Case Interview
What Is the Purpose of an Interview
The interview is an opportunity for employers to identify the best candidate for a role within their organization. Interviews differ depending on the position and often vary in length, formality, and style.
Though interviews may vary widely depending upon the position, the overall hiring process should be structured and standardized within your organization.
What Is a Case Interview?
Case interviews involve asking candidates questions about hypothetical situations and how they would respond to them in the workplace. These interviews often involve asking how a candidate would deal with a particular conflict or handle a specific issue under different circumstances.
Case interview questions typically involve business scenarios that the organization has experienced or something similar, with slightly altered details.
Hiring managers like using case interviews to assess how a candidate would solve complex problems. The emphasis is not on whether the candidate gives the correct answer but rather on understanding how the candidate arrived at their answer.
Where Does an Interview Fit Within the Hiring Process?
The hiring process essentially breaks down into seven primary stages:
- Identify Need and Update Job Description
- Develop and Implement Recruitment Plan
- Screen Applicants
- Interview Candidates
- Check References
- Extend Offer
- Onboard New Hire
Although interviewing is in the middle of the overall hiring process, it’s near the end of the decision-making portion—when only the most qualified candidates compete for your extended time and attention. The hiring decision depends on these final interactions.
Related Terms: Behavioral Interview