Group case interview: what assessors look for and how to behave

In a group case interview, four to six candidates solve one case together while assessors watch. It is common at assessment centres, in Big Four consulting, and at some strategy firms for graduate intake. You are not competing for one place: everyone in a strong group can pass, and everyone in a bad one can fail.

Typical format

What assessors score

• Contribution to the answer. Did your points move the group forward?
• Structure. Did you help the group organise the problem and the time?
• Listening. Did you build on what others said?
• Bringing others in. Did you make room for quieter people?
• Composure. Did you stay calm when someone disagreed or talked over you?

Talking the most is not scored. Assessors often count how many of your points were useful.

Roles that help

• Structurer: proposes how to split the problem in the first two minutes.
• Timekeeper: says how long is left and what must be decided.
• Number person: does the maths and reports it clearly.
• Summariser: stops every ten minutes to say what has been agreed.

Take one role early, lightly. "Shall I keep an eye on time?" works. "I will lead" does not.

Phrases worth having ready

• "Building on that point, the numbers on page 3 suggest..."
• "We have 15 minutes left. Can we agree the recommendation and then check the risks?"
• "We have not heard from you yet. What did you make of the cost data?"
• "I see it differently, and here is the number that makes me think so."

Mistakes

• Fighting to be the leader.
• Staying silent because others are louder. One clear, numbered point every few minutes is enough.
• Ignoring the clock, so the group has no recommendation at the end.
• Dismissing a weak idea sharply. Say what is useful in it and move on.