Management consulting is a very specific niche or calling. Successful consultants are known to possess qualities and characteristics that are essential for carrying out the rigorous duties associated with the role.

Contrary to popular belief, the characteristics of a successful management consultant can be honed through years of practice. Before we dive into the specific qualities, let’s take a closer look at what the job entails in order to better understand what type of individuals fair well in the profession.

Not Your Typical Office Job

The way the media portrays management consulting is very different from what the job is really like. Consultants are trained to think outside the box. This also applies to their work schedule. Most consultants are required to work and travel on a regular basis, which can be very disconcerting. The traveling aspect is a concern for many consultants because it’s an unpredictable factor in their hectic schedule of meeting deadlines and writing reports.

Furthermore, clients can be extremely demanding, primarily because they feel somewhat uneasy about putting the fate of their company in the hands of a management consultant. The pressure of the job is another factor that can make the most seasoned and experienced consultants fold. It takes an individual with a strong and disciplined mind to get through weeks of brainstorming and meetings while staying 100% focused.

Consistency is expected and is one of the hardest parts of the profession. Top consulting firms require their employees to stay sharp in every aspect of the job. In the beginning this can seem like a walk in the park, but midway into a consultant’s career when the stakes are higher, it may not be that easy.

So, what are the qualities of a highly successful consultant? Read more to find out.

Communication and Social Skills

A consultant must have strong communication and social skills—it’s an unavoidable aspect of the profession. Professionals are required to talk to clients and colleagues, report to their superiors, hold meetings, present at conferences, and more. Many individuals who simply try to present themselves as friendly or sociable won’t make the cut because consultants are required to be sociable 24/7. When a consultant isn’t at the office or in a meeting, he or she might be networking or taking a group of clients to lunch. Even those who are naturally outgoing or comfortable around people may feel that this side of the job can get overwhelming at times. Introverts may find it difficult to compete with other consultants who are more vocal. This doesn’t mean that all successful consultants are extroverts; however, in order to cope with the social aspects of the job, employees who are shy and timid may need to exert twice the effort to breakdown personal boundaries that may be hindering them from performing well.

Quick and Organized Thinking

Management consultants are required to sift through endless amounts of information while formulating a solution, which requires a well-structured mind.  It’s almost like stepping into the middle of a battlefield; a consultant may have an arsenal of frameworks memorized, but organized thinking also includes efficient application. A consultant must know when to use what he or she has learned in order to arrive at the best solution. Without this skill, it may take some time for an individual to reach a feasible solution; a luxury that most consultants don’t have.

Adaptability

Each client is different. Even if they are competitors in the same industry, working with the same products, services, and concerns, internally (i.e., structure, mission, forecasts) they are very different. A successful consultant is required to acclimate and adapt to the needs of the client as well as meet the objectives set by his or her superiors. This is not a simple feat, even though most consulting firms specialize in specific industries and sectors.

Moreover, consultants must also adapt to global trends, which may require a renewed mindset. Consultants are expected to be caught up to speed in a short amount of time. This may mean reading and comprehending a large amount of information over a few cups of coffee.

Work Exceptionally Well in a Team

A team of consultants who work well together can be a powerful force in a high caliber firm. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. Management consultants who are great on their own but are unable to work well in a team can easily derail a project. Teamwork is an essential part of being a consultant. It’s not practical to attempt to do everything alone; those who try may burn themselves out. A highly successful consultant knows the strengths and weakness of each of his or her teammates and is able to maximize the potential of each member, which saves time and effort.

Working effectively in a team also requires a consultant to be sensitive to the needs of others. The ability to empathize with a group of consultants is hard to come by. Most consultants have a tough outer shell, but a successful consultant in charge of leading a team knows when to push and motivate and when to relax and take a break- even when the other members of the team aren’t backing down. Strong empathy skills can raise productivity and prevent breakdowns.

Superior Math Skills

A consultant must also be well versed in the technical aspect of the occupation. This includes mental math abilities as well as analytical skills. Even though calculators and spreadsheets are readily available, it doesn’t necessarily mean they should be used for every calculation. Imagine pulling out a calculator in the middle of a presentation in front of the senior staff in a multi-national company—it doesn’t fit the image of an expert consultant. More importantly, the computation must be accurate. It’s true that most computations are rough averages or estimates, but even so, the margins provided by a management consultant aren’t too far off the actual mark.

Part of the work of a consultant requires analyzing graphs for accurate forecasts and calculated projections. As we all know, not all data on a graph is important. Successful consultants know how to analyze charts and graphs and identify  the information or data that is relevant, which enables them to quickly formulate a solution.

Think Outside the Box (Creative Thinking)

One of the main reasons that leading companies hire management consultants is because of their point of view. It’s difficult to spot internal problems within a large company when you’re part of its daily operations. Furthermore, some of the staff are so used to the structure and business functions that they are unable to pinpoint the weak spots. A successful consultant can walk into a company, analyze the facts and figures, identify the areas that need improved, and find a viable solution for implementation.

Many companies aren’t quick to admit that they rely on a management consultant’s expert advice or proposed solution. Before hiring a consultant, businesses have most likely tried everything to salvage or find an answer to their problems. A consultant must be creative enough to formulate a solution that the management or senior staff has not thought of.

Thinking outside the box doesn’t end with a feasible solution. A management consultant is also required to implement the new plan and put it into action. This entails creative thinking, as most companies are looking for fresh and new ideas that can help them stand out from their competitors and solidify their brand.

Drive and Motivation

It’s easy to spot successful management consultants. They talk a little differently, and move with confidence, without being too arrogant. Their work is always thorough and they know how to make the most out of seemingly hopeless situations. Lastly, they are always working towards a goal and are never satisfied with mediocre results.

How does a consultant achieve this mindset? The best consultants are truly made for the job. Preparation and hard work, amounting to valuable work experience, has set them apart from their colleagues. Motivation is essential in the consulting industry; many experts question their career when the pressure starts to build, but don’t throw in the towel.

In conclusion, perfecting the qualities of a highly successful consultant requires years of practice and preparation. The management consulting industry is rewarding to those who are willing to work hard and help others along the way.

Learn More

Want to learn more about the makings of a highly successful management consultant? Our guide to management consulting career provides an inside perspective on the skills top firms look for and how you can improve your capabilities and land a management consulting job.

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So, you’ve decided to pursue a management consulting career. You’ve successfully created and submitted an impressive resume, and your favorite suit is pressed and ready to go. Now all you need to do is ace that interview. But how? Consulting interviews are tough, and many aspiring consultants feel intimidated by the thought of interviewing at world-renowned consultancies, but if you prepare accordingly you’re sure to come out on top.

Here are some practical tips to help you prepare.

Before the Interview

Before you face the interviewer, you should do the following:

Research the Company

Do your homework and find out everything you need to learn about your prospective firm. Familiarize yourself with all relevant information before you go to the interview. Know who their clients are and research them, find out what problems they handle as well as their preferred methodologies, and visit their website and follow their social accounts in order to connect with people who are associated with them. This information will give you some helpful insights which you can use during the interview.

Prepare Questions

Yes, it’s important to know how to answer questions during the interview. However, at some point you’ll be asked if you have any concerns, which is your chance to ask insightful questions. Knowing how and what to ask will show your genuine interest in the job. You can ask about the interviewer’s experience with the firm or what it’s like to work as a consultant.

Evaluate Your Competencies

Assess your skills and reflect on how suitable you are for the job. Identify your weaknesses and focus on improving them in the weeks before the interview. You need to prove that you have the capability to perform the responsibilities of a consultant. Self-awareness is key to success; if you feel that you lack a few critical skills, work on honing them.

Learn the Consulting Frameworks

Memorize consulting frameworks. If you master the frameworks, you’re likely to arrive at a pragmatic solution to any given problem. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the large amount of data presented; you may be confused about where and how to start. Understanding business frameworks can definitely guide you in generating sound recommendations. Make sure to take the time to master and apply different frameworks to various cases

Read the Material Posted on the Recruiting Website

Top-tier consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, Booz ,and Bain provide information for candidates on their websites about what they are looking for in an applicant. You can also take advantage of the review materials that they offer.

Follow Current Events in the Industry

You won’t demonstrate to recruiters that you have what it takes to be a consultant if you don’t stay on top of current events. Equip yourself with industry knowledge by reading news and magazine articles about the finance and politics sectors, both domestic and international. Also, and most importantly, keep yourself updated about the company that you’re interviewing with.

Network, Network, Network

Build strong relationships with industry professionals. Networking is a powerful tool that can help you effectively prepare for the interview. The experts among your contacts can definitely guide you on how to break into this industry. Courteously ask for their advice. If lucky enough, you might even have the chance to make friends with someone who’s worked there or is currently an employee in your target firm. Referral strategy has been proven to be a great way to land a job, so make an effort to grow your network of professionals. Join organizations and participate in LinkedIn and other networking sites.

Improve Your Mental Math

Consultants are expected to know how to make calculations and estimations; therefore you’ll be presented with a great deal of numerical data in your case interview. Thus, it’s imperative that you hone your mental math skills. Simulate the actual interview as you practice so you can gauge your speed and continue to improve.

Know How to Read Charts, Graphs, and Tables

To be a good consultant, you must be excellent at interpreting charts, graphs, and tables. Regardless of how the data is presented, you should be able to come up with accurate recommendations. This is crucial to acing your interview with top-tier consulting firms. Devote ample time to reading graphical charts or data spreadsheets so you can improve your data analysis.

Look for Case Interview Review Sessions

If you’re still in school, you can look for consulting clubs and career service centers that offer case practice sessions. Take advantage of these events—they will help you further prepare for the interview and may even provide some good review materials.

Practice with Someone

The best way to prepare for a consulting interview at a top-tier firm is to conduct a mock interview. Yes, it’s important that you study on your own first, but to test whether all your hard work is paying off, you need to conduct a mock interview with a qualified person. This is important to remember: Conduct mock interviews with people who have knowledge about the consulting industry. This will help you improve your ability to convey structured ideas as well as your ability to handle pressure. Take it seriously and simulate the interview conditions. Afterwards, ask for some valuable feedback that will help improve your performance.

Start as Early as You Can

The key to being prepared for the interview is to start early.  The earlier you prepare, the more cases you’ll be able to study. Take your time learning how to approach and solve different types of cases. Remember, procrastination is often the cause of one’s failure.

Prepare, Don’t Over Prepare

Indeed, you have to thoroughly prepare for your consulting interview. However, be careful not to over prepare. This requires some judgment on your part. Practicing is great but not to the extent that you’ll sound  rehearsed. You don’t want to demonstrate to your interviewer how good you are at memorizing a rehearsed speech. Top firms want to know how you think, so be careful not to make the script too obvious.

On the Day of the Interview

Here are some tips to remember on the day of the interview:

Dress Accordingly

To give your confidence an extra boost, you should wear standard professional business attire to your consulting interview. Be neutral and try to keep your fashion as simple as possible. Avoid wearing flashy ties or accessories. Based on CareerBuilder.com’s annual survey, 51% of hiring managers said that dressing inappropriately is the most common and damaging mistake a candidate can make during the interview. So in order to make a good first impression, you need to convey a polished and professional look.

Keep Your Poise

The interview process in top-tier consulting firms is very intense. You need to remain poised. Don’t let them upset you with abrupt or unfriendly behavior—keep a positive and professional attitude and smile! Remember, you’re not there to make friends; you’re there to impress them and get the job. Besides, they might be testing your ability to deal with nasty clients and co-workers.

Make Eye Contact

Be confident and maintain eye contact. According to an infographic titled, “What You Wish You’d Known Before Your Job Interview,” 67% of managers said that failure to make eye contact is a common nonverbal mistake applicants make during interviews. (The statistics were taken from a survey of 2,000 managers.)

Think and Listen

Many aspiring consultants fail to do this during the interview. Keep your focus so you won’t miss important hints or questions that are dropped during the discussion. One common issue among interviewees is writing too much. Don’t get too fixated on the details. Write down only a few words, not everything. Some words and phrases are there to confuse you. Remember, good consultants can easily spot the key facts. Listen and think carefully about the implications of the details presented.

Keep an Open Mind

Don’t sound defensive. If your interviewer seems to challenge your recommendation, acknowledge that what he or she said may be a relevant viewpoint that you haven’t considered. Good consultants know that there are many potential solutions to a single problem, so try to keep an open mind during your interview, and trust your instincts when presenting a persuasive proposal.

Ask Questions

After you’ve been provided with information about the case, be sure to ask intelligent questions. It’s best to start an engaging  dialogue. Consultants are expected to be engaging in team problem solving situations. Be inquisitive as curiosity is a persistent trait of successful consultants, and add some intelligent thoughts in order to generate hypothesis driven questions.

Take Time to Structure the Problem

Structure the problem using your own methodology. You can (and should!) use a consulting framework as a starting point, but no framework will fit your case problem to a tee. You may ask the interviewer for a minute to formulate your thoughts before you answer. As you think it through, try your best to systematically break the question down into digestible pieces. Make sure your structure is logical and each piece doesn’t overlap the other. Although what you learned in class or from a book may guide you, try to incorporate your own method of showcasing your problem solving prowess, and try your best to sound original.

Take a Stand

Toward the end of the discussion, be prepared to take a final stand. Yes, you might have been provided with limited data and time to tackle the underlying issues, but never hesitate to make a call. Consulting firms want to know how you’ll draw a sound recommendation based on the information you were given.

Preparation is a fundamental requirement to success, particularly in a very competitive industry like management consulting.

Learn More

For more helpful insights on how to craft a winning job application, download our free guide to consulting career and learn how you can outshine the competition!

References

• Interview Mistakes

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Booz & Company is one of the leading consulting firms in the world. They work closely with top businesses, governments, and organizations across several continents and have 57 offices around the globe. This established firm is also recognized as one of the most prestigious management consulting firms in the world by Consulting Magazine, and Time Magazine once dubbed the organization as “the world’s largest, most prestigious management consulting firm.”

With such an esteemed reputation and extensive expertise spanning a broad range of sectors, it’s not surprising that many aspiring consultants want to work at Booz. However, like in any top-tier firm, the application process is challenging and the competition is tough. As Booz is one of the highest regarded consultancies in the world, they only accept candidates who effectively demonstrate key skills and competencies.

Booz Interview Process

Booz & Company’s interview process is generally conducted in two rounds. Each round usually consists of two 45-minute interviews, each of which engages the candidate in a general introductory discussion as well as a case discussion, the later of which takes up the majority of the interview time.

The case discussion is nerve-racking for most aspiring consultants. You’ll be evaluated based on how you approach real-world business problems. This is where candidates’ business acumen and logical skills are put to the test. As an aspiring consultant, you should diligently prepare so you can structure your thoughts on any issue that may be presented. The cases given to applicants are frequently based on a real client engagement that the interviewer at Booz has worked on.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Case Interview

Increase your chances of acing your case interview by doing the following:

Master Consulting Frameworks

You’ll find these very helpful in structuring your answer.  Mastering consulting frameworks will guide you in finding the most suitable approach to any given situation and help you identify underlying issues and generate practical recommendations.

Hone Your Mental Math Skills

Case interviews generally contain a lot of graphs and numerical calculations. You will need to analyze large sets of numerical data, so it’s critical that you improve your mental math. Practice this skill and try to simulate the actual case interview so you can really gauge your speed in performing mental calculations.

Familiarize Yourself with Charts, Graphs, and Tables

If you are serious about pursuing a career in consulting, you should be able to read charts and tables and interpret data, regardless of how it’s presented. To reiterate, this is a critical skill of any management consultant as an erroneous interpretation will lead to the wrong conclusion, which can be costly to the firm and to your career. Devote ample time to enhancing this skill; make it a habit to read graphical charts or data spreadsheets in order to get used to analyzing such information.

Practice as Many Case Studies as You Can

The best preparation is of course to practice as many case scenarios as possible. This will help you hone your skills in developing defensible hypotheses and solutions.

Firms like Booz, Bain, and McKinsey offer practice interactive case studies as well as interview preparation tips—take advantage of these materials. There’s also plenty of case study practice guides available on the Internet. However, be picky; you don’t need to purchase every single study guide out there, simply choose about three reputable guides to help you with your interview preparation. The more exposure you have to various cases, the more prepared and competent you will be. Explore as many cases as you can as you never know what type of problem you’ll be presented with during the actual interview.

Start as Early as Possible

The earlier you start, the more cases you’re likely to crack. To be successful in this field, you need to develop a proactive review schedule. Don’t postpone your preparation; procrastination is often the cause of failure, and you don’t want to end up cramming the day before your interview.

Join Consulting Case Interview Review Sessions

Students can take advantage of campus consulting clubs and career service centers that organize case practice sessions. Visit your consulting club or career center and ask for some useful review materials.

Conduct Mock Interviews

Practice with someone. The best way to improve your critical thinking skills and ability to convey structured ideas is through mock interviews. Conduct simulated interviews with someone who can provide you with valuable feedback. Consider the following:

Tips during the Case Interview

To help you succeed in your Booz case interview, we have provided some valuable insights below:

Listen Carefully and Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions

Don’t be ashamed to clarify things that you don’t fully understand. Once the interviewer provides you with the case details, take some time to think and digest the case parameters. Next, summarize the case to the interviewer so you’re sure that you clearly understand the problem. Remember, some interviewers may not reveal all the necessary information unless you ask for it. If you feel you need to ask some questions to help you solve the case, go for it. Remember, the case interview assesses your questioning skills.

Structure the Problem

To guide you in your discussion with the interviewer, it’s recommended to briefly describe the framework you plan to use, then give the interviewer a chance to offer comments. It’s generally best to use the simpler frameworks. Once the interviewer approves your framework, stick to it. Work through the answer out loud so the interviewer can likewise assess your analytical structure and perhaps help you along.

Be Aware of the Time

Move through your framework at a pace that will allow you to tackle all the elements you mentioned at the start of the case discussion. Also, make sure you pause periodically during the discussion so as to give your interviewer a chance to make comments. If the interviewer provides you with advice, take it. Don’t be defensive and keep an open mind throughout the discussion.

Take a Stand

Be prepared to offer a recommendation toward the end of the case discussion. Although you may have been provided with little data and little time in which to discuss the underlying issues, don’t be afraid to make a call. That’s the essence of the exercise. You should be able to formulate your recommendation based on the information you were able to collect from your discussion.

Be Confident and Relax

It may seem difficult, but if you thoroughly prepared before the interview, you can definitely pull it off. The interviewer is not only evaluating your answer to the question, but also the manner in which you answer. Trust your instincts, but be careful not to be overly confident as you may be seen as an arrogant candidate.

Dress with Confidence

Ensure you’re dressed professionally. Dressing affects your attitude,  so wear something that will boost your confidence.

Maintain a Positive Energy

Booz and other top consulting firms want somebody who projects enthusiasm and has positive energy. Try to have some fun. Indeed it’s a very important interview and you should take it seriously, but don’t take the fun out of it. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer and keep a pleasant expression on your face throughout the entire process, just  don’t overdo it.

Remember that There Is No Single Right Way to Answer a Case

Don’t get too fixated on finding the correct answer. Good consultants always have more than one solution to any problem. As an aspiring consultant, you should know that there are many ways to craft a sound recommendation. The more important part of the case interview is how you demonstrate your thought process. If you are able to come to a logical and reasonable conclusion, then you have probably cracked the case.

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Writing your consulting resume? Not sure what to include to make it more impressive? Although you may be tempted to follow the common structure of international CVs, keep in mind that it is generally recommended to omit certain sections from a consulting application. Why? Because the most relevant details should be clearly conveyed in the achievements and skills section as resume screeners spend only a few minutes on each resume.

In fact, in 2012, a study was conducted which examined specific behaviors of recruiters as they screened applications, both paper and online, over a 10-week period. The research focused on what caught their attention and what was overlooked. The study’s eye-tracking technology revealed that recruiters spent almost 80% of their review time looking at just a few critical elements: the candidate’s name, current title and company, previous work and employer, and education. And they only spend around six seconds reviewing each element. “Beyond these data points, recruiters did little more than scan for keywords to match the open position, which amounted to a very cursory pattern-matching activity,” the researchers said.

So you see, every single part of your resume should serve your ultimate purpose, which is to impress the screener and land an interview. Incorporating details that add little to no additional value to your candidacy will only derail your success in the initial screening stage.

While some sections of a consulting resume are optional, the following sections are indispensable to crafting a winning consulting application:

Education

This section of your resume is critical. Resume screeners prefer to see details about postgraduate and college education first. Don’t forget to include your degree(s), university, grades, or GPA. Also, it is recommended to mention any major milestone such as achieving magna cum laude status and/or receiving awards for academic excellence and outstanding social involvement. You may also include relevant academic projects like your senior thesis and other notable research, which will serve to demonstrate your academic prowess.

Many firms place emphasis on standardized test scores (GMAT, LSAT, SAT, etc) as well, so if you have taken such tests it is wise to include your results. If you don’t think your score is impressive, you can compensate by providing a remarkable track record in the next section.

Work Experience / Accomplishments

Resume screeners are greatly impressed with a results-oriented track record. That’s why this section is undeniably an essential part of your application. This is your opportunity to provide a synopsis of your relevant work achievements and advertise yourself and what you can bring to the table. Thus, it’s suggested to mention your accomplishments in a detailed yet concise manner.

Although this section is for work experience, do not make the common mistake of simply mentioning the title, company, and responsibilities of your previous jobs. Consulting resume screeners want quantifiable achievements not job descriptions. Emphasize what you have achieved in each major role that went beyond your daily responsibilities. Firms are more interested in the impact you made in your previous positions, the positive changes brought about through your direct involvement. It’s not enough that you complete your daily tasks, you need to show that your work will generate profitable results for your target employer.

Use this section to demonstrate your unique skills and experiences that will help employers understand your strengths—lack of self-promotion will hurt your candidacy. Sell yourself loud and clear. Aside from your consulting cover letter, your resume is the only way you can make a positive impression and land the highly-anticipated interview. Yes, it’s great that you were a marketing manager for five years, but this information will not be enough to attract McKinsey, Bain, and BCG recruiters.

Highlight your most impressive achievements and back them up with quantifiable results. (You may exaggerate a little with regard to quantifying impact.) Although not every positive impact has to be quantified, be consistently focused on the impact of your work and don’t fixate on the particular steps you’ve taken. For instance, instead of saying, “Devised a marketing plan for ABC Company,” say: “Developed a marketing plan for ABC company, resulting in a 30% increase in revenue in two months.”

Also, it’s recommended that you use actionable words like “managed,” “developed,” etc. You can also include key phrases such as managed clients, managed teams, proposed and implemented, increased performance by, reduced costs by, and the likes. Remember, top firms are likely to be looking for similar attributes in your application.

Skills

In addition to the work experience section, you may also take advantage of this part of your application to demonstrate your suitability to daily consulting duties. But take note that the skills you list must be relevant and proven.

It’s important that you’re aware of precisely which skills consultants are looking for so that you can highlight them in your resume. Reviewers generally look for solid proof of skills in these key areas: analysis and problem-solving, quantitative, achieving, social and leadership, and communication.

Extracurricular

This section can add value to your application because firms are  interested in volunteer work or positions you’ve taken which demonstrate your leadership, initiative, and commitment. That’s why it’s recommended to include leadership positions, involvement in extracurricular activities, and any other significant participation in sports or societies. In general, you should only include information that will help your target firm understand your strengths.

References

Although this section may not be as critical as your work experience and skills, it could add great value to your application. If you have credible business references and former or current consultancy clients, it could push your application forward. These references will provide your target firm with first-hand information that will strongly support the information you provided.

In order to further improve the sections listed above, follow these valuable tips:

Reference

• What Recruiters Look For in a 6-Second Resume Scan

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The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) receives thousands of resumes each year, but only a very small percentage are included on the short list. The abundant supply of applicants creates tough competition—a challenge you will face if you dream of breaking into this firm.

Below are some tips on how to craft a BCG resume that creates a positive impact on recruiters:

Think Before Writing

Some applicants get confused when crafting a resume because they skip the most important part—thinking. When you turn on the computer and begin writing, you won’t be able to properly summarize your qualifications if you haven’t done the following:

Without the information above, it’s impossible to create an effective resume structure that will catch the recruiter’s attention.

Look at Examples of Consulting Resumes

The Internet is a great resource of job application materials. If you are clueless on how to begin the resume writing process, refer to examples published on career websites. Read about the best practices for tailoring your BCG resume according to the job specifications and recommended formats and designs. Notice how achievements, skills, and qualifications are presented and follow the format.

However, never copy-paste a generic example into your resume. They may serve as a reference, but you have to write your own.based on your different competencies and credentials. If you commit this mistake, your resume will seem impersonal and won’t create an impact with the reader.

Attend BCG Resume Workshops

BCG representatives sometimes visit universities to conduct workshops. If they visit your school, take the time to attend and network with company officials. When BCG conducted a seminar with the Yale Graduate Student Consulting Club in April 2013, they discussed what they expect to read in resumes, walked through a sample resume, and presented good and bad examples. What strategies could be more practical than those presented by BCG employees themselves?

Integrate What BCG Looks for In Applicants

BCG prefers to hire candidates who possess the following qualities:

Your qualifications should be presented according to what BCG is looking for. If you were once a student officer, enumerate what you accomplished while in the position. If you conducted an intensive market research in your previous job, highlight this in your experience section because it indicates that you are curious, analytical, and capable of using objective judgment. If you once volunteered for a charitable activity or if you advocate for a good cause, emphasize this on your BCG resume.

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Have you been thinking about working at a top-tier consulting firm like McKinsey? What benefits would you get from your experience at this world-renowned organization? A career in management consultancy offers numerous opportunities and advantages. To help you answer the question, “Why work at McKinsey?” or at any other esteemed firm, we have provided some of the top benefits:

Diversity

In consulting, generally no two days are alike. Consultants help different organizations achieve, sustain, and regain their hold on their respective markets. They work with organizations from various sectors to explore growth opportunities, solve operational problems, and more. In other words, you’ll never get bored as there’s always a new challenge or issue to resolve. As a McKinsey consultant, you’ll be exposed to a diversity of situations and projects, which is one of the greatest benefits of working for a top firm.

Develop Strong Communication and Influencing Skills

Impressive analytical skills are not the only capabilities you can hone in your consulting career. As a consultant at a top firm, you’ll develop strong communication, presentation, and influencing skills. Consultants present their ideas to different types of people, and if you work at McKinsey, you’ll likely present to executives from global enterprises. In the process, a consultant gains confidence in communicating and presenting ideas.

Generous Compensation

Another good answer to the question, “Why work at McKinsey?” is the generous compensation. In general, consultants receive a more competitive pay rate than do full- time workers in other industries. Consultants have a very specific skill set, and big corporations are willing to pay a premium for the services of consultants who work at top-tier firms.

Development Opportunities

Another great benefit of working at McKinsey is the opportunity for growth and development. McKinsey is known to provide their consultants with extensive formal and informal mentoring. The firm often conducts reviews every six months or at the end of a consulting engagement, which help consultants improve their performance. In addition, McKinsey is also known to offer extensive career counseling to its consultants.

Networking Opportunities

Consultants from top firms work for multiple companies around the world. Working at  McKinsey will provide you access to a massive amount of information about the operations of numerous global companies. You’ll gain an exclusive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the organizations you work for. And most importantly, you’ll have countless opportunities to build new contacts across different industries. This knowledge along with a quality network will be extremely helpful in your future job search or other business endeavor.

Knowledge Sharing

You might ask yourself, “Why work at McKinsey when there are so many other top-tier consulting firms?” McKinsey invests a good amount of money each year in a program called, “Knowledge, Development, and Dissemination.” This includes research, studies, and reports which provide deeper insights into the various industries and corporate functions they serve. As a consultant at a global firm, you’ll have access to these valuable materials, which will provide you with credible data you can use during client conversations and other relevant situations.

Develop a Specialization

Working at a world-renowned firm can help you discover which path suits your goals, background, and interests best. As a consultant, you’ll have the opportunity to choose whether you want to focus on a specific area of expertise or work on a variety of problems among numerous industries. Over time, many consultants develop an expertise in a particular industry or function. This provides another great answer to the question, “Why work at McKinsey”—to help transform and enhance your thought processes while serving a spectrum of global clients.

Global Leadership

At McKinsey, you can take advantage of a legacy of expertise. As a member of a leading management consulting firm, you’ll have many opportunities to work with some of the most successful and prominent leaders in the world. Immersing yourself in this type of  environment will help you imbibe their thoughts and actions. Working within their organizations will help accelerate your growth and advance your career.

Learning from the Best

If you work at a top consulting firm, you’ll benefit from learning from the best. You are likely to work alongside senior colleagues and other accomplished professionals. From them, you’ll be able to acquire feedback and advice on your performance. These experiences will help you succeed in leadership roles as well as help you build a personal network that will support you for the rest of your career.

Credibility

Perhaps one of the best answers to the question, “Why work at McKinsey?” is instant credibility. Having a name like McKinsey on your professional profile shouts credibility. It’s like getting into an Ivy League school: whether you’re searching for a job, locating startup investors, or looking for other business development opportunities, you’ll definitely benefit from this credential, which will follow you even after you leave the firm.

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The employment opportunities for an aspiring consultant are increasing as more and more organizations are becoming aware of the benefits of consulting. However, landing a job in this industry isn’t easy. You need to possess certain skills that go beyond technical abilities and effectively convey them in your resume.

To successfully convince your target firm that you’re the best candidate for the job, ensure that your application clearly establishes the qualities and skills listed below:

Business Judgment

Industry knowledge does count. In order to be considered for a consulting position, your application should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of strategic planning, market analysis, and other business processes. Top-tier firms also consider candidates with specific industry expertise, so ensure your consulting resume skills section provides solid proof of this.

Financial Skills

Business schools are known for providing a solid foundation of the essential financial skills; however, you will need to include more than your financial knowledge on your resume. As an aspiring consultant, you must establish your ability to precisely articulate how a specific strategy would save the client money and how a consulting engagement can benefit a company. It’s not just about creating assumptions and projections; you must be able to translate your financial expertise into practical and effective solutions.

Math Skills

One of the most important consulting resume capabilities is strong math skills. Actually it’s essential to the entire consulting application. The ability to calculate quickly and accurately in your head is extremely valuable in the consulting world. You need to show the recruiters that you’re comfortable with numbers as consultants deal with a massive amount of figures on a regular basis. You must display confidence in calculating numbers without having to rely on a calculator. If you pass the initial screening, be prepared to answer questions that will test your quantitative skills during the case interview, without the use of a calculator.

Problem-solving Skills

Consultants are problem solvers. That’s why it’s critical that you demonstrate this ability in your consulting resume skills section. Make sure the skills and extracurricular section of your resume include specific roles you have taken on that exhibit your competencies to devise efficient solutions.

Analytical and Creative Skills

A great management consultant must possess exceptional analytical and creative skills. There are times in which a consultant is required to develop out-of-the-box yet practical solutions. These skills go hand-in-hand with problem solving capabilities. As the daily tasks of a consultant revolve around gathering information, assessing the situation, and offering a solution, you need to prove that you have strong logical skills to implement sound solutions.

Leadership and People Skills

Proven leadership skills are also a necessary quality of successful consultants as they  deal with diverse individuals from different industries. It’s not enough that you know how to solve complex problems; top firms are looking for someone who can effectively handle interpersonal situations. Good consultants enjoy being around people and making strong connections with colleagues and clients. Ensure to include some of your activities or roles that will establish you as a personable leader in your consulting resume skills section.

Communication Skills

Your consulting resume skills should also include activities that will further establish your strong communication skills. Consultants are expected to be excellent communicators as they have to convey their strategic insights in a clear and concise manner. Actually, having a properly structured and well-written resume is solid proof of your communication ability, therefore you need to ensure it’s written perfectly.

Presentation Skills

This skill goes hand-in-hand with communication capabilities. You must be able to understand what a client needs, formulate a sound solution, and effectively present your findings and recommendations. Your resume should appear professional and well-structured as this will reflect your presentation skills. As an aspiring consultant, you must also be able to display that you’re comfortable with presenting to diverse clients  using the latest multimedia technology such as Powerpoint, particularly if you’re applying to top firms like Bain and McKinsey.

Idea-driven Personality

Consultants are hired to generate ideas. Their capital is not money but ideas and intellect. Thus, you need to demonstrate that you have genuine passion for generating fresh and creative solutions. Consultants are expected to find innovative ways of doing things.

Service-oriented

Consulting is considered a service industry, as consultants generally spend their time helping clients solve complex business problems. Good consultants are committed to meeting their clients’ needs, and top-tier firms look for this trait when hiring candidates. In order to benefit from the rewards of this career, personal excellence, intellectual leadership, and dedication are required. Being committed to affecting change is what makes consulting a fulfilling career path.

Consulting can be a very demanding job and it requires certain traits and skills to achieve  success in this field. If you are smart, friendly, and enjoy solving problems for others, you are likely to excel as a management consultant.

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So, you’ve been thinking about shifting careers. Don’t worry, this is normal. In fact, many people realize that what they truly want is different from what they are doing, among them are software engineers who flirt with the idea of becoming management consultants.

The prestige and competitive monetary compensation that the consulting industry offers is attractive for applicants from different backgrounds. The good news for engineering students and graduates is that many consulting firms consider hiring candidates with engineering backgrounds as long as they have the proven skills to perform the job well. In fact, top-tier firms like McKinsey and Bain have been noted for hiring engineering graduates in the last several years.

Concerns about Pursuing Consultancy

As you are planning to break into a different field, it is common for you to have concerns. The most typical of which are:

1. Insufficient business experience on your resume.
2. A lack of essential knowledge about the consulting industry.
3. Recruiters may assume you lack people skills as your primary strengths are  numbers and analytics.
4. No experience with case studies, which is an integral part of any consulting interview.

Why Consulting Firms Hire Applicants with Engineering Experience

Although it may not seem like a natural fit, most engineering students and graduates possess critical skills that are applicable in the consulting industry. This is why big firms consider engineering graduates as eligible candidates for management consulting positions. These skills include:

Tips for Engineers Who Want to Pursue Management Consulting

Here are some valuable tips to help you successfully break into business consulting:

These guidelines will help you succeed in your new career endeavor. Many engineers have already joined top-tier firms and found consultancy the perfect platform for leveraging their technical training and achieving professional and personal growth.

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Many aspiring consultants are obsessed with how their resumes should be formatted. An effective consulting resume format is an attribute of a credible resume. However, there is more to it than font size, columns, and margins; how you present your content is the most critical aspect of formatting your resume.

Many different resume formats will work for a consulting resume, but the most important thing to consider is how you can effectively highlight your major accomplishments. As an aspiring consultant, you need to ensure that the format of your application is focused on showcasing your relevant qualifications such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. The format of your resume should also communicate your personal brand consistently.

In constructing your consulting resume format, you need to know what top-tier firms are looking for. Recruiters check your resume for the following:

Complete Contact Information

Make it easy for screeners to find your contact details by placing them at the top of the page,  right below your name.  Include all relevant details that your target employer will need: your complete name, home address, email address, and contact numbers. It is also suggested to include the URL to your online portfolio or website, if you have one. Also, use a larger font for your name, and most importantly, make sure that the contact details you provide are accurate and functional.

Education Details

When listing your educational achievements, start with your most recent accomplishment. It is not necessary to include your high school honors and awards. Consulting resume screeners usually look for three important elements in this section of your application.

1. Renowned academic institutions

Top consulting firms give preference to applicants who graduated from an Ivy League or prestigious university because these credentials impresses their clients. However, candidates who did not graduate from Harvard or other reputable institution do receive offers from top consulting firms. But if you got it, make sure you flaunt it, as it will definitely help your candidacy.

2. Great academic performance

Top-tier firms want to know how you did in school. In other words, they are interested in how smart you are. If you don’t include your GPA on your resume, the recruiter will either ask you for it or assume that your GPA is low and assess your application accordingly. It is also important that you explain the grading system your school used if it’s not standard. You don’t want your target firm to interpret your grades incorrectly, particularly if your marks were high. In addition, many firms will ask fresh graduates for their transcript in order to see which quantitative classes the applicant has taken.

3. Impressive standardized test scores

Many consulting firms also want to see your standardized test scores—SAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, and MCAT. They use this information to gauge your mathematical ability. And as you probably know, strong math skills are critical to becoming a good consultant. Moreover, great math skills have been linked to the ability to think logically and analytically. Top consulting firms favor candidates with high standardized test scores, and although it’s not necessary to have a perfect score, including your high scores will impress recruiters, whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced professional.

Professional Experience

When finalizing your consulting resume format, take into consideration that resume screeners are basically looking for two things: quantifiable achievements and recognizable employer names. Yes, they value big brand names. (Think of McKinsey, Bain, or Boston Consulting Group). With these two things in mind, you should list your work experience in the following manner:

Skills and Extracurricular Activities

When discussing your skills and extracurricular experience, make sure you emphasize the roles and activities that highlight your leadership, communication, and problem solving skills. Consulting firms are not just looking for smart candidates; they are after well-rounded and driven individuals.

General Formatting Tips

Here are more tips on finalizing your consulting resume format:

The best consulting resume format is one that is geared towards highlighting relevant details. Tailor your resume using the guidelines above and you’ll be sure to catch the eye of any consulting resume screener.

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After you write your cover letter and resume, you will need to review them. The competition among aspiring consultants is tough and the recruitment process is intense. You must ensure that your application is crafted to perfection.

You should never underestimate the power of a well-written and thoroughly reviewed resume. You need to edit your consulting resume with a fine-toothed comb before submitting it to your target firm. As hiring managers receive thousands of applications, yours needs to stand out among those of the other candidates’.

Review Your Application

The most challenging part of consulting resume editing is making it interesting enough to get you to the interview stage. As your resume and cover letter will allow recruiters to get a glimpse of who you are and what you have to offer, you need to make a lasting impression. Below are some tips on how you can review and edit your cover letter and resume.

Ask a Friend to Review Your Application

A trusted friend or colleague from your network can help you with consulting resume editing and ultimately increase the effectiveness of your application. Although you may have reviewed your resume a hundred times, a fresh set of eyes may catch a detrimental error. Ask someone who has editing experience or who works in the consulting industry.

Having someone else review your application is not only a good way to spot typos and grammar errors; it is likely that the person will have suggestions on how to rephrase your statements to make them more effective. Be open to their feedback and edit your resume based on their comments.

Ask a Professional to Review Your Application

Having professional consulting resume editing will give you an advantage over the competition. Applicants are inclined to highlight details that they feel are important, but   omit relevant qualifications which demonstrate their fit with the target firm.

Consulting firms receive thousands of applications. There is definitely no room for error. Candidates don’t always realize that they have made more mistakes than typos and grammatical errors such as failing to emphasize their consulting qualities, including irrelevant information, faulty structure, and an unprofessional design, to name a few.

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