McKinsey Public & Social Sector

Not sure which business terms to expect in your next case interview? This guide breaks down the most common concepts.

Case interviews are a central component of the consulting application process. Success in these interviews requires not only analytical thinking, but also the ability to solve problems in a structured manner. Many candidates rely on standardized frameworks, but these alone are often not enough to distinguish themselves from the competition.💡 In this article, we will show you how to effectively practice structuring to succeed in your case interviews. The Benefits of a Solid StructureA well-thought-out structure offers numerous advantages during a case interview:Clarity in Analysis: A clear structure helps you break down complex problems systematically. This allows you to analyze the issues precisely and ensure you cover all relevant aspects.Efficient Problem-Solving: With a solid structure, you can solve problems more quickly and efficiently by breaking your analysis into manageable steps and focusing on the key points.Facilitated Communication: A good structure enables you to present your thoughts clearly and logically. This not only improves your own understanding of the problem but also helps the interviewer follow your reasoning and understand your arguments The Problem with Standardized FrameworksIf you've already dealt with case interviews, you're likely familiar with standardized frameworks. While it’s important to know and be able to use them, there are some limitations to be aware of:No Differentiation: Almost all candidates are familiar with these frameworks. Relying solely on them won’t help you stand out from the competition. Moreover, many of these frameworks are often not MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) and are quite basic.Frameworks Don’t Fit All Questions: Your interviewers are increasingly asking unconventional questions. Imagine your client is a fictional country looking to develop a plan to combat climate change. No standardized framework will help you here.Playing the Wrong Game: A case structure is more than just a list of topics. Without a thorough, specific logic, you’ll only perform random analyses and hope to find something useful – something you should avoid as an aspiring consultant.Structuring is therefore crucial in the case interview. A well-thought-out structure helps you break down questions clearly and communicate effectively. It supports your strategy and argumentation. Many candidates fail by relying on standardized frameworks that often don’t fit. Instead, each case deserves a unique, tailored framework.However, it’s useful to familiarize yourself with existing frameworks, as they can serve as a foundation to develop a personalized approach.💡 Pro Tip: We’ve explained the 11 most common frameworks for you. Practice Structuring with Our Structuring Drills 🎯What are Structuring Drills?Our Structuring Drills are a tool designed to help you improve your case structuring skills. We offer various packs, each containing “Quick Drills.” For each exercise, you have 10 minutes to answer 5 questions.🔍 Check out our Structuring Drills and:Learn to structure complex case prompts and business problems using MECE buckets and sub-buckets.Share your answers with the community, compare your structure and notes, and rate the best solutions.Continuously improve your structuring skills and master your case interview.A solid structure is the secret recipe for your case interviews. It helps you analyze and solve complex problems with a clear and logical approach. The MECE approach (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) is your best practice method to develop a robust structure. Our Structuring Drills will show you how to apply this technique to perfect your structured thinking.