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Case Study Exercise At Assessment Centres

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

What is a case study exercise?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What competencies does a case study exercise assess?

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

Problem solving

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

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

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

Communication

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

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

Commercial awareness and business acumen

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

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

Decision making

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

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

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

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

What are the different types of case study exercise?

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

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

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

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

Common topics covered in case study exercises include:

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

Tips for performing well in case study exercises

1. process all the information.

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

2. Work collaboratively

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

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

3. Manage your time

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

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

Make an assertive decision

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

5. Present your findings clearly

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

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

How to prepare for a case study exercise

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

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

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

Choose a plan and start practising

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PwC Assessment Centre: 2023 Success Guide

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PwC Assessment Centre Success Guide

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

An important point before we begin

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

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

PwC Assessment Centre Success Guide

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

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

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PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 1: Business and Client Service

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

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

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

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

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

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 2: Working in Teams

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

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

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

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 3: Communicating with Impact and Empathy

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

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

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

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 4: Manage Projects & Economics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 6: Personal Development

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

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

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

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

Practise PwC’s Assessment Exercises & Tests

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

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

Important: PwC Use “Cut-e” Style Tests

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

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

PwC Assessment Centre – A Useful Video from PwC

FastMaths – Case Study Interview Preparation

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

The course has two components.

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

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

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

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

Some final questions for you…

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

Final Words

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

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

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

1. Are PwC assessments hard?

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

2. How long is the PwC Assessment?

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

3. How do I pass the PwC Test?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Assessment Center Case Studies Practice & Tips – 2024

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

What Is a Case Study Exercise?

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

Key Features of Case Studies

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

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

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

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

Competencies Required for Case Studies

The key competencies that case study exercises usually assess are:

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

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

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

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

How to Prepare for Case Study Exercises?

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

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

Case Studies: Tips for Success

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

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

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

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Why Do Employers Use Case Studies at Assessment Centers?

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

Updated November 21, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Practice Case Study Exercises with JobTestPrep

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

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

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

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

Prepare for Case Study Exercises with JobTestPrep

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

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

Here is another example:

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

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

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

Step 1 . Do the Research

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

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

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

Step 2 . Use Practice Case Studies

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step 3 . Timed Practice

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

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

Alternatively, set your reasonable time limit.

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

Step 4 . Improve Your Reading Comprehension

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

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

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

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

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

Step 5 . Practice Mental Math

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get a Premium Package Now

How To Prepare for Case Study Exercises at Assessment Centers

Top Tips for Approaching Case Study Exercises

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

Read the Information Carefully

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

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

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

Prioritize the Information

Prioritize the information by importance.

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

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

Divide Up the Tasks and Allocate Time

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

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

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

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

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

Keep the Objective in Focus

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

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

Support Your Decision With Evidence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For example, a business client or a marketing manager.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or explore the Aptitude Tests / Test Types sections.

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Assessment Centre Tips: Case Studies

During assessment centres, companies might ask you to deal with a case study of a business situation. Here are Futureboard’s tips on case studies.

Case studies generally consist in dealing with a specific business situation, usually focusing on industry news. Candidates generally get about 45 minutes to go through the material offered by the company, dealing with a hypothetical business problem.

They should then show understanding of the brief given and report back with recommendations on how to solve the problem.

Megan Nee, consultant at Futureboard, says: “Case studies give companies the chance to test your analytical and problem-solving skills while presenting them back what you’ve learnt.”

Nick Barker, consultant at Futureboard, adds: “It’s important that you manage your time effectively and draw out what’s relevant while reporting back. The company wants to know if you have a solution that will improve the process in place.”

Nick says it’s also essential to keep time in mind and choose quality over quantity while talking solutions. Backing up your evidence with your own knowledge also gives plus points.

Case study questions generally involve business investment scenarios. They can be answered with the SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) technique or with the less notorious PESTLE analysis.

The PESTLE analysis , which is sometimes referred as PEST analysis, is used as a tool by companies to track the environment they’re operating in or are planning to launch a new project/product/service etc.

PESTLE is a mnemonic which in its expanded form denotes P for Political, E for Economic, S for Social, T for Technological, L for Legal and E for Environmental. It gives a bird’s eye view of the whole environment from many different angles that one wants to check and keep a track of while contemplating on a certain idea/plan.

Futureboard wishes you good luck with your assessment centre!

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Case Study Exercise

Case Study Exercises are commonly used in assessment centres, and often are unique to each company.

Buy Full Practice Tests
What is a Case Study exercise

Page contents:

How do case study exercises work.

Updated: 08 September 2022

Assessment Centre Exercises:

Analysis Exercise
Role Play Exercise
Group Exercise
Presentation Exercise

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

Why are case study exercises used?

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

What will the case study exercise be like?

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

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

How can I prepare for the case study exercise?

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

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

Saville Assessment
Thomas International
PI Cognitive Assessment (PLI)
AON Hewitt G.A.T.E.
Korn Ferry Leadership Assessment
Profiling for Success (PFS)
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Criteria’s CCAT Test
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Assessment Centre Case Studies Practice & Tips – 2024

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

What Is a Case Study Exercise?

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

Key Features of Case Studies

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

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

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

Competencies Required for Case Studies

The key competencies that case study exercises usually assess are:

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

How to Prepare for Case Study Exercises?

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

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

Case Studies: Tips for Success

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

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

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

Assessment Centre

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

Case interviews

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

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

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

What is the company looking for?

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

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

Try to demonstrate how you can:

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

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

How should I respond to a case study?

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

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

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

How should I prepare for a case study interview?

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

Practice case study appointment

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

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

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

Resources from LSE Careers

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

More case interview tests and tips

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

Case interviews question and answers

Useful information about case interviews and three examples to practice

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn about the types of interviews at McKinsey.

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

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

Site that offers articles on case study interviews

Interviews and assessment centres

Assessment centres.

Ruairi Kavanagh

21 Dec 2023, 10:40

How to prepare for a graduate assessment centre; examples of assessment centre exercises, tests and case studies.

Second interviews and assessment centres allow recruiters and job applicants a more in-depth look at whether they suit each other. Assessment centres involve assembling in one place several candidates who are applying for the same position and putting them through a variety of different tests.

How employers use assessment centres

Assessment centres make it easier for candidates to showcase a range of skills and competences than they would be able to demonstrate in an interview alone. Exercises and tasks are designed to mirror those needed in the job, so they are measuring you directly against the skills you would need to do the job well. This is why some employers feel they are a fairer way to select graduates than traditional interviews.

You are not in direct competition with the other candidates – you are all being assessed against the employer’s criteria, not against each other. In fact, it’s important to show that you can work in a team and co-operate with others.

Some assessment centres will include meals and refreshments and while this acts as a pleasant social introduction to the firm, be aware that the recruiters will notice candidates' behaviour and form preliminary impressions of people.

What to expect from assessment centres

Assessment centres can last from half a day to three days. A typical one-day assessment centre would start with a welcome to the company followed by introductions and an ice-breaker. This might be followed by individual and group exercises. During lunch you might be able to mingle with current graduate employees, with interviews taking place in the afternoon.

The programme of events can incorporate some or all of the following:

Group exercises
Individual exercises
Panel interviews
Social events
Written exercises or case studies
Aptitude tests, psychometric tests or personality tests.

Assessment centre group exercises

A group of six to eight people may be given a task to do under observation by the selectors. Group exercises are designed to assess how you communicate and your ability to accommodate the needs, views and skills of others in order to achieve a goal. Listen carefully to the instructions and focus on helping the group to complete the task.

Your aim should be to make a constructive contribution. How you work together to solve the problem is usually more important than the solution.

The group is asked to deal with a scenario based on a real-life business situation, and to present its findings.

Tip: Show recruiters you can work together. They won’t be looking for the ‘right’ conclusion but the steps you took to reach it.

Get the insights and skills you need to shape your career journey with Pathways. Gain a strong grounding in the various ways you can prepare for an assessment centre, so you can give yourself the best chance of success.

Discussion group

The group is given a topic, often a recent news story, to discuss.

Tip: Listen to other group members as well as speaking up. Prepare by reading a quality newspaper in the weeks before the assessment centre.

Leaderless task

Each member of the group is given an individual briefing document. As a group you must come up with a decision acceptable to everyone within a time limit.

Tip: No-one in the group is the designated leader so you’ll need to work together to find a solution. Recruiters will be interested in whether you’re comfortable working with differing views and able to broker a compromise.

Assessment centre individual exercises

These are designed to mirror tasks you would be doing on the job.

In-tray exercise:

You are presented with a series of letters or emails varying in degrees of importance and given about 30–60 minutes to tackle it.

They are looking for: decision making, time management, how you work under pressure.

Tips: Quickly read through everything. Identify requests needing immediate action; those you can delegate; and those you can delay. Be prepared to justify your priorities and actions to the assessors. Pace yourself; work quickly and accurately.

Case study:

You will be given a business scenario and asked to imagine they are giving advice to a client or colleague on the basis of the evidence. You may have to make a presentation explaining your findings. This may be either a group or an individual exercise. They are looking for: analysis, problem solving, business acumen.

Tip: Practise by carrying out some basic research. Find out the kind of real-life business decisions the company has to make. Read the business pages of newspapers to get a feel for current issues. See if your careers service runs workshops on preparing for case study exercises.

Presentation:

You will be asked to prepare this in advance: you will be told the subject and length of the presentation and the visual aids available (eg flipcharts, presentation software or a laptop).

They are looking for: communication ability, confidence, thinking quickly on your feet.

Plan the content: If you have a free choice, choose a subject you know or understand well. Break your presentation into three memorable points and give it a good structure – starting with an introduction and ending with a summary and an invitation for questions. Visual aids must be visual: don’t include too much text.
Think about your delivery: Less experienced presenters tend to speed up as they talk, so be aware of this and pause if necessary to get back on track. Vary your tone of your voice; minimise your movements; engage with everyone present by looking at each person from time to time.
Get plenty of practice: Practise out loud, so that you are comfortable speaking from memory with brief prompts on screen or on index cards. Get used to the timing and speaking at a measured pace. A final dress rehearsal the day before will help your confidence.

Assessment centre tips

Get as much information as you can about the tests beforehand.
Listen carefully; pace yourself; work quickly and accurately.
Be yourself – don’t act a part. If you’ve had to change your behaviour or personality radically to fit in then it could be a sign that this employer is not for you.

Learn more about preparing for assessment centres.

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Interviews and assessment centres

Written exercises at assessment centres: showcase your professionalism.

Abigail Lewis

21 Jun 2023, 15:40

If you're applying for a graduate job that involves producing reports or regularly communicating in writing, you could be set a written exercise as part of the assessment day. Find out what to expect.

Law firms, consultancies and property firms are among the employers most likely to set written exercises.

If you're given a written exercise to do as part of an assessment day, recruiters will want to check that you can communicate logically, clearly and appropriately in a professional environment. As part of this, they will also check your spelling and grammar.

The written exercise is likely to be related to the employer’s industry sector and the tasks you would be doing on the job. For example:

if you are applying to be a solicitor, management consultant, investment analyst or trainee manager (among other vacancies) you could be asked to review a case study and write a report, either making recommendations for further action or summarising the most relevant points for a ‘senior colleague’.
if you are applying for a marketing role you could be asked to write a press release.
you may be asked to write an email or report responding to a business scenario as part of an in-tray or e-tray exercise.

As a result of the social distancing measures brought about by coronavirus, some employers are moving to virtual or digital assessment centres. If they did so beforehand, it's likely this transition won't mean they move away from written exercises (they will just be typed). Take a look at our article for more information and advice on virtual assessment centres .

How to succeed at assessment day written tests

These exercises generally assess:

the clarity of your ideas and writing structure
your ability to identify the most important points in data/information
your ability to communicate processes/events simply
your ability to follow etiquette and communicate appropriately for your audience – whether a client, a manager or a fellow graduate
your spelling and grammar.

So, to a certain extent, you should treat a written exercise as a written exam:

Read through the instructions or brief and highlight what you need to do and the most essential points.
Write a quick plan to clarify your thoughts and to get your structure right.
Create the right tone. To be safe, keep it formal. However, you should also be simple, direct and straightforward. This isn't like writing an academic essay; the recruiter will want to understand your points as quickly as possible. Avoid using unnecessarily complex sentence structures and vocabulary.
Get to the point. Tackle the most important and most complex issues first. Ensure that any conclusions you reach, recommendations you make or any actions you call for are expressed unambiguously.
Use the format or structure of ‘correspondence’ given to you in your case study pack, if there is one, as a template if you are unsure of the right format or structure to use.
Ensure you have sufficient time at the end remaining to reread the question to check that you’ve done everything requested and to review your work, watching out for spelling and grammatical errors.
You can also practise for written analysis exercises .

It’s a good idea to brush up on your spelling and grammar before you go. The Oxford Dictionaries Online grammar and spelling sections are a good place to start. If you haven’t worked in an office before, research basic professional email etiquette – for example, always include an explanatory subject in the subject field. If you think it is likely that you will need to write a press release or news piece, research how to write them beforehand.

The employers who typically set written exercises

Law firms, consultancies and property firms are among those graduate employers most likely to assess you via a written exercise, but any employer that requires good written communication skills may test you in this way. Graduate employers who currently use, or have previously used, written exercises as a selection method include:

BNP Paribas Real Estate
British Sugar
The Civil Service Fast Stream
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
The NHS (in England)

Whichever assessment centre you're going to, be prepared for a written exercise. Bear in mind that many employers do not share the nature of their assessment centre exercises with graduates in advance, as they like to see how you think on your feet and react to the unknown.

Asking for extra time

If you have been allowed extra time in your school and university examinations – for example, if you have dyslexia – and would find it beneficial on the day, tell recruiters about this in advance. Recruiters are keen to ensure a level playing field when assessing candidates.

targetjobs editorial advice

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

People reading this also searched for roles in these areas:

Graduate Jobs
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Case Study Exercise Tips for Assessment Centres or Interviews

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

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

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

What is a Case Study Exercise?

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

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

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

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

Preparing for the Case Study Exercise

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

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

Performance on the day

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

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

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

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

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

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PA Consulting Tests

PA Consulting Interview, Online Tests, and Assessment Centre

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About PA Consulting PrepPack™

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PA Consulting Numerical Test

Numerical reasoning tests often assess the mathematical skills that you probably haven’t used in years. To ensure you receive the best preparation, the practice packs provide you with answers and explanations. Using this PrepPack™ gives you a great base in your skill level that will enable you to really get to grips with any type of question that may come up.

PA Consulting Verbal Reasoning

Verbal reasoning is the understanding of concepts framed in words within the use of reasoning. Such assessments and exercises measure the candidates' ability to think constructively without relying on one’s language fluency or vocabulary recognition.

Personality Tests

When taking a personality test, your results may not always reflect your true self. You must keep in mind that a job personality test shows your work persona. Avoid presenting your persona from your domestic environment; instead, focus on your professional traits.

Prepare for the PA Consulting Application Process

A large number of tests, most often used by employers as a part of their hiring processes, have been created for this product. Those tests will sharpen your different cognitive abilities and improve your professional skills so well, that you will pass your PA Consulting online assessment tests with ease, even though they may contain new tasks and exercises.

PA Consulting Interview

If you successfully pass the online tests, you will be invited to a PA Consulting interview. This interview usually lasts about 45 minutes. Interviews tend to be the most stressful stage of the recruitment process. However, thorough preparation can significantly reduce the factor of stress. Rehearsed answers, a list of relevant skills and experience can help you enter the interview calm and confident. With the help of the interview practice tools, you can ensure a stellar performance during your interview.

PA Consulting Assessment Centre

The PA Consulting assessment day includes various types of activities all created to assess how you work as part of a team and individually. The recruiter will inform you beforehand about the specific types of activities you will encounter in the assessment centre and if there is any preparation you should do.

PA Consulting Case Study

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

PA Consulting Group Exercise

This exercise requires you to work as part of a team. You should ensure that you establish yourself as an essential part of the team. For the group exercise, it is important to avoid developing your ideas alone. Instead - collaborate with your team members.

Frequently Asked Questions by PA Consulting Candidates

Why should i prepare for the assessment test.

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

What is the PA Consulting Hiring Process Like?

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

What Will I Face During the PA Consulting Assessment Centre?

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

PA Consulting, Talent Q and other trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders is affiliated with JobTestPrep or this website.

What's on This Page

Numerical Test
Verbal Test
Personality Test
Assessment Centre
Common Questions

IMAGES

Case study Consulting
What happens at a consulting assessment centre?
Case study assessment framework
Accenture Strategy & Consulting Graduate Programme Preparation
Case Study Interviews
Assessment Centre Case Study

VIDEO

Basics of Consulting, Case Solving and Guesstimates
خلاصة اختبار دراسة الحالة Case Study ج ١، ببساطة محمد أبوريه
Client Assessments
How to succeed in the assessment centre case study
BCG Case Interview Example: Product Launch in Healthcare
Consulting Case Interview Tips

COMMENTS

Assessment Centre Guide: Case Study Exercise
A case study exercise is a type of assessment where candidates are presented with a hypothetical business scenario and asked to provide solutions or recommendations. These exercises assess a range of competencies such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, decision-making, communication, teamwork, and time management.
How To Succeed At The Assessment Centre Case Study (2024)
Tips for performing well in case study exercises. 1. Process all the information. Take time to fully understand the scenario and the objectives of the exercise, identify relevant information and highlight key points for analysis, or discussion if working as part of a team. This will help structure your approach in a logical manner.
Deloitte Assessment Centre & Study Guide (2024)
The Deloitte assessment centre written exercise lasts for 1 hour and takes the form of a case study. They will be looking for the following things: Your ability to extract and identify the most important points. The clarity of your writing and how you present your ideas. Your tone and ability to write appropriately for the given audience.
Assessment Center Case Study : A Detailed Guide
A case study assessment is a popular tool used in assessment centres for evaluating candidates by presenting them with complex and previously unknown scenarios.After analyzing the information and identifying the most relevant parts, candidates answer questions that provide the employer with insights regarding important aspects of the candidate's knowledge, cognitive abilities, and personal ...
PwC Assessment Centre
The PwC assessment test is a full day of activities that will test your skills and abilities. You can expect to complete a number of exercises, including case studies, interviews, and group activities. Be prepared to be evaluated on your problem-solving skills, teamwork abilities, and communication skills. 5.
What happens at a consulting assessment centre?
2. Case studies One of the interviews at an assessment centre may be a case study interview. You'll be presented with a business problem and asked to come up with a solution. Assessors will be looking at how you process information, solve problems and react to new and surprising situations.
Assessment Center Case Studies Practice & Tips
The key competencies that case study exercises usually assess are: Analytical thinking and assimilation of information. Commercial awareness and Innovation. Organization. Decisiveness and Judgment. The goal of the exercise is to review and analyze the given information to come up with solid business decisions.
How to Prepare for Case Study Exercises at Assessment Centers
Step 1. Do the Research. There is a whole range of research you can look into to prepare yourself for the case study exercise: Any of the above should provide you with a better understanding of the job you have applied for, the industry you will work within, and the culture and values of the employer.
Your Guide to Assessment Centre Case Studies
Writer, gradmalaysia. Case studies are a vital activity at assessment centres. Graduate recruiters use them to assess a candidate's capability after being shortlisted; to see the candidate "in action" and obtain valuable insights on how they would perform on the job. Just like how job interviews and assessment centre presentations are all ...
Assessment Centre Tips: Case Studies
Here are Futureboard's tips on case studies. During assessment centres, companies might ask you to deal with a case study of a business situation. Here are Futureboard's tips on case studies. Case studies generally consist in dealing with a specific business situation, usually focusing on industry news.
Case Study Exercise (Free Practice)
Case study exercises are proficient predictors of role performance as they will resemble the work being done on the job. Therefore, case study exercises typically tilt highly on an assessment centre rating for candidates. Likewise, if a presentation exercise is required after the case study, based on details brought up during the case study ...
Assessment Centre Case Studies Practice & Tips
The key competencies that case study exercises usually assess are: Analytical thinking and assimilation of information. Commercial awareness and Innovation. Organization. Decisiveness and Judgment. The goal of the exercise is to review and analyze the given information to come up with solid business decisions.
PDF Assessment Centres: Case Study Activities
Aims And Objectives. By the end of the session, you will have -become familiar with different types of case study exercises -discovered what assessors and recruiters are looking for -learned some strategies and techniques for dealing with case studies at interviews and assessment centres -practised analysing a case study and drafting and ...
Case interviews
Case interviews. A case interview or case study interview involves a business or organisational problem the company may have faced, and is a chance to demonstrate your analytical, reasoning and communication skills. They are designed to assess your ability to do the work of a consultant, i.e. work with a client to identify key problems or ...
How To PASS Your Assessment Centre
Hey guys, in this video I share my top tips and tricks for passing assessing centres, interviews, group exercises and case studies . I have successfully pass...
Advice to succeed in the FTI Consulting application process
Finally, attend an assessment centre The final stage of the FTI Consulting application process is an assessment centre that includes a second, and, potentially, third interview. ... For example, economic and financial consulting applicants tackle a group exercise and a case-study interview, while strategic communications applicants take on ...
Assessment centres what to expect and how to prepare
Assessment centres can last from half a day to three days. A typical one-day assessment centre would start with a welcome to the company followed by introductions and an ice-breaker. This might be followed by individual and group exercises. During lunch you might be able to mingle with current graduate employees, with interviews taking place in ...
Written exercises at assessment centres: showcase your ...
How to succeed at assessment day written tests. These exercises generally assess: the clarity of your ideas and writing structure. your ability to identify the most important points in data/information. your ability to communicate processes/events simply. your ability to follow etiquette and communicate appropriately for your audience ...
Case Study Exercise Tips for Assessment Centres or Interviews
Assessment centres have become one of the most popular and accurate predictors of which candidates are the right fit for the job, with case study exercises becoming one of the most common tasks candidates will face.. Assessment centres test the suitability of potential employees through a range of exercises over an extended period of time, with case study exercises providing a crucial stage in ...
Centrica Case Study
Our virtual assessment centre platform (EVAL) allowed Centrica to utilise the power of data and technology to improve their recruiting of graduates across the board. Some of the key benefits seen were: £25,000+ savings in Assessment Centre costs. 50% reduction in number of Assessment Centres needed. Up to 75% reduction in turnaround time from ...
PA Consulting Interview, Online Tests, and Assessment Centre
The recruiter will inform you beforehand about the specific types of activities you will encounter in the assessment centre and if there is any preparation you should do. PA Consulting Case Study. As mentioned earlier, the exercises focus on examining how well do you work alone and as part of a team. The stage requires you to complete a case ...
Case Study Interviews
Got a case study interview lined up?! watch this!MINDFULL LEARNING📚 Commercial Law Assessment Centre Guide by Mindfull Learning (USE CODE 'SIMS35' FOR 35% O...
Ace Your BIG 4 Assessment Centre with These 7 Simple Steps ...
Upcoming BIG 4 assessment centre? This video will show you how to ace your BIG 4 assessment centre in 7 steps 🚀Want to secure a job and succeed at the BIG 4...

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Case Study Exercise At Assessment Centres

What is a case study exercise?

What competencies does a case study exercise assess?

Problem solving

Communication

Commercial awareness and business acumen

Decision making

What are the different types of case study exercise?

Tips for performing well in case study exercises

2. Work collaboratively

3. Manage your time

Make an assertive decision

5. Present your findings clearly

How to prepare for a case study exercise

Choose a plan and start practising

PwC Assessment Centre: 2023 Success Guide

PwC Assessment Centre Success Guide

An important point before we begin

PwC Assessment Centre Success Guide

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 1: Business and Client Service

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 2: Working in Teams

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 3: Communicating with Impact and Empathy

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 4: Manage Projects & Economics

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

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

PwC Assessment Centre Criterion 6: Personal Development

Practise PwC’s Assessment Exercises & Tests

Important: PwC Use “Cut-e” Style Tests

PwC Assessment Centre – A Useful Video from PwC

FastMaths – Case Study Interview Preparation

Some final questions for you…

Final Words

Turbocharge your employability NOW

1. Are PwC assessments hard?

2. How long is the PwC Assessment?

3. How do I pass the PwC Test?

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

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

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Assessment Center Case Studies Practice & Tips – 2024

What Is a Case Study Exercise?

Key Features of Case Studies

Competencies Required for Case Studies

How to Prepare for Case Study Exercises?

Case Studies: Tips for Success

Assessment Center

Related Links:

Why Do Employers Use Case Studies at Assessment Centers?

Step 1 . Do the Research

Step 2 . Use Practice Case Studies

Step 3 . Timed Practice

Step 4 . Improve Your Reading Comprehension

Step 5 . Practice Mental Math

Top Tips for Approaching Case Study Exercises

Read the Information Carefully

Prioritize the Information

Divide Up the Tasks and Allocate Time

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

Keep the Objective in Focus

Support Your Decision With Evidence

Future Board Consulting

Assessment Centre Tips: Case Studies

Page contents:

Assessment Centre Exercises:

Why are case study exercises used?

What will the case study exercise be like?

How can I prepare for the case study exercise?

Assessment Centre Case Studies Practice & Tips – 2024

What Is a Case Study Exercise?

Key Features of Case Studies

Competencies Required for Case Studies

How to Prepare for Case Study Exercises?

Case Studies: Tips for Success

Assessment Centre

Related Links:

Case interviews

What is the company looking for?

How should I respond to a case study?

How should I prepare for a case study interview?