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Rotating Structure Sheet When Presenting Framework

communication Structure
New answer on Oct 21, 2020
6 Answers
834 Views
Anonymous A asked on Oct 20, 2020

Hello,

(1) Is it necessary to rotate your structure sheet to your interviewer when presenting your framework? I am asking because if the interviewer and I are sitting face-to-face, it will be hard for me to present / read my key points (if I forget) within each bucket since the words will be upside down from my view when rotated.

(2) Is it possible to sit at a 90 degree angle rather than across the table from the interviewer?

Thank you.

p.s. the office I am interviewing at is still conducting in-person interviews.

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Robert
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 20, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

No, there is no absolute need in rotating the sheet if you are not comfortable with it. Your interviewer will be able to follow you easily nevertheless.

What might help is turning your sheet by 90° so that it's somewhat easier to understand for your interviewer - but it is not necessary if it complicates life for you.

Hope this helps - if so, please give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

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Ken
Expert
replied on Oct 20, 2020
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

As an interviewer, I could usually follow fine even if the paper was upside-down. Most of my focus was on listening and discussing the structure with the candidate than reading what is on the page which often times is illegible.

Sitting 90 degrees from your interviewer, unless asked can be a little strange. Your interviewer is taking notes during the interview and often has paper that they will not want to show the candidate as well.

Good luck!

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Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 20, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Most interviewers are very good in following your work up side down :). Sitting in front/facing them is best place to be.

But go the extra mile and do whatever you can possible to make it easier for them. E.g. for in-person interviews can you use a whiteboard/flip-chart?! Ask for one and see if they can arrange for you.

If not and solving on paper, feel free to flick and show them your work in progress- obviously not every 30 secs. Strike the right balance or just show them the completed work. Think of this as real life- if this was your manager, how would you carry out the discussion?!

Adi

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 21, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

1) Not at all required, and, in fact, it's a bit distracting. Fundamentally, you need to be able to verbally articulate/communicate your thinking/structure in a clear and concise way. Do so with signposting, gesturing, etc....you can't rely on your sheet to do this for you!

2) No no no. That is very very odd...please don't do that! First, sit across from them. Second, pleasure don't try to make any "decisions" in your interactions. They're running the show. They decide. Take their cues!

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Mehdi
Expert
replied on Oct 21, 2020
BCG | Received offers from all MBB & Tier 1Firms | Supporting you secure your top tier consulting offer

Hi there,

  1. No need to rotate your sheet!
  2. It's preferrable to face the interviewer, which is frequently the position you have hen talking to a client!

I hope this helps!

Mehdi

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 21, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi Anonymous,

  1. There is no need in rotating the sheet as long as you walk the interviewer through your structure and keep him aligned. Practice your performing skills so that it would be easy for the interviewer to follow your explanations without having a look in the sheet.
  2. According to the answer to your first question, there is no need to seat at a 90-degree angle. In general, that would be inappropriate too.

Do you need my further help?

GB

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