Live Interview Structure Presentation

That is an excellent, subtle distinction, and it’s a critical difference between a generic template approach and how partners actually scope a problem.

The rule of thumb for the initial structure presentation—the map you lay out before the interviewer chooses a branch—is two layers deep, max. This means your main buckets (e.g., Revenue, Cost, Competition) and 2-3 key drivers under each bucket (e.g., under Revenue: Price and Volume/Quantity). The goal here is to prove to the interviewer within 90 seconds that you see the entire landscape and that you have a logical, MECE organization.

You need to resist the urge to go three layers deep at this stage for two key reasons. First, time management: You waste valuable case time detailing things that the interviewer might immediately tell you to ignore. Second, prioritization: Consulting is about scoping and filtering. If you present a 3-layer structure upfront, you signal that you haven't yet prioritized what truly matters. You show organization, but not strategic judgment.

Therefore, the strategic move is this: Present your 2-layer structure, check in with the interviewer ("Does this broad framework capture the main areas you'd like to explore?"), and then, only upon approval, ask which branch they want to prioritize. That is when you pivot to the third layer, breaking down only that specific chosen branch (e.g., breaking down "Volume/Quantity" into distribution channels or regional performance). The depth follows the direction.

All the best!

hey there :)

In the initial structure presentation, 2 layers are usually ideal and sometimes a light 3 layer if it is very intuitive and adds clarity. The key is to show a clear, MECE top level and demonstrate that you already know what sits underneath without overloading the interviewer too early. You can always deepen the structure once you align on which main driver to focus on first, and that is often even appreciated more than presenting everything upfront. Happy to discuss examples if helpful, feel free to reach out.

best,
Alessa :)

Hi there,

This depends on which company you're interviewing with. McKinsey typically expected up to Layer 3-4 for key branches that you think are priority, while Bain and BCG are OK with 2 layers, and having you ask for the rest of the information.

Hi!

I would suggest the structure have at least 2 layers, with a selective third layer for certain points, to highlight nuances. 

When presenting, you'd want to share the top 3-5 buckets of the structure, numbering them as you go. Then go back to the 1st bucket to share layer 2 (numbering them as you go again) and explain why. There will be times when some points in layer 2 can be broken down further into a 3rd layer, then briefly share what the 3rd layer is without getting into too much detail (if the interviewer is curious, they'll ask why). Then you repeat for the 2nd bucket, 3rd bucket, and so on. At the end of sharing the structure, proactively suggest where you'd start exploring first and then pause for the interviewer's response. 

Overall presentation of the structure should be easy to follow, as MECE as possible, and shouldn't take longer than 3-4 mins, so you'd have time to go through the case. 

Also note that these are just guidelines, and it's important to adapt to what the interviewer is asking; some may expect 3-4 layers due to the nature of the topic, so keep it conversational, and keep in mind that you want to solve the case together with the interviewer.

All the best! 

Usually 2 layers would be good enough. That said, the 2nd layer needs to have solid, relevant, concrete points that could guide your problem solving. 

Best

Emily

Hi there,

For the initial structure presentation, depth matters less than clarity. In most interviews, two layers is the right level. You want to show a clear top level breakdown and one level of sub drivers that demonstrates you understand what actually matters, without overcomplicating things.

Going to three layers up front often becomes too detailed and can feel like you’re trying to solve the case before aligning with the interviewer. A cleaner approach is to present a two layer structure, then explain which branch you would prioritize first and why. You can always add depth once you’re aligned and moving into analysis.

A good rule of thumb is that the interviewer should be able to easily repeat your structure back to you. If it’s hard to remember, it’s probably too deep.

Best,
Evelina