Case in Point: Complete Case Interview Preparation, 5th edition Paperback – July 20, 2007

I used Case In Point to prepare for consulting interviews and spent 2+ years at Deloitte Consulting. I've recommended Case In Point to friends countless times as they prepare for case interviews. It is a very practical and easy to use practice guide. As a non-business major, it helped me become comfortable with the vocabulary of the case interview and helped me build confidence. Performing well in cases is tough, but much of it comes from confidence which is built through practice. Pick up this book, spend some hours going through it with friends, and you will be better prepared to tackle the case.

Case in Point is a powerful book. This quick, easy-to-read guide to case interviewing will give you an edge in many consulting interviews. It is written by a Harvard professor, and built on the feedback of students who have been through the real thing. The first couple of chapters contain some general interviewing advice. While not purely case-related, they set the tone for the interview scenario and provide good tips for passing the behavioral segment.The third chapter is useful for helping develop a process in cracking a case question. The line of thinking taught in this chapter is also applicable to breaking down certain brainteaser questions such as "How many gas stations are in the US?" This part of the book is important because it instructs the reader how to ask the right questions.Next, Cosentino introduces the Ivy Case system. This aspect of the book I found somewhat disappointing. I was expecting to find a very rigid process for approaching a case question, but unfortunately in these interviews there does not appear to be a one size fits all solution. The bulk of the Ivy Case System revolves around 12 case scenarios. In these scenarios, the book tries to categorize each type of case question based on objectives such as "Entering a New Market" or "Reducing Costs". I believe this is meant to simply the process of building a roadmap to the solution and applying the appropriate frameworks (such as porter's 5 forces, of the value chain). While many of the 12 scenarios pose similarities, I believe it is too hard memorize each problem/solution. Also, all of the categories would be business strategy related and may be effective for certain types of organizations such as IT-based consulting firms. However, the Ivy Case system puts you in the right frame of mind and can easily be adapted.The most important section is the sample case chapter, which comprises most of the book. These 35 cases are excellent practice. I do not recommend reading through this section; instead, treat each case as if you were the interviewee and think about what you would do or say with the information presented.Although Case in Point is a great preparatory book for case interviewing, it is no substitute for face-to-face practice with an experienced coach. I read this book quickly before an interview with an IT consulting firm in Chicago. Unfortunately, this alone was not enough preparation for the case question I was presented. Many consulting firms are looking for very specific structure in the way a candidate approaches a case, and the best way to hone in on the cookie-cutter responses they expect is to get hands-on practice.

Its a great book for preparing yourself for the case interview with consulting firms. The author really makes it an easy read with good humour so you don't get bored after reading the first chapter. The framework and system that he outlines gives you the best foundation to tackle any case that is thrown at you. A definite buy if you're going to a consulting interview.- Read the book (more than once)- Practice as many cases as you can (with friends, colleagues...)- don't leave it to the last minute!!With this book you'll have no trouble mastering the case.

Cosentino is definitely the dean of the case interview process. The latest edition of Case in Point is a "must have" for anyone preparing for consulting case interviews as an undergrad or MBA student. In the part part of this book, Cosentino discusses the consulting interview process in general and reviews very helpful techniques and frameworks for 'cracking the case.' The only downside of this book are the cases themselves which are sometimes. Therefore, while the first part of this book should be required reading for everyone's preparation, the cases are only good for beginning practice and should be complemented with more robust (and accurate) cases from elsewhere.

I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend, and was pleased that it was all he said it would be. It offers a brief discussion of consulting as a career, greater detail on the interview process, and a whole bunch of opportunities to see how the case interview works. Along the way, it provides a framework to think about cases that is useful beyond the consulting interview framework and applicable to business and life in general.

This book offers alot of example cases that really let you see how case interviews are structured. They also offer many frameworks that can be used while thinking about case problems. I think the way the information is presented is very clear and will be helpful in preparing for the next round of case interviews.