As someone who has gone through dozens of consulting interviews, I can tell you that it is not a walk in the park. Consulting firms use case interviews to test your problem-solving, your mental agility, and your communication, to name just a few. To ace your consulting interview, you need to be well-prepared – one of the best ways to get ramped up quickly in the early days of your case prep is by reading case interview books. In this article, I will share the best case interview books that will help you prepare for your consulting interview.
Introduction to Case Interviews
A case interview is a type of job interview in which the candidate is presented with a business problem or scenario and asked to solve it. The candidate is expected to ask questions, gather information, and provide solutions to the problem. Case interviews are commonly used by consulting firms to assess a candidate’s ability to think critically, analyze data, and communicate effectively.
Why You Need Case Interview Books
Case interview books are an essential part of your consulting interview preparation. These books provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to solve complex business problems. They help you understand the structure of case interviews, the types of questions you can expect, and the best way to approach each question. Case interview books also provide you with practice cases and sample solutions, which allow you to practice your problem-solving skills.
Top Qualities to Look for When Selecting Case Interview Books
There are several qualities you should look for when selecting your top case interview books. Here are what some of the best case interview prep books have in common:
- Comprehensive content: The best case interview prep books cover a wide range of topics, including case interview frameworks, market sizing, business situations, and various industries. This will ensure that you are well-prepared for different types of cases you might encounter during your interviews.
- Clear and concise explanations: A good case interview book should provide clear and easy-to-understand explanations of complex concepts and frameworks, making it easier for you to grasp and apply them during your practice sessions and interviews.
- Real-life case examples: The best case interview books include a variety of real-life case examples with detailed solutions, allowing you to understand the thought process behind solving different types of cases and to practice applying the frameworks and concepts you’ve learned.
- Step-by-step approach: A well-structured book should guide you through a step-by-step approach to case interview preparation, starting from the basics and gradually progressing to more advanced topics and techniques.
- Tips and strategies: The best case interview prep books generablly provide valuable tips and strategies for tackling case interviews, such as how to structure your thoughts, ask the right questions, and present your findings effectively.
- Practice questions and exercises: case interview books that include numerous practice questions and exercises are always more helpful than those that do not. This enables you to apply the concepts and frameworks you’ve learned and to hone your skills through practice.
- Up-to-date information: The best case interview books are up-to-date with the latest trends and changes in the consulting industry, as this will make your preparation more relevant and effective. That said, don’t throw out a case book just because it’s old – some of my favorites are 5+ years old and still have some of the best cases I know!
The Best Case Interview Books For Your Prep
- Case In Point: Complete Case Interview Preparation by Marc P. Cosentino
- Case Interview Secrets: A Former McKinsey Interviewer Reveals How to Get Multiple Job Offers in Consulting by Victor Cheng
- The Harvard Business School Case Interview Workbook: With 65+ Cases and Other Interview Questions and Tips by Robert M. Case
- Crack the Case System: Complete Case Interview Prep by David Ohrvall
- Consulting Interview Case Preparation: A Complete Guide by Shaun Glassman
A Comprehensive Review of the Best Case Interview Prep Books
1. Case In Point: Complete Case Interview Preparation by Marc P. Cosentino
Case In Point is perhaps the most popular of the case interview books on the market. It is a comprehensive guide to case interviews and provides a clear understanding of the structure of case interviews, the types of questions you can expect, and the best way to approach each question. The book also has a good selection of practice cases and sample solutions, which allow you to practice your problem-solving skills. That said, I personally find it to be too generic and focuses a bit too much on the what and less on the why of casing.
The Pros:
- Comprehensive guide to case interviews
- Great for beginners starting at 0
- Clear understanding of the structure of case interviews
- Good selection of practice cases and sample solutions
- Written by an expert in the field
The Cons:
- Outdated in approach
- Frameworks are often generic
- Can be too detailed for some readers
- Much less valuable after the candidate has even a basic understanding of cases
2. Case Interview Secrets: A Former McKinsey Interviewer Reveals How to Get Multiple Job Offers in Consulting by Victor Cheng
Case Interview Secrets is written by a former McKinsey interviewer and provides a unique perspective on case interviews. The book provides a clear understanding of the structure of case interviews, the types of questions you can expect, and the best way to approach each question. The book also has a good selection of practice cases and sample solutions, which allow you to practice your problem-solving skills. Like case in point I also do not love this casebook as it is quite outdated and uses an old-school approach to casing. It’s very much focused on classic case types, which are becoming ever-less common.
The Pros:
- Written by a former McKinsey interviewer
- Unique perspective on case interviews
- Clear understanding of the structure of case interviews
- Good selection of practice cases and sample solutions
The Cons:
- Some of the cases are too easy
- Outdated approach
- Generic frameworks
- Focuses more on classic case types/frameworks, rather than the thinking
3. The Harvard Business School Case Interview Workbook: With 65+ Cases and Other Interview Questions and Tips by Robert Mellon
The Harvard Business School Case Interview Workbook is a comprehensive guide to case interviews. The book provides a clear understanding of the structure of case interviews, the types of questions you can expect, and the best way to approach each question. The book also has a good selection of practice cases and sample solutions, which allow you to practice your problem-solving skills.
The Pros:
- Comprehensive guide to case interviews
- Clear understanding of the structure of case interviews
- Good selection of practice cases and sample solutions
- Written by an expert in the field
The Cons:
- Some of the cases are too easy
- Some readers may find the writing style too dry
4. Crack the Case System: Complete Case Interview Prep by David Ohrvall
Crack the Case System is a comprehensive guide to case interviews. The book provides a clear understanding of the structure of case interviews, the types of questions you can expect, and the best way to approach each question. The book also has a good selection of practice cases and sample solutions, which allow you to practice your problem-solving skills.
The Pros:
- Comprehensive guide to case interviews
- Clear understanding of the structure of case interviews
- Good selection of practice cases and sample solutions
- Written by an expert in the field
The Cons:
- Some readers may find the writing style too simplistic
- Some of the cases are too easy
5. Consulting Interview Case Preparation: A Complete Guide by Shaun Glassman
Consulting Interview Case Preparation is a comprehensive guide to case interviews. The book provides a clear understanding of the structure of case interviews, the types of questions you can expect, and the best way to approach each question. The book also has a good selection of practice cases and sample solutions, which allow you to practice your problem-solving skills.
The Pros:
- Comprehensive guide to case interviews
- Clear understanding of the structure of case interviews
- Good selection of practice cases and sample solutions
- Written by an expert in the field
The Cons:
- Some readers may find the writing style too dry
- Some of the cases are too easy
Bonus: Breakdown of Some of My Favorite MBA Case Interview Books
Ross Casebook
The Ross casebook offers a comprehensive overview of firms, industries, and key concepts. Its cases also come with proposed frameworks, making it a valuable resource for case interview preparation. In my view it’s one of the best case interview prep books for those looking for more in-depth industry and company breakdowns.
Columbia Casebook
Ideal for candidates in the later stages of their preparation, the Columbia casebook categorizes cases by industry, case type, and firm (e.g., BCG, Bain). Additionally, it assesses the difficulty of each case across math, structure, and creativity, helping you focus on specific areas of improvement. This is one of best case interview books if you’re looking to get a wide range of lots of different cases across case types, industry, and difficult level.
Stern Casebook
You might think I’m biased to say that the Stern casebook is one of the best case interview books out there, but it truly is! It provides an excellent industry overview and features clear, easy-to-follow cases. Cases are organized by interviewer-led and interviewee-led formats and ranked by difficulty, allowing for a tailored practice experience. Their cases are clear and easy to read (especially as an interviewer), and they provide a great range of scenarios and case flows.
Haas Casebook
Similar to the Stern casebook, the Haas casebook categorizes cases by interviewer-led and interviewee-led formats and ranks them by difficulty, making it another useful resource for honing your case interview skills. Haas goes quite in depth in the process of the case interview and how to prepare optimally, joining it with Ross in the category best case interview prep books for those just starting out.
Darden Casebook
The Darden casebook sorts cases by firm and industry and ranks them by difficulty across quantitative, qualitative, and overall aspects, offering a well-rounded collection of cases to practice with. While I find the cases a bit easier and more straightforward in terms of flow, when I’m trying to trip up a candidate in math Darden cases are my go-to. While most case interview books have math, Darden has a great range and difficulty of case math.
The Right Caser
However, the best case interview book you can have is…drumroll…a great case partner! Remember that simply reading a “hard” case from a particular company or having a friend case you is not enough. The way you are cased is crucial for your success. An experienced coach can make even the easiest case feel like a nightmare, so if you’re looking to be thoroughly prepared for the toughest cases, consider hiring a professional coach. The key lies in the delivery of the case!
How to Choose the Best Case Interview Book for You
Choosing out of all of our list best case interview books depends on your personal preferences and needs. Consider the following factors when choosing a case interview book:
- Your level of experience: If you are a beginner, choose a case interview book that provides a clear understanding of the structure of case interviews and the types of questions you can expect. If you are more experienced, choose a book that provides more challenging cases and advanced techniques.
- Your learning style: Choose a case interview book that suits your learning style. If you prefer a more visual approach, choose a book with diagrams and charts. If you prefer a more interactive approach, choose a book with practice cases and sample solutions.
Your career goals: Choose a case interview book that is relevant to your career goals. If you are applying to a specific consulting firm, choose a book that focuses on that firm’s interview style.
Reminder: Your Caser Matters Just As Much (If Not More!) Than The Case Itself
Bear in mind that most cases can be somewhat unrealistic, and no case will perfectly match what you’ll face during an actual interview. Therefore, the key is to gain exposure to a wide variety of cases (both standard and nonstandard) and interviewers. If you’re truly looking to push yourself and prepare for the toughest cases, consider hiring a coach, as their expert delivery and guidance can be invaluable in ensuring your success. Please keep in mind the following to optimize your casing experience:
Find Good Case Partners: When preparing for case interviews, it’s essential to recognize the importance of having good case partners, not just good case interview books; Even the best case interview books can’t overcome a bad caser. Working with skilled casers who push you during the process is crucial to helping you prepare for even the most challenging interviews.
Get a Diverse Set of Case Partners: It is important to collaborate with a diverse range of case partners, rather than solely relying on one or two friends. This diversity in partners exposes you to various case styles, perspectives, and techniques, thus broadening your understanding and skillset.
Can Others in Cases That You Struggled In: Take the time to case others with the cases that you struggled with. You can learn as much by casing others as by being cased. Look at what they do well, and look to incorporate. Look at what they do poorly, and avoid. The more times you give a case you struggled in, the more you’ll learn about that case and start to understand it.
Consider Coaching: The way you are cased matters more than the specific case or casebook you use, so consider hiring a coach if you’re aiming to be prepared for the most demanding cases.
Other Resources for Case Interview Preparation
Apart from case interview books, there are other resources you can use to prepare for your consulting interview. These include:
- Consulting firm websites: Most consulting firms provide information on their interview process and the types of questions they ask. Use this information to prepare for your interview.
- Online forums: There are several online forums where candidates discuss their consulting interview experiences and share tips and advice.
- Consulting clubs: Join a consulting club at your school or university. These clubs often offer case interview workshops and practice sessions. Additionally, from there you can generally access a range of case interview books
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Conclusion: The Importance of Using the Best Case Interview Prep Books in Your Consulting Interview Prep
Case interview books are an essential part of your consulting interview preparation. They provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to solve complex business problems. The best case interview books are comprehensive, have a good selection of practice cases and sample solutions, include tips and strategies, and are well organized. Choose a book that suits your personal preferences and needs, and use other resources such as consulting firm websites, online forums, and consulting clubs to further prepare for your interview. With the right preparation, you can ace your consulting interview and land your dream job.
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