Business Case

Term from Consulting industry explained for recruiters

A Business Case is a document or presentation that explains why a company should pursue a specific project or investment. It's like a detailed plan that shows the benefits, costs, and potential outcomes of a business decision. Consultants create these to help clients make informed choices about new initiatives, such as launching products, entering new markets, or making organizational changes. Think of it as a comprehensive argument that answers the question "Why should we do this?" by looking at financial returns, business impact, and potential risks.

Examples in Resumes

Developed Business Case for $50M digital transformation project that received executive approval

Led team in creating Business Cases for merger and acquisition opportunities

Prepared Business Case Analysis that resulted in 30% cost savings through process optimization

Typical job title: "Business Consultants"

Also try searching for:

Management Consultant Strategy Consultant Business Analyst Project Manager Strategic Planning Manager Investment Analyst

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: Tell me about a time you had to convince skeptical stakeholders to approve a business case.

Expected Answer: Look for answers demonstrating strong stakeholder management, ability to handle objections, and experience presenting complex financial arguments in simple terms.

Q: How do you ensure your business cases account for both quantitative and qualitative benefits?

Expected Answer: Should discuss balancing financial metrics with strategic advantages, risk assessment, and long-term organizational impact.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What key elements do you include in a business case?

Expected Answer: Should mention executive summary, problem statement, proposed solution, cost-benefit analysis, implementation timeline, and risk assessment.

Q: How do you gather data for a business case?

Expected Answer: Should explain methods of market research, stakeholder interviews, financial analysis, and industry benchmarking.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What's the purpose of a business case?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it helps organizations make informed decisions by showing costs, benefits, and risks of proposed initiatives.

Q: What financial metrics are important in a business case?

Expected Answer: Should mention basic metrics like ROI, payback period, and cost savings, showing understanding of fundamental financial concepts.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic financial analysis
  • Data gathering and research
  • Simple presentations
  • Document writing

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Detailed cost-benefit analysis
  • Stakeholder interviews
  • Project planning
  • Risk assessment

Senior (5+ years)

  • Complex financial modeling
  • Strategic planning
  • Executive presentations
  • Change management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unable to explain basic financial concepts
  • Lack of analytical thinking
  • Poor presentation skills
  • No experience with stakeholder management
  • Cannot provide examples of successful business cases