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Interview Toolkit

Best Practices for Interviewing

We want your interview experience with CEB to be pleasant and successful. Depending on which position you are interviewing for, the interview process may consist of behavioral interviews, business case studies, auditions, and/or other assessments. This toolkit provides information on behavioral interviews and case studies, two of our most common interview components.

Behavioral Interviews

View Sample Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions help recruiters and hiring managers select candidates based on past performance and experiences. Our CLC-Recruiting research shows that past performance both in and out of the workplace best predicts a candidate’s future performance.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for this type of interview:

  • Compile a list of past work experiences that best illustrate your capabilities.
  • The best way to prepare answers is to use the three-step CAR process: explain a Circumstance, the Action you took, and the end Result.
  • Be detailed and specific with your answers.
  • Limit tangents while you are describing an experience.
  • Practice your answers. By practicing, you will be able to recall your past accomplishments with confidence.
  • Listen carefully to each question the interviewer asks. If you are unsure, ask for clarification to ensure you share the most relevant story.

Case Interviews

Download a Practice Case

Case interviews are used to test your analytical and problem-solving skills as well as your business acumen. A case consists of an interactive discussion about a business problem, during which you are asked to analyze the situation, identify key business issues, and discuss how you would address the problems involved. Your approach to the case is more important than identifying a specific solution.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for this type of interview:

  • Ensure you understand the case and ask clarifying questions if necessary.
  • Do not overuse case frameworks or outside industry knowledge.
  • Test conventional wisdom and consider alternative approaches to the case.
  • Be prepared to demonstrate comfort with numbers and share in-the-moment calculations.
  • Summarize each step in the analysis and share assumptions or conclusions you have made.
  • Communicate your response clearly.