Management consultants are known to solve problems. They are hired to assess the business operations of an organization and propose solutions to improve overall efficiency. However, despite their prestige, management consultants face criticism from skeptics who question their worth and ability.

Criticism Consultants Face

Consultants face criticism both from clients and management scholars. Some criticize the cost of hiring a consultant, particularly those from top-tier firms. Clients question why consultants charge $2 million for a few weeks of work and doubt whether the recommendations provided are really that beneficial to their businesses.

Consulting firms are sometimes accused of making empty promises, stating the obvious, and even lacking the relevant experience on which to base their recommendations. And many clients consider the high fees consultants charge unreasonable.

Aside from the value of their work, some consultants are criticized for overusing buzzwords, while others are condemned because they fail to develop plans that can be executed by the client organization. Moreover, many companies are disappointed with the sustainability of the results. Although most consultants do promote sustainability, such expectations are not  guaranteed after project completion.

Additional criticisms include reselling similar reports or failing to customize research reports, lack of innovation, overbilling, and lack of clarity in regard to deliverables.

Well, that’s just one side of the story.

Value of Management Consultants

Management consultants, particularly those from top-tier firms, have proven to provide invaluable insights to many companies around the world. Some of the most important benefits they offer an organization include:

Impartial Advice

Consultants can give unbiased advice because they are not conflicted. As they are independent from the organization, they can provide unprejudiced observations and recommendations. On the other hand, internal consultants tend to be conflicted and  are frequently reluctant to give harsh yet accurate recommendations to their peers. That’s why many international companies with internal consulting capabilities solicit advice from premium consulting firms. They realize the value in bringing in external consultants who can  can truly assess the company’s operations.

Dedicated to Solving the Problem

A focused team of smart people who are dedicated to solving the problem is an extremely valuable asset. As consultants are generally unbiased, they can focus their attention on a particular problem. Consultants are hired to execute a defined project and leave when results are delivered. They are definitely more efficient in handling the company assessment and improvement projects compared to the current employees who are bogged down in their daily tasks.

Political Cover

As consultants are treated as an external force, they are a handy scapegoat. CEOs who are reluctant to make an unpopular decision often hire a trusted consulting firm to do the dirty work. In many cases, companies find it hard to take the next step, particularly if it involves a risk such as developing a new business line, layoffs, benefit reductions, and other major operational shifts. The board can easily distance themselves from any unpopular decision by hiring external consultants who will get the desired results while taking the fall in case things don’t go as planned.

Access to More Data

Even if obliged to discard specific company data, top-tier consultants can conduct analysis and leverage company-specific data to craft their own intellectual property and utilize it to help other companies in the future. Also, reputable consultancies have a wide range of experience across different corporate cultures and industries. They are adept in best practices in many environments and functions and can effectively recognize the most viable solutions as they apply strategies used in similar situations.

Fresh Perspective

Companies experiencing challenges often need a fresh viewpoint. Consultants add value to operations by providing new insights and pointing to underlying problems. Critics may say that consultants are just selling “hyped-up common sense,” but for existing employees who are too busy with daily tasks, it can be easy to lose sight of the overall picture.

Although management consultants face a lot of criticism, many global organizations still seek their services in an effort to overcome recent economic difficulties. It is safe to say that top-tier consulting firms continue to bring value to business operations.

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More and more people are considering the idea of pursuing a management consulting career. It is a high-paying, high-profile industry that offers diverse business opportunities.

World-renowned consulting firms such as Bain & Co., the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and McKinsey & Co. receive thousands of applications each year but only a few candidates are called for interviews.

Both a consulting cover letter and resume play an important role in the preliminary screening stage. Aspiring consultants need to submit polished applications in order to get an interview. When crafting a consulting cover letter and resume, try to put yourself into the recruiter’s shoes. They normally spend a minute or less reviewing an application before  making the decision about whether the candidate is qualified to sit for an interview. What credentials would you consider?

In order to determine whether or not a candidate deserves to proceed to the next stage of the hiring process, employers look for three things:

1. Specific consulting skills and achievements.
2. Keywords or phrases.
3. Overall professionalism.

What Information Do you Need to Include in Your Consulting Application?

Your application must clearly demonstrate your skills, achievements, and other characteristics relevant to the consulting position. These include:

Logical Thinking

A great consultant applies logic when solving diverse problems.  Consultants are expected to come up with innovative yet practical new strategies that will benefit clients. However, sometimes there is a need for out-of-the-box solutions. As an aspiring consultant, you should display both creativity and practicality in your thought processes.

Problem-solving

As an aspiring consultant, you have to display both theoretical and practical knowledge. Great consultants perceive more than one solution to any problem and learn how to improvise on their feet. So in order to be successful in this field, you need to be passionate about solving problems, as this is what you’ll be doing most of the time. Analytical and problem-solving skills are crucial in consulting.

Communication Skills

Consultants have to be articulate. Consulting is not just about solving problems, a consultant also needs to simplify and explain the problem. In order to convey ideas, you have to possess excellent communication skills. In addition, your application should be written in a confident, professional tone.

Confidence

Your consulting cover letter and resume can reveal your personality as well as your credentials so you want to make sure you project confidence in your application. Great consultants remain calm and confident in even the most complex situation. They are go-getters and see challenges as learning opportunities.

Sociability

Aspiring consultants have to be personable. As a consultant, you’ll be working with diverse companies and you’ll need to win the confidence and trust of strangers. This takes people skills. Great consultants interact with different people in a way that makes them feel comfortable.

Leadership Skills

As an aspiring consultant, you need to demonstrate your skills in managing and motivating people. In order to be a good leader, you need to be assertive, knowledgeable, and understanding.

Flexibility

Consultants are flexible as they need to accommodate the different schedules of a variety of clients. In order to be successful in this field, you need to handle multiple priorities of multiple clients.

Achievements

Firms are looking for achievements, particularly quantifiable results because great consultants are results-oriented. A proven-track record is an asset to your consulting cover letter and resume. Clearly demonstrate the value or contribution you can offer your target firm. Also, remember to put quantitative accomplishments into context. For instance, you could say, “Increased profits by 15% in a highly competitive setting.”

Including these skills and characteristics on your application will demonstrate your ability to effectively fill the role of a consultant.

Optimize Your Job Application through Keywords and Phrases

Most employers don’t spend a lot of time reviewing applications; they simply browse through your credentials. Make it easy for them to recognize your eligibility by sprinkling your resume and cover letter with the terms they are looking for. You can use some of the phrases from the section above.

Moreover, remove any work information that is not directly relevant to management  consulting. Choose three to five of your credentials, and create a professional summary that will highlight these achievements and qualifications. Tailor your application to what the firm is looking for. Do your homework and research the organization. Use the information to demonstrate your suitability for the position.

Proofreading Your Application Reflects Professionalism

Make sure your consulting cover letter and resume is free from typos and grammatical errors. This indicates that you have excellent written communication skills, which is critical when presenting written proposals or recommendations to various client organizations. Your written communication skills must be polished enough to persuade senior management.
It is critical that you submit an impeccable cover letter and resume. Before you send your application to consulting firms, proofread it more than once. It is even suggested to have someone else read it in order to catch any errors you may have missed. In addition, use professional formatting as a visually appealing application demonstrates your attention to detail. These fine points are critical to any consultant’s success.

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Bain & Company is a world-renowned strategy consulting firm. They have been ranked the #1 best firm to work for by Consulting magazine for the past nine years. This leading firm works with large corporations and multinationals across industries throughout the world.

With such a prestigious reputation, it is not surprising that many aspiring consultants want to jump start their career at this organization. Because this job market is so competitive, failing to submit an eye-catching consulting cover letter would be a huge mistake. Recruiters at top-tier consulting firms, such as Bain, will not spend a lot of time reviewing your application, so a well-written and complete application is a must.

A complete consulting application includes more than an impressive resume; you also need an equally remarkable cover letter. In fact, the results from a recent survey revealed that 75% of employers indicated that a well presented cover letter can significantly improve the chances of a less eligible candidate landing an interview, and that 53% of employers favor applications with both a resume and cover letter.

A cover letter provides you with an opportunity to highlight your relevant skills and experiences as well as convey your enthusiasm for the consulting industry, so take advantage of it. You can look online for Bain cover letter samples to guide you in writing your application.

What Bain Looks For

Bain looks for candidates who can demonstrate they possess qualifications imperative to consulting such as sharp problem solving and strong leadership skills and a true passion for consulting.

Sharp problem solving skills are indispensable for any aspiring Bain employee. If you are not sure how to incorporate your problem solving skills in your cover letter, begin by  providing short yet specific accomplishments from your previous roles that demonstrate this skill. Remember, you need to exhibit this capability in order to move on to the case interview. Although your problem solving skills and thought process will be further evaluated during the case interview, you must first give them a glimpse of your potential in order to get to the next stage.

Bain is also impressed with aspiring consultants who present a results-oriented track record. You do not need to list all of your previous successful projects in your cover letter, simply highlight the most impressive one.

Strong leadership qualities are essential if you really want to work at Bain. The firm  explicitly states that they seek out candidates with proven leadership experience. Whether your experience in this area is school or work-related or even through your extracurricular activities, make sure your application displays this necessary trait.

Bain values applicants who show genuine passion for consulting and for life in general. Bain also appreciates enthusiastic candidates who want to make a change in the world. You can demonstrate your passion for consulting through the relevant experience or achievements you include in your application. You can also demonstrate your passion for change by citing your activities outside the office such as volunteer work.

When applying for a consulting position at Bain, you must be able to clearly demonstrate the characteristics listed above in your cover letter and resume.

Bain Cover Letter Structure

Your consulting cover letter should only contain three to five paragraphs, and the information needs to be presented in a concise yet comprehensive manner.

Bain Cover Letter Sample: Contact Information and Salutation

The most important thing you need to remember for this section is accuracy. As the recruiter will use the details you provide here to notify you, ensure that your email address and phone number are functional and accurate. Double check your contact information before you send your application.

Moreover, do not forget to address your letter to the correct person and list his or her title at the company. Many candidates overlook this simple detail when writing their cover letters. In fact, according to feedback from top employers listed in the book, The 100 Best Companies to Work For, 91% implied that addressing a cover letter to the appropriate individual improves an applicant’s chances of getting an interview. This is because it reflects the extra time you took to research and personalize your letter as well as your great attention to details. Failing to address these aspects in your cover letter may hurt your application.

Bain Cover Letter Sample: Introduction

The first paragraph is where you mention the purpose of your letter, which is applying for the consulting position. It needs to be interesting enough to encourage the screener to read the rest of your application. Basically, this section of your letter should address the question, “Why this job?” Explain how you came to know about the job opening and briefly state why you are interested in the position. Sound sincere and do not just repeat their publicity materials. A good Bain cover letter demonstrates that you have done your research and that your letter is targeted toward the organization and have not simply sent out the same cover letter to other employers.

To convey an original, targeted, and interesting voice, you can mention any of the following: networking, articles, or events. If you happen to have a conversation with a Bain employee, you may mention how that person has inspired you to pursue consulting. You may also refer to an event, such as an inspirational talk, wherein you learned the value of working at Bain. And you may state a particular case Bain handled that has inspired you to get into consulting.

Check Bain’s website for company information or ask colleagues who are associated with them, so you can add something original in your letter. You may also check out other consulting sites for good Bain cover letter samples.

Bain Cover Letter Sample: Middle Paragraphs

The middle section of your consulting cover letter should answer the question, “Why me?” This section can be either one or two paragraphs and convey all your significant work experience and how it relates to the vacancy. Explain briefly and clearly why you are suited for the position without using the exact same words or phrases on your resume. Refer to your most relevant skills and accomplishments and match them to the requirements of the consulting position.

Bain Cover Letter Sample: Conclusion

The closing paragraph of your Bain cover letter should reaffirm your suitability for the role. Demonstrate your enthusiasm about the possibility of working as a Bain consultant and  state that you are looking forward to hearing from them. Statistics from the survey mentioned above revealed that 88% of employers agree that applicants should mention their interest in being interviewed in their cover letters.

Finally, do not forget to sign your letter. If you are submitting a paper application, you must place your handwritten signature above your name. This is a sign of proper business etiquette and professionalism. If you are sending an email application, a signature may not be necessary; however, you must not forget to write your name at the bottom of your letter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A Bain cover letter needs to be perfectly written and presented. If you want to land a consulting job with this prestigious firm, avoid committing the following mistakes:

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The hiring process at McKinsey is different from other top-tier consulting firms and there is no way to get around their infamous case study interview. This quantitative test is designed to gauge your ability to analyze and solve problems under pressure. Candidates who pass the initial resume screening are required to complete the McKinsey Problem Solving Test (PST), so if you want to land a job with this prestigious firm, diligent preparation is your key to passing this challenge.

So, what should you expect from the PST? It typically consists of 25 questions spread among five or six cases. Every case includes a short description of the company, data on revenue or employees, and other information. There may be charts on how profit has progressed through the years, etc. You need to solve the problem based on the data presented in each case.

In order to ace the McKinsey Problem Solving Test, you need to do the following:

Hone Your Comprehension Skills

You need to master the art of identifying the data that is relevant to solving the case. Read the questions carefully. To guide you in determining what is important, you can read the questions first. As you won’t have the luxury of time during the exam, you cannot spend time attempting to figure out every detail, graph, or table. If your comprehension skills are poor, you will have a hard time distinguishing the data requisite to solving the problem.

Practice Timed Numerical Computations

You are not allowed to use a calculator during the PST, so you will need to practice timed numerical computations as case studies often include quantitative questions. Calculations can be time-consuming and you only have 60 to 70 minutes to finish the exam; therefore, improving your mental math will increase your speed. Daily practice and patience will help you develop this ability.

Learn How to Interpret Data

If you are serious about pursuing a career in consulting then you should know by now that the ability to read and understand charts and tables is an indispensable skill. Again, you will need to devote sufficient time reviewing this type of data so you will not be overwhelmed during the test. Reading graphical charts or data spreadsheets will help you learn how to interpret information presented in this manner.

Learning to decipher what charts and tables are conclusively telling you is a critical skill that every successful management consultant must possess. However, many aspiring and even new consultants have problems honing this skill. Misinterpreting the data will lead to the wrong conclusion, which can be quite costly. In fact, committing errors on big projects can cost you your job.

Practice, Practice, Practice

As they say, practice makes perfect. The best way to prepare for a McKinsey PST is to take advantage of the review materials available online. Of course, not all practice tests are created equal. Some do not accurately reflect the difficulty of the actual test. Do some research and find out which ones were designed by professionals who are knowledgeable about the methodology adopted by top-tier firms and renowned business schools. Invest ample time answering these training materials—the more you practice, the more effective you will be in handling the stress and pressure of the test.

In order to land a job at McKinsey, you will need more than just your knowledge of the company; you must possess the right skill set to do the job required. McKinsey associates are proficient at case studies, and by all means, you have to be as capable as they are. If you are patient and diligent with your preparation, you will surely prove your expertise.

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The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a tool often used by business schools in evaluating applicants for the MBA program. This standardized assessment is also an essential criterion for a management consulting career, as some firms consider a candidate’s GMAT score during the recruiting process.

Why Consulting Firms Consider GMAT Scores

GMAT scores are taken into consideration by some consulting firms because the results may reveal the applicant’s management consulting competencies. GMAT scores can help recruiters determine whether or not candidates will move on to the interview stage.

Quantitative Reasoning Ability

The quantitative section of the GMAT helps employers gauge your quantitative reasoning ability. An impressive score on questions related to numerical problems implies that you have the capability to effectively deal with numbers on a regular basis. Consultants frequently assess financial reports, compute costs and revenues, and engage in many other quantitative tasks. If you’re not good with numbers, you may not be consultant material.

Critical Reasoning Skill

GMAT scores can also reflect your reading comprehension and critical reasoning skills. Employers want to gauge your ability to understand written text, formulate sound reasoning, and interpret and express ideas. A good score in this section implies you have outstanding verbal reasoning skills, which consultants must have in order to study research and write reports and recommendations.

Your marks on the integrated reasoning part of the GMAT may be used by recruiters to evaluate your graphical and table analysis capabilities. Consultants analyze data in different formats, and a good score in this section indicates your ability to resolve complex problems.

Written Communication Skill

Finally, GMAT scores help employers assess whether you can write analytically under pressure. Consultants have great idea organizational skills and are frequently called upon to develop comprehensive presentations for various clients within a short period of time. Therefore, the ability to organize ideas and provide supporting facts is attractive to recruiters.

How to Compensate for a Low GMAT Score

If you don’t have an impressive GMAT score, you need to compensate in other aspects so as not to completely derail your candidacy.

Networking

If done properly, networking can be the key to getting your foot in the door of a prestigious consulting firm. Remember, your goal is to add contacts who are associated with your target firm. You need to network with people in your prospective firm, even if they are not involved in the recruiting process. You may use these valuable contacts for informational interviews, in which you ask for advice about your career path such as day-to-day consulting responsibilities, how your contact became interested in their firm, challenges and rewards, etc.

You can then use the information you have learned in your cover letter. You may mention who you have met and what inspired you to pursue a position at the company. Resume screeners will see these specific details as a genuine and dedicated effort to learn about them, and your letter will stand out even if you have a low GMAT score. Who knows, you might even build strong relationships with consultants who can influence the resume screening and interview process.

Extracurricular Activities

The activities you participate in outside of school or work may also help compensate for a low GMAT score. You can mention volunteer work, student council involvement, school newspaper contribution, etc.—anything that will prove academic excellence and/or notable social involvement. When discussing your extracurricular experience, ensure you highlight roles that demonstrate your leadership and people skills as well as your communication skills and motivation.

Achievements

Another way to impress recruiters, even if you have a low GMAT score, is by providing a results-oriented track record. Consulting firms want achievers who can prove quantifiable accomplishments. Ensure that your application clearly shows your valuable contribution to your previous or current employer. Regardless of your background, firms are generally impressed with the quantifiable impact you have made in the past.

Leadership Roles

Consultants must possess strong leadership skills. Listing leadership roles you’ve held will also help compensate for a low GMAT score. Firms are after individuals with great people skills—an ability that effective leaders have in common. As consultants handle diverse interpersonal situations, your application needs to establish you as a personable leader.

Consulting Skills

Of course, if you really want to excel in the consulting industry, you have to make extra effort to hone essential consulting skills. One critical skill you need to improve is your math skills. Consultants need to be able to calculate numerical data fast and accurately in their heads. As an aspiring consultant, you need to develop this skill if  you’re not that comfortable with numbers.

Additional key skills you need to take the time to hone are your problem solving and analytical skills. You can take advantage of the available books and other material to help you improve these essential consulting abilities. Consultants typically exhibit strong competencies in devising efficient solutions, so work on it.

Moreover, ensure your application is properly structured and well-written in order to convey your excellent communication skills. You will also need to prepare for the case interview. Consultants must be able to convey their ideas in a concise manner, so work on your written, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills, particularly if your GMAT score is not that impressive.

The GMAT and other standardized tests must not be taken for granted. These exams  reflect your capability to handle the responsibilities of a management consultant. Ensure to provide your GMAT score in your application, especially if it’s good, and remember to compensate in other key areas if you didn’t do so well.

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After spending several years in the consulting industry, strategy consultants possess expertise in functional practices across several industries and have built a strong network with reputable business leaders. Therefore, many exit options are available for qualified consultants, some of which include:

Corporate Roles

This is probably the most common exit option. A number of large corporations have internal consulting groups, which are supervised by ex-consultants. Outside of strategy, the pace is generally slower. Consultants are a good fit for corporate roles that demand analytics, research, project coordination, and staff management. Some of the advantages of opting for corporate roles include a more stable work environment, shorter hours, and the opportunity to develop an operating skillset. However, there are also cons associated with this option such as reduced pay and benefits and less flexibility when it comes to choosing projects and team members.

Graduate School

Many consultants who hit the two year mark apply to graduate programs. Experience in the consulting industry looks great on a resume and can help you get into top graduate programs at the best universities. A lot of undergraduate consultants pursue graduate school to figure out their next career move. It also gives them a break from the stress of daily consulting work.

The majority of consultants choose business school, while others pursue law school or opt to enroll in a Masters or PhD program. If you’re interested in a Masters or PhD program, conduct research on the companies that concentrate in your area. For example, Cornerstone is focused on economics research, which is a great fit for a future economics PhD.

Finance Roles

One of the more challenging exit options to consider is a career in finance. Let’s just say that an i-banker would break into these roles easier than a strategy consultant. However, if you are a product of a top-tier consultancy firm and the company needs some operational experience, you could have an advantage over experienced bankers. Some of the most common finance roles for ex-consultants include:

Private Equity

Strategy consultants are very much suited for private equity posts but they need to research potential employers. Larger shops, such as Carlyle and TPG, favor consultants who have handled corporate finance projects or those with prior banking experience.

One of the benefits of this exit option is that PE offers better compensation as well as greater prestige and the opportunity to handle industry-shaping projects. Some of the best firms in this sector include the McBain Group and Oliver Wyman.

Hedge Funds

Consultants can also break into the hedge fund sector; however, the opportunities are quite limited. You can only target those that demand the skills of an experienced consultant. For example, macroeconomic funds place a lot of emphasis on  market research, so this would be a good fit, whereas specialized funds would not.

In terms of salary, hedge funds can offer better compensation, and like PE, can open the door to industry-changing opportunities. It may be easier to penetrate this industry before you get into business school.

Asset Management / Equity Research

The skill set of a management consultant is a great fit for asset management or equity research. Aim for positions at top firms and target modeling-heavy assignments.

Entrepreneurship

Building a business is probably one of the least chosen exit options. However, consulting experience does serve as an advantage as consultants are constantly exposed to diverse industries, complex business problems, and great networks of business professionals, they are equipped with the elements required to start a successful business.

You can either start your own company or join a startup. The consulting industry is filled with entrepreneurs and generally has strong startup communities.

Public Sector and Government Roles

This is typically the least chosen path out of consulting. Only a few consultants are inclined to government service and politics. Some ex-consultants who have pursued their political careers include Bobby Jindal, formerly of McKinsey, and Mitt Romney, formerly of Bain.

Of course, the most visible benefit of opting for this career is the opportunity to take on government positions. On the other hand, the cons include reduced pay, longer working hours, and an indefinite career path.

The exit options listed above include only a few roles to consider. With a powerful skill set and expert credentials, a good consultant could break into any industry.

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Bain & Co. is one of the Big Three management consulting firms. Thousands of aspiring consultants apply to this prestigious organization, however, only those who can efficiently articulate their thoughts and demonstrate sound logic are deemed best suited for the job.

Bain Case Interview Facts

Bain utilizes a point system to determine which applicants are eligible for an interview. The key considerations include academic background, work experience, and extracurricular activities. If you were able to pass this initial screen, you need to start preparing for the infamous case interview.

Generally, there is no significant difference between the Bain interview and that of the other firms, particularly with regard to content or what they are looking for. What Bain and any esteemed consultancy firms want is basically the same: an applicant who possesses the analytical and logical skills to solve any type of business challenge. In addition, top-tier firms are looking for people with excellent communication skills and professionalism.

Therefore, in preparing for your Bain interview, your goal is to demonstrate your skills in realistic client situations.

How to Ace Bain Case Interviews

So what should you expect from a Bain case interview and how can you ace it? Bain typically provides 20 to 30 PowerPoint slides that describe a company’s situation. You will then be given approximately 50 minutes to review the slides before the actual interview begins. In order to impress recruiters, you will need to:

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Remember, whether or not you get the right answer, you need to be able to efficiently demonstrate your thought process. Don’t feel overwhelmed if the answer isn’t obvious— you are not expected to know everything. However, the interviewer wants to know about your approach to solving business challenges. You will be evaluated based on your ability to structure a practical and effective approach to resolving a problem. You must be able to clearly communicate your logic and fundamental assumptions.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions

Interviewers don’t always reveal all the necessary information unless it is requested. You may ask questions to elicit information you feel is needed to solve the case. It is essential that you determine which analytics are required for you to craft a recommendation. Remember, the case interview also evaluates your questioning skills.

Master Consulting Frameworks

In addition to logical thinking skills, you will need to master consulting frameworks in order to guide you in structuring your answer. You must know which approach to apply to different situations. Understanding these frameworks will help you identify contributing factors and generate pragmatic recommendations.

Improve Your Mental Math

Case interviews involve a lot of graphs and numerical calculations. It is therefore critical that you enhance your mental math. Take the time to practice this skill. It is best to simulate actual case interviews in order to improve your speed in performing calculations.

Practice Consulting Cases with a Friend or Professional

It is strongly recommended to practice consulting cases with someone, preferably a professional. Having someone to discuss your recommendations with or challenge your assumptions and interpretation of the data will significantly help you hone your analysis and comprehension skills.

Don’t Be Defensive

If your interviewer challenges your recommendations, don’t get defensive. Acknowledge the possibility that the interviewer may have brought up a relevant viewpoint that you have not considered. As there are many potential solutions, your goal is to be able to present a persuasive proposal best suited to the client’s situation. Trust your instincts and be open-minded.

Project Positive Energy

Top-tier consulting firms want applicants to be enthusiastic and energetic. Remember to be confident. Maintain eye contact with your interviewer and always have a pleasant expression on your face. However, do not overdo it. Project a calm, yet confident energy.

Whether you will be interviewing with Bain or another top-tier consulting firm, it is important to devote ample time to preparation. A management consulting job interview can be a nerve-racking experience, but with proper training, you can definitely come out on top.

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Management consultants are known as problem solvers. Their job is to help organizations maximize growth, improve business performance, and find solutions to their clients’ challenges by providing objective advice based on their expertise and skills.

Management consultants focus on analyzing and examining the structure, management, and operations of their clients. It is the duty of a consultant to formulate recommendations for positive change. Consultants cover a wide variety of services including business strategy, financial and management control, human resources, information technology, marketing, and operations. The business consulting industry is also known to generate a good amount of money and consultants are among the highest paid professionals.

There is no specific formula to becoming a successful business consultant, but utilizing the tips below will help get you started:

Know Your Strengths and Market Them

If you are new to management consulting, you need to step it up and market your expertise to your colleagues, former employers, and other contacts. Look at these people as potential employers who can refer you to businesses that require the services of a consultant.

Improve Your Social and Communication Skills

In addition to conducting a thorough analysis of the company’s overall business operations, you must have the ability to clearly communicate your thought process. Hone this important skill so you can express your brilliant recommendations and evaluations successfully. As you will be dealing with diverse people, including managers and employees, you need to project confidence when communicating. If you are not that confident about your interpersonal skills, attend seminars and workshops to improve this particular skill.

Monitor Your Client as Well as Its Competitors

If you already have a client, make it a habit to stay updated on the company, its top competitors, and recent industry developments. You can set up Google Alerts using related keywords. It is crucial to stay current if you want to remain on top of your game. By doing this, you are equipping yourself with powerful information that can lead to successful projects.

Know Your Client CEO and Senior Management

You do not want to have a casual conversation with an employee only to later realize that you were talking to the company CEO or the Executive VP—that can be very  embarrassing. Many newbie consultants have had this experience. Do your homework and visit your client’s website to familiarize yourself with the names and faces of senior management.

Find a Few Good Places for Team Dinners

Giving attention to this small detail is also important as it demonstrates your diligence. As a new consultant, the chore of planning and organizing team dinners and other team-bonding activities may fall on you, so it is best to be prepared. You can ask some friends for recommendations or search the Internet.

Organize Project-Related Documents

If the company has not implemented a shared hub for storing project-related documents, take the initiative and construct one. You can upload documents such as the annual reports of clients and competitors, briefings on the industry, and other client-related work. Reviewing work you conducted for your clients can provide you with ideas and help your team avoid previous mistakes. This will be a valuable resource to your team if you  organize it properly. Remember to frequently update the files as the project progresses.

Maintain a Healthy Working Relationship with Team Assistants

As the new consultant, you need to earn the respect of your team members. Earning their respect will enable you and the team to be more productive. Exert yourself and make an effort to get to know the team assistants on a personal level. After all, these people also have busy schedules and you want your requests to take top priority.

There is no sure formula to success, but it won’t hurt to follow these basic and practical tips for becoming an efficient and sought-after business consultant.

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Vying for a position at any management consulting firm is not an easy job. The recruitment process is tough and your competitors are highly qualified. When you feel that the odds of being invited to an interview are against you, take a breather and look for some inspiration on the web.

Here are some websites that can provide you with a daily dose of inspiration and motivation, and some nuggets of wisdom that can encourage you to manage your challenges optimistically.

TED

At TED.com, you will find a collection of talks given by influential people such as Bill Gates, Larry Page, Al Gore, Malcolm Gladwell, and other Nobel Prize winners. Each video contains innovative ideas on technology, design, entertainment, science, global issues, and business, among others. In addition, you will hear stories about how professionals succeed in their careers, ideas that you may use once you become a consultant, and simple tips on how to live life to the fullest.

Let’s Talk About Work

Founded by Mary-Frances Winters, letstalkaboutwork.tv offers practical advice, motivation, and guidance for personal and professional development. It posts daily inspirational quotes that can get your work day started on a positive note. It also publishes work-related blog posts that help  employees resolve issues with their boss or colleagues and conducts polls where you can share your ideas on relevant issues.

Marie Forleo

Marieforleo.com is the personal blog of Marie Forleo, a marketing and lifestyle expert who helps everyone live rich, happy, and hot. Most of her blogs contain a video of her interviewing an influential or successful person. At times, she provides practical advice for questions raised by her viewers or readers. In her posts, she encourages reader interaction by asking a question  about your career, preferences, business, or life in general.

Goins Writer

Goinswriter.com is the personal blog of Jeff Goins, a writer, speaker, creative coach, and consultant. He writes about dreams, art, careers, decisions, business, and other topics that will help you become an effective person. What you’ll love about his ideas is the fact that they are presented in a very simple manner. Readers remember his tips because they are easy to apply.

Careershifters

Careershifters.org is a website for professionals who want a change in their career. Its authors aim to help readers escape from their dead-end or unfulfilling jobs by gathering expert ideas on how to find a new profession that brings you to life. It explores the reasons that keep you from following your calling and provides you with tools on how to land your dream job. It also features the stories of professionals who successfully shifted from one career to another.

Zenhabits

On zenhabits.net, Leo Babauta proves that less is more. He believes there is happiness and productivity in finding simplicity and clearing the clutter. Each week, he features a few articles on motivation and inspiration, frugality, goals, health and fitness, among others. This uncopyrighted blog may have no images, but the simple yet powerful content is more than enough.

Lifehack

Many consider lifehack.org as one of the premier productivity and lifestyle blogs on the Internet. It provides advice, resources, and tips to help you perform tasks efficiently and effectively. It contains sensible articles and provides quotes on communication, lifestyle, money, technology, work, productivity, and relationships.

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Management consulting is a popular industry that helps business organizations improve their performance. Many businesses seek the services of consultants as external advisors. A management consultant’s main role is to assess a company’s areas of opportunity, recommend strategic plans, and implement change to achieve desired growth and development.

Consultant’s approach problems with a different perspective than other professionals. They are hired to find the answers to seemingly unsolvable problems. So how do they do it? What goes on in a consultant’s mind?

Data is Useless Unless it Tells a Story

Data that can’t convey a story is irrelevant. That’s why consulting firms spend a generous amount of time researching and analyzing documents. Consultants are obsessed with finding valuable information from data that can be used to transform their client’s current situation. A good consultant has a natural instinct for discovering the story behind any given data. He or she recognizes that facts and statistics are not just numbers, but represent various outcomes to different situations.

Everything is Much Simpler Broken Down

Consultants perceive business operations as a series of steps, which can be broken down into subcomponents. They use diagrams and flowcharts to define the subcomponents and solve the problem.

Listening Skills are Vital

Consulting skills include more than knowledge and experience. To be successful, learning to be an active listener is a must. Consultants recognize that listening skills are vital in accumulating useful information. It is through effective listening that one can encourage others to talk freely. And the information shared by different people can contribute to more productive results.

The ability to hear and genuinely understand concerns and connect with people on a personal level is a powerful tool. A good listener knows how to present an idea in a way that will lead to successful project implementation.

Team Effort Leads to Desired Results

Ideally, a consultant has a thorough knowledge about the industry upon which to base decisions that will benefit a company. However, this does not mean that an expert should not be referred to for additional ideas. Consultants know that team effort is a vital element of any successful project. Establishing a collaborative relationship with team members is key to achieving the end goal. Good consultants are open to learning from their peers; they value the input and expertise of other professionals. Engaging and involving employees makes the consulting process much easier.

“I Don’t Know” Should Never be the Answer

Management consultants are expected to possess a high level of knowledge about various industries and never answer a question with, “I don’t know.” Those three words could harm their reputation and the prestige of their firm. Their minds are trained to find solutions. That’s why consultants continually expand their knowledge through informative materials and networking with colleagues.

However, it is also true that no one knows everything—even the most experienced consultant. “I don’t know” is still not an acceptable answer. Instead, a good consultant will say “I don’t know, but I know someone who does.” This conveys a genuine intention to find a solution to the problem.

Logic Has Nothing to Do with Numbers

Management consulting is known to attract analytical thinkers. But consultants recognize that logic does not mean solving quantitative problems. Aspiring consultants need not  have a degree in science, economics, or other quantitative subjects. While these backgrounds can serve as an advantage, they do not guarantee success.

Logic is all about thought processes—how to approach and solve a problem. Other professionals like lawyers, linguists, and historians are analytical thinkers as well, but their ideas and hypotheses are not grounded merely on quantitative elements.

Analytical thinkers can process any piece of information; however, consultants must be able to analyze a large amount of data and develop viable solutions to complicated problems.

Management consultants are an invaluable asset to any organization. Their deep insights and revolutionary solutions play a big role in the success of a business. Management consulting has definitely pushed the business sector and the economy to greater heights.

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