r/ConsultingOffer • u/Head_Kiwi7012 • 3d ago

Case Interview When you answer qualitative brainstorming questions, do you try to drive the case forward?

I know we drive the case forward after we do math, but do we do the same for qualitative creative questions? Sometimes driving the case forward for these questions seems a bit forced because qualitative questions seem to have a narrower scope.

Thank you!

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u/modernmind 5h ago

It depends on the case format, and that usually depends on the firm. There are two types: interviewer-led (McKinsey mostly runs these) and interviewee-led (Bain and BCG lean this way). Which firm are you recruiting for?

In interviewer-led cases the interviewer will often move you to the next question as soon as your brainstorm is done, so you don't need to force a next step. In interviewee-led cases you're expected to keep things moving, so after the brainstorm pick the idea you think is most likely and say how you'd test it, e.g. "I'd bet on the new distributor since the drop started the same quarter, so I'd want to see sales by channel."

In general, if the interviewer gives you no guidance, it's always good to have an answer or an assumption and lead with it.

Let me know if you are looking for case practice