How can you create winning slides and charts for a Consulting interview?

1 Know your audience and objective

Before you start creating your slides and charts, you need to understand who your audience is and what your objective is. Your audience is usually the interviewer, who is looking for evidence of your problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills. Your objective is to convey your main message, answer the case question, and demonstrate your fit for the role. Therefore, you need to tailor your slides and charts to meet these expectations and avoid any irrelevant or confusing information.

2 Use the pyramid principle

The pyramid principle is a widely used framework for structuring your slides and charts in a logical and hierarchical way. It consists of three steps: start with your key takeaway or recommendation, then support it with three to five main arguments or sub-points, and then provide evidence or data for each argument or sub-point. This way, you can create a clear and coherent story that flows from top to bottom and from left to right.

5 Apply the 3C's rule

The 3C's rule is a guideline for making your slides and charts more appealing and effective. Contrast, consistency, and clarity should all be taken into consideration. Different colors, shapes, sizes, or fonts can be used to emphasize the most important information or create visual interest. Additionally, using the same style or format for all slides and charts will create a unified and professional look. And lastly, clear labels, titles, legends, or captions should be used to explain what the slides and charts show or mean without any jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that might confuse your audience. By applying the 3C's rule, you can make your slides and charts more memorable and impactful.

6 Practice and refine

Before presenting your slides and charts in the interview, it is important to practice and refine them. Review your slides for any errors, typos, or inconsistencies. Ask for feedback from peers, mentors, or coaches on your slides and charts, and make any necessary adjustments. Rehearse your presentation, focusing on your voice, tone, pace, and body language. Anticipate any questions or objections from the interviewer and prepare your responses. Practicing and refining your slides and charts will increase your confidence and readiness for the interview, while also showcasing your consulting skills and potential.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?