Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Is it acceptable to use a standard framework in a McKinsey interview? eg 4 Ps, Growth Matrix etc

Hi,

Is using a premade framework likely to affect the score of a candidate in an interview? Should you try to rename the drivers or areas to make it less common?

For example: If i used the Four P's, or Ansoffs Growth matrix? should I use different names for the 4ps?

Thanks

3
3.0k
8
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Deleted
Coach
on Apr 06, 2018
NOT AVAILABLE

Hey anonymous,

In any interview (either McKinsey or any other consulting firm), you shouldn't just go there and recite a strandard framework (memorizing such frameworks is something that literally everyone could do, so it's obvious firms are looking for more).

Thus, you have two solutions:

  • you design a really tailored and interesting framework to approach the problem (going completely outside of such very well known theoretical frameworks) - favorite option for the interviewer as he can test much better your problem solving skills;
  • or at least, adjust the namings and descriptions in order to be tailored to the case

Hope this helps clarifying your question

Best

Bruno

Vlad
Coach
on Apr 06, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Classic frameworks are so good because they are really MESE.

  • It is not OK to use a classic framework at the beginning of the case - you have to make a tailored structure.
  • It is OK to use a classic framework in the middle of the case while you continue structuring, trying to identify the root cause. Although you may still get a feedback that you are using the "structures from a book". So I recommend slightly renaming the structure (eg 4P - Product, Distribution, Marketing, Price)

Best

Deleted user
on Apr 08, 2018

Knowledge and understanding of the "classic" strategy/marketing/ops frameworks is important since usually they cover or the most important and common drivers and therefore allow not to "reinvent the wheel" everytime you have a problem in front of you (they can also help if there is interview fright that is blocking or slowing thought process)

However it is key to customize them according to the situation by either adding or dropping some of the drivers or emphasizing some more than others depending on the case prompt that was given (e.g. if in prompt interviewer says to ignore pricing because it's fixed, then do not cite price in your driver analysis).

In terms of renaming I would say I wouldn't not go through the effort of doing so unless names used during the case for the driver are different (e.g. instead of place, the interviewer talks about channels, then use the word channel).

One thing I would strongly suggest to not announce "I am going to use so and so framework" but be more natural about it "I would like to explore the following drivers". Both you and interviewer will recognize that a framework is used but it doesn't come across as you are trying to force-fit a solution to a custom problem.

Hope this helps,

Andrea

0
Similar Questions
Consulting
How should I explain a change in course at university? Will it be asked of me?
on Apr 14, 2025
Global
10
3.7k
Top answer by
Alessa
Coach
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free
81
10 Answers
3.7k Views
+7
Consulting
Just did the Mckinsey Solve Game (January 2025) - got some questions/insights
on Apr 24, 2025
Global
5
4.0k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
42
5 Answers
4.0k Views
+2
Consulting
Want IAPP AIGP (Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional) Exam sample Questions
on Apr 14, 2025
Global
4
2.6k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
56
4 Answers
2.6k Views
+1
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.