MBB case interviews are one of the most difficult interviews to pass. Less than 10% of candidates that interview with McKinsey, BCG, and Bain will land that prestigious consulting job offer.

 

I’m a former Bain Manager and interviewer and in this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about MBB case interviews including their purpose, strategies and tips, how to prepare, and what resources to use.

 

If you’re looking for a step-by-step shortcut to learn case interviews quickly, enroll in our case interview course. These insider strategies from a former Bain interviewer helped 30,000+ land consulting offers while saving hundreds of hours of prep time.

 

Understanding MBB Case Interviews

 

Overview of MBB

 

MBB stands for McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Bain, three of the most prestigious management consulting firms in the world. These firms are renowned for their rigorous hiring processes, exceptional client services, and significant impact on global business.

 

They advise leading organizations across various industries, providing strategic insights and solutions to complex business challenges. Joining one of these firms is a highly competitive process, with the case interview being a critical component of the selection process.

 

What are MBB Case Interviews?

 

MBB case interviews are specialized job interviews used by McKinsey, BCG, and Bain to assess candidates' problem solving abilities, analytical skills, and business acumen. These interviews simulate real-life business scenarios, requiring candidates to think on their feet, structure their thoughts, and propose viable solutions.

 

Candidates might be asked to tackle problems such as market entry strategies, profitability issues, or operational improvements. The case interview evaluates not just the answer, but also the candidate's approach, logical reasoning, and ability to communicate effectively.

 

Why Does MBB Use Case Interviews?

 

MBB firms use case interviews to identify candidates who possess the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for consulting. These interviews allow the firms to assess how candidates approach and solve complex business problems, a core aspect of the consulting role.

 

By presenting candidates with real or simulated business challenges, interviewers can gauge their ability to break down issues, identify key drivers, and develop recommendations. This process helps ensure that the firms hire individuals who can thrive in a demanding and dynamic environment.

 

Different Types of MBB Case Interviews

 

There are several types of MBB case interviews that candidates might encounter during the interview process:

 

• Market Sizing Cases: These cases require candidates to estimate the size of a particular market or segment. They test the candidate's ability to make logical assumptions and perform quick calculations

 

• Profitability Cases: In these cases, candidates analyze a company's declining profits and identify potential reasons and solutions

 

• Market Entry Cases: Candidates must evaluate whether a company should enter a new market. This involves analyzing market attractiveness, competitive landscape, and strategic fit

 

• Mergers & Acquisitions Cases: These cases focus on the strategic and financial implications of a merger or acquisition. Candidates may be expected to analyze synergies, valuation, and integration challenges

 

• Operations Cases: Candidates are asked to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of a company's operations. This might involve supply chain optimization, process improvements, or cost reduction strategies

 

Differences between McKinsey, BCG, and Bain Case Interviews

 

While MBB case interviews share common elements, each firm has its unique approach and nuances:

 

• McKinsey: Known for its highly structured and interviewer-led cases. McKinsey interviewers typically lead the case and guide candidates through specific questions. They expect more clear, concise answers since candidates are not leading the case

 

• BCG: BCG's case interviews tend to be more candidate-led. Candidates are expected to drive the discussion and explore various aspects of the problem. BCG also places significant importance on creativity and the ability to think outside the box. Their cases also tend to be longer and more difficult than McKinsey and Bain cases.

 

• Bain: Bain's cases are a blend of interviewer-led and candidate-led formats. The firm often incorporates real client cases into their case interviews. Bain cases tend to be simpler and more straight forward than BCG and McKinsey cases.

 

Understanding these differences can help candidates tailor their preparation and approach for each firm, increasing their chances of success in the highly competitive MBB case interview process.

 

MBB Case Interview Structure

 

There are typically five components of an MBB case interview: initial problem statement, clarifying questions, developing a framework, analysis and problem solving, and concluding and summarizing.

 

1. Initial Problem Statement

 

The initial problem statement is the starting point of any MBB case interview. This is where the interviewer presents a business scenario or challenge that the candidate needs to address. It sets the context and outlines the key issues that need to be resolved.

 

This statement typically includes information about the company, the market, and the specific problem or opportunity at hand. Listening carefully and taking notes during this stage is crucial, as it forms the foundation for the entire case discussion.

 

2. Clarifying Questions

 

After receiving the initial problem statement, candidates should ask clarifying questions to ensure they fully understand the context and scope of the problem. These questions help to eliminate any ambiguities and gather essential information that may not have been provided initially.

 

Clarifying questions demonstrate the candidate's attention to detail and their ability to think critically about the problem at hand. It is important to strike a balance between asking enough questions to gain clarity and avoiding excessive questioning that may come across as unfocused.

 

3. Developing a Framework

 

Case interview frameworks are structured approaches that help candidates systematically break down and analyze the case. They provide a roadmap for organizing thoughts, identifying key issues, and structuring the analysis.

 

Using a framework ensures that the candidate covers all relevant aspects of the problem and can communicate their approach clearly and logically.

 

Several commonly used MBB case interview frameworks include:

 

• SWOT Analysis: Evaluates the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to a business situation

 

• Porter's Five Forces: Analyzes the competitive environment by examining five key forces: competitive rivalry, the threat of new entrants, the threat of substitutes, bargaining power of suppliers, and bargaining power of customers

 

• 3Cs Framework: Focuses on the three critical components of a business strategy: Company, Customers, and Competitors

 

• 4Ps Framework: Looks at the key elements of marketing strategy: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion

 

• Profitability Framework: Breaks down profit into its core components, revenues and costs, and examines each to identify issues and opportunities for improvement

 

While common frameworks provide a solid starting point, it's essential to customize them to fit the specifics of each case.

 

Candidates should adapt and combine elements from different frameworks as needed to address the unique aspects of the problem at hand. This demonstrates flexibility, creativity, and a deep understanding of the business context.

 

4. Analysis and Problem Solving

 

Analysis and problem solving are at the core of the MBB case interview. Candidates will spend the majority of their time on this step of the MBB case interview.

 

Expect to conduct quantitative analysis and also engage in qualitative brainstorming and discussion with the interviewer. All of the different quantitative and qualitative questions that you answer will help you identify key insights that will shape your ultimate recommendation.

 

Two important problem solving techniques to follow in this step include using a hypothesis-driven approach and the 80/20 principle.

 

Hypothesis-Driven Approach

 

The hypothesis-driven approach involves formulating a hypothesis early in the case and using analysis to test and refine it. This method helps to focus the analysis on the most critical issues and ensures a structured and efficient problem solving process.

 

Candidates should continuously refine their case interview hypothesis based on the information gathered and adjust their analysis accordingly.

 

80/20 Principle

 

The 80/20 principle, also known as the Pareto Principle, suggests that 80% of results often come from 20% of the efforts.

 

In the context of case interviews, candidates should focus on the most impactful issues and avoid getting bogged down in less significant details. This approach helps in managing time effectively and delivering high-value insights.

 

5. Concluding and Summarizing

 

At the end of the case interview, candidates need to provide a clear and concise summary of their findings and recommendations. This conclusion should tie together the key insights from the analysis and address the initial problem statement.

 

Effective summarizing involves:

 

• Restating the Problem: Briefly reiterate the initial problem statement to remind the interviewer of the context

 

• Recommendations: Provide actionable and practical solutions based on the analysis

 

• Key Findings: Highlight the most critical insights and how they were derived

 

• Next Steps: Suggest follow-up actions or considerations for implementation

 

Concluding and summarizing effectively demonstrates the candidate's ability to synthesize information, communicate clearly, and think strategically, key skills for a successful career in management consulting.

 

MBB Case Interview Examples

 

Below, we’ve compiled all of the MBB case interviews we could find online from McKinsey, BCG, and Bain’s websites:

 

McKinsey Case Interview Examples

 

• Electro-light

 

• Beautify

 

• Shops Corporation

 

• GlobaPharm

 

• Talbot Trucks

 

• Diconsa

 

• National Education

 

• Conservation Forever

 

BCG Case Interview Examples

 

• Climate Case

 

• Foods Inc. 

 

• Chateau Boomerang

 

• GenCo

 

• PrevenT

 

• Low Cost Carrier Airline

 

Bain Case Interview Examples

 

• PrintCo

 

• Coffee Co. 

 

• Fashion Co. 

 

• NextGen Tech

 

In addition to these practice cases, you can find more through our compilation of MBA consulting casebooks.

 

How to Prepare for MBB Case Interviews

 

To prepare for MBB case interviews, follow all of the steps outlined below.

 

1. Understand the Case Interview Format

 

MBB case interviews typically involve problem solving scenarios where candidates are asked to analyze and provide solutions for real or hypothetical business problems. Familiarize yourself with the types of cases you might encounter, such as market entry, profitability, mergers and acquisitions, and more.

 

Knowing the format and expectations will help you tailor your preparation accordingly.

 

2. Improve Your Problem Solving Skills

 

MBB case interviews heavily focus on analytical and problem solving abilities. Engage in activities that sharpen these skills, such as solving business cases, puzzles, and brainteasers. Regularly practice breaking down complex problems into manageable components and think critically about each part.

 

3. Master Mental Math and Data Interpretation

 

Quantitative skills are essential in case interviews. Practice case interview mental math regularly to improve your speed and accuracy. Familiarize yourself with interpreting data from charts, graphs, and tables, as these are often included in cases. Resources like GMAT math prep books and online mental math exercises can be beneficial.

 

4. Develop Business Acumen

 

Stay updated with current business trends, industry developments, and economic news. Reading publications like The Economist, Harvard Business Review, and industry-specific journals will enhance your business knowledge and help you draw on relevant examples during interviews.

 

5. Improve Communication Skills

 

Clear and concise communication is critical in MBB case interviews. Practice articulating your thoughts logically and confidently. Work on summarizing information effectively and providing well-structured recommendations. Engaging in public speaking activities, joining debate clubs, or taking communication courses can help improve these skills.

 

6. Practice with Real MBB Cases

 

Practice MBB case interviews by using the practice cases on McKinsey, BCG, and Bain’s websites. Once you have finished those, you can find more practice cases in case interview prep books and MBA consulting club casebooks.

 

7. Conduct Mock MBB Case Interviews

 

Mock case interviews are incredibly valuable for preparing for MBB case interviews. Practice with peers, mentors, or professional coaches who can provide constructive feedback. Focus on simulating the interview environment as closely as possible to build confidence and refine your case interview techniques.

 

8. Get Feedback and Iterate

 

Seek feedback on your case interview performance and continually refine your approach. Learn from each practice session and make adjustments to improve your weaknesses. Regular feedback and iterative practice will help you progress and increase your confidence.

 

MBB Case Interview Tips

 

Succeeding in MBB case interviews requires more than just thorough preparation. It involves applying specific strategies and tips to navigate the interview process effectively. Here are some essential tips to help you excel in your MBB case interviews:

 

1. Clarify the Problem Statement

 

At the beginning of the case, make sure you fully understand the problem statement. Don't hesitate to ask clarifying questions to ensure you grasp the scope and specifics of the problem. This step is crucial for setting a solid foundation for your analysis.

 

2. Structure Your Approach

 

Organize your thoughts and present a structured approach from the very beginning. Outline a clear framework that will guide your analysis. This not only helps you stay on track but also demonstrates to the interviewer that you can approach complex problems methodically.

 

3. Prioritize Key Issues

 

Focus on the most critical aspects of the problem. Avoid getting bogged down in details that are not important to finding a solution. Prioritizing key issues shows your ability to identify what matters most in a business context.

 

4. Think Out Loud

 

Verbalize your thought process throughout the interview. Thinking out loud allows the interviewer to follow your reasoning and provides insight into how you approach problem-solving.

 

It also gives the interviewer the opportunity to guide you if you're heading in the wrong direction.

 

5. Use Data Effectively

 

Be comfortable working with numbers and interpreting data. When provided with data, take a moment to analyze it thoroughly and identify meaningful insights. Make sure to incorporate these insights into your overall analysis and recommendations.

 

6. Be Hypothesis-Driven

 

Adopt a hypothesis-driven approach by forming initial hypotheses about potential solutions. Test these hypotheses through your analysis and adjust them as you uncover more information. This approach demonstrates your ability to think strategically and adaptively.

 

7. Engage with the Interviewer

 

Treat the case interview as a collaborative problem solving exercise. Engage with the interviewer by asking questions, seeking feedback, and discussing your ideas. This interaction not only improves your analysis but also shows your ability to work effectively with others.

 

8. Manage Your Time

 

Keep an eye on the time and manage it effectively throughout the MBB case interview. Allocate appropriate time to each part of your analysis and ensure you leave enough time to summarize your findings and present your recommendations.

 

9. Stay Calm and Composed

 

Maintain composure even if you encounter challenging or unexpected questions. Stay calm, take a moment to gather your thoughts, and proceed with a clear and logical approach. Demonstrating poise under pressure is an important trait in consulting.

 

10. Show Your Enthusiasm

 

Express genuine interest in the case interview. Enthusiasm and a positive attitude can leave a lasting impression on the interviewer and demonstrate your passion for solving business problems.

 

Land Your Dream MBB Consulting Job

 

Here are the resources we recommend to land your dream MBB consulting job:

For help landing MBB consulting interviews

 

• Resume Review & Editing: Transform your resume into one that will get you multiple consulting interviews

 

For help passing MBB case interviews

 

• Comprehensive Case Interview Course (our #1 recommendation): The only resource you need. Whether you have no business background, rusty math skills, or are short on time, this step-by-step course will transform you into a top 1% caser that lands multiple consulting offers.

 

• Case Interview Coaching: Personalized, one-on-one coaching with a former Bain interviewer.

 

• Hacking the Case Interview Book (available on Amazon): Perfect for beginners that are short on time. Transform yourself from a stressed-out case interview newbie to a confident intermediate in under a week. Some readers finish this book in a day and can already tackle tough cases.

 

• The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook (available on Amazon): Perfect for intermediates struggling with frameworks, case math, or generating business insights. No need to find a case partner – these drills, practice problems, and full-length cases can all be done by yourself.

 

For help passing MBB consulting behavioral & fit interviews

 

• Behavioral & Fit Interview Course: Be prepared for 98% of behavioral and fit questions in just a few hours. We'll teach you exactly how to draft answers that will impress your interviewer.