Writing partner-ready recommendations: a step-by-step guide

Why synthesis matters

The final two minutes of your case interview carry disproportionate weight. After 20-30 minutes of analysis, the interviewer forms their lasting impression during your synthesis. A strong recommendation can elevate an average case performance; a weak one can undermine an otherwise excellent analysis.

The four-part synthesis structure

Every partner-ready recommendation follows this structure:

1. Restate the problem — "The client asked us to determine whether they should acquire Company X."
2. State your recommendation — "We recommend acquiring Company X at a price of $Y."
3. Provide 2-3 supporting reasons — "First, the strategic fit is strong. Second, the financial returns exceed the hurdle rate. Third, the integration risk is manageable."
4. Acknowledge risks and next steps — "The key risk is regulatory approval, which we would address by engaging antitrust counsel early."

Common mistakes to avoid

• New analysis in the synthesis — Never introduce a new data point or calculation in your closing
• Hedging too much — "It depends" is not a recommendation
• Going too long — Keep it under 90 seconds
• Ignoring risks — Not acknowledging implementation challenges signals naivety