Hi there,

5-7 minutes is definitely too long to present your initial structure. 3 minutes is also on the long side.

As a general benchmark, I would consider the following:

• 1-2 min to write down the structure
• A few mins to present (also depends on the company, at McKinsey usually you have more time to present due to the interviewer-led format – you can find more on the differences here)

They are not strict rules. If you spend more than 2 min to write down the structure, you won’t lose any points. However be ready to have the interviewer ask if you are ready.

It doesn’t mean that initially you will be able to be so fast – it also comes with practice.

Finally, it is a good idea to double-check the information you get from peers, as you are doing, as it may not be accurate.

Best,

Francesco

(edited)

Dear A,

May be you can choose smth in between? Like 4 min?

Actually to provide a feedback, I wish to spoke to you personally.

What I would recommend you in general is to follow the logic sense, not the time. If you try pitch it into 3 min, but you smash it all together - so rather take your time. On the other hand, if you try to pour water into framework, then rather be closer to the point.

Hope it helps,

André

Hello!

First of all, and this a general comment for other general questions regarding casing too, try not to look for "absolute truths" or recipies.

What makes the casing method unique, and the reason why it´s used in consulting, is precisely for the fact that you need to tailor your thinking to each case specifically. Hence, in some cases, a 5 mins structure is the adequate length, whereas in others, it´s better to be more in the 2 mins timing.

In any case, if you are too short and shallow, the interviewer will make you some follow-up questions to better understand. As well, if you are too long, they will cut you.

Hope it helps!

Best regards,

Clara

You can't generalize that.
This depends on several factors, including:
A) The duration of your case interview session
B) The complexity of the case question
C) The speed at which you speak

The rule of thumb is ± 3 minutes. At BCG, the structure presentation doesn't usually have to take as long as at McKinsey.

But let's not make it too complicated: Work on a crisp structure.
1) MECE structure
2) 2-3 levels
3) 2-3 aspects per lowest level bullet point
4) If necessary, prioritization of aspects including rationale
5) Speak clearly and structured (top down communication)

All the best, Giulia

Hi,

5-7 minutes is most definitively too long.

Not only are you leaving yourself precious little time for the actual case, but your interviewer will just zone out after 3 minutes anyway!

Spend a maximum of 3 minutes writing it down (ideally 1-1.5 minutes).

My advice to achieve this:

• Write in shorthand
• Just write down the main ideas/concepts (let your verbal walk-through fill in the color)
• Practice thinking/writing quickly with a timer

Hi,

I would recommend that you spend ~3 minutes on thinking through your structure. Remember that more time thinking will usually lead to a better approach.

For communicating the framework itself I would say 3-4 minutes is reasonable as a general guideline. However, this highly depends on the case and the situation.

Just remember to prioritize the issues, explain which ones you think are most important, and how it will help you answer the client's question.

-A