Kearney Case Interview: Everything You Need to Know

Kearney is known for its operational rigor, implementation-focused strategy work, and deep roots in supply chain, procurement, cost reduction, and performance improvement. Compared to firms like BCG or OC&C, Kearney’s cases often feel more execution-oriented and grounded in real-world operational drivers such as efficiency levers, throughput, and cost structures. Insights are expected to be practical, not purely theoretical.

This guide walks you through Kearney’s full recruiting process, highlights what makes their case interviews distinctive, and shows you how to prepare using structured drills and resources available on case-prep.com.

Kearney Interview Process: What to Expect

While process details vary by office (region, role level, intern vs. full-time vs. MBA), candidate reports suggest the following structure:

Application and Resume Screening

• Submit your resume and cover letter via Kearney’s careers portal.
• Many candidates complete an online assessment/test (around 40 questions in 60 minutes).
• Only a portion of applicants advance.
• Recruiting typically takes 2–3 months, with roughly 1–2 weeks between steps.

First Round Interviews

• Usually 2 interviews (some regions report 3), about 45 minutes each.
• Includes one case interview plus fit/behavioral questions.
• Interviewers are often Associates or Managers.

Final Round / Superday

• Typically 2–3 interviews, each ~45 minutes, often with Principals or Partners.
• Cases become more ambiguous and may mix in operations or cost efficiency focus.
• Some offices include a written or presentation-based case for MBAs or specialized tracks.

Offer Decision

• Offers are usually communicated within days to a week after final rounds.
• Variation exists by region and role level.

What Makes Kearney Case Interviews Unique

Kearney interviews emphasize:

• Candidate-led cases: You define the structure, ask for data, and drive analysis.
• Operational and cost focus: Cases often involve supply chain, procurement, or efficiency improvements.
• Quantitative rigor: Fast mental math and rapid data interpretation are common.
• Actionable recommendations: Solutions must be practical and measurable.
• Culture fit: Teamwork, resilience, and coach-ability are valued.

If math, cost-driver analysis, or data interpretation are weak points, prioritize math drills and exhibit analysis drills.

Kearney Case Format: Step-by-Step Expectations

Clarify the objective: Restate the client goal (e.g., reduce costs, improve efficiency, explore growth) and ask clarifying questions.

Building a Structured Framework: Use a MECE framework tailored to operations, cost levers, value chain analysis, market dynamics, and feasibility.

Lead the Interview Proactively: Propose which areas to explore first, request data exhibits, and adapt your approach as the case unfolds. Practicing with peers is highly recommended.

Perform Quantitative/Market Sizing Analysis Confidently: Expect calculations involving cost savings, volume changes, break-even, and margin improvement. Math drills are critical for fluency.

Interpret Exhibits Strategically: Charts may show cost breakdowns, utilization trends, or margin analysis. Exhibit analysis drills help you extract key insights quickly.

Deliver a Concise Recommendation: Summarize your conclusion, tie it to the objective, highlight key drivers, and provide next steps with risk assessment.

Behavioral Questions at Kearney

Common behavioral themes:

• “Tell me about a time you drove measurable change or improved efficiency.”
• “Describe a situation when you influenced others without formal authority.”
• “Give an example of when you worked under ambiguity and delivered results.”
• “Why consulting and why Kearney specifically?”
• “How have you used data or logic to convince someone of your viewpoint?”

For context on how Kearney’s culture differs from other firms, consider our free Intro to Consulting course.

How to Prepare for Kearney Interviews

Success at Kearney requires structured thinking, strategic clarity, and efficient quantitative reasoning. An optimal preparation sequence typically includes:

• Build baseline understanding of consulting through an intro course.
• Drill mental math until break-even, ROI, and CAGR calculations are automatic.
• Practice market sizing frequently because it is often early in the case.
• Use exhibit analysis drills to strengthen your ability to extract strategic meaning from data quickly.
• Work through corporate strategy and profitability cases in our case library.
• Practice live with peers through a dedicated networking hub for candidates.
• Stay updated on salary trends and recruiting timelines using a firm-specific application tracker.
• Subscribe to a weekly newsletter to monitor process changes and case trends at Kearney.

Many candidates underperform at Kearney not due to intelligence but because they hesitate with numbers or fail to translate logic into actionable recommendations. Repetitive drilling builds confidence and fluency under time pressure.