In a case interview, how you take notes can make or break your performance. With limited time and fast-moving information, your ability to capture key facts, structure your page, and retrieve data quickly is just as important as your analytical thinking.
In this article, we’ll walk through a simple method to organize your case notes effectively—one that top candidates use to stay calm, structured, and sharp under pressure.
1. Divide Your Page into Key Sections
Before the interview begins, divide your paper (or screen) into 3 or 4 clear areas:
- Top center: The objective of the case
- Left side: Your initial framework or structure
- Right side: Data and insights you collect during the case
- Bottom: Math calculations and hypotheses
“Think of your page as a cockpit. Every section has a purpose, and you should know exactly where to look to find what you need.”
2. Write Down the Objective First
As soon as the interviewer finishes reading the prompt, write the case objective in clear, short terms at the top of your page.
Example: “Improve client profitability within 12 months”
This keeps you anchored. Throughout the case, refer back to this line to ensure your analysis stays focused.
3. Note Your Framework on the Left
Use the left side of your page to sketch out your initial structure. For example, if you're using a profitability framework:
- Revenue
- Price
- Volume
- Costs
- Fixed
- Variable
Leave space under each branch—you'll add notes and insights under each bucket as the case unfolds.
4. Capture New Information on the Right
When the interviewer gives you new data—numbers, facts, charts—write it on the right-hand side of your page, close to where you’ll reference it during analysis.
Label each number clearly (e.g., "2023 Revenue = $10M") and draw boxes around key takeaways. Use arrows or icons to highlight trends or insights.
Pro tip: Repeat the data out loud as you write it down. It buys you time to process and avoids transcription mistakes.
5. Use the Bottom Area for Math
Save the bottom of the page for calculations. Keep your math steps clean and aligned—this helps you avoid errors and makes it easier to explain your logic if asked.
Circle final answers and double-check units (dollars, %, etc.). When you synthesize later, you’ll want to retrieve this quickly.
6. Maintain a Running Hypothesis
As you gather data, keep a space for your evolving thinking: “It looks like costs are the problem,” or “I suspect low foot traffic is driving the drop in sales.”
Updating your hypothesis shows structured thinking and helps you prioritize your next questions.
Final Thoughts
Strong note-taking is invisible when done well—but crucial when done poorly. With a clear layout and disciplined habits, you’ll spend less time searching for numbers and more time solving problems.
Write with purpose, organize with logic, and let your notes become your best case companion.