As consultants work with clients on projects, effective communication is the key to maintaining smooth relations. The manner in which a consultant communicates is essential in resolving differences and building trust. Ultimately, learning how to efficiently communicate with clients can foster an environment in which creative ideas, problem solving, and mutual respect can flourish.

Words and Phrases that Consultants Commonly Use

Consultants are known to use jargon or buzzwords when they talk with their clients. Here are some of the most frequently used terms in the industry:

Avoid Using Too Many Buzzwords

People in the consulting environment have such an extended vocabulary of jargon or buzzwords that what they intend to say becomes confusing. Although there are plenty of buzzwords in management consulting, they should not be used in client discussions. Most clients won’t understand industry jargon. One essential way to effectively communicate is to  create a common ground. You can do this if you present ideas and use terms that clients will understand.

Whenever you talk with your clients, ensure that they fully comprehend the situation and your recommendations. Make sure that you present your ideas in layman’s terms. Don’t inject your proposal with fancy words in an attempt to impress your clients—they won’t appreciate confusing concepts. Always take into consideration that they may not be familiar with the jargon you use when talking with your peers. Also, anticipate questions your client may have to help you effectively convey your ideas.

How to Effectively Communicate with Clients

Having the ability to effectively communicate with your clients is an important part of a successful consulting project. To avoid confusion, conflict, and inaccurate results, here are some guideline to clear and effective communication.

Be Courteous

Any client will appreciate being treated courteously. Courteous words and phrases, such as “please,” “thank you,” “you’re welcome,” “excuse me/pardon me,” “will you?” etc., should be a part of your vocabulary. Being courteous throughout your conversations will help build a rapport with your clients.

Be Open-minded

One essential skill of a successful consultant is the ability to listen. Remember, hearing is different from listening. Let your clients explain their thoughts. Do not interrupt them by saying, “I know.” This is extremely rude. Also, avoid being judgmental. Listening to their thoughts does not necessarily mean you agree with them. Just try to be as open-minded as possible. Show interest in what your client is saying. Smile, nod occasionally, and encourage the speaker to continue discussing his or her thoughts with small comments such as “yes” or “uh huh.”

Demonstrate Your Understanding

Any speaker likes to feel heard and understood. Ensure you demonstrate your understanding by asking relevant questions, summarizing the details of the discussion, and presenting important implications arising from the conversation. This will help build a deeper connection between you and your client. Your client will know if you’re just passively listening. Make your client feel that you are both on the same page, and demonstrate your understanding by being present “in the moment.”

Deliver Your Message Clearly

Always speak clearly and concisely. Express your ideas in a calm and confident manner. As much as possible, get straight to the point and refrain from being indecisive or condescending.

Avoid Fillers

Saying, “Ah” and “Um,” will not add value to your conversation. More importantly, do not use such expressions as they are associated with lack of preparation or indecision, which are not qualities of a good consultant.

Be Professional

Professionalism adds to the value of your skills. When communicating with your client via email, ensure to proofread the content prior to sending it and only use your business email address. When talking with them, make sure you speak articulately and knowledgeably. And whenever you have a scheduled meeting with your clients, take time to prepare an agenda outline—readiness means professionalism.

Ask for Feedback

Keep the lines of communication open. This will help you maintain long-term relationships with your clients. You can do this by asking them for their input or about how they feel about your service.

The success of a consulting project does not only rely on the consultant’s knowledge of business principles and strategies. Learning the art of effective client communication is also a critical aspect.

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Management consulting is once again a sought-after career option among recent graduates and experienced professionals. This practice of helping business organizations improve their productivity is increasingly becoming one of the most competitive industries to break into.

The high pressure environment of this field requires consultants to identify problems, provide practical recommendations, and implement change to help businesses improve their operations. Consultants are also expected to help new businesses become established in their respective sectors by providing corporate planning strategies and modifications.

With such enormous responsibilities on their shoulders, why would so many people want to pursue a career in management consulting? The push is due to the following benefits:

Exposure to Diverse Fields

One of the greatest benefits of being a consultant is the exposure to a wide range of industries and clients. You will never get bored as projects tend to vary with each client. This industry also offers a tremendous amount of career opportunities. Exposure to diverse  projects, roles, and industries will help those who are unsure about their career path determine which avenue they really want to pursue.

Continuous Learning

Because management consulting caters to all types of industries, you have an endless opportunity to learn new things. Consultants interact with different people from across a wide range of industries including company executives and established professionals. Working with these dominant and influential individuals will help you cultivate your own executive presence. Many agencies also provide international travel opportunities, which is a great way to learn about new cultures and countries.

The nature of the job itself is mentally stimulating, as consultants are continually analyzing existing business dilemmas and designing innovative modifications for company growth. This field is one of the few that offers the chance for constant learning and development.

Competitive and Accelerated Compensation Package

Many see management consulting as one of the most lucrative careers today. This is because the industry has traditionally provided its professionals with a competitive and accelerated compensation package. Many consultants in their early to mid-thirties enjoy six-figure salaries. Even talented fresh graduates can earn a decent amount of money in this industry.

Sense of Fulfillment

It’s not just about the money. Having the ability to make a major impact on the future success of an organization provides a strong sense of satisfaction and can likewise boost one’s confidence and sense of self. The entire process of developing a strategy and anticipating the results is really exciting. Those who have the passion to implement positive change will thrive in this field.

Freedom, Control, and Flexibility

This applies to independent consultants as they have the power to choose which clients to work with. Even if this industry can be stressful at times, independent consultants still have  complete control over their destinies.

Top-Notch Networks

The management consulting sector tends to attract top graduates and professionals. If you’re the kind of person who loves working with diverse and intelligent colleagues, then you can be easily lured to this career. Consultants always find themselves at the door of some of the largest and influential companies in the world.

There are hundreds and even thousands of powerful connections you can make through top consulting firms. And professionals in this field are generally more receptive to new hires seeking career assistance.

Many people are shifting to management consulting because of the numerous benefits it  offers. If you’re creative, innovative, and want a challenging yet rewarding role, you should definitely set your sights on this career.

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Consulting is considered a prestigious career by many business professionals because of its intellectual challenges and financial rewards. Although having prior experience can be an advantage, experience is not an essential requirement to landing a consulting job. However, you need to clearly demonstrate that you have the necessary skills to become a successful management consultant.

Excellent Academic Record

A high GPA is a strong indicator of your potential to add value to a consulting firm. Top-tier firms place a great deal of importance on an applicant’s outstanding academic background. And although possessing a business or finance related degree is a big plus, it is not as important as performance.

If you have an impressive GPA, then you have a better chance of being interviewed. You may also include your standardized test scores in your resume such as LSAT, MCAT, and SAT scores. HIgh marks on such tests demonstrate your strong theoretical skills, which is essential in consulting. Your educational background will help firms assess how equipped you are, even if you don’t have any consulting experience.

Craft an Effective Job Application

An excellent academic record is not enough; you will also need to write an equally impressive cover letter and resume in order to get an interview. Your consulting application should be able to demonstrate that you’re exactly what the firm is looking for. Make sure  that your resume and cover letter clearly exhibit your skills, achievements, and other qualifications significant to consulting. The most critical of these are:

Practice Case Interviews until You are Confident

The case interview is the most dreaded part of the consulting recruitment process. As you have little to no experience in this field, it is imperative that you take the time to practice as many cases as you can. Although there is no fixed amount of time, it is recommended to spend approximately three months preparing for this interview. Only you can actually determine how much time you need, based on your confidence level. It all boils down to your dedication and how much you really want the job.

There are plenty of available resources that can help you prepare. You can try the interactive case interviews provided by top-tier firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG. There are also many websites that offer practice case interviews that can help you formulate the right approach to strategy consulting.

It is recommended to practice with a friend, colleague, or professional. Conducting mock interviews will help you hone your critical thinking and communication skills. Simulating the interview will also help you learn how to effectively handle stress during the actual interview.

The Power of Networking

Networking plays a crucial role in management consulting and could be your key to success. Many aspiring consultants overlook this strategy, but at the end of the day, it’s all about connections. The number and quality of your professional network contacts can lead to a consulting job.

Your Goal

In regard to networking for consulting application purposes, your main goals are to be able to make a good impression on consultants who are associated with the recruiting process, collect valuable information about your target firm and its employees, and establish firm contacts who will provide you with relevant advice and potential references.

Your Means

There are many effective ways to harvest potential contacts. You can join industry organizations and attend functions and seminars to meet consultants or professionals who can offer referrals. Online networking through social media is also gaining popularity; take advantage of professional networking sites like LinkedIn and social sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, in order to make connections who will assist you with your career goals.

Although networking takes time, building strong relationships with key people in the consulting industry will definitely help you achieve your goal of landing a job in management consulting. Your contacts can provide you with valuable information about what you need to do to jump start your consulting career.

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It’s critical to prepare for the consulting recruiting process, particularly case interviews. This is how prospective firms really gauge your problem solving skills, strategic and critical thinking skills, as well as your business judgment and numerical reasoning.

Landing a consulting job at top-tier firms like McKinsey & Co., Bain & Co., and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) can be tough. The competition is steep, especially for undergrads. Compared to candidates from business schools, undergrads often lack  necessary credentials in their resume, particularly in regard to work and leadership experience. As employers will most likely rely on the applicant’s performance during the case interview to assess a candidate, intense preparation for undergrads is a must.

Undergrad consulting applicants are not the only candidates who need to diligently prepare. Every aspiring consultant should be properly equipped for a case interview as lack of practice is the most commonly cited reason for failure.

Positive Effects of Preparation

Sometimes aspiring consultants neglect the importance of due preparation, even if they are aware of the tough competition. Acing your case interview is crucial to breaking into management consulting. If you thoroughly prepare, your prospective firm will perceive you as an eligible candidate who possesses the capabilities required for the position.

Hard work is a must. Due preparation will hone the key skills needed to nail down the interview. Practice will help you learn how to break down a problem and identify contributing factors for evaluation, thus, enhancing your analytical skills.

Being familiar with various cases will also improve your ability to generate sound conclusions and practical recommendations, which establishes problem solving skills.

In addition, diligent preparation can help you learn how to clearly and confidently express your ideas under pressure. Thus, you’ll be able to demonstrate exceptional communication and stress management skills. You need to strengthen all of these abilities in order to be successful in a mentally-stimulating work environment.

Length of Preparation

There is no fixed amount of time when it comes to case interview preparation. As there is no required length of time, it really depends on your dedication. However, many consultants would recommend a preparation period of three months. Again, there is no specific formula; you just need to keep practicing until you feel confident that you are ready for the interview.

Tips on How to Prepare

Here are some strategies on how to do well during case interviews:

Start as Early as You Can

The earlier you start, the more cases you’ll be familiar with. To be successful in this field, you need to be disciplined and follow a proactive review schedule. If you postpone your preparation, you might find yourself cramming at the end. Never underestimate the power of early preparation.

Attend Consulting Case Interview Practice Sessions

For students, there are consulting clubs and career service centers that organize review sessions. Take advantage of these—visit your consulting club or career center to ask for additional review materials.

Master Consulting Frameworks

The time constraints may cause some anxiety. If the case seems ambiguous, you may be overwhelmed and confused with where to base your analysis. That’s why it’s helpful to master consulting frameworks that can guide you in finding the solution.

Make Use of Available Materials

There are plenty of study materials available on the Internet, although some sites require registration. Study different cases and explore situations which involve business aspects such as marketing, pricing, competition, product development, etc. You never know what type of problem you’ll be presented with during the interview, so it’s best to read and study a variety of cases. The key here is to answer the review questions before you read the given answer.

Try the Interactive Case Interviews of McKinsey, Bain, and BCG

In order to land a job with these top-tier firms, you should consider reviewing their interactive case interviews. Their websites provide practice case interviews that may help you understand how they handle their projects. Although they don’t provide actual client assignments, you’ll get a good grasp of their approach to strategy consulting and what to expect during the interview. However, there is often no time limit in these practice exercises, so you may want to time yourself while taking them.

Try Mock Interviews

The best way to practice critical thinking skills and communicating structured ideas is through mock interviews. Practicing by yourself is necessary to hone your skills, but conducting simulated interviews with a friend will provide you with valuable feedback. Remember to:

No matter what you aim for, preparation should be an integral part of your plan. And if you are aspiring to become the next management consultant at one of the three top-tier firms, you must spend time practicing case interviews.

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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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