTables may not be the best way to analyze it.
  • PivotTables need to be refreshed if input data changes . This can lead to confusing and errors when using PivotTables as part of larger dashboards.
  • PivotTables are easily modified, so it can be difficult to recreate your calculations . There are many times during which you'll arrive at an answer using PivotTables, then have a difficult time recreating that answer if a supervisor asks to see your work in more detail. The flexibility of PivotTables can be a double-edged sword!

As an alternative to PivotTables, consider using conditional summary functions like SUMIFS and COUNTIFS , particularly when constructing dashboards. They can produce similar results, but are less 'fluid' — making your results more predictable and easier to track.

9. What are some best practices when creating complex models in Excel?

Excel can be used for simple calculations, but it's most effective when constructing complex mathematical models that help predict outcomes, project financial results, or track data over time. If you're interviewing for a highly analytical role, there's a good chance your recruiter will ask about how you can use spreadsheets to accomplish these more difficult tasks.

When talking through your answer, be sure to mention the following modeling best practice, which help keep your spreadsheets clean, organized, and flexible:

  • Create multiple tabs . Keeping different pieces of your model (for example, inputs, outputs, and calculations) on separate tabs can help with model organization, particularly if you're planning to hand your spreadsheet off to someone who has never seen it before.
  • Use dynamic inputs . When constructing a model in Excel, values should never be hard-coded into cells — especially if they are flexible assumptions that may change down the line. Always keep assumptions and inputs on their own tab, and use cell references rather than hard-coded values to pull them into your formulas.
  • Add a table of contents . Large models can be extraordinarily complex, and adding a table of contents to the beginning can help keep things organized and easy to use for yourself and your supervisor.
  • Comment aggressively . You are the person who understands your models the best, but other people in your organization will doubtless be using them, too. So, be sure to over-comment and explain your calculations line-by-line so that they are as easy to follow as possible for other users.

10. Talk about some of the spreadsheets you've made that you're most proud of.

This is also a softer, more subjective question. It doesn't have to do with the features of Excel itself — rather, your interviewer may ask it to get a sense for your past experiences with spreadsheets and your enthusiasm for quantitative analysis.

Before walking into your interview, be sure that you have 2-3 examples of your prior spreadsheet use prepared so that you can answer this question. The more excited you are about these examples, the better; it's likely that your interviewer is also trying to get a sense for the excitement and passion that you'd bring to the job if hired.

Here are some examples of applications of Excel that you might want to talk about, if applicable:

  • Constructing dashboards in Excel to measure and track business metrics;
  • Putting together cash flow or revenue projections over time;
  • Using Excel as a project management dashboard to track progress across multiple workstreams;
  • Automating day-to-day tasks using spreadsheets with IF statements and other conditional logic; or
  • Performing back-of-the-envelope calculations to estimate sales volume in various business scenarios.

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ExcelDemy

How to Perform Case Study Using Excel Data Analysis

Md. Sourav Hossain Mithun

In the latest Excel 365, performing any case study for business or research, it’s quite easier and smarter. It includes more exclusive features which give our required case studies a better way. I hope, you will learn the easiest way to perform a case study using Excel data analysis with some clear illustrations.

What Is Data Analysis in Excel?

The Analyze Data tool in Excel 365 is a powerful tool to manage our data by writing our queries directly in a search box. So we’ll be able to ask anything about our data without using any complex commands or formulas. Along with that,  we can get very enriched and vivid visual illustrations or patterns of our data. In the earlier versions of Excel, the tool is named Data Analysis .

How Data Analysis Helps in Excel

  • It can search according to the queries through our natural language.
  • Provides high-level graphical illustrations and patterns.
  • Easy to get the Pivot Tables and Pivot Charts.
  • Faster steps save time.
  • The interest of Fields can be changed easily.

How to Use Excel Data Analysis for Case Study

Now let’s see how to apply the Analyze Data tool to perform a data analysis case study. But first, get introduced to our dataset that represents some categories’ yearly sales and profits of a company.

excel case study interview

Read More:   How to Install Data Analysis in Excel

With Default Analyze Data Option

First, we’ll see the default analyses that Excel makes automatically. Excel shows the most commonly used analyzes by default.

  • Click any data from the dataset.
  • Next, click as follows: Home > Analyze Data .

How to Use Excel Data Analysis for Case Study

Soon after, you will get an Analyze Data field on the right side of your Excel window. Where you will see different kinds of cases like- Pivot Tables and Pivot Charts .

How to Use Excel Data Analysis for Case Study

  • Look, there is a sample Pivot Table of Sales and Profit by Category. Click on Insert Pivot Table .

How to Use Excel Data Analysis for Case Study

Now see, the Pivot Table is inserted in a new sheet.

How to Use Excel Data Analysis for Case Study

  • Click on Insert Pivot Chart from the Sales by Category section then you will get the Pivot Chart in a new sheet.

How to Use Excel Data Analysis for Case Study

Here’s the chart.

How to Use Excel Data Analysis for Case Study

  • Scroll down more and Excel will show you more possible Pivot Tables and Charts .

excel case study interview

Feel free to use them if you prefer.

Read More: How to Analyze Data in Excel Using Pivot Tables 

Analyze by Inserting Queries

Here, we’ll learn how to analyze data by inserting queries in the ‘ Ask a question about your data ’ box.

How to Use Excel Data Analysis for Case Study

  • When you will click on the question box, it will show some default questions. Click one of them and it will show the answer according to the question. See, I clicked Total ‘Sales’ of ‘Accessories’ over ‘Year’ .

How to Use Excel Data Analysis for Case Study

It’s the answer from Excel.

How to Use Excel Data Analysis for Case Study

  • Or you can write your question. I asked- Profit chart according to Year .
  • After that, hit the ENTER button .

How to Use Excel Data Analysis for Case Study

  • Now you see, it’s showing the chart of profit by year. Click on Insert PivotChart .

How to Use Excel Data Analysis for Case Study

Soon after, a new sheet will open up with the PivotChart .

excel case study interview

  • Also, there is a Setting icon in the Discover insights part, click it and a dialog box will open up to select the customized fields of interest.

excel case study interview

  • Mark your desired fields from here. I marked Category and Profit.
  • Finally, just click Update .

excel case study interview

Now it is showing the answers only about Category and Profit.

excel case study interview

Things to Remember

  • The Analyze Data tool is only available in the latest Excel 365. But in the earlier versions, it is named Data Analysis ToolPak and available as Add-ins by default.

Download Practice Workbook

You can download the free Excel workbook from here and practice on your own.

I hope the procedures described above will be good enough to perform a case study using Excel Data Analysis. Feel free to ask any question in the comment section and please give me feedback.

Related Articles

  • How to Use Data Analysis Toolpak in Excel 
  • How to Enter Data for Analysis in Excel 
  • How to Make Histogram Using Analysis ToolPak 
  • [Fixed!] Data Analysis Not Showing in Excel

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Beginner level excel interview questions, intermediate level excel interview questions, advanced level excel interview questions, 50 ms excel interview questions to ace your excel interview.

A Guide to the Top 50 Excel Interview Questions

Microsoft Excel is a go-to tool if you’re working with data. Starting from simple calculations to building reports, Excel has it all covered. Knowing Excel has become a necessity in today’s times. Organizations rely on Excel for storing and analyzing their data. This article on MS Excel interview questions and answers will cover the top 50 questions that could be asked in an Excel interview.

So, let’s start with our beginner level Excel interview questions.

Watch the video below on Excel interview questions and answers that covers all the basic, intermediate and advanced interview questions that are frequently asked.

We will start with a set of Excel interview questions aimed at the beginners. 

1. What is a cell address in Excel? 

A cell address is used to identify a particular cell on a worksheet . It is denoted by a combination of the respective column letter and a row number. 

As shown above, the highlighted cell belongs to the column ‘D’ and row 5, so the cell address is read as D5.

cell-address

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2. What do you mean by Relative cell referencing and Absolute cell referencing in MS Excel?


Relative cell referencing


Absolute cell referencing 


In Relative referencing, there is a change when copying a formula from one cell to another cell with respect to the destination. cells’ address 


Meanwhile, there is no change in Absolute cell referencing when a formula is copied, irrespective of the cell’s destination.

This type of referencing is there by default. Relative cell referencing doesn’t require a dollar sign in the formula.


If you don’t want a change in the formula when it’s copied across cells, then absolute referencing requires you to add a dollar sign before and after the column and row address.

3. How do you freeze panes in Excel?

Freeze panes keep the rows and columns visible while scrolling through a worksheet. To freeze panes, select the View tab and go to Freeze Panes.

freeze

If you are looking to freeze the first two columns of a dataset, select the 3rd column, and click ‘Freeze Panes’. A thick grey border indicates this.

freeze-panes

4. How can you restrict someone from copying a cell from your worksheet?

1. First, choose the data you want to protect.

restrict

2. Hit Ctrl + Shift + F. The Format Cells tab appears. Go to the Protection tab. Check Locked and click OK.

hit

3. Next, go to the Review tab and select Protect Sheet. Enter the password to protect the sheet. 

Let’s now move onto our next question on our list of Excel interview questions. 

5. How is a Formula different from a Function in Excel?





The formula is like an equation in Excel, the user types in that. It can be any type of calculation depending on the user’s choice.

Whereas, a function in Excel is a predefined calculation which is in-built in Excel.

Manually typing out a formula every time you need to perform a calculation, consumes more time.

Ex: = A1+A2+A3


However, performing calculations becomes more comfortable and faster while working with functions.

Ex: = SUM(A1:A3)



Now, let’s head to our next question in our list of Excel interview questions.

6. Mention the order of operations used in Excel while evaluating formulas.

The order of operations in Excel is referred to as PEDMAS. Shown below is the order of precedence while performing an Excel operation. 

  • Parentheses
  • Exponentiation
  • Division/Multiplication 
  • Subtraction

As seen above, first, the data in the parentheses is operated, followed by the exponentiation operation. After that, it can be either the division or multiplication operations. The result is then added and finally subtracted to give the final result.

Let’s look at an example of the PEMDAS precedence in the next question on our Excel interview questions list. 

7. How will you write the formula for the following? - Multiply the value in cell A1 by 10, add the result by 5, and divide it by 2.

To write a formula for the above-stated question, we have to follow the PEDMAS Precedence. The correct answer is ((A1*10)+5)/2.

Answers such as =A1*10+5/2 and =(A1*10)+5/2 are not correct. We must put parentheses brackets after a particular operation. 

The output will look like this:

7-output

8. What is the difference between count, counta, and countblank?

The count function is very often used in Excel. Here, let’s look at the difference between count, and it’s variants - counta and countblank. 

It counts the number of cells that contain numeric values only. Cells that have string values, special characters, and blank cells will not be counted. Shown below is an example of the count function.

8-count

It counts the number of cells that contain any form of content. Cells that have string values, special characters, and numeric values will be counted. However, a blank cell will not be counted. Shown below is an example of the counta function.

counta

3. COUNTBLANK

As the name suggests, it counts the number of blank cells only. Cells that have content will not be taken into consideration. Shown below is an example of the countblank function.

countblank

9. What is the shortcut to add a filter to a table?

The filter mechanism is used when you want to display only specific data from the entire dataset. By doing so, there is no change being made to the data. The shortcut to add a filter to a table is Ctrl+Shift+L.

10. How do you create a hyperlink in Excel?

Hyperlinks are used to navigate between worksheets and files/websites. To create a hyperlink, the shortcut used is Ctrl+K.

The ‘Insert Hyperlink’ box appears. Enter the address and the text to display. Here, we are directed to the Amazon Website.

hyperlink

11. How can we merge multiple cells text strings in a cell?

To merge text strings present in multiple cells into one cell, you can use the CONCATENATE() . Shown below is an example of the concatenate function. 

concatenate-excel

Another way of combining cell values is by using the “&” operator, as shown below:

combining

Let’s now move onto the next question on our Excel interview questions list.

12. How can you split a column into 2 or more columns?

You can split a column into 2 or more columns by following the below steps:

1. Select the cell that you want to split. Then, navigate to the Data tab, after that, select Text to Columns.

text-columns

2. Select the delimiter.

delimiter

3. Choose the column data format and select the destination you want to display the split.

destination.

4. The final output will look like below where the text is split into multiple columns.

split-multile

13. What is the use of VLOOKUP and how do we use it?

The function VLOOKUP in Excel is used to look up information in a table and extract the corresponding data. 

Syntax:  VLOOKUP (value, table, col_index, [range_lookup])

              value - Indicates the data that you are looking for in the first column of                a table.

              table -  Refers to the set of data (table) from which you have to retrieve                the above value.

              col_index - Refers to the column in the table from where you are to                      retrieve the value.

              range_lookup - FALSE = exact match [optional] TRUE = approximate                    match (default). 

Shown below is an example of the VLOOKUP function . We are to find the Product related to the Customer Name – “Richard”.

richard

14. How is VLOOKUP different from the LOOKUP function?


VLOOKUP


VLOOKUP lets the user look for a value in the left-most column of a table. It then returns the value in a left-to-right way.

It is not very easy to use as compared to the LOOKUP function.

Meanwhile, the LOOKUP function enables the user to look for data in a row/column. It returns the value in another row/column.

It is easier and can also be used to replace the VLOOKUP function. 

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15. How many report formats are available in Excel?

There are three report formats available in Excel; they are:

  • Compact Form
  • Outline Form
  • Tabular Form

16. How does the IF() function in Excel work?

In Excel, the IF() function performs a logical test. It returns a value if the test evaluates to true and another value if the test result is false. It returns the value depending on whether the condition is valid for the entire selected range. 

Let’s look at the below example:

if-function

As seen above, the IF function returns “Record is Valid” if age is greater than 20, and the salary should be greater than $40000. Else, it will return “Record is Invalid”. Here the final answer will be “Record is Valid” as the entire selected range qualifies both the conditions. 

17. How do we use the SUMIF() function in Excel?

The SUMIF() function adds the cell values specified by a given condition or criteria. Given below is an example of the sumif function.

sumif

As seen above, the costs corresponding to the years 2010 are added as per the given criteria. 

18. Using the COVID data, find the number of days in which the number of deaths in Italy has been greater than 200.

To perform this operation, we can use the COUNTIFS() function. The dataset we will be using is shown below:

countifs-fun

The COUNTIFS() function we use is -  =COUNTIFS(G2:G35777,"Italy",E2:E35777,">200")

19. What is a Pivot Table?

A pivot table is like a summary table of the dataset that enables you to create reports and analyze trends. They are useful when you have long rows or columns that hold values you need to track. 

To create a pivot table, first, go to the Insert tab and select the ‘PivotTable’ option.

pivot-table

Select the table or the range and choose where you want to place the pivot table.

pivot

Drag the fields you wish to show in the pivot table. Here we have created a pivot table using the Coronavirus data.

pivot-field

20. Create a drop-down list in Excel.

This can be done by using the ‘Data Validation’ option present in the Data tab.

data-validation

In the example below, we have created a list based on the city column of the dataset.

city-column

21. How do we apply advanced filters in Excel?

To apply advanced filters, use the Advanced Filter option present in the Data tab. Select where you want to filter the table. Choose the ‘list range’ and the ‘criteria range’ that has the conditions based on which you would like to filter the table. 

advanced.

The below example shows how to apply advanced filters.

22. Using the below-given sales data, highlight those cells where total sales > $5000.

Here, conditional formatting is used to highlight cells based on the criteria.

sales

1. Select ‘Conditional Formatting’ from the home tab and under Highlight Cells Rules, choose ‘Greater Than option’.

/greater-than

2. Provide the condition and choose the color for the cells to be highlighted.

/provide

23. Using the given table, explain how the index-match function works in Excel.

Here, we will write an index-match function to find the city to which Andrew belongs to from the below table.

/index-match-n

Here is how you can use the Index-Match function to get the result.

washington

24. How do you find duplicate values in a column?

To find duplicate values in a column, you can either use Conditional Formatting or the COUNTIF() function.

1. Conditional Formatting

First, go to the Home tab, then under Conditional Formatting, select ‘Highlight Cells Rules’. Then choose ‘Duplicate Values’.

name-column

Below, we have highlighted the cells in the ‘Name’ column that have been repeated.

2. COUNTIF()

You can write a COUNTIF() function to check if the values in a particular column are repeated.

2-countif

In the below example, we are fetching the duplicate names using the COUNTIF() function.

25. How can you remove duplicate values in a range of cells?

1. To delete duplicate values in a column, select the highlighted cells, and press the delete button. After deleting the values, go to the ‘Conditional Formatting’ option present in the Home tab. Choose ‘Clear Rules’ to remove the rules from the sheet.

duplicate-1

2. You can also delete duplicate values by selecting the ‘Remove Duplicates’ option under Data Tools present in the Data tab.

Moving forward, let’s have a look at the intermediate level of Excel interview questions.

26. What are the wildcards available in Excel?

Wildcards only work with text data. Excel has three wildcards.

1. * (Asterisk)

This refers to any number of characters.

The example stated below filters the customers whose name ends with “a”. 

For that, we use “*a”.

asterisk

2. ? (Question mark)

It represents one single character.

The example below shows how to filter a particular customer name. 

question

3. ~ (Tilde)

It is used to identify a wildcard character (~, *, ?) in the text.

In the following example, we are filtering How?* using the tilde (~) symbol. 

tilde

27. What is Data Validation? Illustrate with an example.

Data Validation restricts the type of values that a user can enter into a particular cell or a range of cells.

In the Data tab, select the ‘Data Validation’ option present under Data Tools. 

27-tools

Select the kind of data validation you want to apply.

kind-of

In the following example, we have applied data validation to the ‘Name’ column to accept only text values. If you enter something other than a text, it will throw an error.

following

28. Given below is a student table. Write a function to add pass/fail to the results column based on the following criteria.

If student marks > 60 and attendance > 75%, then pass else the student fails.

student-table

You can use the IF() function and check with an AND condition to fill in the results column.

if-and

29. Calculate your age in years from the current date.

Use the YEARFRAC() or DATEDIF() function to return the number of whole days between start_date and end_date 

yearfrac

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30. How are nested IF statements used in Excel?

The function IF() can be nested when we have multiple conditions to meet. The FALSE value in the first IF function is replaced by another IF function to make a further test.

Below, using nested IF statements, we are categorizing results based on the marks.

marks-result

31. From the below table, find the descriptive statistics of the columns using the Data Analysis ToolPak in Excel.

31-toolpack

Add the Analysis ToolPak from Options ----> Add-ins ----> Analysis ToolPak.

Click on the Data Analysis option in the Data tab. Choose Descriptive Statistics.

data-analysis-31

Below is the summary table for the columns and their respective statistical measures.

summary-table-31

32. Using the Coronavirus dataset, create a pivot table to find the total cases in each country belonging to their respective continents.

First, drag the continent and country columns into rows. After that, drag the cases column on to the values section.

33. How do you provide Dynamic Range in ‘Data Source’ of Pivot Tables?

Dynamic Range in the data source of pivot tables is used to make your pivot table dynamic to adjust to new data when refreshed automatically.

Create a Named table to provide a dynamic range. Go to the Insert tab and select Table.

33-create-table

Under Table Design, give a name to the table.

corona

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34. Is it possible to create a Pivot Table using multiple sources of data?

Yes, you can create a pivot table from multiple worksheets. For this, there must be a common row in both the tables. This will act as the Primary key for the first table and Foreign key for the second table. Create a relationship between the tables and then build the pivot table.

35. Create a pivot table to find the top three countries from each continent based on the total cases using COVID data.

  • Create a pivot table using the coronavirus dataset by dragging sales into values.
  • Place the continent and country columns into rows.
  • Filter the table by selecting ‘Top 3’.

Below is the sequence of steps to follow.

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36. How do you create a column in a pivot table?

For this, you have to go to the PivotTable Analyze tab and select ‘Fields, Items & Sets’ option. Under that, you need to click ‘Calculate Field’ to create a new column.

36-pivot.

The Insert Calculated Field box appears. Give a name to the column and insert the formula by selecting the existing columns from the pivot table. Click Add ----> OK to create the column.

pivot-2.

37. How does a Slicer work in Excel?

To filter data in a Pivot table, we can use slicers. 

  • To create a slicer, go to the Insert tab, and select Slicer present under Filter. 
  • Then, select the list of fields for which you want to create slicers.

In the below example, we have created two slicers (months, countries, and territory) to filter the pivot table. 

pivot-2

38. Use the coronavirus dataset to find the percentage contribution of each country and continent to the total cases?

  • Create the pivot table to show the total cases by country and continent.
  • Right-click on the sum of cases column and under Show Value As, select “% of Grand Total.”

39. How do you create a pivot chart in Excel?

  • To create a pivot chart, first, we need to create a pivot table.

39-pivot.

  • Go to the Insert tab next and select the ‘Pivot Chart’ option. Choose a suitable chart to represent your pivot table data.

pivot-chart

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40. What are macros in Excel? Create a macro to automate a task.

Macro is a program that resides within the Excel file. The use of it is to automate repetitive tasks that you would like to perform in Excel.

To record a macro, you can either go to the Developer tab and click on Record Macro or access it from the View tab.

macro

Now that we are done with the intermediate level of the Excel interview questions, let’s move on to the advanced level of Excel interview questions. 

41. What is the What-If Analysis in Excel?

The What-If Analysis in Excel is a powerful tool to perform complex mathematical calculations, experiment with data, and try out different scenarios. 

Consider the following example:

If you get $10,000 worth of sales over the next few months, how much profit can you expect?”

41-data

Such scenarios can be solved using the What-If Analysis.

Go to the Data tab and click on What-If Analysis present under Forecast.

Scenario Manager is used for a comparison of different scenarios.

The Goal Seek performs reverse calculations.

The Data Table is used for sensitivity analysis.

To learn more about how What-If analysis works, click on this link: “IQ video link”

42. What is the difference between a function and a subroutine in VBA?


Functions


Subroutines 


A function is responsible for returning the value of the task it is performing.


Meanwhile, subroutines don’t return the value of the task it is performing.


They are called by a variable.


They can be recalled from anywhere in the program, in multiple types.


Functions are used as it is in spreadsheets as formulas.




Subroutines are not used directly in spreadsheets as formulas.


Functions are used to carry out repetitive tasks, and it, in turn, returns a value.




Users are required to insert a value in the desired cell before fetching the result of the subroutine.

43. What is the difference between ThisWorkbook and ActiveWorkbook in VBA?


ThisWorkbook


ActiveWorkbook 


ThisWorkbook indicates the name of the workbook where the code is running from.


As the name suggests, ActiveWorkbook is the workbook that is presently active from the various open workbooks.




44. How will you pass arguments to VBA Function?

Arguments can be passed to a VBA function as a reference or as a value.

Below is an example to illustrate both the usages.

Dim x As Integer

MsgBox Triple(x)

by-reference

If you run the cells by passing the values as a reference, it will display 40 both the times. When we pass arguments by reference, we are referencing the original value. The original value of x is changed in the function.

When we pass the arguments by value, we are passing a copy to the function. The original value is not changed. Hence, the second MsgBox will display the original value 10.

45. How do you find the last row and column in VBA?

To find the last row, use the below lines code in the VBA module:

Sub FindingLastRow()

Dim lastRow As Long

lastRow = ActiveSheet.Cells.SpecialCells(xlLastCell).Row

MsgBox (lastRow)

To find the last column, use the below lines code in the VBA module:

Sub FindingLastColumn()

lastColumn = ActiveSheet.Cells.SpecialCells(xlLastCell).Column

MsgBox (lastColumn)

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46. How do we check whether a file exists or not in a specified location?

Sub CheckFileExists()

Dim strFileName As String

Dim strFileExists As String

    strFileName = “File location\file_name.xlsx”

    strFileExists = Dir(strFileName)

   If strFileExists = “” Then

        MsgBox “The selected file doesn't exist”

        MsgBox “The selected file exists”

47. Explain how to debug a VBA code?

To debug a VBA code line by line, you can use the F8 key. You can also create a breakpoint to terminate the execution wherever you want.

The execution will start from the beginning of the code, and every time you press F8, it will execute the next line and continue until the end of the code. The yellow arrow and the highlighted line tells you the current point to execution.

47-debug.

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48. Write a VBA function to calculate the area of a rectangle.

Function Area(Length As Double, Optional Width As Variant)

    If IsMissing(Width) Then

        Area = Length * Length

        Area = Length * Width

End Function

49. Write a VBA function to check if a number is a prime number or not.

Sub Prime()

Dim divisors As Integer, number As Long, i As Long

divisors = 0

number = InputBox(“Enter a number”)

For i = 1 To number

If number Mod i = 0 Then

    divisors = divisors + 1

If divisors = 2 Then

    MsgBox number & “ is a prime number”

    MsgBox number & “ is not a prime number”

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50. Write a VBA code to create a bar chart with the given data.

Consider the below data that has two features. You can use the lines of code below to create a bar chart.

vba

Once you have run the above VBA code lines, below is the bar chart you will get.

units-sold

So, those were the 50 Excel interview questions that can help you crack your Excel interviews and help you in bagging your dream job. 

Now that you know the various Excel interview questions that can be asked in an interview, you can prepare by referring to the given answers for each of these Excel interview questions. Here, we had a look at a plethora of Excel interview questions based on different levels of difficulty. Practicing Excel regularly and going through these Excel interview questions will keep you prepared for any question that is thrown at you.

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We hope this article on Excel interview questions was useful. Do you have any questions related to this article? If so, then please put it in the comments section of the article and our experts will get back to you on that right away. 

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excel case study interview

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Efficio - excel-based case study.

I have an interview with Efficio, which includes an excel-based case study. Does it require any preparation? And does anyone have sample tests to share?

Appreciate a quick response.

Overview of answers

  • Date ascending
  • Date descending

The answer for any interview in regards to “should I prepare” is yes :)

Unfortunately I don't know much about Efficio (imagine that, a coach confessing ignorance!), but a quick google led me to understand the following from their interviews:

  • An online numeracy and problem-solving test
  • A first round of interviews, typically involving two interviews and a case study
  • An Excel-based case study
  • A second round of interviews with senior management

I actually do have a few excel-based real-life case studies (from past candidates). They are across the topics of food delivery, investment decisions, and mining/operations optimization.

Feel free to reach out and I can take you through them!

Hi Ian! i have an excel-based test coming up soon and would like to practice some of the case studies you have if you can share them with me!

Greetings Ian, I would appreciate if you can share those Excel mock tests with me, as I have an upcoming excel test for a consultant position as well in the procurement and SCM consulting. Thanks,

Hi Mo, more than happy to! All of this comes with any of my coaching (single or 3 session pack). Just shoot me a message if interested!

Hi, If you can please share the materials with me as it would be super useful with interview rounds coming up!

I actually took and passed that test. However that was several years ago (feeling old;)) so it may have changed in the meantime. At the time, if you were familiar with the main Excel formulas you definitely had an advantage.

Given Ian has some resources, I would recommend to reach out to him as preparing with something similar would definitely help.

Please PM me

I haven´t taken it myself, but I have seen mocks and you benefit from knowing the classical formulas. Any basic Excel course can gives you some background, but the key in Excel is to have a lot of practice so you can be very quick. 

Hope it helps!

Did you ever take that test? I am looking to get some insight on what to expect. 

I have an excel-based case, but it's not related to procurement. I would guess that something related to procurement would be more appropriate in your situation. I believe Ian is your best option here.

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  • Hypothesis driven structure
  • Fit Interview
  • Consulting math
  • The key to landing your consulting job
  • What is a case interview?
  • Types of case interview
  • How to solve cases with the Problem-Driven Structure?
  • What to remember in case interviews
  • Case examples or building blocks?
  • How do I prepare for case interviews
  • Interview day tips
  • How we can help

1. The key to landing your consulting job.

Case interviews - where you are asked to solve a business case study under scrutiny - are the core of the selection process right across McKinsey, Bain and BCG (the “MBB” firms). This interview format is also used pretty much universally across other high-end consultancies; including LEK, Kearney, Oliver Wyman and the consulting wings of the “Big Four”.

If you want to land a job at any of these firms, you will have to ace multiple case interviews.

It is increasingly likely that you will also have to solve online cases given by chatbots. You might need to pass these either before making it to interview or be asked to sit them alongside first round interviews.

Importantly, case studies aren’t something you can just wing . Firms explicitly expect you to have thoroughly prepared and many of your competitors on interview day will have been prepping for months.

Don’t worry though - MCC is here to help!

This article will take you through a full overview of everything you’ll need to know to do well, linking to more detailed articles and resources at each stage to let you really drill down into the details.

As well as traditional case interviews, we’ll also attend to the new formats in which cases are being delivered and otherwise make sure you’re up to speed with recent trends in this overall part of consulting recruitment.

Before we can figure out how to prepare for a case interview, though, we will first have to properly understand in detail what exactly you are up against. What format does a standard consulting case interview take? What is expected of you? How will you be assessed?

Let's dive right in and find out!

Professional help

Before going further, if this sounds like a lot to get your head around on your own, don't worry - help is available!

Our Case Academy course gives you everything you need to know to crack cases like a pro:

Case Academy Course

To put what you learn into practice (and secure some savings in the process) you can add mock interview coaching sessions with expereinced MBB consultants:

Coaching options

And, if you just want an experienced consultant to take charge of the whole selection process for you, you can check out our comprehensive mentoring programmes:

Explore mentoring

Now, back to the article!

2. What is a case interview?

Before we can hope to tackle a case interview, we have to understand what one is.

In short, a case interview simulates real consulting work by having you solve a business case study in conversation with your interviewer.

This case study will be a business problem where you have to advise a client - that is, an imaginary business or similar organisation in need of guidance.

You must help this client solve a problem and/or make a decision. This requires you to analyse the information you are given about that client organisation and figure out a final recommendation for what they should do next.

Business problems in general obviously vary in difficulty. Some are quite straightforward and can be addressed with fairly standard solutions. However, consulting firms exist precisely to solve the tough issues that businesses have failed to deal with internally - and so consultants will typically work on complex, idiosyncratic problems requiring novel solutions.

Some examples of case study questions might be:

  • How much would you pay for a banking licence in Ghana?
  • Estimate the potential value of the electric vehicle market in Germany
  • How much gas storage capacity should a UK domestic energy supplier build?

Consulting firms need the brightest minds they can find to put to work on these important, difficult projects. You can expect the case studies you have to solve in interview, then, to echo the unique, complicated problems consultancies deal with every day. As we’ll explain here, this means that you need to be ready to think outside the box to figure out genuinely novel solutions.

2.1. Where are case interviews in the consulting selection process?

Not everyone who applies to a consulting firm will have a case interview - far from it!

In fact, case interviews are pretty expensive and inconvenient for firms to host, requiring them to take consultants off active projects and even fly them back to the office from location for in-person interviews (although this happens less frequently now). Ideally, firms want to cut costs and save time by narrowing down the candidate pool as much as possible before any live interviews.

As such, there are some hoops to jump through before you make it to interview rounds.

Firms will typically eliminate as much as 80% of the applicant pool before interviews start . For most firms, 50%+ of applicants might be cut based on resumes, before a similar cut is made on those remaining based on aptitude tests. McKinsey currently gives their Solve assessment to most applicants, but will use their resulting test scores alongside resumes to cut 70%+ of the candidate pool before interviews.

You'll need to be on top of your game to get as far as a case interview with a top firm. Getting through the resume screen and any aptitude tests is an achievement in itself! Also we need to note that the general timeline of an application can differ depending on a series of factors, including which position you apply, your background, and the office you are applying to. For example, an undergraduate applying for a Business Analyst position (the entry level job at McKinsey) will most likely be part of a recruitment cycle and as such have pretty fixed dates when they need to sit the pre-screening test, and have the first and second round interviews (see more on those below). Conversely, an experienced hire will most likely have a much greater choice of test and interview dates as well as more time at their disposal to prepare.

For readers not yet embroiled in the selection process themselves, let’s put case interviews in context and take a quick look at each stage in turn. Importantly, note that you might also be asked to solve case studies outside interviews as well…

2.1.1. Application screen

It’s sometimes easy to forget that such a large cut is made at the application stage. At larger firms, this will mean your resume and cover letter is looked at by some combination of AI tools, recruitment staff and junior consulting staff (often someone from your own university).

Only the best applications will be passed to later stages, so make sure to check out our free resume and cover letter guides, and potentially get help with editing , to give yourself the best chance possible.

2.1.2. Aptitude tests and online cases

This part of the selection process has been changing quickly in recent years and is increasingly beginning to blur into the traditionally separate case interview rounds.

In the past, GMAT or PST style tests were the norm. Firms then used increasingly sophisticated and often gamified aptitude tests, like the Pymetrics test currently used by several firms, including BCG and Bain, and the original version of McKinsey’s Solve assessment (then branded as the Problem Solving Game).

Now, though, there is a move towards delivering relatively sophisticated case studies online. For example, McKinsey has replaced half the old Solve assessment with an online case. BCG’s Casey chatbot case now directly replaces a live first round case interview, and in the new era of AI chatbots, we expect these online cases to quickly become more realistic and increasingly start to relieve firms of some of the costs of live case interviews.

Our consultants collectively reckon that, over time, 50% of case interviews are likely to be replaced with these kinds of cases . We give some specific advice for online cases in section six. However, the important thing to note is that these are still just simulations of traditional case interviews - you still need to learn how to solve cases in precisely the same way, and your prep will largely remain the same.

2.1.3. Rounds of Interviews

Now, let’s not go overboard with talk of AI. Even in the long term, the client facing nature of consulting means that firms will have live case interviews for as long as they are hiring anyone. And in the immediate term, case interviews are still absolutely the core of consulting selection.

Before landing an offer at McKinsey, Bain, BCG or any similar firm, you won’t just have one case interview, but will have to complete four to six case interviews, usually divided into two rounds, with each interview lasting approximately 50-60 minutes .

Being invited to first round usually means two or three case interviews. As noted above, you might also be asked to complete an online case or similar alongside your first round interviews.

If you ace first round, you will be invited to second round to face the same again, but more gruelling. Only then - after up to six case interviews in total, can you hope to receive an offer.

2.2. Differences between first and second round interviews

Despite case interviews in the first and second round following the same format, second/final round interviews will be significantly more intense . The seniority of the interviewer, time pressure (with up to three interviews back-to-back), and the sheer value of the job at stake will likely make a second round consulting case interview one of the most challenging moments of your professional life.

There are three key differences between the two rounds:

  • Time Pressure : Final round case interviews test your ability to perform under pressure, with as many as three interviews in a row and often only very small breaks between them.
  • Focus : Since second round interviewers tend to be more senior (usually partners with 12+ years experience) and will be more interested in your personality and ability to handle challenges independently. Some partners will drill down into your experiences and achievements to the extreme. They want to understand how you react to challenges and your ability to identify and learn from past mistakes.
  • Psychological Pressure: While case interviews in the first round are usually more focused on you simply cracking the case, second round interviewers often employ a "bad cop" strategy to test the way you react to challenges and uncertainty.

2.3. What skills do case interviews assess?

Reliably impressing your interviewers means knowing what they are looking for. This means understanding the skills you are being assessed against in some detail.

Overall, it’s important always to remember that, with case studies, there are no strict right or wrong answers. What really matters is how you think problems through, how confident you are with your conclusions and how quick you are with the back of the envelope arithmetic.

The objective of this kind of interview isn’t to get to one particular solution, but to assess your skillset. This is even true of modern online cases, where sophisticated AI algorithms score how you work as well as the solutions you generate.

If you visit McKinsey , Bain and BCG web pages on case interviews, you will find that the three firms look for very similar traits, and the same will be true of other top consultancies.

Broadly speaking, your interviewer will be evaluating you across five key areas:

2.1.1.One: Probing mind

Showing intellectual curiosity by asking relevant and insightful questions that demonstrate critical thinking and a proactive nature. For instance, if we are told that revenues for a leading supermarket chain have been declining over the last ten years, a successful candidate would ask:

“ We know revenues have declined. This could be due to price or volume. Do we know how they changed over the same period? ”

This is as opposed to a laundry list of questions like:

  • Did customers change their preferences?
  • Which segment has shown the decline in volume?
  • Is there a price war in the industry?

2.1.2. Structure

Structure in this context means structuring a problem. This, in turn, means creating a framework - that is, a series of clear, sequential steps in order to get to a solution.

As with the case interview in general, the focus with case study structures isn’t on reaching a solution, but on how you get there.

This is the trickiest part of the case interview and the single most common reason candidates fail.

We discuss how to properly structure a case in more detail in section three. In terms of what your interviewer is looking for at high level, though, key pieces of your structure should be:

  • Proper understanding of the objective of the case - Ask yourself: "What is the single crucial piece of advice that the client absolutely needs?"
  • Identification of the drivers - Ask yourself: "What are the key forces that play a role in defining the outcome?"

Our Problem Driven Structure method, discussed in section three, bakes this approach in at a fundamental level. This is as opposed to the framework-based approach you will find in older case-solving

Focus on going through memorised sequences of steps too-often means failing to develop a full understanding of the case and the real key drivers.

At this link, we run through a case to illustrate the difference between a standard framework-based approach and our Problem Driven Structure method.

2.1.3. Problem Solving

You’ll be tested on your ability to identify problems and drivers, isolate causes and effects, demonstrate creativity and prioritise issues. In particular, the interviewer will look for the following skills:

  • Prioritisation - Can you distinguish relevant and irrelevant facts?
  • Connecting the dots - Can you connect new facts and evidence to the big picture?
  • Establishing conclusions - Can you establish correct conclusions without rushing to inferences not supported by evidence?

2.1.4. Numerical Agility

In case interviews, you are expected to be quick and confident with both precise and approximated numbers. This translates to:

  • Performing simple calculations quickly - Essential to solve cases quickly and impress clients with quick estimates and preliminary conclusions.
  • Analysing data - Extract data from graphs and charts, elaborate and draw insightful conclusions.
  • Solving business problems - Translate a real world case to a mathematical problem and solve it.

Our article on consulting math is a great resource here, though the extensive math content in our MCC Academy is the best and most comprehensive material available.

2.1.5. Communication

Real consulting work isn’t just about the raw analysis to come up with a recommendation - this then needs to be sold to the client as the right course of action.

Similarly, in a case interview, you must be able to turn your answer into a compelling recommendation. This is just as essential to impressing your interviewer as your structure and analysis.

Consultants already comment on how difficult it is to find candidates with the right communication skills. Add to this the current direction of travel, where AI will be able to automate more and more of the routine analytic side of consulting, and communication becomes a bigger and bigger part of what consultants are being paid for.

So, how do you make sure that your recommendations are relevant, smart, and engaging? The answer is to master what is known as CEO-level communication .

This art of speaking like a CEO can be quite challenging, as it often involves presenting information in effectively the opposite way to how you might normally.

To get it right, there are three key areas to focus on in your communications:

  • Top down : A CEO wants to hear the key message first. They will only ask for more details if they think that will actually be useful. Always consider what is absolutely critical for the CEO to know, and start with that. You can read more in our article on the Pyramid Principle .
  • Concise : This is not the time for "boiling the ocean" or listing an endless number possible solutions. CEOs, and thus consultants, want a structured, quick and concise recommendation for their business problem, that they can implement immediately.
  • Fact-based : Consultants share CEOs' hatred of opinions based on gut feel rather than facts. They want recommendations based on facts to make sure they are actually in control. Always go on to back up your conclusions with the relevant facts.

Being concise and to the point is key in many areas, networking being one for them. For more detail on all this, check out our full article on delivering recommendations .

Prep the right way

3. types of case interview.

While most case interviews share a similar structure, firms will have some differences in the particular ways they like to do things in terms of both the case study and the fit component.

As we’ll see, these differences aren’t hugely impactful in terms of how you prepare. That said, it's always good to know as much as possible about what you will be going up against.

3.1. Different case objectives

A guiding thread throughout this article and our approach in general will be to treat each case as a self-contained problem and not try to pigeonhole it into a certain category. Having said that, there are of course similarities between cases and we can identify certain parameters and objectives.

Broadly speaking, cases can be divided into issue-based cases and strategic decision cases. In the former you will be asked to solve a certain issue, such as declining profits, or low productivity whereas in the latter you will be ask whether your client should or should not do something, such as enter a specific market or acquire another company. The chart below is a good breakdown of these different objectives:

Case Focus

3.2. How do interviewers craft cases

While interviewers will very likely be given a case bank to choose from by their company, a good number of them will also choose to adapt the cases they would currently be working on to a case interview setting. The difference is that the latter cases will be harder to pigeonhole and apply standard frameworks to, so a tailored approach will be paramount.

If you’ve applied for a specific practice or type of consulting - such as operational consulting, for example - it’s very likely that you will receive a case geared towards that particular area alongside a ‘generalist’ consulting case (however, if that’s the case, you will generally be notified). The other main distinction when it comes to case interviews is between interviewer-led and candidate-led.

3.3. Candidate-led cases

Most consulting case interview questions test your ability to crack a broad problem, with a case prompt often going something like:

" How much would you pay to secure the rights to run a restaurant in the British Museum? "

You, as a candidate, are then expected to identify your path to solve the case (that is, provide a structure), leveraging your interviewer to collect the data and test your assumptions.

This is known as a “candidate-led” case interview and is used by Bain, BCG and other firms. From a structuring perspective, it’s easier to lose direction in a candidate-led case as there are no sign-posts along the way. As such, you need to come up with an approach that is both broad enough to cover all of the potential drivers in a case but also tailored enough to the problem you are asked to solve. It’s also up to you to figure out when you need to delve deeper into a certain branch of the case, brainstorm or ask for data. The following case from Bain is an excellent example on how to navigate a candidate-led case.

3.4. Interviewer-led cases

This type of case - employed most famously by McKinsey - is slightly different, with the interviewer controlling the pace and direction of the conversation much more than with other case interviews.

At McKinsey, your interviewer will ask you a set of pre-determined questions, regardless of your initial structure. For each question, you will have to understand the problem, come up with a mini structure, ask for additional data (if necessary) and come to the conclusion that answers the question. This more structured format of case also shows up in online cases by other firms - notably including BCG’s Casey chatbot (with the amusing result that practising McKinsey-style cases can be a great addition when prepping for BCG).

Essentially, these interviewer-led case studies are large cases made up of lots of mini-cases. You still use basically the same method as you would for standard (or candidate-led) cases - the main difference is simply that, instead of using that method to solve one big case, you are solving several mini-cases sequentially. These cases are easier to follow as the interviewer will guide you in the right direction. However, this doesn’t mean you should pay less attention to structure and deliver a generic framework! Also, usually (but not always!) the first question will ask you to map your approach and is the equivalent of the structuring question in candidate-led cases. Sometimes, if you’re missing key elements, the interviewer might prompt you in the right direction - so make sure to take those prompts seriously as they are there to help you get back on track (ask for 30 seconds to think on the prompt and structure your approach). Other times - and this is a less fortunate scenario - the interviewer might say nothing and simply move on to the next question. This is why you should put just as much thought (if not more) into the framework you build for interviewer-led cases , as you may be penalized if you produce something too generic or that doesn’t encompass all the issues of the case.

3.5. Case and fit

The standard case interview can be thought of as splitting into two standalone sub-interviews. Thus “case interviews” can be divided into the case study itself and a “fit interview” section, where culture fit questions are asked.

This can lead to a bit of confusion, as the actual case interview component might take up as little as half of your scheduled “case interview”. You need to make sure you are ready for both aspects.

To illustrate, here is the typical case interview timeline:

Case interview breakdown

  • First 15-30 minutes: Fit Interview - with questions assessing your motivation to be a consultant in that specific firm and your traits around leadership and teamwork. Learn more about the fit interview in our in-depth article here .
  • Next 30-40 minutes: Case Interview - solving a case study
  • Last 5 minutes: Fit Interview again - this time focussing on your questions for your interviewer.

Both the Case and Fit interviews play crucial roles in the finial hiring decision. There is no “average” taken between case and fit interviews: if your performance is not up to scratch in either of the two, you will not be able to move on to the next interview round or get an offer.

NB: No case without fit

Note that, even if you have only been told you are having a case interview or otherwise are just doing a case study, always be prepared to answer fit questions. At most firms, it is standard practice to include some fit questions in all case interviews, even if there are also separate explicit fit interviews, and interviewers will almost invariably include some of these questions around your case. This is perfectly natural - imagine how odd and artificial it would be to show up to an interview, simply do a case and leave again, without talking about anything else with the interviewer before or after.

3.5.1 Differences between firms

For the most part, a case interview is a case interview. However, firms will have some differences in the particular ways they like to do things in terms of both the case study and the fit component.

3.5.2. The McKinsey PEI

McKinsey brands its fit aspect of interviews as the Personal Experience Interview or PEI. Despite the different name, this is really much the same interview you will be going up against in Bain, BCG and any similar firms.

McKinsey does have a reputation for pushing candidates a little harder with fit or PEI questions , focusing on one story per interview and drilling down further into the specific details each time. We discuss this tendency more in our fit interview article . However, no top end firm is going to go easy on you and you should absolutely be ready for the same level of grilling at Bain, BCG and others. Thus any difference isn’t hugely salient in terms of prep.

3.6. What is different in 2023?

For the foreseeable future, you are going to have to go through multiple live case interviews to secure any decent consulting job. These might increasingly happen via Zoom rather than in person, but they should remain largely the same otherwise.

However, things are changing and the rise of AI in recent months seems pretty much guaranteed to accelerate existing trends.

Even before the explosive development of AI chatbots like ChatGPT we have seen in recent months, automation was already starting to change the recruitment process.

As we mentioned, case interviews are expensive and inconvenient for firms to run . Ideally, then, firms will try to reduce the number of interviews required for recruitment as far as possible. For many years, tests of various kinds served to cut down the applicant pool and thus the number of interviews. However, these tests had a limited capacity to assess candidates against the full consulting skillset in the way that case interviews do so well.

More recently, though, the development of online testing has allowed for more and more advanced assessments. Top consulting firms have been leveraging screening tests that better and better capture the same skillset as case interviews. Eventually this is converging on automated case studies. We see this very clearly with the addition of the Redrock case to McKinsey’s Solve assessment.

As these digital cases become closer to the real thing, the line between test and case interview blurs. Online cases don’t just reduce the number of candidates to case interview, but start directly replacing them.

Case in point here is BCG’s Casey chatbot . Previously, BCG had deployed less advanced online cases and similar tests to weed out some candidates before live case interviews began. Now, though, Casey actually replaces one first round case interview.

Casey, at time of writing, is still a relatively “basic” chatbot, basically running through a pre-set script. The Whatsapp-like interface does a lot of work to make it feel like one is chatting to a “real person” - the chatbot itself, though, cannot provide feedback or nudges to candidates as would a human interviewer.

We fully expect that, as soon as BCG and other firms can train a truer AI, these online cases will become more widespread and start replacing more live interviews.

We discuss the likely impacts of advanced AI on consulting recruitment and the industry more broadly in our blog.

Here, though, the real message is that you should expect to run into digital cases as well as traditional case interviews.

Luckily, despite any changes in specific case interview format, you will still need to master the same fundamental skills and prepare in much the same way.

We’ll cover a few ways to help prepare for chatbot cases in section four. Ultimately, though, firms are looking for the same problem solving ability and mindset as a real interviewer. Especially as chatbots get better at mimicking a real interviewer, candidates who are well prepared for case cracking in general should have no problem with AI administered cases.

3.6.1. Automated fit interviews

Analogous to online cases, in recent years there has been a trend towards automated, “one way” fit interviews, with these typically being administered for consultancies by specialist contractors like HireVue or SparkHire.

These are kind of like Zoom interviews, but if the interviewer didn’t show up. Instead you will be given fit questions to answer and must record your answer in your computer webcam. Your response will then go on to be assessed by an algorithm, scoring both what you say and how you say it.

Again, with advances in AI, it is easy to imagine these automated case interviews going from fully scripted interactions, where all candidates are asked the same list of questions, to a more interactive experience. Thus, we might soon arrive at a point where you are being grilled on the details of your stories - McKinsey PEI style - but by a bot rather than a human.

We include some tips on this kind of “one way” fit interview in section six here.

4. How to solve cases with the Problem-Driven Structure?

If you look around online for material on how to solve case studies, a lot of what you find will set out framework-based approaches. However, as we have mentioned, these frameworks tend to break down with more complex, unique cases - with these being exactly the kind of tough case studies you can expect to be given in your case interviews.

To address this problem, the MyConsultingCoach team has synthesized a new approach to case cracking that replicates how top management consultants approach actual engagements.

MyConsultingCoach’s Problem Driven Structure approach is a universal problem solving method that can be applied to any business problem , irrespective of its nature.

As opposed to just selecting a generic framework for each case interview, the Problem Driven Structure approach works by generating a bespoke structure for each individual question and is a simplified version of the roadmap McKinsey consultants use when working on engagements.

The canonical seven steps from McKinsey on real projects are simplified to four for case interview questions, as the analysis required for a six-month engagement is somewhat less than that needed for a 45-minute case study. However, the underlying flow is the same (see the method in action in the video below)

Let's zoom in to see how our method actually works in more detail:

4.1. Identify the problem

Identifying the problem means properly understanding the prompt/question you are given, so you get to the actual point of the case.

This might sound simple, but cases are often very tricky, and many candidates irretrievably mess things up within the first few minutes of starting. Often, they won’t notice this has happened until they are getting to the end of their analysis. Then, they suddenly realise that they have misunderstood the case prompt - and have effectively been answering the wrong question all along!

With no time to go back and start again, there is nothing to do. Even if there were time, making such a silly mistake early on will make a terrible impression on their interviewer, who might well have written them off already. The interview is scuppered and all the candidate’s preparation has been for nothing.

This error is so galling as it is so readily avoidable.

Our method prevents this problem by placing huge emphasis on a full understanding of the case prompt. This lays the foundations for success as, once we have identified the fundamental, underlying problem our client is facing, we focus our whole analysis around finding solutions to this specific issue.

Now, some case interview prompts are easy to digest. For example, “Our client, a supermarket, has seen a decline in profits. How can we bring them up?”. However, many of the prompts given in interviews for top firms are much more difficult and might refer to unfamiliar business areas or industries. For example, “How much would you pay for a banking license in Ghana?” or “What would be your key areas of concern be when setting up an NGO?”

Don’t worry if you have no idea how you might go about tackling some of these prompts!

In our article on identifying the problem and in our full lesson on the subject in our MCC Academy course, we teach a systematic, four step approach to identifying the problem , as well as running through common errors to ensure you start off on the right foot every time!

This is summarised here:

Four Steps to Identify the Problem

Following this method lets you excel where your competitors mess up and get off to a great start in impressing your interviewer!

4.2. Build your problem driven structure

After you have properly understood the problem, the next step is to successfully crack a case is to draw up a bespoke structure that captures all the unique features of the case.

This is what will guide your analysis through the rest of the case study and is precisely the same method used by real consultants working on real engagements.

Of course, it might be easier here to simply roll out one an old-fashioned framework, and a lot of candidates will do so. This is likely to be faster at this stage and requires a lot less thought than our problem-driven structure approach.

However, whilst our problem driven structure approach requires more work from you, our method has the advantage of actually working in the kind of complex case studies where generic frameworks fail - that is exactly the kind of cases you can expect at an MBB interview .

Since we effectively start from first principles every time, we can tackle any case with the same overarching method. Simple or complex, every case is the same to you and you don’t have to gamble a job on whether a framework will actually work

4.2.1 Issue trees

Issue trees break down the overall problem into a set of smaller problems that you can then solve individually. Representing this on a diagram also makes it easy for both you and your interviewer to keep track of your analysis.

To see how this is done, let’s look at the issue tree below breaking down the revenues of an airline:

Frame the Airline Case Study

These revenues can be segmented as the number of customers multiplied by the average ticket price. The number of customers can be further broken down into a number of flights multiplied by the number of seats, times average occupancy rate. The node corresponding to the average ticket price can then be segmented further.

4.2.2 Hypothesis trees

Hypothesis trees are similar, the only difference being that rather than just trying to break up the issue into smaller issues you are assuming that the problem can be solved and you are formulating solutions.

In the example above, you would assume revenues can be increased by either increasing the average ticket price or the number of customers . You can then hypothesize that you can increase the average occupancy rate in three ways: align the schedule of short and long haul flights, run a promotion to boost occupancy in off-peak times, or offer early bird discounts.

Frame the Airline Case Study Hypothesis

4.2.3 Other structures:structured lists

Structured lists are simply subcategories of a problem into which you can fit similar elements. This McKinsey case answer starts off by identifying several buckets such as retailer response, competitor response, current capabilities and brand image and then proceeds to consider what could fit into these categories.

Buckets can be a good way to start the structure of a complex case but when using them it can be very difficult to be MECE and consistent, so you should always aim to then re-organize them into either an issue or a hypothesis tree.

It is worth noting that the same problem can be structured in multiple valid ways by choosing different means to segment the key issues. Ultimately all these lists are methods to set out a logical hierachy among elements.

4.2.4 Structures in practice

That said, not all valid structures are equally useful in solving the underlying problem. A good structure fulfils several requirements - including MECE-ness , level consistency, materiality, simplicity, and actionability. It’s important to put in the time to master segmentation, so you can choose a scheme isn’t only valid, but actually useful in addressing the problem.

After taking the effort to identify the problem properly, an advantage of our method is that it will help ensure you stay focused on that same fundamental problem throughout. This might not sound like much, but many candidates end up getting lost in their own analysis, veering off on huge tangents and returning with an answer to a question they weren’t asked.

Another frequent issue - particularly with certain frameworks - is that candidates finish their analysis and, even if they have successfully stuck to the initial question, they have not actually reached a definite solution. Instead, they might simply have generated a laundry list of pros and cons, with no clear single recommendation for action.

Clients employ consultants for actionable answers, and this is what is expected in the case interview. The problem driven structure excels in ensuring that everything you do is clearly related back to the key question in a way that will generate a definitive answer. Thus, the problem driven structure builds in the hypothesis driven approach so characteristic of real consulting practice.

You can learn how to set out your own problem driven structures in our article here and in our full lesson in the MCC Academy course.

4.2. Lead the analysis

A problem driven structure might ensure we reach a proper solution eventually, but how do we actually get there?

We call this step " leading the analysis ", and it is the process whereby you systematically navigate through your structure, identifying the key factors driving the issue you are addressing.

Generally, this will mean continuing to grow your tree diagram, further segmenting what you identify as the most salient end nodes and thus drilling down into the most crucial factors causing the client’s central problem.

Once you have gotten right down into the detail of what is actually causing the company’s issues, solutions can then be generated quite straightforwardly.

To see this process in action, we can return to our airline revenue example:

Lead the analysis for the Airline Case Study

Let’s say we discover the average ticket price to be a key issue in the airline’s problems. Looking closer at the drivers of average ticket price, we find that the problem lies with economy class ticket prices. We can then further segment that price into the base fare and additional items such as food.

Having broken down the issue to such a fine-grained level and considering the 80/20 rule(see below), solutions occur quite naturally. In this case, we can suggest incentivising the crew to increase onboard sales, improving assortment in the plane, or offering discounts for online purchases.

Our article on leading the analysis is a great primer on the subject, with our video lesson in the MCC Academy providing the most comprehensive guide available.

4.4. Provide recommendations

So you have a solution - but you aren’t finished yet!

Now, you need to deliver your solution as a final recommendation.

This should be done as if you are briefing a busy CEO and thus should be a one minute, top-down, concise, structured, clear, and fact-based account of your findings.

The brevity of the final recommendation belies its importance. In real life consulting, the recommendation is what the client has potentially paid millions for - from their point of view, it is the only thing that matters.

In a case interview, your performance in this final summing up of your case is going to significantly colour your interviewer’s parting impression of you - and thus your chances of getting hired!

So, how do we do it right?

Barbara Minto's Pyramid Principle elegantly sums up almost everything required for a perfect recommendation. The answer comes first , as this is what is most important. This is then supported by a few key arguments , which are in turn buttressed by supporting facts .

Across the whole recommendation, the goal isn’t to just summarise what you have done. Instead, you are aiming to synthesize your findings to extract the key "so what?" insight that is useful to the client going forward.

All this might seem like common sense, but it is actually the opposite of how we relay results in academia and other fields. There, we typically move from data, through arguments and eventually to conclusions. As such, making good recommendations is a skill that takes practice to master.

We can see the Pyramid Principle illustrated in the diagram below:

The Pyramid principle often used in consulting

To supplement the basic Pyramid Principle scheme, we suggest candidates add a few brief remarks on potential risks and suggested next steps . This helps demonstrate the ability for critical self-reflection and lets your interviewer see you going the extra mile.

The combination of logical rigour and communication skills that is so definitive of consulting is particularly on display in the final recommendation.

Despite it only lasting 60 seconds, you will need to leverage a full set of key consulting skills to deliver a really excellent recommendation and leave your interviewer with a good final impression of your case solving abilities.

Our specific article on final recommendations and the specific video lesson on the same topic within our MCC Academy are great, comprehensive resources. Beyond those, our lesson on consulting thinking and our articles on MECE and the Pyramid Principle are also very useful.

4.5. What if I get stuck?

Naturally with case interviews being difficult problems there may be times where you’re unsure what to do or which direction to take. The most common scenario is that you will get stuck midway through the case and there are essentially two things that you should do:

  • 1. Go back to your structure
  • 2. Ask the interviewer for clarification

Your structure should always be your best friend - after all, this is why you put so much thought and effort into it: if it’s MECE it will point you in the right direction. This may seem abstract but let’s take the very simple example of a profitability case interview: if you’ve started your analysis by segmenting profit into revenue minus costs and you’ve seen that the cost side of the analysis is leading you nowhere, you can be certain that the declining profit is due to a decline in revenue.

Similarly, when you’re stuck on the quantitative section of the case interview, make sure that your framework for calculations is set up correctly (you can confirm this with the interviewer) and see what it is you’re trying to solve for: for example if you’re trying to find what price the client should sell their new t-shirt in order to break even on their investment, you should realize that what you’re trying to find is the break even point, so you can start by calculating either the costs or the revenues. You have all the data for the costs side and you know they’re trying to sell 10.000 pairs so you can simply set up the equation with x being the price.

As we’ve emphasised on several occasions, your case interview will be a dialogue. As such, if you don’t know what to do next or don’t understand something, make sure to ask the interviewer (and as a general rule always follow their prompts as they are trying to help, not trick you). This is especially true for the quantitative questions, where you should really understand what data you’re looking at before you jump into any calculations. Ideally you should ask your questions before you take time to formulate your approach but don’t be afraid to ask for further clarification if you really can’t make sense of what’s going on. It’s always good to walk your interviewer through your approach before you start doing the calculations and it’s no mistake to make sure that you both have the same understanding of the data. For example when confronted with the chart below, you might ask what GW (in this case gigawatt) means from the get-go and ask to confirm the different metrics (i.e. whether 1 GW = 1000 megawatts). You will never be penalised for asking a question like that.

Getting stuck

5. What to remember in case interviews

If you’re new to case cracking you might feel a bit hopeless when you see a difficult case question, not having any idea where to start.

In fact though, cracking case interviews is much like playing chess. The rules you need to know to get started are actually pretty simple. What will make you really proficient is time and practice.

In this section, we’ll run through a high level overview of everything you need to know, linking to more detailed resources at every step.

5.1. An overall clear structure

You will probably hear this more than you care for but it is the most important thing to keep in mind as you start solving cases, as not only it is a key evaluation criterion but the greatest tool you will have at your disposal. The ability to build a clear structure in all aspects of the case inteview will be the difference between breezing through a complicated case and struggling at its every step. Let’s look a bit closer at the key areas where you should be structured!

5.1.1 Structured notes

Every case interview starts with a prompt, usually verbal, and as such you will have to take some notes. And here is where your foray into structure begins, as the notes you take should be clear, concise and structured in a way that will allow you to repeat the case back to the interviewer without writing down any unnecessary information.

This may sound very basic but you should absolutely not be dismissive about it: taking clear and organized notes will allow what we found helps is to have separate sections for:

  • The case brief
  • Follow-up questions and answers
  • Numerical data
  • Case structure (the most crucial part when solving the case)
  • Any scrap work during the case (usually calculations)

When solving the case - or, as we call it here, in the Lead the analysis step, it is highly recommended to keep on feeding and integrating your structure, so that you never get lost. Maintaining a clear high level view is one of the most critical aspects in case interviews as it is a key skill in consulting: by constantly keeping track of where you are following your structure, you’ll never lose your focus on the end goal.

In the case of an interviewer-led case, you can also have separate sheets for each question (e.g. Question 1. What factors can we look at that drive profitability?). If you develop a system like this you’ll know exactly where to look for each point of data rather than rummage around in untidy notes. There are a couple more sections that you may have, depending on preference - we’ll get to these in the next sections.

5.1.2 Structured communication

There will be three main types of communication in cases:

  • 1. Asking and answering questions
  • 2. Walking the interviewer through your structure (either the case or calculation framework - we’ll get to that in a bit!)
  • 3. Delivering your recommendation

Asking and answering questions will be the most common of these and the key thing to do before you speak is ask for some time to collect your thoughts and get organised. What you want to avoid is a ‘laundry list’ of questions or anything that sounds too much like a stream of consciousness.

Different systems work for different candidates but a sure-fire way of being organised is numbering your questions and answers. So rather than saying something like ‘I would like to ask about the business model, operational capacity and customer personas’ it’s much better to break it down and say something along the lines of ‘I’ve got three key questions. Firstly I would like to inquire into the business model of our client. Secondly I would like to ask about their operational capacity. Thirdly I would like to know more about the different customer personas they are serving’.

A similar principle should be applied when walking the interviewer through your structure, and this is especially true of online case interviews (more and more frequent now) when the interviewer can’t see your notes. Even if you have your branches or buckets clearly defined, you should still use a numbering system to make it obvious to the interviewer. So, for example, when asked to identify whether a company should make an acquisition, you might say ‘I would like to examine the following key areas. Firstly the financial aspects of this issue, secondly the synergies and thirdly the client’s expertise’

The recommendation should be delivered top-down (see section 4.4 for specifics) and should employ the same numbering principle. To do so in a speedy manner, you should circle or mark the key facts that you encounter throughout the case so you can easily pull them out at the end.

5.1.3 Structured framework

It’s very important that you have a systematic approach - or framework - for every case. Let’s get one thing straight: there is a difference between having a problem-solving framework for your case and trying to force a case into a predetermined framework. Doing the former is an absolute must , whilst doing the latter will most likely have you unceremoniously dismissed.

We have seen there are several ways of building a framework, from identifying several categories of issues (or ‘buckets’) to building an issue or hypothesis tree (which is the most efficient type of framework). For the purpose of organization, we recommend having a separate sheet for the framework of the case, or, if it’s too much to manage, you can have it on the same sheet as the initial case prompt. That way you’ll have all the details as well as your proposed solution in one place.

5.1.4 Structured calculations

Whether it’s interviewer or candidate-led, at some point in the case you will get a bunch of numerical data and you will have to perform some calculations (for the specifics of the math you’ll need on consulting interviews, have a look at our Consulting Math Guide ). Here’s where we urge you to take your time and not dive straight into calculating! And here’s why: while your numerical agility is sure to impress interviewers, what they’re actually looking for is your logic and the calculations you need to perform in order to solve the problem . So it’s ok if you make a small mistake, as long as you’re solving for the right thing.

As such, make it easy for them - and yourself. Before you start, write down in steps the calculations you need to perform. Here’s an example: let’s say you need to find out by how much profits will change if variable costs are reduced by 10%. Your approach should look something like:

  • 1. Calculate current profits: Profits = Revenues - (Variable costs + Fixed costs)
  • 2. Calculate the reduction in variable costs: Variable costs x 0.9
  • 3. Calculate new profits: New profits = Revenues - (New variable costs + Fixed costs)

Of course, there may be more efficient ways to do that calculation, but what’s important - much like in the framework section - is to show your interviewer that you have a plan, in the form of a structured approach. You can write your plan on the sheet containing the data, then perform the calculations on a scrap sheet and fill in the results afterward.

5.2. Common business knowledge and formulas

Although some consulting firms claim they don’t evaluate candidates based on their business knowledge, familiarity with basic business concepts and formulae is very useful in terms of understanding the case studies you are given in the first instance and drawing inspiration for structuring and brainstorming.

If you are coming from a business undergrad, an MBA or are an experienced hire, you might well have this covered already. For those coming from a different background, it may be useful to cover some.

Luckily, you don’t need a degree-level understanding of business to crack case interviews , and a lot of the information you will pick up by osmosis as you read through articles like this and go through cases.

However, some things you will just need to sit down and learn. We cover everything you need to know in some detail in our Case Academy Course course. However, some examples here of things you need to learn are:

  • Basic accounting (particularly how to understand all the elements of a balance sheet)
  • Basic economics
  • Basic marketing
  • Basic strategy

Below we include a few elementary concepts and formulae so you can hit the ground running in solving cases. We should note that you should not memorise these and indeed a good portion of them can be worked out logically, but you should have at least some idea of what to expect as this will make you faster and will free up much of your mental computing power. In what follows we’ll tackle concepts that you will encounter in the private business sector as well as some situations that come up in cases that feature clients from the NGO or governmental sector.

5.2.1 Business sector concepts

These concepts are the bread and butter of almost any business case so you need to make sure you have them down. Naturally, there will be specificities and differences between cases but for the most part here is a breakdown of each of them.

5.2.1.1. Revenue

The revenue is the money that the company brings in and is usually equal to the number of products they sell multiplied to the price per item and can be expressed with the following equation:

Revenue = Volume x Price

Companies may have various sources of revenue or indeed multiple types of products, all priced differently which is something you will need to account for in your case interview. Let’s consider some situations. A clothing company such as Nike will derive most of their revenue from the number of products they sell times the average price per item. Conversely, for a retail bank revenue is measured as the volume of loans multiplied by the interest rate at which the loans are given out. As we’ll see below, we might consider primary revenues and ancillary revenues: in the case of a football club, we might calculate primary revenues by multiplying the number of tickets sold by the average ticket price, and ancillary revenues those coming from sales of merchandise (similarly, let’s say average t-shirt price times the number of t-shirts sold), tv rights and sponsorships.

These are but a few examples and another reminder that you should always aim to ask questions and understand the precise revenue structure of the companies you encounter in cases.

5.2.1.2. Costs

The costs are the expenses that a company incurs during its operations. Generally, they can be broken down into fixed and variable costs :

Costs = Fixed Costs + Variable Costs

As their name implies, fixed costs do not change based on the number of units produced or sold. For example, if you produce shoes and are renting the space for your factory, you will have to pay the rent regardless of whether you produce one pair or 100. On the other hand, variable costs depend on the level of activity, so in our shoe factory example they would be equivalent to the materials used to produce each pair of shoes and would increase the more we produce.

These concepts are of course guidelines used in order to simplify the analysis in cases, and you should be aware that in reality often the situation can be more complicated. However, this should be enough for case interviews. Costs can also be quasi-fixed, in that they increase marginally with volume. Take the example of a restaurant which has a regular staff, incurring a fixed cost but during very busy hours or periods they also employ some part-time workers. This cost is not exactly variable (as it doesn’t increase with the quantity of food produced) but also not entirely fixed, as the number of extra hands will depend on how busy the restaurant is. Fixed costs can also be non-linear in nature. Let’s consider the rent in the same restaurant: we would normally pay a fixed amount every month, but if the restaurant becomes very popular we might need to rent out some extra space so the cost will increase. Again, this is not always relevant for case interviews.

5.2.1.3. Profit and profit margin

The profit is the amount of money a company is left with after it has paid all of its expenses and can be expressed as follows:

Profit = Revenue - Costs

It’s very likely that you will encounter a profitability issue in one of your case interviews, namely you will be asked to increase a company’s profit. There are two main ways of doing this: increasing revenues and reducing costs , so these will be the two main areas you will have to investigate. This may seem simple but what you will really need to understand in a case are the key drivers of a business (and this should be done through clarifying questions to the interviewer - just as a real consultant would question their client).

For example, if your client is an airline you can assume that the main source of revenue is sales of tickets, but you should inquire how many types of ticket the specific airline sells. You may naturally consider economy and business class tickets, but you may find out that there is a more premium option - such as first class - and several in-between options. Similarly to our football club example, there may be ancillary revenues from selling of food and beverage as well as advertising certain products or services on flights.

You may also come across the profit margin in case interviews. This is simply the percentage of profit compared to the revenue and can be expressed as follows:

Profit margin = Profit/Revenue x 100

5.2.1.4. Break-even point

An ancillary concept to profit, the break-even point is the moment where revenues equal costs making the profit zero and can be expressed as the following equation:

Revenues = Costs (Fixed costs + Variable costs)

This formula will be useful when you are asked questions such as ‘What is the minimum price I should sell product X?’ or ‘What quantity do I need to sell in order to recoup my investment?’. Let’s say in a case interview an owner of a sandwich store asks us to figure out how many salami and cheese salami sandwiches she needs to sell in order to break even. She’s spending $4 on salami and $2 for cheese and lettuce per sandwich, and believes she can sell the sandwiches at around $7. The cost of utilities and personnel is around $5000 per month. We could lay this all out in the break-even equation:

7 x Q ( quantity ) = (4+2) x Q + 5000 ( variable + fixed costs )

In a different scenario, we may be asked to calculate the break-even price . Let’s consider our sandwich example and say our owner knows she has enough ingredients for about 5000 sandwiches per month but is not sure how much to sell them for. In that case, if we know our break-even equation, we can simply make the following changes:

P ( price ) x 5000 = (4+2) x 5000 + 5000

By solving the equation we get to the price of $7 per sandwich.

5.2.1.5. Market share and market size

We can also consider the market closely with profit, as in fact the company’s performance in the market is what drives profits. The market size is the total number of potential customers for a certain business or product, whereas the market share is the percentage of that market that your business controls (or could control, depending on the case).

There is a good chance you will have to estimate the market size in one of your case interviews and we get into more details on how to do that below. You may be asked to estimate this in either number of potential customers or total value . The latter simply refers to the number of customers multiplied by the average value of the product or service.

To calculate the market share you will have to divide the company’s share by the total market size and multiply by 100:

Note, though, that learning the very basics of business is the beginning rather than the end of your journey. Once you are able to “speak business” at a rudimentary level, you should try to “become fluent” and immerse yourself in reading/viewing/listening to as wide a variety of business material as possible, getting a feel for all kinds of companies and industries - and especially the kinds of problems that can come up in each context and how they are solved. The material put out by the consulting firms themselves is a great place to start, but you should also follow the business news and find out about different companies and sectors as much as possible between now and interviews. Remember, if you’re going to be a consultant, this should be fun rather than a chore!

5.3 Public sector and NGO concepts

As we mentioned, there will be some cases (see section 6.6 for a more detailed example) where the key performance indicators (or KPIs in short) will not be connected to profit. The most common ones will involve the government of a country or an NGO, but they can be way more diverse and require more thought and application of first principles. We have laid out a couple of the key concepts or KPIs that come up below

5.3.1 Quantifiability

In many such scenarios you will be asked to make an important strategic decision of some kind or to optimise a process. Of course these are not restricted to non-private sector cases but this is where they really come into their own as there can be great variation in the type of decision and the types of field.

While there may be no familiar business concepts to anchor yourself onto, a concept that is essential is quantifiability . This means, however qualitative the decision might seem, consultants rely on data so you should always aim to have aspects of a decision that can be quantified, even if the data doesn’t present itself in a straightforward manner.

Let’s take a practical example. Your younger sibling asks you to help them decide which university they should choose if they want to study engineering. One way to structure your approach would be to segment the problem into factors affecting your sibling’s experience at university and experience post-university. Within the ‘at uni’ category you might think about the following:

  • Financials : How much are tuition costs and accommodation costs?
  • Quality of teaching and research : How are possible universities ranked in the QS guide based on teaching and research?
  • Quality of resources : How well stocked is their library, are the labs well equipped etc.?
  • Subject ranking : How is engineering at different unis ranked?
  • Life on campus and the city : What are the living costs in the city where the university is based? What are the extracurricular opportunities and would your sibling like to live in that specific city based on them?

Within the ‘out of uni’ category you might think about:

  • Exit options : What are the fields in which your sibling could be employed and how long does it take the average student of that university to find a job?
  • Alumni network : What percentage of alumni are employed by major companies?
  • Signal : What percentage of applicants from the university get an interview in major engineering companies and related technical fields?

You will perhaps notice that all the buckets discussed pose quantifiable questions meant to provide us with data necessary to make a decision. It’s no point to ask ‘Which university has the nicest teaching staff?’ as that can be a very subjective metric.

5.3.1 Impact

Another key concept to consider when dealing with sectors other than the private one is how impactful a decision or a line of inquiry is on the overarching issue , or whether all our branches in our issue tree have a similar impact. This can often come in the form of impact on lives, such as in McKinsey’s conservation case discussed below, namely how many species can we save with our choice of habitat.

5.4 Common consulting concepts

Consultants use basic business concepts on an every day basis, as they help them articulate their frameworks to problems. However, they also use some consulting specific tools to quality check their analysis and perform in the most efficient way possible. These principles can be applied to all aspects of a consultant’s work, but for brevity we can say they mostly impact a consultant’s systematic approach and communication - two very important things that are also tested in case interviews. Therefore, it’s imperative that you not only get to know them, but learn how and when to use them as they are at the very core of good casing. They are MECE-ness, the Pareto Principle and the Pyramid principle and are explained briefly below - you should, however, go on to study them in-depth in their respective articles.

Perhaps the central pillar of all consulting work and an invaluable tool to solve cases, MECE stands for Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive . It can refer to any and every aspect in a case but is most often used when talking about structure. We have a detailed article explaining the concept here , but the short version is that MECE-ness ensures that there is no overlap between elements of a structure (i.e. the Mutually Exclusive component) and that it covers all the drivers or areas of a problem (Collectively Exhaustive). It is a concept that can be applied to any segmentation when dividing a set into subsets that include it wholly but do not overlap.

Let’s take a simple example and then a case framework example. In simple terms, when we are asked to break down the set ‘cars’ into subsets, dividing cars into ‘red cars’ and ‘sports cars’ is neither mutually exclusive (as there are indeed red sports cars) nor exhaustive of the whole set (i.e. there are also yellow non-sports cars that are not covered by this segmentation). A MECE way to segment would be ‘cars produced before 2000’ and ‘cars produced after 2000’ as this segmentation allows for no overlap and covers all the cars in existence.

Dividing cars can be simple, but how can we ensure MECEness in a case-interview a.k.a. a business situation. While the same principles apply, a good tip to ensure that your structure is MECE is to think about all the stakeholders - i.e. those whom a specific venture involves.

Let’s consider that our client is a soda manufacturer who wants to move from a business-to-business strategy, i.e. selling to large chains of stores and supermarkets, to a business-to-consumer strategy where it sells directly to consumers. In doing so they would like to retrain part of their account managers as direct salespeople and need to know what factors to consider.

A stakeholder-driven approach would be to consider the workforce and customers and move further down the issue tree, thinking about individual issues that might affect them. In the case of the workforce, we might consider how the shift would affect their workload and whether it takes their skillset into account. As for the customers, we might wonder whether existing customers would be satisfied with this move: will the remaining B2B account managers be able to provide for the needs of all their clients and will the fact that the company is selling directly to consumers now not cannibalise their businesses? We see how by taking a stakeholder-centred approach we can ensure that every single perspective and potential issue arising from it is fully covered.

5.4.2 The Pareto Principle

Also known as the 80/20 rule, this principle is important when gauging the impact of a decision or a factor in your analysis. It simply states that in business (but not only) 80% of outcomes come from 20% of causes. What this means is you can make a few significant changes that will impact most of your business organisation, sales model, cost structure etc.

Let’s have a look at 3 quick examples to illustrate this:

  • 80% of all accidents are caused by 20% of drivers
  • 20% of a company’s products account for 80% of the sales
  • 80% of all results in a company are driven by 20% of its employees

The 80/20 rule will be a very good guide line in real engagements as well as case interviews, as it will essentially point to the easiest and most straightforward way of doing things. Let’s say one of the questions in a case is asking you to come up with an approach to understand the appeal of a new beard trimmer. Obviously you can’t interview the whole male population so you might think about setting up a webpage and asking people to comment their thoughts. But what you would get would be a laundry list of difficult to sift through data.

Using an 80/20 approach you would segment the population based on critical factors (age groups, grooming habits etc.) and then approach a significant sample size of each (e.g. 20), analysing the data and reaching a conclusion.

5.4.3 The Pyramid Principle

This principle refers to organising your communication in a top-down , efficient manner. While this is generally applicable, the pyramid principle will most often be employed when delivering the final recommendation to your client. This means - as is implicit in the name - that you would organise your recommendation (and communication in general) as a pyramid, stating the conclusion or most important element at the top then go down the pyramid listing 3 supporting arguments and then further (ideally also 3) supporting arguments for those supporting arguments.

Let’s look at this in practice in a case interview context: your client is a German air-conditioning unit manufacturer who was looking to expand into the French market. However, after your analysis you’ve determined that the market share they were looking to capture would not be feasible. A final recommendation using the Pyramid Principle would sound something like this: ‘I recommend that we do not enter the German market for the following three reasons. Firstly, the market is too small for our ambitions of $50 million. Secondly the market is heavily concentrated, being controlled by three major players and our 5 year goal would amount to controlling 25% of the market, a share larger than that of any of the players. Thirdly, the alternative of going into the corporate market would not be feasible, as it has high barriers to entry.Then, if needed, we could delve deeper into each of our categories

6. Case examples or building blocks?

As we mentioned before, in your case interview preparation you will undoubtedly find preparation resources that claim that there are several standard types of cases and that there is a general framework that can be applied to each type of case. While there are indeed cases that are straightforward at least in appearance and seemingly invite the application of such frameworks, the reality is never that simple and cases often involve multiple or more complicated components that cannot be fitted into a simple framework.

At MCC we don’t want you to get into the habit of trying to identify which case type you’re dealing with and pull out a framework, but we do recognize that there are recurring elements in frameworks that are useful - such as the profitability of a venture (with its revenues and costs), the valuation of a business, estimating and segmenting a market and pricing a product.

We call these building blocks because they can be used to build case frameworks but are not a framework in and of themselves, and they can be shuffled around and rearranged in any way necessary to be tailored to our case. Hence, our approach is not to make you think in terms of case types but work from first principles and use these building blocks to build your own framework. Let’s take two case prompts to illustrate our point.

The first is from the Bain website, where the candidate is asked whether they think it’s a good idea for their friend to open a coffee shop in Cambridge UK (see the case here ). The answer framework provided here is a very straightforward profitability analysis framework, examining the potential revenues and potential costs of the venture:

Profitability framework

While this is a good point to start for your case interview (especially taken together with the clarifying questions), we will notice that this approach will need more tailoring to the case - for example the quantity of coffee will be determined by the market for coffee drinkers in Cambridge, which we have to determine based on preference. We are in England so a lot of people will be drinking tea but we are in a university town so perhaps more people than average are drinking coffee as it provides a better boost when studying. All these are some much needed case-tailored hypotheses that we can make based on the initial approach.

Just by looking at this case we might be tempted to say that we can just take a profitability case and apply it without any issues. However, this generic framework is just a starting point and in reality we would need to tailor it much further in the way we had started to do in order to get to a satisfactory answer. For example, the framework for this specific case interview doesn’t cover aspects such as the customer’s expertise: does the friend have any knowledge of the coffee business, such as where to source coffee and how to prepare it? Also, we could argue there may be some legal factors to consider here, such as any approvals that they might need from the city council to run a coffee shop on site, or some specific trade licences that are not really covered in the basic profitability framework.

Let’s take a different case , however, from the McKinsey website. In this scenario, the candidate is being asked to identify some factors in order to choose where to focus the client’s conservation efforts. Immediately we can realise that this case doesn’t lend itself to any pre-packaged framework and we will need to come up with something from scratch - and take a look at McKinsey’s answer of the areas to focus on:

Conservation case

We notice immediately that this framework is 100% tailored to the case - of course there are elements which we encounter in other cases, such as costs and risks but again these are applied in an organic way. It’s pretty clear that while no standard framework would work in this case, the aforementioned concepts - costs and risks - and the way to approach them (a.k.a building blocks ) are fundamentally similar throughout cases (with the obvious specificities of each case).

In what follows, we’ll give a brief description of each building block starting from the Bain example discussed previously, in order to give you a general idea of what they are and their adaptability, but you should make sure to follow the link to the in-depth articles to learn all their ins and outs.

6.1 Estimates and segmentation

This building block will come into play mostly when you’re thinking about the market for a certain product (but make sure to read the full article for more details). Let’s take our Bain Cambridge coffee example. As we mentioned under the quantity bucket we need to understand what the market size for coffee in Cambridge would be - so we can make an estimation based on segmentation .

The key to a good estimation is the ability to logically break down the problem into more manageable pieces. This will generally mean segmenting a wider population to find a particular target group. We can start off with the population of Cambridge - which we estimate at 100.000. In reality the population is closer to 150.000 but that doesn’t matter - the estimation has to be reasonable and not accurate , so unless the interviewer gives you a reason to reconsider you can follow your instinct. We can divide that into people who do and don’t drink coffee. Given our arguments before, we can conclude that 80% of those, so 80.000 drink coffee. Then we can further segment into those who drink regularly - let’s say every day - and those who drink occasionally - let’s say once a week. Based on the assumptions before about the student population needing coffee to function, and with Cambridge having a high student population, we can assume that 80% of those drinking coffee are regular drinkers, so that would be 64.000 regular drinkers and 16.000 occasional drinkers. We can then decide whom we want to target what our strategy needs to be:

Coffee segmentation

This type of estimation and segmentation can be applied to any case specifics - hence why it is a building block.

6.2 Profitability

We had several looks at this building block so far (see an in-depth look here ) as it will show up in most case interivew scenarios, since profit is a key element in any company’s strategy. As we have seen, the starting point to this analysis is to consider both the costs and revenues of a company, and try to determine whether revenues need to be improved or whether costs need to be lowered. In the coffee example, the revenues are dictated by the average price per coffe x the number of coffees sold , whereas costs can be split into fixed and variable .

Some examples of fixed costs would be the rent for the stores and the cost of the personnel and utilities, while the most obvious variable costs would be the coffee beans used and the takeaway containers (when needed). We may further split revenues in this case into Main revenues - i.e. the sales of coffee - and Ancillary revenues , which can be divided into Sales of food products (sales of pastries, sandwiches etc., each with the same price x quantity schema) and Revenues from events - i.e renting out the coffee shop to events and catering for the events themselves. Bear in mind that revenues will be heavily influenced by the penetration rate , i.e. the share of the market which we can capture.

6.3 Pricing

Helping a company determine how much they should charge for their goods or services is another theme that comes up frequently in cases. While it may seem less complicated than the other building blocks, we assure you it’s not - you will have to understand and consider several factors, such as the costs a company is incurring, their general strategic positioning, availability, market trends as well as the customers’ willingness to pay (or WTP in short) - so make sure to check out our in-depth guide here .

Pricing Basics

In our example, we may determine that the cost per cup (coffee beans, staff, rent) is £1. We want to be student friendly so we should consider how much students would want to pay for a coffee as well as how much are competitors are charging. Based on those factors, it would be reasonable to charge on average £2 per cup of coffee. It’s true that our competitors are charging £3 but they are targeting mostly the adult market, whose willingness to pay is higher, so their pricing model takes that into account as well as the lower volume of customers in that demographic.

6.4. Valuation

A variant of the pricing building block, a valuation problem generally asks the candidate to determine how much a client should pay for a specific company (the target of an acquisition) as well as what other factors to consider. The two most important factors (but not the only ones - for a comprehensive review see our Valuation article ) to consider are the net present value (in consulting interviews usually in perpetuity) and the synergies .

In short, the net present value of a company is how much profit it currently brings in, divided by how much that cash flow will depreciate in the future and can be represented with the equation below:

Net Present Value

The synergies refer to what could be achieved should the companies operate as one, and can be divided into cost and revenue synergies .

Let’s expand our coffee example a bit to understand these. Imagine that our friend manages to open a chain of coffee shops in Cambridge and in the future considers acquiring a chain of take-out restaurants. The most straightforward example of revenue synergies would be cross-selling, in this case selling coffee in the restaurants as well as in the dedicated stores, and thus getting an immediate boost in market share by using the existing customers of the restaurant chain. A cost synergy would be merging the delivery services of the two businesses to deliver both food and coffee, thus avoiding redundancies and reducing costs associated with twice the number of drivers and vehicles.

6.5. Competitive interaction

This component of cases deals with situations where the market in which a company is operating changes and the company must decide what to do. These changes often have to do with a new player entering the market (again for more details make sure to dive into the Competitive Interaction article ).

Let’s assume that our Cambridge coffee shop has now become a chain and has flagged up to other competitors that Cambridge is a blooming market for coffee. As such, Starbucks has decided to open a few stores in Cambridge themselves, to test this market. The question which might be posed to a candidate is what should our coffee chain do. One way (and a MECE one) to approach the problem is to decide between doing something and doing nothing . We might consider merging with another coffee chain and pooling our resources or playing to our strengths and repositioning ourselves as ‘your student-friendly, shop around the corner’. Just as easily we may just wait the situation out and see whether indeed Starbucks is cutting into our market share - after all, the advantages of our product and services might speak for themselves and Starbucks might end up tanking. Both of these are viable options if argued right and depending on the further specifics of the case.

Competitive Interaction Structure

6.6. Special cases

Most cases deal with private sectors, where the overarching objective entails profit in some form. However, as hinted before, there are cases which deal with other sectors where there are other KPIs in place . The former will usually contain one or several of these building blocks whereas the latter will very likely have neither. This latter category is arguably the one that will stretch your analytical and organisational skills to the limit, since there will be very little familiarity that you can fall back on (McKinsey famously employs such cases in their interview process).

So how do we tackle the structure for such cases? The short answer would be starting from first principles and using the problem driven structure outlined above, but let’s look at a quick example in the form of a McKinsey case :

McKinsey Diconsa Case

The first question addressed to the candidate is the following:

McKinsey Diconsa Case

This is in fact asking us to build a structure for the case. So what should we have in mind here? Most importantly, we should start with a structure that is MECE and we should remember to do that by considering all the stakeholders . They are on the one hand the government and affiliated institutions and on the other the population. We might then consider which issues might arise for each shareholder and what the benefits for them would be, as well as the risks. This approach is illustrated in the answer McKinsey provides as well:

McKinsey Framework

More than anything, this type of case shows us how important it is to practise and build different types of structures, and think about MECE ways of segmenting the problem.

7. How Do I prepare for case interviews

In consulting fashion, the overall preparation can be structured into theoretical preparation and practical preparation , with each category then being subdivided into individual prep and prep with a partner .

As a general rule, the level and intensity of the preparation will differ based on your background - naturally if you have a business background (and have been part of a consulting club or something similar) your preparation will be less intensive than if you’re starting from scratch. The way we suggest you go about it is to start with theoretical preparation , which means learning about case interviews, business and basic consulting concepts (you can do this using free resources - such as the ones we provide - or if you want a more through preparation you can consider joining our Case Academy as well).

You can then move on to the practical preparation which should start with doing solo cases and focusing on areas of improvement, and then move on to preparation with a partner , which should be another candidate or - ideally - an ex-consultant.

Let’s go into more details with respect to each type of preparation.

7.1. Solo practice

The two most important areas of focus in sole preparation are:

  • Mental math

As we mentioned briefly, the best use of your time is to focus on solving cases. You can start with cases listed on MBB sites since they are clearly stated and have worked solutions as well (e.g. Bain is a good place to start) and then move to more complex cases (our Case Library also offers a range of cases of different complexities). To build your confidence, start out on easier case questions, work through with the solutions, and don't worry about time. As you get better, you can move on to more difficult cases and try to get through them more quickly. You should practice around eight case studies on your own to build your confidence.

Another important area of practice is your mental mathematics as this skill will considerably increase your confidence and is neglected by many applicants - much to their immediate regret in the case interview. Find our mental math tool here or in our course, and practice at least ten minutes per day, from day one until the day before the interview.

7.2. Preparation with a partner

There are aspects of a case interview - such as asking clarifying questions - which you cannot do alone and this is why, after you feel comfortable, you should move on to practice with another person. There are two options here:

  • Practicing with a peer
  • Practicing with an ex-consultant

In theory they can be complementary - especially if you’re peer is also preparing for consulting interviews - and each have advantages and disadvantages. A peer is likely to practice with you for free for longer, however you may end up reinforcing some bad habits or unable to get actionable feedback. A consultant will be able to provide you the latter but having their help for the same number of hours as a peer will come at a higher cost. Let’s look at each option in more detail.

7.2.1. Peer preparation

Once you have worked through eight cases solo, you should be ready to simulate the case interview more closely and start working with another person.

Here, many candidates turn to peer practice - that is, doing mock case interviews with friends, classmates or others also applying to consulting. If you’re in university, and especially in business school, there will very likely be a consulting club for you to join and do lots of case practice with. If you don’t have anyone to practice, though, or if you just want to get a bit more volume in with others, our free meeting board lets you find fellow applicants from around the world with whom to practice. We recommend practicing around 10 to 15 ‘live’ cases to really get to a point where you feel comfortable.

7.2.2. Preparation with a consultant

You can do a lot practising by yourself and with peers. However, nothing will bring up your skills so quickly and profoundly as working with a real consultant.

Perhaps think about it like boxing. You can practice drills and work on punch bags all you want, but at some point you need to get into the ring and do some actual sparring if you ever want to be ready to fight.

Practicing with an ex consultant is essentialy a simulation of a case interview. Of course, it isn’t possible to secure the time of experienced top-tier consultants for free. However, when considering whether you should invest to boost your chances of success, it is worth considering the difference in your salary over even just a few years between getting into a top-tier firm versus a second-tier one. In the light of thousands in increased annual earnings (easily accumulating into millions over multiple years), it becomes clear that getting expert interview help really is one of the best investments you can make in your own future.

Should you decide to make this step, MyConsultingCoach can help, offering bespoke mentoring programmes , where you are paired with a 5+ year experienced, ex-MBB mentor of your choosing, who will then oversee your whole case interview preparation from start to finish - giving you your best possible chance of landing a job!

7.3. Practice for online interviews

Standard preparation for interview case studies will carry directly over to online cases.

However, if you want to do some more specific prep, you can work through cases solo to a timer and using a calculator and/or Excel (online cases generally allow calculators and second computers to help you, whilst these are banned in live case interviews).

Older PST-style questions also make great prep, but a particularly good simulation is the self-assessment tests included in our Case Academy course . These multiple choice business questions conducted with a strict time limit are great preparation for the current crop of online cases.

7.4. Fit interviews

As we’ve noted, even something billed as a case interview is very likely to contain a fit interview as a subset.

We have an article on fit interviews and also include a full set of lessons on how to answer fit questions properly as a subset of our comprehensive Case Academy course .

Here though, the important thing to convey is that you take preparing for fit questions every bit as seriously as you do case prep.

Since they sound the same as you might encounter when interviewing for other industries, the temptation is to regard these as “just normal interview questions”.

However, consulting firms take your answers to these questions a good deal more seriously than elsewhere.

This isn’t just for fluffy “corporate culture” reasons. The long hours and close teamwork, as well as the client-facing nature of management consulting, mean that your personality and ability to get on with others is going to be a big part of making you a tolerable and effective co-worker.

If you know you’ll have to spend 14+ hour working days with someone you hire and that your annual bonus depends on them not alienating clients, you better believe you’ll pay attention to their character in interview.

There are also hard-nosed financial reasons for the likes of McKinsey, Bain and BCG to drill down so hard on your answers.

In particular, top consultancies have huge issues with staff retention. The average management consultant only stays with these firms for around two years before they have moved on to a new industry.

In some cases, consultants bail out because they can’t keep up with the arduous consulting lifestyle of long hours and endless travel. In many instances, though, departing consultants are lured away by exit opportunities - such as the well trodden paths towards internal strategy roles, private equity or becoming a start-up founder.

Indeed, many individuals will intentionally use a two year stint in consulting as something like an MBA they are getting paid for - giving them accelerated exposure to the business world and letting them pivot into something new.

Consulting firms want to get a decent return on investment for training new recruits. Thus, they want hires who not only intend to stick with consulting longer-term, but also have a temperament that makes this feasible and an overall career trajectory where it just makes sense for them to stay put.

This should hammer home the point that, if you want to get an offer, you need to be fully prepared to answer fit questions - and to do so excellently - any time you have a case interview.

8. Interview day - what to expect, with tips

Of course, all this theory is well and good, but a lot of readers might be concerned about what exactly to expect in real life . It’s perfectly reasonable to want to get as clear a picture as possible here - we all want to know what we are going up against when we face a new challenge!

Indeed, it is important to think about your interview in more holistic terms, rather than just focusing on small aspects of analysis. Getting everything exactly correct is less important than the overall approach you take to reasoning and how you communicate - and candidates often lose sight of this fact.

In this section, then, we’ll run through the case interview experience from start to finish, directing you to resources with more details where appropriate. As a supplement to this, the following video from Bain is excellent. It portrays an abridged version of a case interview, but is very useful as a guide to what to expect - not just from Bain, but from McKinsey, BCG and any other high-level consulting firm.

8.1. Getting started

Though you might be shown through to the office by a staff member, usually your interviewer will come and collect you from a waiting area. Either way, when you first encounter them, you should greet your interviewer with a warm smile and a handshake (unless they do not offer their hand). Be confident without verging into arrogance. You will be asked to take a seat in the interviewer’s office, where the case interview can then begin.

8.1.1. First impressions

In reality, your assessment begins before you even sit down at your interviewer’s desk. Whether at a conscious level or not, the impression you make within the first few seconds of meeting your interviewer is likely to significantly inform the final hiring decision (again, whether consciously or not).

Your presentation and how you hold yourself and behave are all important . If this seems strange, consider that, if hired, you will be personally responsible for many clients’ impressions of the firm. These things are part of the job! Much of material on the fit interview is useful here, whilst we also cover first impressions and presentation generally in our article on what to wear to interview .

As we have noted above, your interview might start with a fit segment - that is, with the interviewer asking questions about your experiences, your soft skills, and motivation to want to join consulting generally and that firm in particular. In short, the kinds of things a case study can’t tell them about you. We have a fit interview article and course to get you up to speed here.

8.1.2. Down to business

Following an initial conversation, your interviewer will introduce your case study , providing a prompt for the question you have to answer. You will have a pen and paper in front of you and should (neatly) note down the salient pieces of information (keep this up throughout the interview).

It is crucial here that you don’t delve into analysis or calculations straight away . Case prompts can be tricky and easy to misunderstand, especially when you are under pressure. Rather, ask any questions you need to fully understand the case question and then validate that understanding with the interviewer before you kick off any analysis. Better to eliminate mistakes now than experience that sinking feeling of realising you have gotten the whole thing wrong halfway through your case!

This process is covered in our article on identifying the problem and in greater detail in our Case Academy lesson on that subject.

8.1.3. Analysis

Once you understand the problem, you should take a few seconds to set your thoughts in order and draw up an initial structure for how you want to proceed. You might benefit from utilising one or more of our building blocks here to make a strong start. Present this to your interviewer and get their approval before you get into the nuts and bolts of analysis.

We cover the mechanics of how to structure your problem and lead the analysis in our articles here and here and more thoroughly in the MCC Case Academy . What it is important to convey here, though, is that your case interview is supposed to be a conversation rather than a written exam . Your interviewer takes a role closer to a co-worker than an invigilator and you should be conversing with them throughout.

Indeed, how you communicate with your interviewer and explain your rationale is a crucial element of how you will be assessed. Case questions in general, are not posed to see if you can produce the correct answer, but rather to see how you think . Your interviewer wants to see you approach the case in a structured, rational fashion. The only way they are going to know your thought processes, though, is if you tell them!

To demonstrate this point, here is another excellent video from Bain, where candidates are compared.

Note that multiple different answers to each question are considered acceptable and that Bain is primarily concerned with the thought processes of the candidate’s exhibit .

Another reason why communication is absolutely essential to case interview success is the simple reason that you will not have all the facts you need to complete your analysis at the outset. Rather, you will usually have to ask the interviewer for additional data throughout the case to allow you to proceed .

NB: Don't be let down by your math!

Your ability to quickly and accurately interpret these charts and other figures under pressure is one of the skills that is being assessed. You will also need to make any calculations with the same speed and accuracy (without a calculator!). As such, be sure that you are up to speed on your consulting math .

8.1.4. Recommendation

Finally, you will be asked to present a recommendation. This should be delivered in a brief, top-down "elevator pitch" format , as if you are speaking to a time-pressured CEO. Again here, how you communicate will be just as important as the details of what you say, and you should aim to speak clearly and with confidence.

For more detail on how to give the perfect recommendation, take a look at our articles on the Pyramid Principle and providing recommendations , as well the relevant lesson within MCC Academy .

8.1.5. Wrapping up

After your case is complete, there might be a few more fit questions - including a chance for you to ask some questions of the interviewer . This is your opportunity to make a good parting impression.

We deal with the details in our fit interview resources. However, it is always worth bearing in mind just how many candidates your interviewers are going to see giving similar answers to the same questions in the same office. A pretty obvious pre-requisite to being considered for a job is that your interviewer remembers you in the first place. Whilst you shouldn't do something stupid just to be noticed, asking interesting parting questions is a good way to be remembered.

Now, with the interview wrapped up, it’s time to shake hands, thank the interviewer for their time and leave the room .

You might have other case interviews or tests that day or you might be heading home. Either way, if know that you did all you could to prepare, you can leave content in the knowledge that you have the best possible chance of receiving an email with a job offer. This is our mission at MCC - to provide all the resources you need to realise your full potential and land your dream consulting job!

8.2. Remote and one-way interview tips

Zoom case interviews and “one-way” automated fit interviews are becoming more common as selection processes are increasingly remote, with these new formats being accompanied by their own unique challenges.

Obviously you won’t have to worry about lobbies and shaking hands for a video interview. However, a lot remains the same. You still need to do the same prep in terms of getting good at case cracking and expressing your fit answers. The specific considerations around remote case interviews are, in effect, around making sure you come across as effectively as you would in person.

8.2.1. Connection

It sounds trivial, but a successful video case interview of any kind presupposes a functioning computer with a stable and sufficient internet connection.

Absolutely don’t forget to have your laptop plugged in, as your battery will definitely let you down mid-interview. Similarly, make sure any housemates or family know not to use the microwave, vacuum cleaner or anything else that makes wifi cut out (or makes a lot of noise, obviously)

If you have to connect on a platform you don’t use much (for example, if it’s on Teams and you’re used to Zoom), make sure you have the up to date version of the app in advance, rather than having to wait for an obligatory download and end up late to join. Whilst you’re at it, make sure you’re familiar with the controls etc. At the risk of being made fun of, don’t be afraid to have a practice call with a friend.

8.2.2. Dress

You might get guidance on a slightly more relaxed dress code for a Zoom interview. However, if in doubt, dress as you would for the real thing (see our article here ).

Either way, always remember that presentation is part of what you are being assessed on - the firm needs to know you can be presentable for clients. Taking this stuff seriously also shows respect for your interviewer and their time in interviewing you.

8.2.3. Lighting

An aspect of presentation that you have to devote some thought to for a Zoom case interview is your lighting.

Hopefully, you long ago nailed a lighting set-up during the Covid lockdowns. However, make sure to check your lighting in advance with your webcam - bearing in mind what time if day your case interview actually is. If your case interview is late afternoon, don’t just check in the morning. Make sure you aren’t going to be blinded from light coming in a window behind your screen, or that you end up with the weird shadow stripes from blinds all over your face.

Natural light is always best, but if there won’t be much of that during your interview, you’ll likely want to experiment with moving some lamps around.

8.2.4. Clarity

The actual stories you tell in an automated “one-way” fit interview will be the same as for a live equivalent. If anything, things should be easier, as you can rattle off a practised monologue without an interviewer interrupting you to ask for clarifications.

You can probably also assume that the algorithm assessing your performance is sufficiently capable that it will be observing you at much the same level as a human interviewer. However, it is probably still worth speaking as clearly as possible with these kinds of interviews and paying extra attention to your lighting to ensure that your face is clearly visible.

No doubt the AIs scoring these interviews are improving all the time, but you still want to make their job as easy as possible. Just think about the same things as you would with a live Zoom case interview, but more so.

9. How we can help

There are lots of great free resources on this site to get you started with preparation, from all our articles on case solving and consulting skills to our free case library and peer practice meeting board .

To step your preparation up a notch, though, our Case Academy course will give you everything you need to know to solve the most complex of cases - whether those are in live case interviews, with chatbots, written tests or any other format.

Whatever kind of case you end up facing, nothing will bring up your skillset faster than the kind of acute, actionable feedback you can get from a mock case interview a real, MBB consultant. Whilst it's possible to get by without this kind of coaching, it does tend to be the biggest single difference maker for successful candidates.

You can find out more on our coaching page:

Explore Coaching

Of course, for those looking for a truly comprehensive programme, with a 5+ year experienced MBB consultant overseeing their entire prep personally, from networking and applications right through to your offer, we have our mentoring programmes.

You can read more here:

Comprehensive Mentoring

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20 Most-Asked Excel Job Interview Questions for Business Analyst

  • Updated on October 17, 2023

It can be difficult sometimes to pinpoint the exact tasks of a business analyst . That is because every business analyst has multiple tasks that they need to accomplish at the same time. Therefore, even the title of ‘business analyst’ can be considered a very broad term which can include titles such as data, process, project analyst and manager. This article will explore Excel for business analysts .

What are the different parts of Business Plan Template?

The key responsibility of a business analyst can consist of establishing plans and models for the finance departments of companies. It is not only an important task for the department but also this position decides on crucial financial decisions for the company itself. That is why a successful business analyst should focus on learning and improving their financial reporting, forecasting and strategizing.

Some of the duties of business analysts are analyzing the financial opportunities and threats of the company; and giving and sharing business information with and from the shareholders of the company. Establishing comprehensive analyses, identifying and solving financial problems or challenges, and budgeting the internal and external business also comes with the job position of business analyst.

One of the essential skills for a business analyst is the ability to be technically literate. That means that a business analyst should be aware of the various functions of various applications and useful software. One of these programs (and perhaps the most useful and popular of them all) is Microsoft Excel.

Business-Analysis-Excel-Bundle-Banner

Below in the later chapters of this blog post, you can find 20 job interview questions related to Excel for business analysts.

Question 1: What are the common data formats in Microsoft Excel?

If you are applying for a business analyst job position, you are expected to know certain details about Microsoft Excel. The data formats which Excel allows to run in are one of these details. Due to the fact that Microsoft Excel is a business analyst’s one of the most essential tools at the workplace, knowledge about the common data formats would be crucial. This knowledge is not only required at the work but also is needed in your job interview.

A sample answer for this question can be: “The most common data formats used in Microsoft Excel are numbers, percentages, dates and sometimes texts (as in words and strings of texts).”

Question 2: How are these data formats used in Microsoft Excel?

Similar to every job position and every job interview, only knowing the information is just the half of the work. You need to justify your knowledge with your applications, actions and also, practical knowledge. Therefore, only memorizing the data formats would not be helpful, if you have not used them yourself. You need to know what they are and on top of that, you need to know how they are used in the job.

A sample answer for the uses of data formats in Excel can be: “Numbers can be formatted in data cells as decimals or round values. Percentages show a part of a whole and the whole being 100%. The dates can automatically change depending on the region and location Microsoft Excel is connected from. And the text format is used when analyses, reports or other documents are entered into the Excel spreadsheet as data.”

Question 3: What are the cell references?

Cell references (or in fact, references are general) should be one of the most useful tools an analyst can utilize. The different cell references and their uses can sometimes be seen as trivial details; however, they are absolutely not. They are actually incredible time savers, especially for an always busy business analyst.

A sample answer on the definition of cell references: “Cell references are used to refer to data located in the same Excel spreadsheet but to data in a different cell. There are three different cell reference types: Absolute, relative and mixed cell references.”

Question 4: What are the functions of different cell references?

A business analyst should be able to know specifically the difference between the various cell references. This knowledge will not only come in handy at your job interview but also in communicating and collaborating with your coworkers and employees.

A sample answer can be: “The absolute cell reference forces the data to stay in the cell which it was put in. No matter how many formulas are used on the data itself, an absolute cell reference stays with the data. The relative cell reference moves with the cell when the formula on the cell is moved to another one. And the mixed cell reference indicates that the row or the column related to the data cell is changed or moved.”

Question 5: Which key or combination of keys allow you to toggle between the absolute, relative and mixed cell references?

Supervisors, bosses, company owners, employees, your coworkers and even you have something in common: Everybody wants to save time. No one wants to spend unnecessary time on something they can otherwise do it in a much lesser time. Therefore, everyone loves shortcuts. In addition to that if you are applying for a business analyst position, they are going to expect that you know certain Microsoft Excel shortcuts.

A sample answer on the key to press to shift between the cell references can be: “In Windows devices the F4 key lets you to change the cell references. In Mac devices the combination of keys Command + T will allow you this shift.”

It would be useful to note here that if you are an expert on using Microsoft Excel on only one of the devices, do not worry. You do not need to know every shortcut in each of the operating systems. If you efficiently can use one and show that to the employers, they would be satisfied.

KPI-Dashboard-Excel-Bundle-Banner

Question 6: What is the function of the dollar sign ($) in Microsoft Excel?

In fact, the dollar sign ($) serves many purposes in Excel and none of them is related to the dollar currency at all. The dollar sign has multiple functions including some of the formulas you can type in. It also can denote any of the currencies written in a spreadsheet. However, in terms of cell references the dollar sign has only one purpose.

A sample answer can be: “The dollar sign when written tells Excel whether to change the location of the reference or not, if the formula for it is copied to other cells.”

Question 7: What is the LOOKUP function in Microsoft Excel?

As you are going to see in the later chapters of this blog post, the LOOKUP function is one of the most popular tools in Excel. If you are applying for a business analyst job, it is also one of the functions that you must be familiar with.

A sample answer on the LOOKUP function can be: “The LOOKUP function allows the user to find exact or partial matches in the spreadsheet. The VLOOKUP option lets the user search for data located in the vertical position. The HLOOKUP option functions the same way but in the horizontal plane.”

Question 8: What is the disadvantage of using the VLOOKUP function?

These kinds of questions test you in a way that you are familiar with the advantages and the good functions of Excel as well as the disadvantages. It also offers you a chance to exercise your critical thinking muscle and combine it with your analytical knowledge.

A sample answer can be: “The major disadvantage of the VLOOKUP function is that it can become ineffective very easily. If you shift data from a column to another, it will also change the column numbers that data was located. This forces you to manually enter the same formulas into (now) different data cells.”

Question 9: How do you insert a comment into an Excel spreadsheet?

A sample answer about the way you can insert comments can be: “You can insert comments into your spreadsheet simply by selecting the cell, right clicking and choosing the ‘Insert Comment’ option.”

Question 10: What is the difference between a comment and a note?

A sample answer on the difference between the two terms can be: “While replying to comments is available; replying to notes attached to cells is not. The notes can be looked at as single annotations.”

Question 11: How important is VBA for a business analyst?

It can be important to actually sit down, do some research on the areas that you think you are lacking and practice your knowledge of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). These actions should be done before the job interview. Otherwise, a topic such as VBA which every business analyst should be familiar with can be your weakness. And it also can become the reason that you are rejected for the job position that you have applied for.

A sample answer can be: “If a business analyst wants to be successful and work in respected companies, she or he needs to learn and get familiar with the required tools. They should always follow the trends and practice with the most modern devices and tools. VBA is perhaps the most important function of Microsoft Excel and it is crucial for a business analyst to easily use this tool.”

Question 12: What is conditional formatting?

No matter which job position you hold at the moment or which position you are looking to apply for, conditional formatting is an essential function of Excel. It is so simple and so useful at the same time that you might have been using even without knowing what it is called!

A sample answer can be: “Conditional formatting allows you to change the visual aspect of cells. For example, you want all the cells which include a value of 3 to be highlighted with a yellow highlighter and made italic. Conditional formatting lets you achieve this action in only seconds.”

Question 13: What are the most important functions of Excel to you as a business analyst?

The functions you will list as an answer to this question will show the interviewer what you do in Microsoft Excel. You might me more ready for the interview, if you have at least 5 functions ready for this question. You do not have to memorize every formula and list the most complicated ones. Ask yourself this question about the function you want to list: What are my most used functions?

A sample answer for the functions that a business analyst most use can be: “I most often use the LOOKUP function; followed by COUNT and COUNTA functions. The IF and MAX and MIN functions are also one of the ones I usually use.”

Recommended Reading: Most Used Excel Functions

Question 14: What does the COUNTA function execute in an Excel spreadsheet?

Now, you have listed your favorite and most used functions. Regardless of the functions you list, the interviewer can ask any function’s purpose or use. That is why it is important for you to generally know the most important functions. You can find the functions and formulas every business analyst needs to know later in the chapters below in this blog post.

A sample answer on the COUNTA function can be: “The COUNTA can scan all the rows and columns that contain data, identify them and ignore the empty cells.”

Question 15: What is the difference between the functions of COUNT and COUNTA?

Once again, if the interviewer is certain that using Microsoft Excel is one of the essential skills you need to have in order to be accepted, you will be asked a lot of ‘function questions.’

A sample answer on the difference can be: “While COUNT function counts the cells that contain numbers as their data source; the COUNTA function returns the number of cells that contain any kind of data in it. These can include numbers, texts, letters, dates, etc.”

Question 16: Can you import data from other software into an Excel spreadsheet?

You, as a business analyst, might be using other programs and software to enter your data. However, if the company wants you to fully transfer into Microsoft Excel, you should be able to do that without any worry and more importantly, without any delay.

A sample answer on data can be: “Importing data from various external data sources into an Excel spreadsheet is available. Just go into the ‘Data tab above in the toolbar. And by clicking the ‘Get External Data’ button, you will be able to import data from other software into Excel.”

Recommended Reading: Google Sheets vs. Microsoft Excel: Which is better?

Question 17: Why do you think the knowledge of Microsoft Excel is important for a business analyst?

A sample answer for the importance of Microsoft Excel for a business analyst can be: “Using Excel and dealing with the company’s data is crucial because it’s the only data the organization has. And it is in the hands of the business analyst to analyze and come up with results and solutions for problems. The business analyst is also the financial consultant as well as an analyst. You can become the person that the CEO listens to in order to ‘make’ or ‘break’ certain deals.”

Question 18: As a business analyst, do you choose to store your sensitive data in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet?

In order to answer these kinds of direct questions, the only thing you need to do is to be honest. That is it. No interviewer wants to see a ‘yes man’ when conducting a job interview. If there are some things you think that are lacking in Microsoft Excel, you should speak and voice your opinion.

A sample answer can be: “Yes, I do store my client’s data in Microsoft Excel. However, if the data I am dealing with is confidential, then I would not be storing that sensitive data in an Excel file.”

Question 19: As a business analyst, how would you operate with sensitive data in Microsoft Excel?

A sample answer for the security of information in an Excel file can be: “Due to the fact that I would be responsible for the transfer, the possible disappearance or the leak of the data, I would store confidential data in a software other than Microsoft Excel.”

Question 20: How can you protect your data in Microsoft Excel?

A sample answer for the security of an Excel spreadsheet can be: “From the Review tab, you can choose to protect your sheet with a password. That way the spreadsheet will be password protected and cannot be opened or copied without the password.”

What Skills Do You Need to Be A Business Analyst?

The required skills for a business analyst consist of both soft and hard skills. That means only graduating from a business school or with a business degree will not automatically turn you into the ‘ideal candidate’ for the job.

A business analyst’s skill set should be analytical and technical as much as it should be social and communicative. You can find required skills for a business analyst in regards to both hard skills and soft skill below:

Social Skills

A business analyst should be able to present their findings to a group setting. The presentations can demonstrate the social skills a business analyst has. You should be effectively communicating with your coworkers, supervisors and clients in order to discuss certain issues. This applies to presentations with your employees to the meetings with the CEO itself.

Critical Thinking Skills

One of the most significant actions that business analysts are responsible for is evaluation. And evaluation and assessment are actions that require critical thinking. As it was mentioned above in the previous chapter, being a ‘yes man’ is not something that will boost your confidence and allow you to do a better job.

That is why critical thinking will help you focus on what you can ask and question. This skill will not only help you improve your work but also develop new skills and improve other abilities.

Problem Solving Skills

No matter what position you work in, no matter which company you work for, if you are unable to solve the problems you face, you will not be successful. Period, it is that simple. Because every imaginable job itself is some way related to solving problems.

That means you have to be good at identifying the problems themselves. Then you have to consider which ones can be or should be solved. And after that you would be able to create a plan in order to solve the problems the organization develops and the challenges you as a business analyst face.

To improve your Excel or PowerBI skills for more understandable dashboards and reporting, the most important three tips from experts are to start small, to learn how to create visuals and also to learn by doing. It’s very important to practice what you learn. 

Data-Analysis-Excel-Templates-Someka-Banner

What Do Business Analysts Use Excel For?

Simple and complicated spreadsheets.

When a business analyst is working for a client and is processing results or when she or he is doing personal side work, they will be using Microsoft Excel. And they are going to create spreadsheets no matter how basic or complicated they are. In order to analyze and report your results, you are going to always need to create spreadsheets and operate in them.

Filtering, Sorting and Processing Large Amounts of Data

Using Microsoft Excel for filtering and sorting data is something every Excel user does. However, not every user might have the amount of data a business analyst handles and deals with. That is why in order to quickly and efficiently sort and filter vast quantities of data business analysts use Microsoft Excel for the job.

Creating Charts and Graphs

Excel’s endlessly customizable charts and graphs can come in handy for a business analyst when she or he is doing a presentation. These visual illustrations of data can make the audience understand and look at the data in a much clearer way.

Which Microsoft Excel Functions and Formulas Do Business Analysts Need to Know?

  • Basic Math Operations: There are four basic mathematical operations. They include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
  • LOOKUP Functions ( VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP )
  • SUM Function
  • COUNT Function
  • COUNTA Function
  • AVERAGE Function
  • MAX and MIN Functions
  • IF Function

Here, you can find some of the most essential functions a business analyst should be familiar with. However, there are a lot more to this list. If you are feeling like you should practice more on the functions you know and learn different ones, you should try the Someka Excel Formulas Training Kit .

Excel-Formulas-Practice-Someka-Template-Banner

This Excel template provides you various real life Excel problems and teaches you how to solve them with the necessary functions. There are three levels of function complexity: Beginner, Medium and Advanced Level. The Full Package Training Kit has the total 30 functions and 100 real world questions with it. If you are looking to train and practice on your own, this is the only necessary tool for you!

Other Excel Functions for Business Analysts 

Pivot tables.

Pivot table is perhaps the tool that will save you the most time in Excel. It is capable of summarizing and analyzing data in a matter of seconds. And regardless of the size of the data itself, it will provide you the summary of it. With these features, it can be one of the best ‘friends’ of a business analyst who is using Microsoft Excel.

Charts are the essential way for you to present your data. Everyone can turn in pages upon pages of numbers. And sometimes that kind of presentations are required as well. However, as detailed and customizable as the Charts section in Excel is going to help you create incredible looking many types of charts:

  • Column Chart
  • Pie Chart (2-D and 3-D)
  • Doughnut Chart
  • XY (Scatter) Chart
  • Bubble Chart
  • Stock Chart
  • Surface Chart
  • Radar Chart
  • Combo Chart

Calculated Items

Calculated items work as custom formulas that use the sum of different items.  It calculates the sum of different items and put into a pivot field. It is almost a supportive feature of Pivot Tables. You can use it in calculating delivery and shipment details and also, for the product orders as well.

Conditional Formatting

This feature also goes well when you are presenting your results and the processed data to a group. It helps you differentiate different data cells from each other. You can highlight, emphasize and change the format of the cells to your choosing. As a business analyst, you are going to always deal with numbers. Therefore, presenting them in a much fashionable way will help everyone to easily realize and understand what they are looking at.

Excel Templates for Business Analysts!

Flowcharts can be a handy way to demonstrate your analyses. Someka Automatic Flowchart Maker has incredible customization features. You can change the shapes, colors, categories and decision labels with only the click of a few buttons! You can also use the drag-and-drop tool if you want to stay with the basics.

Automatic-Flowchart-Maker-Excel-Template-Someka-SS2

– This workflow is created by Someka’s Flowchart Maker – 

Also, conducting SWOT analysis for the company you are working for can lead to more profit and less problems. A business analyst’s job is to analyze, and so analyzing the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and the threats is crucial. And you can conduct this analysis with Someka’s free SWOT Analysis Template !

Another important tool is FMEA Excel Template. This tool is for risk analysis to detect possible failure modes and plan preventive actions.

FMEA-Excel-Template-Someka-Excel-Template-SS1

– This Dashboard is from Someka’s FMEA Excel Template –

Someka’s BCG Matrix Template creates a framework in which you can assess the value of your investments. With the four different sections titled Stars, Question Marks, Cash Cow and Poor Dog; you can analyze the market growth rate and relative market share in the Excel template. As a business analyst, this free template will be one of the tools to achieve that goal.

BCG-Matrix-Excel-Template-SS3

– This is the Dashboard section of Someka’s BCG Matrix Template – 

With the Competitive Analysis Template , you can evaluate your company’s competitors. Following that, you can even develop new strategies and financial models and manage the competition in the market. The template provides charts for each of your competitors and visual illustrations of market shares. Download this free and professional template for presentations right now and do not ever lose your place in the market!

FINAL WORDS ON EXCEL FOR BUSINESS ANALYSTS

The technical skill of using Microsoft Excel is not the only factor for becoming a successful business analyst. You need to integrate good social and communicative skills, combine them with analytical and managerial skills as well. It is a job with important and life-changing consequences for the company which you are working for. And perhaps using Microsoft Excel is not the only skill for the job, but it is without a doubt one of the most important ones.

Recommended Readings:

Complete List of Things You Can Do With Excel

Career Guide: Business Analyst

How to conduct a gap analysis?

Related Posts

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11 Feb 2022

07 Feb 2022

Resolved: Practical case study for excel interview

Solution sheet-Summary

Instructions: 1. Use the data on the GFD and CHARITY tabs to provide the details on the SUMMARY. Please note that the format on the SUMMARY tab is only meant as a guide to the desired output, You may  present the requested data in the format you think best displays the information and showcases your capabilities

08 Feb 2022

Hey Temitope, You need to use SUMIFS, COUNTIFS, and AVERAGEIFS. To learn how to use these functions you can see the respective lectures in the Intro to Excel course. Once you have done that, I'll be happy to help with specific questions. Best, Ned

Hi Ned, I have gone through the lectures and understand how to use the functions. below is the instruction i was given for the case study practice.

Instructions: 1. Use the data on the GFD and CHARITY tabs to provide the details on the SUMMARY. Please note that the format on the SUMMARY tab is only meant as a guide to the desired output, You may  present the requested data in the format you think best displays the information and showcases your capabilities.

Kind Regards. Temitope.

09 Feb 2022

Hello, Still waiting for a response.

Hey Temitope, I would be ok to help with some parts of the question if you ask me specific questions. But I can't solve the entire task. I don't think that's fair. Best, Ned

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Job Interview - Excel Case Study

I have been scheduled for a three hour time block in which I am to analyze data, identify trends and create a presentation that I will then present during my interview. The goal is to demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to manipulate and summarize data. Tips? Tricks? Resources I should check out? I’m particularly stressed about the data analysis piece as I haven’t done such a thing in quite some time!

Edit: Using a throwaway account just to be safe!

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Interview Format Mastery: Excel in Various Types Of Interviews

Interview Format Mastery: Excel in Various Types Of Interviews

In today's job market, knowing about different interview types can make a big difference. According to research from Glassdoor , 60% of job seekers think being ready for interviews is really important. Interviews can vary a lot, from basic Q&A sessions to more focused discussions on your past experiences or how you solve problems.

This guide breaks down these different types, gives tips on how to prepare, handle common questions, and follow up afterward. By understanding these interview styles, you can show off your skills effectively and improve your chances of landing the job you want.

Traditional Interviews

Traditional interviews are the most common type where a candidate meets one or more interviewers to discuss their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role. The format typically involves a mix of questions about the candidate's background, skills, and behavioral tendencies.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: Familiar format, easy to prepare for, allows for a broad assessment of the candidate.
  • Cons: May not effectively predict job performance, can be subjective based on interviewer bias.

Example Questions:

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Why are you interested in this position?

Behavioral Interviews

Behavioral interviews focus on past behavior as an indicator of future performance. Interviewers ask candidates to provide specific examples of how they have handled certain situations in the past, probing for behaviors and actions.

How does it Differs from Traditional Interviews?

Instead of hypothetical or general questions, behavioral interviews are structured around specific examples from the candidate's past experiences. They aim to assess how a candidate has behaved in certain situations relevant to the job.

  • Can you describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker?
  • Give me an example of a project you worked on where you had to meet a tight deadline.
  • Tell me about a time when you took the initiative to improve a process at work.

Case Interviews

Case interviews are common in consulting and analytical roles. They present candidates with a business scenario or problem and ask them to analyze it, propose solutions, or make recommendations. These interviews assess analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think on one's feet.

Example Scenarios and Questions:

  • How would you advise a client who is facing declining profits?
  • Analyze this market entry strategy for a new product.
  • Estimate the market size for electric vehicles in 2030.

Panel Interviews

Panel interviews involve multiple interviewers (typically three or more) who simultaneously interview a candidate. Each panel member may represent different perspectives (e.g., HR, technical, managerial) and ask questions accordingly.

Advantages and Challenges:

  • Advantages: Provides a diverse assessment, reduces individual bias, allows for comprehensive evaluation.
  • Challenges: Can be intimidating for candidates, coordination among panel members may lead to disjointed questioning.

Tips for Success:

  • Address each panel member individually when responding.
  • Maintain eye contact and engage with all panelists.
  • Take notes if needed to ensure you address all aspects of questions.

Understanding these different interview formats can help candidates better prepare and adapt their responses to showcase their skills and experiences effectively. Each format serves specific purposes in assessing different aspects of a candidate's suitability for a role.

Researching the Company

Researching the company demonstrates your genuine interest and helps you understand its culture, values, products/services, and industry position. This knowledge allows you to tailor your answers and questions during the interview.

Specific Aspects to Research for Different Formats:

  • Traditional Interviews: Understand the company's history, mission, recent news, and key personnel.
  • Behavioral Interviews: Look for company values and specific behaviors they might seek in employees. This can help you align your examples with their desired traits.
  • Case Interviews: Familiarize yourself with the company's industry, competitors, recent challenges, and market position. This background will inform your analysis and recommendations during case studies.
  • Panel Interviews: Research the backgrounds and roles of the panelists. Understand their perspectives and potential areas of interest or expertise.

Tailoring Your Responses

  • Traditional Interviews: Emphasize your skills and experiences relevant to the job. Highlight achievements that align with the company’s needs.
  • Behavioral Interviews: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your skills and behavioral competencies.
  • Case Interviews: Structure your answers logically and analytically. Break down problems into components, analyze data (if provided), and propose well-reasoned solutions.
  • Panel Interviews: Address each panelist when responding. Tailor your answers to appeal to different perspectives (e.g., HR, technical, managerial).

Practicing Mock Interviews

Mock interviews simulate real interview conditions and help you practice your responses, refine your storytelling, and improve your confidence. They also allow you to receive constructive feedback on your performance.

Resources for Finding Mock Interview Partners:

  • Career Centers: Many universities and colleges offer mock interview services for students and alumni.
  • Online Platforms: Websites like LinkedIn, Meetup, and career-focused forums often have groups or individuals willing to conduct mock interviews.
  • Professional Networks: Ask friends, family, or colleagues for mock interview practice. They can provide valuable insights and varied perspectives.

These strategies will help you present yourself as a well-prepared and qualified candidate for the job.

Traditional and Behavioral Interview Questions

  • Tell me about yourself: Briefly summarize your professional background, highlighting relevant experience and skills. Focus on aspects that align with the job you're applying for.
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses: For strengths, mention specific skills or qualities with examples of how you've used them effectively. For weaknesses, discuss a genuine area for improvement and how you're working to overcome it.
  • Why are you interested in this position: Connect your skills and career goals with what the company offers. Mention specific aspects of the role, company culture, or opportunities that excite you.

Case Interview Questions

  • Market Sizing: Estimate the size of a market, such as the number of potential customers or revenue.
  • Business Strategy: Analyze a company's competitive position, growth opportunities, or market entry strategy.
  • Problem Solving: Address a specific business problem or operational challenge.
  • Mathematical and Analytical: Solve quantitative problems involving data analysis, financial projections, or operational efficiency.

Handling Panel Interview Dynamics

  • Address Each Panelist: Acknowledge each panelist individually when responding to questions. Make eye contact and direct your answer to the person who asked the question.
  • Balance Your Responses: Tailor your answers to appeal to different perspectives (e.g., HR, technical, managerial). Consider how each panelist's role might influence their concerns or interests.
  • Manage Interruptions: If interrupted by another panelist or if questions overlap, stay composed and address each part of the question or comment respectfully.
  • Stay Focused: Keep track of who has asked questions and ensure you provide balanced attention to all panelists throughout the interview.

After an interview, it's essential to follow up appropriately to leave a positive impression and potentially enhance your chances of landing the job. Here are some key steps for post-interview etiquette and follow-up:

1. Thank You Email

  • Timing: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview.
  • Content: Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview, mention something specific you enjoyed or learned during the interview, and reiterate your interest in the position.
  • Personalization: Customize each email to reflect discussions or points from the interview.

2. Follow-Up Questions

  • If you have any follow-up questions after the interview that are pertinent to the role or the company, it's appropriate to ask them in your thank-you email.

3. Handling Rejection Gracefully

  • If you receive a rejection, respond politely, thanking them for their time and consideration. Express your continued interest in future opportunities with the company.

4. Additional Materials

  • If you promised any additional materials during the interview (such as a portfolio, references, or work samples), send them promptly.

5. Post-Interview Evaluation

  • Take some time to reflect on the interview: what went well, what you could improve on, and any questions or concerns you have about the role or the company.

6. Follow-Up Timeline

  • If you haven't heard back within the timeframe given (usually a week or two after the interview), it's acceptable to follow up with a polite email inquiring about the status of the hiring process.

7. Maintaining Professionalism

  • Throughout all communication, maintain a professional and polite tone. Avoid being too persistent or aggressive in your follow-ups.

8. Networking

  • Even if you don't get the job, connect with your interviewers on LinkedIn if appropriate. Building a professional network can lead to future opportunities.

Understanding and preparing for different interview formats is crucial for navigating the job market effectively. Whether facing traditional, behavioral, case, or panel interviews, tailored preparation and practice are key to showcasing skills and securing opportunities. Embrace each format's nuances to present yourself confidently and professionally, enhancing your chances of success.

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COMMENTS

  1. 12 Excel Interview Questions for 2024 (Plus Sample Answers)

    11. Name the two Macro languages in Excel. This type of straightforward question requires a straight answer that displays your knowledge of a higher-level technical aspect of Excel: Macro languages. Example: "VBA is the most commonly used Macro language in Excel today.

  2. 50+ MS Excel Interview Questions and Answers (2024)

    9. Explain the VLOOKUP function. VLOOKUP is a function in Excel that searches for a value in the first column of a range and returns a value from the second column in the same row. 10. What is a cell in Excel? A cell is the intersection of a column and a row, identified by a unique address (for example, A1).

  3. REAL Excel Interview Tests for Business & Finance Roles

    Learn excel interview test questions for business & finance professionals.Among the most common excel test involve SumIFs, Index Match, Vlookups and data cle...

  4. 9 Excel Interview Questions + How to Prepare Answers

    Excel behavioral and situational interview questions. 4. Describe a recent project you completed using Excel. Employers ask this question to learn more about your experience and level of proficiency with Excel, the level of complexity you're accustomed to, and the results you are capable of bringing about.

  5. 65 Excel Interview Questions for Data Analysts [2024 Prep Guide]

    65 Excel Interview Questions for Data Analysts [2024 Prep Guide] Interviewing for a role as a data analyst is a skill that requires both experience and practice. It is by no means a given that all good data analysts will give good interviews. Explaining data succinctly is part of the job, but explaining the software and tools that data analysts ...

  6. 50 Questions To Help You Ace an Interview Test on Excel

    Here's a list of some of the most useful available Excel functions, along with the calculations they perform: SUM: This formula adds the values in a row or column. You can use it to display the total of a group of cells. AVERAGE: This function calculates the average of the values in a row or column.

  7. 2024 Excel Expert Interview Questions & Answers

    Review Case Studies and Business Scenarios: Practice solving business problems with Excel. Be ready to explain how you've used Excel to streamline processes, improve data accuracy, or provide actionable insights in previous roles. Prepare for Practical Tests: Many interviews include a hands-on Excel test. Refresh your skills on common test ...

  8. Top 10 Excel Interview Questions For Job Seekers

    So, we've provided our list of the 10 most common Excel interview questions so that you can get some practice in before you exam. With a little bit of advance preparation, you'll feel prepared and confident on interview day. Show Me Question #1. 1.

  9. Excel Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

    Here are 9 common excel interview questions with example answers: 1. What is the use of the VLOOKUP function? Questions that are directed toward a formula or function help the interviewer understand your proficiency with Excel. VLOOKUP is an important Excel function and is widely used across different job roles.

  10. Top 10 Excel Interviews Questions

    EXCEL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS // Interviewing for a data-focused job or a job that requires Excel skills?1- Conditional Formatting2- Absolute Reference vs Relati...

  11. How to Perform Case Study Using Excel Data Analysis

    First, we'll see the default analyses that Excel makes automatically. Excel shows the most commonly used analyzes by default. Steps: Click any data from the dataset. Next, click as follows: Home > Analyze Data. Soon after, you will get an Analyze Data field on the right side of your Excel window.

  12. 50 MS Excel Interview Questions to Ace Your Excel Interview

    Ex: = SUM (A1:A3) Now, let's head to our next question in our list of Excel interview questions. 6. Mention the order of operations used in Excel while evaluating formulas. The order of operations in Excel is referred to as PEDMAS. Shown below is the order of precedence while performing an Excel operation.

  13. Efficio

    A first round of interviews, typically involving two interviews and a case study. An Excel-based case study. A second round of interviews with senior management. I actually do have a few excel-based real-life case studies (from past candidates). They are across the topics of food delivery, investment decisions, and mining/operations optimization.

  14. Excel Tests in Interviews: INDIRECT, MATCH, SUMIFS, and More

    In this tutorial, you'll learn how to write a flexible Excel formula that lets you summarize quarterly or monthly data in an annual format using the INDIRECT...

  15. Case Interview: all you need to know (and how to prepare)

    1. The key to landing your consulting job. Case interviews - where you are asked to solve a business case study under scrutiny - are the core of the selection process right across McKinsey, Bain and BCG (the "MBB" firms). This interview format is also used pretty much universally across other high-end consultancies; including LEK, Kearney ...

  16. 20 Most-Asked Excel Job Interview Questions for Business Analyst

    A sample answer for the functions that a business analyst most use can be: "I most often use the LOOKUP function; followed by COUNT and COUNTA functions. The IF and MAX and MIN functions are also one of the ones I usually use.". Recommended Reading: Most Used Excel Functions.

  17. Amazon interview

    Hey, they asked me all kinds of questions after the excel task. I honestly just googled "Amazon Interview questions" and found a bunch of basic ones they ask (non-subject specific) e.g. please describe a time where a project didn't go as planned.

  18. Practical case study for excel interview

    I was sent an excel sheet to provide solution as the first stage in my interview process. Below is the instructions and screenshot of the excel sheet. I need guidance on how to provide solution to the case study. Thank you so much. Instructions: 1. Use the data on the GFD and CHARITY tabs to provide the details on the SUMMARY.

  19. I have an interview on Friday that said they will be testing Excel

    Some interviews want a case study, some want SQL, some want Python, etc. It's not been easy I'm constantly pulled from one thing to the other so I'm not really a master of anything. ... but excel test was fairly basic, and was a case of, "here is a raw data set, please"; ... We had an excel interview test for my interview 4 months ago and I was ...

  20. Job Interview

    It also gives you the opportunity to emphasize the importance of collaboration and cooperation with other analysts, data stewards, etc. Don't overthink the formatting of any charts or graphs. Excel's default formats are pretty good; don't waste valuable time unless it's necessary to improve readability.

  21. Data Analysis Using Excel Case Study

    By using Excel for data analysis, individuals can explore and analyze the data related to the case study in a comprehensive and structured manner. Excel offers various tools and functionalities, such as PivotTables, slicers, and data visualization features, which allow users to assess patterns, trends, and relationships within the data.

  22. Interview Outsourcing, Interview as a Service Platform

    Case Interviews: Familiarize yourself with the company's industry, competitors, recent challenges, and market position. This background will inform your analysis and recommendations during case studies. Panel Interviews: Research the backgrounds and roles of the panelists. Understand their perspectives and potential areas of interest or expertise.