This is a really cool question. 

The short answer is that the differences are not significant. 

Now, for the longer answer. Here are where some of the differences may appear:

• Firms that provide candidate-led cases (rather than interviewer-led) tend to prefer tighter, more focused frameworks that seek to issue a hypothesis with more urgency. Interviewer led frameworks tend to be broader and deeper (a la McKinsey). 
• BCG is perceived as more creative. Bain as more practical. McK is more thorough and rigorous. But honestly, I don't believe in these differences. There are bigger differences to account for between interviewers (and their interviewing style), offices and regions than between how the individual cultures of the firms translate into the structure. 

At the end of the day, the whole point of the structuring/framework question is to get a sense of how you think through a problem and break it into manageable parts. And how you communicate that, of course. That's it. 

So the differences between the firms are barely relevant. 

If you're looking into structuring, you might find the following article helpful:

• Expert Guide: Mastering Structuring & Brainstorming

Additionally, I run a workshop on first principles that you can read more about here: 

https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/coaching-packages-5/first_principles_structuring_masterclass

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

you're overcomplicating this.

Shoot, I just helped a Partner at MBB create a case for his interviews - he didn't know what to do to make it!

You're assuming that these firms are perfectly ochestrated and aligned like a single organism. They are not.

They are full of thousands of people with different thoughts and styles.

But they are all aligned on ONE critical point: Solve the problem, in an objective-driven, structured, MECE way.

I could easily find a McK consultant and a BCG consultant who framework x problem the exact same way.

Then I could find two other McK and BCG consultants who framework that same x problem a totally different way!

Don't overthink this….solve the problem. Be structured. Be MECE.

How to Shift Your Mindset to Ace the Case
 

Candidate-Led Cases: What to Expect With Example Cases

Hi there,

Fully agree with Gero. If you want to go deeper into McKinsey vs. other firm's point, check my article here: McKinsey Case Interview

Regarding your message:

"I've heard from a lot of people, that every company has a distinctive style when the framework of the problems in the interview."

These comments are the exact reason why I started as a case coach. When I was in your shoes I read many of these things as well and it was never really helpful. The reality is that “a lot of people” are all using the same outdated and faulty sources to base their opinion on and then wonder why only 1% of applicants receive an offer from the top firms.

When it comes to case prep, don't follow the herd but go against the 99% to elevate your chances (same as with many other things).

Cheers,

Florian
 

They are not that different, and they are not looking for “different styles of frameworking" in their interviews. 

Honestly, preparation for all firms is roughly similar ON THE CASE INTERVIEW part. Adjustments are more relevant for the FIT INTERVIEW. 

So the difference is rarely on the ability to solve problems. It is on the cultural / personal side.