Seven Questions to Guide You for a Consulting Career

Written by . Posted in Consulting Application

question mark

Are you interested in landing a job in management consulting? If you are seriously considering this option, there are some questions you need to ponder. They will serve as your guide in getting your dream job. Continue reading and find out what these questions are.

Question 1: Have You Assessed Yourself for the Position?

Before the recruiters assess you, why don’t you do it on your own? You can start by reading their job description carefully and by checking if you have the required competencies. You can also conduct your own research about the company and see if your values fit their corporate culture. If you have contacts in McKinsey, Bain, Booz, BCG and other consulting firms, ask them about their regular duties and responsibilities and ponder if you’re willing to adapt their daily routine. Once you’ve done these steps, you will know if management consulting is the career path you should pursue.

Question 2: Why Do You Want to Be a Management Consultant?

The difficult times have pushed employees to put financial priorities on the front row. If this is the main reason for your management consulting application, every day at work is going to be a drag and every assignment is a potential cause of stress. You will end up having empty days, wanting to do other things. Ideally, you should have organizational growth and improvement as your noble intentions. This will give you the passion to get things done and consequently, the feeling of fulfillment.

Question 3: Have You Done Networking with Current Management Consultants?

Never underestimate the power of networking. In the field of management consulting, it’s one efficient way of landing your dream job. Through your contacts, you’ll get information on unadvertised consulting vacancies. They can also recommend you to recruiters and this will distinguish you from the rest of the pile. Remember that many candidates are highly qualified but your recommended application is more reliable than any well-written resume.

Question 4: Do You Have a Well-Written Cover Letter and Resume?

As soon as you’re done with the competency and motivation check, evaluate your management consulting cover letter and resume. Are they attractive enough to catch the attention of the recruiters? Did you follow a structure to make it concise and organized? Have you clearly emphasized your selling points and previous accomplishments? Have you double checked the grammar, spelling and format? Remember that recruiters sift applicants in the most efficient way they know. Their target is to hire the cream of the crop; thus, they don’t bother going through application documents that are inferiorly written.

Question 5: Are You Ready for Numerical, Logical and Verbal Reasoning Tests?

To be called for management consulting testing is already a milestone you must be proud of. If you get a chance to know what kind of tests you will take, exert some effort to finish related exercises. The more you are familiar with the process and the more confidence you exhibit, the less stress you feel on the day of the examination. This should improve your score. If you run out of time to prepare, stay cool. Try to comprehend and analyze the given information on each item and give it your best shot.

Question 6: Are You Ready for Fit Interviews?

During fit interviews, recruiters will probe on the information stated on your resume and cover letter. They will ask questions about your experience, education and personality to find out if you are the right person for the opening. Be prepared to answer in detail about your past accomplishments and the skills you’ve developed along the way since these are the indicators that you can successfully perform the responsibilities of the position you’re applying for.

Question 7: Are You Ready for Case Interviews?

The purpose of the case interview is to evaluate your ability to effectively resolve business cases and communicate ideas. Your business judgment, creativity, grace under pressure, quantitative skills and logical reasoning will also be assessed in this part. To prepare for this, be familiar with case interview frameworks because they provide structure to your answer. It would also help to research on business cases, ask those who have already undergone the process and have mock interviews beforehand.

Getting a job in management consulting companies is a long process. But once you get there, you will feel that it’s all worth it.