The opening minutes of a case interview are more important than they may seem. It’s your opportunity to demonstrate active listening, structure your thoughts, and set the tone for a collaborative and thoughtful discussion.
A strong case opening consists of three key steps: restating the objective, asking clarifying questions, and presenting your initial framework. Mastering these steps not only impresses your interviewer, it helps you feel confident and in control from the start.
1. Restate the Objective
Before diving into the analysis, it’s essential to confirm that you’ve understood the client’s goal. This shows that you’re listening attentively and gives your interviewer a chance to correct any misunderstanding.
“So just to confirm, our client is a global airline that wants to improve profitability over the next 12 months—is that correct?”
This step should be brief (1–2 sentences) but clear. Avoid repeating every detail; focus on the primary objective and any measurable outcomes mentioned in the prompt.
2. Ask Clarifying Questions
Next, ask up to three clarifying questions to better understand the context, definitions, or constraints of the case. Don’t ask questions out of curiosity—only ask what you need to build a solid structure.
Types of helpful clarifying questions include:
- Definitions: “When you say profitability, are we looking at net profit or operating profit?”
- Geography or segment: “Is the client interested in improving profitability globally or in a specific region?”
- Constraints or timeline: “Is there a particular budget or timeline we should keep in mind?”
“Before I move forward, may I ask a couple of quick clarifying questions to make sure I structure my thinking appropriately?”
Be strategic. Choose questions that could affect your entire approach, especially when it comes to building your framework.
3. Present Your Initial Framework
This is the core of your case opening. You’ll lay out a structured approach for how you plan to tackle the client’s problem. The goal is to break the problem down into MECE buckets—mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive categories.
Your framework should be:
- Logical: Follows a rational flow that’s easy to follow
- Comprehensive: Covers all key areas without overlapping
- Tailored: Adapted to the specific case prompt
There are many classic frameworks (Profitability, 4Ps, Market Entry, M&A), but the best candidates build custom structures by thinking from first principles.
“To analyze this problem, I’d like to break it down into three main areas: revenue trends, cost structure, and external factors impacting profitability.”
Use the whiteboard or paper (if in person) or talk through it clearly (if virtual). Pause afterward to ask if the interviewer would like to dive into a specific area.
4. Tips for a Great Case Opening
- Don’t rush: Take 30 seconds to think before jumping in.
- Be confident: Even if you’re unsure, a clear tone shows control.
- Keep it conversational: Engage your interviewer, don’t monologue.
- Adapt your structure: One size doesn’t fit all—read the situation.
Practicing openings regularly will help you internalize the rhythm of restating, clarifying, and structuring without hesitation.
5. Sample Opening in Action
Let’s apply all three steps to a sample prompt.
“Our client is a coffee chain experiencing a decline in same-store sales. They want to know why this is happening and what they can do to turn things around.”
Step 1: Restate the Objective
“Just to clarify, our client is a coffee chain looking to identify the drivers behind declining same-store sales and potential solutions to recover growth—is that correct?”
Step 2: Ask Clarifying Questions
- “Is this trend occurring across all regions or isolated to specific markets?”
- “Are we focusing on dine-in, takeout, or both?”
- “Is there a specific time frame or performance goal for this turnaround?”
Step 3: Initial Framework
“To explore this issue, I’d look at three key areas: customer traffic and behavior, in-store experience and operations, and external market trends like competition or price sensitivity.”
Final Thoughts
Opening a case well sets you apart immediately. It’s your chance to show structure, confidence, and business thinking from minute one. With a consistent approach—objective, clarifications, framework—you’ll earn trust and take control of the interview.
Every great case starts with a strong opening. Master this, and the rest will follow.