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

Structure for my interview answers

I sometimes struggle with giving concise yet complete answers in interviews. For technical questions, I tend to over-explain and for behavioral ones, I worry I’m not giving enough detail. What’s the best way to structure answers so that they’re clear and to the point? Are there frameworks I should use?

2
100+
8
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
on Feb 24, 2025

I know this struggle well! What helped me is using the Pyramid Principle: I start with my main conclusion or answer, then break it down into key supporting points before diving into specific details if needed. This ensures my response is structured, clear, and easy to follow. For behavioral questions, the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is really useful. I focus on minimizing background details and getting quickly to my actions and the outcome.

One trick: If I’m unsure whether I’ve said enough, I simply ask at the end, “Would you like me to elaborate on any part?” – this helps avoid over- or under-explaining.

17
on Mar 06, 2025
JPMorganChase | CFA® Charterholder | IIFT Delhi (MBA Silver Medalist, Rank-2) | BITS Pilani | DPS (Gold Medalist)

Hey Pascal,
Struggling with balance in interview answers is common, but with a structured approach, you can give concise yet complete answers. Here are some frameworks that will help you answer both technical and behavioral questions clearly and to the point:

For Technical Questions:

  1. Answer Directly: Start with a brief response.
  2. Explain Key Concept: Give a short, clear explanation.
  3. Walk Through Process: Outline the steps briefly.
  4. Summarize: End with a quick conclusion or result.

For Behavioral Questions (STAR Method):

  1. Situation: Briefly explain the context.
  2. Task: Describe your responsibility.
  3. Action: Summarize what you did.
  4. Result: Highlight the positive outcome.

Tips: Be concise, practice mock interviews, and take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering.

on Mar 11, 2025
Thanks a lot!
Similar Questions
Finance
What would you do if you noticed a mistake that no one else has seen?
on Apr 15, 2025
Global
5
500+
Top answer by
JPMorganChase | CFA® Charterholder | IIFT Delhi (MBA Silver Medalist, Rank-2) | BITS Pilani | DPS (Gold Medalist)
18
5 Answers
500+ Views
+2
Finance
What is your idea of a perfect team?
on May 06, 2025
Global
3
200+
8
3 Answers
200+ Views
Finance
How to answer "pitch me a stock"
on Apr 15, 2025
Global
3
800+
Top answer by
20
3 Answers
800+ 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.