How to Build a Good Structure

How Can You Build a Good Structure in Your Case Interview?

A good structure is the basis for solving your case successfully. It can be understood as a map that guides you through your analysis to come up with a final, profound and thought-through solution. By following a good structure, it is ensured that you have covered all relevant points and taken all the necessary steps to give a solid recommendation on your case.

The first thing to understand in this context is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each case differs and you must be able to adjust your approach flexibly to the situation at hand. Just like in the real consulting world, your structure needs to be customized to the unique circumstances of the client and demonstrate that you have really understood the individual case scenario. Consultants at top firms such as McKinsey, BCG, or Bain are not hired (and paid tremendously) for offering off-the-shelf solutions, but for finding unique solutions to unique challenges whilst covering all relevant aspects.

Even though your structure needs to be highly customized to the case at hand, the following four simple steps will get you a lot closer to success:

Step 1: Define the problem clearly.

You cannot come up with a structure to solve your case, if you have not understood the case correctly in the first place. Always make sure to pinpoint the exact problem of your case scenario. Ask relevant questions about the company, the business model behind and the situation you are asked to advise on. In some cases this may also involve asking for more information about the customer base or competitive landscape your client is in. However, each question you ask should have a clear intent and the resulting insights should be used for building your structure.

After your 2-3 initial questions, summarize what you think the main problem is and get feedback from the interviewer if you have understood the situation correctly. Once the interviewer confirms, ask for a couple of minutes to create your case structure and then you are good to go.

Step 2: Break down the problem into its component parts.

A good structure is basically nothing else than a problem broken down into manageable parts that can be prioritized and worked off step by step. There are manifold ways to do this, but some are easier to follow than others. After all, the aim is to create a logical approach that reduces the complexity of a problem and in that way makes it easier to handle.

There are generally two approaches to how successful candidates go on with structuring: Number one is to create an issue tree from scratch and number two is to use an existing framework and adjust it individually to the case. Issue trees are oftentimes helpful for simple and rather short-term problems. The more complex it gets, the likelier you will hit the limits of this tool and need to work with conceptual frameworks that need to be individually adjusted to the case.

Unsuccessful candidates often use approach number three: Take an existing framework and apply it to the case, suitable or not. We would actually not even consider this an approach at all. Case interviews are not meant to test your knowledge about common frameworks, but they are used to evaluate your problem-solving skills, creativity and analytical thinking. How can you demonstrate these skills by applying off-the-shelf frameworks to your case? The answer is simple: You can’t. So let’s focus on the approaches successful candidates use to build a structure.

Approach 1: Create an issue tree.

Creating an issue tree is a very simple, yet effective method to structuring your case. The general idea is to identify the drivers of your problems and break them down into categories that are mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive (MECE). Once you have done that, you can work your way through the tree branch by branch. Build hypotheses on the most relevant branches that will be prioritized in your analysis and always stick to the structure of your tree.

Important to note is that your issue tree should be built from scratch and custom-tailored to your case. In your interview preparation process you will most likely see quite a few issue trees. That’s great and can help you to come up more easily with a structure for your tree in the real interview, but don’t make the mistake and rely on issue trees you have used in the past. As we have learned earlier, each case scenario is different and you need to be 100% attentive to what is asked from you in order to find a suitable solution.

Approach 2: Use an existing framework and adjust it individually to the case.

If you find it hard to create an issue tree for the given problem (and not every problem can be structured with an issue tree), you can start with a standard framework and tailor it to fit the specific situation. Some solid starting points include the 4C Framework, the 4P Framework, Porter’s Five Forces, Supply and Demand, or the Value Chain. These can help you structure your thinking and build a case-specific framework that works for you.

However, the individual adjustment is the important part here. There are many ways to do this, but the following three tips can be a good starting point:

➡ Adjust the general components of the framework you would like to apply.

Based on the clear definition of the case scenario, identify the specific needs and goals your framework needs to address. Choose a framework that you would like to use as a basis and review the components and steps of that framework critically. Determine which parts are most relevant, add components if necessary and leave out aspects that are not needed for your case.

Your framework should be as exhaustive as possible to cover all aspects of your problem, but at the same time density is needed for it to be problem-specific. This may sound complicated at first, but once you have internalized the common frameworks you can rely on as a basis, you can start playing around with them, and will find it easier to adjust them flexibly.

➡ Combine different frameworks with one another.

A more advanced approach than simply adapting the general components of one framework is to combine different frameworks with one another. To solve the specific problems identified in your case, it may be a good idea to combine elements from different frameworks to create your own customized framework. Make sure you take a logical approach and stay structured. The frameworks you work with should be well-selected and fit in the same context.

➡ Adapt the language and terminology of the framework to match the case.

Modify your language to the specific context and requirements of your case. Depending on the industry your fictional client is in, certain terminology may apply. Tailor the names of your framework categories to the individual circumstances of your case and demonstrate that you have understood your client’s particular situation. For example, it makes a difference if the case is about a B2B company with “businesses” as customers, or an online B2C platform with “users” as customers. Small adjustments in your wording like this can make a difference between a good and an excellent candidate.

Step 3: Prioritize the drivers of the problem.

Once you have built your initial framework for the case, the next step is to prioritize the drivers of the problem. Determine the order in which to tackle issues based on their impact and urgency. This prioritization will help to structure your analysis and recommendations logically.

Hypothesis-driven thinking is key here. Based on the information given to you and some further questions you may have asked, you should be able to build an initial hypothesis on the main problem drivers of your case. Focus on these first and communicate clearly why you have chosen a certain aspect of the problem as a starting point for your analysis. The reasoning behind this should be clear and logical. If you are on the wrong track, your interviewer will most likely let you know right away, but you will get credit anyway for following a straightforward problem-solving approach.

After you have identified the most relevant aspect of your problem, you dig deeper into the analysis. Add some more depth and insights into your initial framework, but remember to always stay structured while doing so. Stay focused on solving the main problem you have defined at the beginning of the case, follow a logical approach and do not get lost in too many details.

Step 4: Adjust your structure as needed.

It may happen that you start with your analysis and find out that your initial structure does not fit the case any more. State this finding to your interviewer, and adjust the structure as needed. It is better to make adjustments than sticking with it and getting completely stuck. However, make sure you explain the reasons for any changes to your framework to provide clarity and context. Ensure that the interviewer understands the changes and evaluate and refine your framework continuously.

What Is the Best Way to Improve Your Structuring Skills?

The best way to sharpen your structuring skills is the simplest one of all: Practice. There is no secret recipe behind it and no magic involved. Internalize the frameworks you can use as a basis and practice, practice, practice. Solve some cases on your own, but then make sure to practice together with peers as well to get some valuable feedback. Write down best practices, keep track of your progress and get better and better until you feel confident for the final interview day.

Key Takeaways – The Most Important Tips to Build a Good Case Structure

A good structure is key for solving your case successfully and showing your potential to work as a future consultant. In order to build it, you must truly understand the specifics of the case given to you.

Your structure must then be tailored and individually adapted to the respective circumstances. Conceptual frameworks can serve as a basis, but must be adjusted to the case scenario and not blindly applied. To internalize the logical, hypothesis-driven and systematic way of thinking like a consultant, practice is needed. Once you've built that skill set, you're well on your way to a successful consulting career. 🚀

How to Build a Good Case Structure

Why Is a Good Structure So Important in Consulting Case Interviews?

1) Problem-Solving Skills

2) Analytical Skills

3) Communication Skills