Author: Taylor Warfield, Former Bain Manager and interviewer

Last Updated: March 19, 2026

Strategy& case interviews use a candidate-led format and have an offer rate of just 3 to 5%, making preparation essential if you want to land a consulting role at this firm. Whether you are applying to Strategy& or another PwC consulting division, you will face a mix of case interviews, written cases, group cases, and behavioral questions.

 

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to pass your Strategy& or PwC interview. We cover the full interview process for both Strategy& and PwC Consulting, the six steps to solve any case interview, Strategy&'s proprietary frameworks, real case examples, and the most common behavioral questions with answer strategies.

 

But first, a quick heads up:

 

McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and other top firms accept less than 1% of applicants every year. If you want to triple your chances of landing interviews and 8x your chances of passing them, watch my free 40-minute training.

 

What Is Strategy& and How Is It Different from PwC Consulting?

 

Strategy& is PwC's dedicated strategy consulting arm, originally known as Booz & Company before PwC acquired it in 2014. The firm operates in over 60 countries with more than 3,000 strategy consultants, making it one of the largest pure strategy practices in the world.

 

What makes Strategy& different from PwC's broader consulting services is its focus on high-level corporate and business unit strategy. According to Strategy&'s own materials, the firm is built around a "capabilities-driven strategy" approach that helps companies identify and invest in a few distinctive capabilities that drive competitive advantage.

 

PwC Consulting Solutions, by contrast, covers a wider range of services including technology consulting, risk consulting, deals advisory, and management consulting. PwC's consulting revenue exceeded $22 billion in recent years, making its consulting business larger than McKinsey, BCG, and Bain combined.

 

For candidates, the key distinction is this: Strategy& interviews are more focused on high-level strategy cases, while PwC Consulting interviews may lean toward operational, technology, or risk-related problems. Both use candidate-led case interviews, but Strategy& places heavier emphasis on behavioral fit questions than most consulting firms.

 

What Does the Strategy& Interview Process Look Like?

 

The Strategy& interview process typically consists of two rounds with a total of four to five interviews. According to Glassdoor data, the average hiring process takes about 37 days, with candidates rating the interview difficulty at 3.31 out of 5. Roughly 71% of candidates reported a positive interview experience.

 

Strategy& uses a "super day" format in many offices, where first round and final round interviews happen on the same day. In other offices, the rounds are separated by one to two weeks. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round, so you can apply at any time.

 

What Happens in the Strategy& First Round?

 

The first round consists of two 45-minute interviews, typically conducted by senior associates or managers. Each interview is split into three parts.

 

• Behavioral fit questions (10 to 15 minutes): The interviewer will assess your motivation, background, and cultural fit with PwC's values.

 

• Case interview (25 to 30 minutes): You will solve a candidate-led case focused on strategy problems like market entry, profitability, or M&A.

 

• Your questions (5 minutes): The interviewer will give you a few minutes to ask about their experience at Strategy&.

 

What Happens in the Strategy& Final Round?

 

The final round consists of two to three 45-minute interviews with directors and partners. One interview will be heavily focused on behavioral fit. The other interviews will be primarily case interviews, often with more complex or multi-layered business problems than the first round.

 

In some offices, the final round may also include a written case interview or a group case interview. Final rounds increasingly include in-person PwC office visits, giving candidates a chance to experience the firm's culture firsthand.

 

One important thing to know: Strategy& puts more emphasis on behavioral and fit questions than most consulting firms. In my experience coaching candidates, interviewers specifically want to screen out people who are treating Strategy& as a backup to McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. You need to have clear, genuine reasons for wanting to work there.

 

What Does the PwC Consulting Interview Process Look Like?

 

If you are applying to PwC Management Consulting, Technology Consulting, or Risk Consulting, the process is slightly different from Strategy&. You may face an online assessment and up to three rounds of interviews.

 

What Is the PwC Assessment Test?

 

The PwC assessment test is an online evaluation that measures cognitive ability and behavioral competencies. According to PwC, the assessment is designed to evaluate how you think and approach problems, not just what you already know. Most candidates complete it within 30 to 45 minutes.

 

This is typically the first screening step after your resume is reviewed. Roughly 90% of applicants do not make it past the resume and assessment stage, so take this step seriously even though it happens before any live interviews.

 

What Are the PwC Consulting Interview Rounds?

 

• First round: One 30-minute interview with a recruiter focused on behavioral and fit questions. No case interview at this stage.

 

• Second round: Two interviews that combine case interviews with behavioral questions. Cases typically focus on profit optimization, cost reduction, or market sizing.

 

• Third round: Three to five interviews that may include standard case interviews, a written case interview, a group case interview, and partner-level behavioral conversations. The exact mix depends on the office and practice area.

 

There is significant variability in the third round depending on your office and group. Some candidates will get a written case, some will get a group case, and others will just get standard one-on-one case interviews. Check with your recruiter to understand what to expect.

 

How Do Strategy& Interviews Compare to Other Consulting Firms?

 

Understanding how Strategy& interviews differ from other top consulting firms helps you tailor your preparation. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the key differences.

 

Factor	Strategy&	McKinsey	BCG	Bain
Case Format	Candidate-led	Interviewer-led	Candidate-led	Mix of both
Total Interviews	4 to 5	5 to 7	4 to 6	4 to 6
Fit Emphasis	Very high	Moderate	Moderate	High
Written Case?	Sometimes	No	Sometimes	No
Group Case?	Sometimes	Sometimes	No	No
Offer Rate	3 to 5%	Less than 1%	1 to 2%	1 to 2%

 

The biggest difference is how much weight Strategy& places on behavioral fit. Having coached hundreds of candidates, I have seen strong case performers get rejected because they could not clearly explain why they wanted Strategy& specifically. Do not underestimate this part of the interview.

 

What Are the 6 Steps to Solve Any Strategy& Case Interview?

 

Strategy& case interviews are all candidate-led. This means you drive the direction of the case, suggest what areas to explore, decide what analyses to do, and propose next steps. On Strategy&'s case prep website, they state that there is no single correct way to answer a case. If you show your thought process and develop logical conclusions, you will succeed.

 

Step 1: Understand the case

 

The interviewer will read you the case background. Take careful notes on the company, the industry context, and the business objective. Focus on understanding what question you are being asked to answer.

 

Step 2: Verify the objective

 

Confirm that you understand the business problem correctly. Misunderstanding the objective is the fastest way to fail a case interview. Ask clarifying questions to make sure you and the interviewer are on the same page.

 

Step 3: Create a framework

 

Build a framework with 3 to 4 major areas that you need to investigate. Each area should be a distinct bucket of analysis. Walk the interviewer through your framework before you start solving. For more on this, check out our guide on case interview frameworks.

 

Step 4: Develop a hypothesis

 

Based on the information so far, state an educated guess about the answer. Your hypothesis does not need to be correct. It serves as a guide for your analysis and shows the interviewer that you are thinking ahead.

 

Step 5: Test your hypothesis

 

This is the core of the case. Ask for data, do calculations, explore qualitative questions, and refine your hypothesis as you learn more. After each question or analysis, explain how the new information impacts your overall answer. If you want to sharpen your case skills quickly, my case interview course walks you through proven strategies in as little as 7 days.

 

Step 6: Deliver a recommendation

 

Summarize your recommendation clearly, backed by 2 to 3 key reasons from your analysis. Include potential next steps you would explore if you had more time. Do not recap everything you did in the case. Focus on the most important findings.

 

What Frameworks Does Strategy& Expect You to Know?

 

Strategy& is built on a set of proprietary frameworks that differentiate it from other consulting firms. While you do not need to memorize these word for word, showing familiarity with them during your case interview demonstrates that you understand Strategy&'s approach to consulting and are not just applying generic frameworks.

 

What Is Capabilities-Driven Strategy?

 

Capabilities-driven strategy is Strategy&'s signature framework. The core idea is that companies win not by chasing every opportunity, but by building a system of 3 to 6 distinctive capabilities that reinforce each other and create competitive advantage. According to Strategy&, this is what separates companies that sustain growth from those that do not.

 

In a case interview, you can reference this by asking questions like: "What are the client's distinctive capabilities, and how do they create competitive advantage in this market?" This shows you are thinking about the case through Strategy&'s lens.

 

What Is the Fit for Growth Framework?

 

Fit for Growth is Strategy&'s approach to cost restructuring. Instead of across-the-board cost cuts, the framework focuses on redirecting resources toward the capabilities that matter most. Companies should cut costs in areas that do not contribute to their distinctive capabilities and reinvest those savings into areas that do.

 

If you get a profitability or cost reduction case, referencing this approach is powerful. Rather than just identifying cost categories, you can prioritize cuts based on what capabilities the client needs to protect and grow.

 

What Is Strategic Identity?

 

Strategic identity refers to how a company defines itself through the combination of its value proposition, its capabilities system, and its product and service portfolio. Strategy& believes that companies with a clear strategic identity outperform those that try to be everything to everyone.

 

In a market entry or growth strategy case, you can use this concept by evaluating whether the new opportunity aligns with the client's existing strategic identity. This is a more nuanced approach than simply analyzing market attractiveness and competition.

 

What Are Examples of Strategy& Case Interview Questions?

 

Below are real case interview questions that have been given to Strategy& and PwC Consulting candidates in past interviews. These examples cover the most common case types: profitability, market entry, pricing, M&A, and growth strategy.

 

• How can Royal Caribbean cruises double revenue over the next five years?

 

• Your client is a national packaging manufacturer that makes cardboard boxes. How can they improve profitability?

 

• The top two concrete suppliers in South America are considering a merger. Should they merge? What factors should they evaluate?

 

• A fast food chain is considering introducing fresh meat hamburgers to replace their frozen meat patties. What will be the impact on the business?

 

• A construction company is considering increasing prices for road maintenance services. Should they increase prices, and by how much?

 

• A national insurance company is looking to cut costs. What recommendations would you make?

 

• A prestigious undergraduate university is considering launching online learning classes for non-enrolled students. Is this a good idea?

 

• A local airline is considering adding alcoholic beverages to their in-flight menu. What will be the impact on profitability?

 

• A European renewable energy company wants to enter the UK offshore wind market. Estimate the market size and outline a go-to-market strategy.

 

• Estimate the size of the milk market in the UK.

 

For more practice, check out our article on 23 MBA consulting casebooks with 700+ free practice cases.

 

What Should You Expect in a Strategy& Group Case Interview?

 

Some PwC and Strategy& offices use a group case interview in the final round. This is especially common for undergraduate and entry-level candidates. Group cases test teamwork and collaboration skills that standard one-on-one cases cannot assess.

 

Here is the typical format:

 

• You will be placed in a group of 3 to 5 other candidates.

 

• The interviewer hands out the case background materials.

 

• You have 10 to 15 minutes to review the materials individually and prepare.

 

• The group discusses the case openly for 15 to 20 minutes while interviewers observe without interfering.

 

• Afterwards, the interviewer asks the group targeted questions for another 15 to 20 minutes.

 

Your goal is to add value to the group, not to outshine everyone else. Interviewers are looking for teammates, not competitors. Multiple people in your group can receive offers, so focus on helping the group reach a strong recommendation.

 

Six ways to add value in a group case:

 

• Lead the discussion: Propose topics, set the order, and keep the group on track if the conversation drifts.

 

• Build on others' ideas: When someone raises a good point, expand on it and make it stronger.

 

• Synthesize information: Summarize what the group has discussed and reconcile different viewpoints.

 

• Track time: Volunteer to watch the clock and alert the group when time is running short.

 

• Challenge assumptions: Play devil's advocate to stress-test ideas and identify risks.

 

• Take notes: Keep a written record so you can recall details when the interviewer asks follow-up questions.

 

For a deeper guide, check out our consulting group case interview step-by-step guide.

 

What Should You Expect in a Strategy& Written Case Interview?

 

The written case interview tests your ability to analyze business data independently and communicate structured recommendations. Unlike a live case where you talk through problems with an interviewer, the written case requires you to produce a deliverable on your own.

 

Typical written case format:

 

• Strategy& provides you with case background materials (charts, financials, industry data).

 

• You have 45 to 60 minutes to review the materials and prepare 3 to 5 slides.

 

• You present your slides to the interviewer for 20 to 30 minutes, fielding follow-up questions and challenges to your assumptions.

 

Follow these eight steps to solve any written case:

 

1. Understand the objective. What is the primary business question you need to answer?

 

2. Read the key questions. Some written cases provide 3 to 4 specific questions to address. Read these first so you know what to prioritize.

 

3. Skim the materials. Flip through the entire packet to see what data is available. Do not read everything in detail yet.

 

4. Create a framework. Identify the 3 to 4 major areas you need to analyze based on the available data and the key questions.

 

5. Analyze the material. Read and analyze the data relevant to each area of your framework. Write one to two sentence summaries of your key findings as you go.

 

6. Decide on a recommendation. Review your findings and determine what recommendation they collectively support. There is no single right answer.

 

7. Build your slides. Slide 1: recommendation and three supporting reasons. Slides 2 to 4: one supporting reason per slide with data. Slide 5: summary and next steps.

 

8. Prepare for questions. Use any remaining time to anticipate what the interviewer might challenge. Think about assumptions you made and alternative interpretations of the data.

 

For a complete walkthrough, see our consulting written case interview step-by-step guide.

 

What Behavioral Questions Does Strategy& Ask?

 

Strategy& puts heavier emphasis on behavioral and fit questions than most consulting firms. Interviewers are evaluating whether you align with PwC's five core values: integrity, making a difference, caring, working together, and reimagining the possible.

 

Here are the ten most common behavioral questions with strategies for answering each one.

 

1. Why are you interested in working at Strategy&?

 

Have at least three specific reasons. You could mention Strategy&'s unique position as a strategy firm within PwC's ecosystem, the ability to see strategy through to execution, or the people you have met from the firm. Avoid generic answers that could apply to any consulting firm.

 

2. Why do you want to work in consulting?

 

Have three reasons. Strong answers include the fast career growth, the variety of industries and problems you get to work on, and the opportunity to develop both analytical and leadership skills early in your career.

 

3. Walk me through your resume.

 

Give a concise summary of your work experience, starting with the most recent role. Emphasize your most impressive accomplishments and end by connecting your background to why you are interested in consulting at Strategy&.

 

4. What is your proudest achievement?

 

Choose something impressive and unique. Structure your answer with the situation, the task, the actions you took, and the results. Quantify the impact whenever possible.

 

5. Tell me about something you are proud of that is not on your resume.

 

This is your chance to show personality. A nonprofit you volunteer at, a side project, or a hobby where you have achieved something notable all work well. Choose something that makes you memorable.

 

6. Tell me about a time when you led a team.

 

Pick a time when you directly managed people or led a project. Use the STAR method: situation, task, action, result. Focus on what you specifically did to drive the team's success.

 

7. Give an example of a time when you faced a conflict or disagreement.

 

Focus on the resolution. Interviewers want to see that you handle conflict constructively. Explain the steps you took to understand the other person's perspective and find common ground.

 

8. Tell me about a time when you had to persuade someone.

 

Describe a situation where you changed someone's mind through data, logic, or empathy. PwC values the ability to influence stakeholders, so this question carries extra weight.

 

9. Describe a time when you failed.

 

Choose a genuine failure, not a humble brag. Focus 80% of your answer on what you learned and how you applied that lesson to do better the next time. Interviewers want to see resilience and self-awareness.

 

10. What questions do you have for me?

 

Ask about the interviewer's personal experience. What projects have they enjoyed most? What surprised them about working at Strategy&? Getting the interviewer to talk about themselves builds rapport and leaves a positive impression.

 

If you want to be fully prepared for 98% of fit interview questions in just a few hours, check out my fit interview course.

 

What Are the Most Common Strategy& Interview Mistakes?

 

Having coached hundreds of candidates, I see the same mistakes come up repeatedly in Strategy& interviews. Avoiding these will immediately set you apart from most candidates.

 

• Treating Strategy& as a backup: This is the number one reason strong candidates get rejected. Interviewers can tell when you have not done your research. Have specific, genuine reasons for wanting Strategy& over other firms.

 

• Using generic case frameworks: Strategy& interviewers want to see frameworks tailored to the specific case, not memorized templates. If you use a cookie-cutter profitability framework for every case, you will score poorly on analytical thinking.

 

• Ignoring Strategy&'s proprietary concepts: You do not need to force references to capabilities-driven strategy, but showing awareness of how Strategy& thinks about problems demonstrates genuine interest and preparation.

 

• Being passive in the case: Because Strategy& uses a candidate-led format, you need to drive the case forward. Do not wait for the interviewer to tell you what to do next. Propose the next area to explore and explain why.

 

• Neglecting behavioral prep: At most consulting firms, the case is 70 to 80% of the evaluation. At Strategy&, behavioral fit carries closer to 40 to 50% of the weight. Candidates who spend all their time on cases and none on behavioral questions are making a strategic mistake.

 

• Skipping the recommendation: Some candidates run out of time and never deliver a clear recommendation. Always save the last 3 to 4 minutes for a structured recommendation, even if you have not finished your analysis.

 

How Should You Prepare for Strategy& Interviews?

 

If you have four weeks before your interview, here is how to structure your preparation. This timeline is based on what I have seen work best for the hundreds of candidates I have coached at Bain and other top firms.

 

Week 1: Learn the Fundamentals

 

Study how case interviews work and learn the right strategies for each step. Read about Strategy&'s proprietary frameworks (capabilities-driven strategy, fit for growth). Practice 3 to 5 cases by yourself to get comfortable with the structure before practicing with a partner.

 

Week 2: Practice Cases with a Partner

 

Do 5 to 10 cases with a partner, spending at least 15 minutes after each case on feedback. Focus on building MECE frameworks, doing clean math, and driving the case forward proactively. Record yourself if possible so you can hear how you sound.

 

Week 3: Prepare Behavioral Answers

 

Draft answers to all ten common behavioral questions listed above. Practice delivering them out loud until they sound natural, not rehearsed. Research Strategy& specifically: read their recent publications, understand their capabilities-driven approach, and develop genuine reasons for wanting to work there.

 

Week 4: Simulate Real Conditions

 

Do 2 to 3 more cases under timed conditions. Practice with someone who can give you honest, critical feedback. If possible, do a mock interview with a current or former consultant. In the days before your interview, do no more than one case per day to avoid burnout.

 

If you want 1-on-1 coaching to accelerate your prep, my case interview coaching helps you improve 5x faster than practicing on your own.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How hard is it to get a job at Strategy&?

 

Strategy& has an offer rate of roughly 3 to 5%, making it one of the more selective consulting firms. According to Glassdoor, candidates rate the interview difficulty at 3.31 out of 5. Preparation is essential because the candidate-led format and heavy behavioral emphasis create multiple ways to be eliminated.

 

Is Strategy& considered a top consulting firm?

 

Strategy& is widely considered a tier-2 consulting firm, ranking just below McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. However, it is the premier strategy practice within PwC's $22 billion+ consulting business and has a strong reputation for capabilities-driven strategy work. Many candidates consider it a strong alternative to MBB.

 

How long does the Strategy& hiring process take?

 

Based on Glassdoor data from 252 candidate reports, the average Strategy& hiring process takes about 37 days from application to offer. However, personal recommendations can shorten this to as little as two weeks, and some roles may take up to 120 days.

 

Does Strategy& use interviewer-led or candidate-led cases?

 

Strategy& uses a candidate-led case format. You are expected to drive the case from start to finish, including proposing what areas to explore and what data to analyze. This is similar to BCG's format but different from McKinsey's interviewer-led approach.

 

What types of cases does Strategy& ask?

 

Strategy& case interviews focus heavily on strategy topics like market entry, growth strategy, M&A, and pricing. You may also get profitability cases and market sizing questions. Cases often incorporate Strategy&'s capabilities-driven approach and emphasize connecting strategy to execution.

 

Can I get a written or group case interview at Strategy&?

 

Yes. Some offices use written case interviews and group case interviews in the final round, particularly for entry-level candidates. The exact format depends on the office and practice area. Your recruiter should be able to tell you what to expect.

 

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