There are many ways to boost an individual’s consulting career. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking for opportunities, a consulting network can easily point you in the right direction.

Many individuals have a misconception about how to build and sustain a solid network within the consulting industry. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Nowadays, there are several tried and tested techniques that can be applied to seamlessly fit professional relationships into a busy schedule.

Maximizing Your Resources

Starting a network from scratch is a daunting task if you don’t know where to begin. The truth is, you don’t have to look very far to get started. Before we get into effective consulting networking tactics, make sure you have your cover letter and resume ready. Depending on the type of event or gathering, it is best to have a hard and digital copy available to avoid idle gaps in conversations.

Don’t forget to make sure your business card is updated with the right contact information. Because you will be speaking to numerous individuals at an event or gathering, have a basic conversation structure handy. Though you may not always need to follow it, this can eliminate stray topics, which can lessen your professional impact.

Students

For students, great places to make the right connections that may be useful in the consulting industry are organizations and clubs. Most people who join business or social clubs are also out to meet people and build their network. This means that everyone starts off with a clean slate. Making an impression is relatively simple, as the members are open to new comers such as yourself.

Not just any organization will do. It is recommended to check the background of your target firm and make a list of student clubs that many of the consultants in the company were a part of. From there, make it clear that your chosen career path is management consulting to the members of the organization. This will help individuals associate your name with your goals and path.

Joining the right groups can increase the likelihood of meeting alumni who moved on to become management consultants. Speaking to such individuals in the setting of an organization gives students an upper hand, as most alumni are willing to help out individuals who come from the same university.

Professionals

Professionals may not have access to student clubs and groups. In this case, one should first look into his or her circle of friends. Are any of them consultants? Or are they friends with or work with clients in the consulting sector? Once you’ve explained to your friend that you are keen on extending your consulting network for a future career change, chances are he or she will bring you along to social gatherings, meet ups, or casual drinks.

Compared to student organizations and clubs, meeting individuals in this manner is more difficult, as they are not as open to simply talking about the latest news in the consulting industry to a stranger. If you’re meeting a group of consultants who are having drinks after a long grind at the office, the last thing they may want to talk about is work. The best thing to do in this situation is be patient and go with the flow. Have striking conversations, and be sincere about building relationships. In situations like these, you will only be talking about consulting 5-10% of the time.

The key is to make it clear that you are interested in the consulting industry and you have skills that can be useful to top level firms. If the person you are speaking to is interested, they will probe further. If not immediately, in the future when the need arises.

If you are not directly or closely connected to a friend who is a management consultant, the next best places to consider are consulting seminars and expos. Look for listings where the guest speaker is a senior consultant. Most people who are in attendance during these events are related to the consulting sector. This could be consulting clients, or other perspective consultants and professionals. Approaching people in this setting is straightforward, as most events allot time for individuals to go around and meet people.

Sustaining Professional Relationships

Meeting the right people is only a small part of the networking equation. One must also nurture the new connection before being able to openly talk about insider tips and possible consulting job openings.

With a long term perspective, the essential part of the networking process is building trust. This can be done by first being reliable. Setup a casual lunch and show up on time. Don’t send a delayed or late reply to an email or SMS. You don’t have to necessarily do huge favors or tasks for people to increase trust.  Send invites out to your newly acquired network on a consistent basis.

Another aspect of sustaining business relationships is increasing your personal value. Individuals also want to feel that you are a great addition to their consulting network. Therefore, it is also equally important to introduce your network to other professionals who you are close to.

Online Resources

Using online resources to establish a consulting network should not be overlooked. Reaching out to people who you were once in contact with doesn’t have to be an inconvenience. More importantly, making new connections in the consulting industry can be done anytime, in just a few clicks.

When it comes to social media, LinkedIn is one of the best platforms for professional networking. There is no need to beat around the bush, as people and companies who use LinkedIn are there for career or business-related reasons.

Online groups are one of the best ways to get plugged into the consulting industry. Similar to students who are looking for the right organizations to join, it is recommended to first look into which online groups the employees of your target firm are parts of. After joining the relevant groups, it is essential to participate and become active as a rightful member.

This can be done by asking questions, adding insightful comments, and posting engaging content. In the online world, this is an effective way to build trust. Online groups are also a great place to get invites to consulting events, where you can extend your network offline.

This same technique can be applied across other social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn. However, one should not only be limited to these platforms. Online forums are also very effective in adding new individuals to your consulting network.

Engaging hash tag conversations in Twitter also applies the same concept in building a consulting network online. An indirect way of using Twitter while networking is by using the updates from your target firm’s tweets as conversation starters.

Making Your Consulting Network Work for You

Once you have gathered momentum, things should start falling into place. A few months before consulting recruitment season, begin to inquire about possible job openings from individuals in your network. Ideally, you should aim for setting up meetings with partners, or seniors to better present yourself as a possible candidate for the vacant position.

Unfortunately, this does not happen all the time due to time constraints, especially for consultants who have their hands full with ongoing projects. If you are unable to secure a direct meeting with consultants who are in a position to consider you for an upcoming job post, don’t worry. You can also ask your connection for a personal email address to send your cover letter and resume. This is a very effective way to make sure your credentials don’t get lost in the inbox of a recruiter.

Lastly, you should also mention who referred you for the consulting position in the introductory email. A direct recommendation is very powerful in bypassing the usual shortlisting process. Even if you have to go through the consulting interview, having a personal recommendation from a relevant member of the firm can ease the stress and tension often associated with recruitment. Don’t forget to send out “thank you” emails or messages to the individual in your consulting network gave you the tip or “put in a good word” for you.

Be Persistent

The key to effectively building a consulting network is by being persistent in the expansion process. Networking isn’t limited to the time you allot for it. For example, if you’re having a work-related meeting with new clients, see to it that you collect their contact information, even if they don’t sign on with the company. Don’t be scared to seize the opportunity to promote yourself in unlikely situations.

To conclude, boosting one’s consulting network is not a one-time ordeal. It is a continuous, ongoing and repetitive process. Because of the useful tools available to today’s professionals, there is no excuse in having a poorly managed network. Staying updated in the latest “go-to” places and online groups for individuals in the consulting industry is an effective way to ensure that you’re adding quality individuals who can enhance your consulting connections.

Vault.com, the career website, has released a list of top 10 consulting firms to work for in Asia Pacific. The ranking was based from a survey to consultants who are currently employed at different firms in the industry.

In choosing an employer, there are many factors that come into play. To properly reflect a firm’s status as an employer, Vault’s list is based on the following weighted formula: 30% prestige, 15% satisfaction, 15% firm culture, 15% compensation, 10% work-life balance, 10% overall business outlook, and 5% promotion policies.

Also, the survey participants were only allowed to rate their own firm when it comes to rating quality of life issues. But for prestige and practice area categories, consultants were only allowed to rate their competitors.

And the results are in. The top 10 consulting firms to work for in 2014, particularly in Asia Pacific are:

#1: McKinsey & Company Asia

Claiming the number one spot is McKinsey & Company Asia. This reputable company was in second place last year. And while they don’t name names of their clients, the firm claims to serve more than 80% of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies list. In terms of specialties, the firm serves a wide range of industrial sectors, from commodities and natural resources to entertainment and high technology.

Being deemed as the number one consulting firm to work for, they are known to set the toughest selection criteria. In fact as of September 2013, they receive around 225,000 job applications annually, but only one percent of these are lucky enough to make it.

#2: Bain & Company Asia

Sliding down to the second spot is last year’s top pick, Bain & Company Asia. The world-renowned firm has 50 offices across 32 different countries. And since the firm was founded in 1973, it remains to be one of the leading consultancies in the world. The firm claims that their sales and marketing cases deliver on average more than 25% revenue growth.

In a Financial Times interview, Bain partner Bill Neuenfeldt, talked about the qualities they want for their next consultants to have, which are “intelligence, integrity, passion and the ambition to make a difference.”

#3: Crescendo Partners

Getting the third spot is Crescendo Partners, a Sydney-based boutique consulting. The firm’s clients are mostly located in Australia and South East Asia, but they operate worldwide, performing assignments in over 40 countries across continents such as Russia, South America, Africa, mainland Europe and the US. They offer services to large and mid-size corporations, and private equity firms.

#4: Booz & Company Asia

Also going down a notch is Booz & Company Asia. The company was founded in 1914 by Edwin Booz, and is known to be one of the oldest consultancies in the world. In 1950s, Time Magazine dubbed this reputable firm as “the world’s largest, most prestigious management consulting firm”. This consultancy holds expertise in many different industries including automotive, chemicals, consumer, energy and utilities, financial services, health, media and entertainment, oil and gas, transportation and others.

#5: Oliver Wyman Asia

Oliver Wyman Asia grabbed the fifth spot as the best consultancies to work for in Asia Pacific. It offers services to numerous Global 1000 companies, and also to more than 80% of the world’s largest 100 financial institutions of Fortune 1000 companies. The renowned firm advises a vast range of sectors including automotive, aviation, aerospace and defense, communications, financial services, industrial products and services, health and life sciences, retail and consumer products, and transportation.

#6: A.T. Kearney Asia-Pacific

A.T. Kearney Asia-Pacific is another well-established firm that has a proven global reach. It now operates offices in 40 countries across continents. Aside from providing advice and assistance to implementation, A.T. Kearney uses its expertise to produce plenty of varied studies each year.

#7: Alvarez & Marsal Asia

Alvarez & Marsal was founded in 1983, and is known as a global professional services provider. Its client list includes AmLaw 100 and Fortune Global 500, and largest U.S. banks. The firm operates 41 offices in 17 different countries in Asia, North America, Europe, and Latin America.

#8: L.E.K. Consulting Asia

This strategy consulting firm was founded in 1983. Today it operates 22 offices around the globe. They cater global companies from Fortune 500 members, as well as small businesses. In the Asia-Pacific region, L.E.K. first opened in Australia in 1987. Their newest office was opened in 2013 in Seoul.

#9: OC&C Strategy Consultants Asia

OC&C takes pride in one business area, which their expertise in consumer goods. The reputable firm has also recently made studies on retail brand development, strategic implementation and internalization strategies.

#10: Roland Berger Strategy Consultants Asia

This world-renowned firm is the largest consulting firm to have emerged from Europe. Out of their 51 offices worldwide, 26 are located in Europe. Within Asia, they maintain 11 offices, including the ones in Greater China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea. Since the company’s first project in China in the early 1980s, the firm continues to grow in the Asia Pacific.

We were all groomed to associate procrastination with negative, unproductive habits that are linked to failure. But what if I told you this idea that you’ve held on to since you were born was inaccurate?

Procrastination isn’t something new. Everyone does it, and tries to avoid it all the time. Teachers, business owners and managers have a good eye for catching such habits. In time, procrastination has been linked to lack of motivation and laziness. However, a closer look will tell you that procrastination is essential when it comes to setting goals and priorities.

Procrastination in Management Consulting

From a general standpoint, most consultants can’t afford to procrastinate while sitting at their desks. Their days and weeks are usually filled with meetings, presentations, research and networking. The time they do have, which is very little, is usually spent on catching up on their personal life (doing groceries, talking to family and friends, and sleeping).

The problem with procrastination is that it doesn’t just happen during the pockets of free time that you have. It can strike anywhere, anytime. Procrastination is extremely persistent when one feels overloaded with work or overwhelmed with a pile of tasks. This is why consultants are always keen on staying focused. Most professionals know how quickly procrastination can take over, preventing them from doing essential tasks and meeting deadlines.

Furthermore, the pressure that a consultant faces can prolong the rate at which one procrastinates. Lack of presence of mind during client presentations and team reports can negatively impact a consultant’s job, making him or her seem unenthusiastic. Due to the competitive nature of the industry, being associated with such traits is not healthy for a consultant’s career.

Unfortunately, pressure associated with procrastination cannot only prolong procrastination, but also affect the current task being done. Since procrastination is classified as a distraction, it can cause a consultant to make errors in computation and analysis. Transitioning from a procrastinating idea to the present takes time, especially if one is stuck deep in his or her thoughts. As a result, this could lead to wasted time, preventing a consultant from being fully engaged in his or her work.

Doing Something We Don’t Want To Do

General human behavior dictates that if one does not want to do something, he or she won’t do it. If this is the case, why do we procrastinate? We all acknowledge and avoid focusing on things that are unimportant, but why can’t we stop doing it?

According to science, procrastination comes down to the way our brains are programmed. While concentration is required to complete tasks, it is nearly impossible to maintain for long periods of time. Even with the help of coffee and sleep from the night before, it’s only a matter of time when one gets distracted by external or internal factors.

Internal factors include thoughts, feelings and ideas. These variables are triggered by the unconscious part of our brain that is devoted to things we want in the present called the limbic system. Most of the things that we as humans procrastinate about are not things we dread doing. Instead, they are things we would rather be doing or places where we would rather be.

When the limbic system catches the mind off guard or unfocused, even for a split second, it goes into action. When this happens, we start loathing in those thoughts, putting priority on things that we think we are more important. There is no need to put yourself down if you catch yourself procrastinating; everyone is prone to doing this action, regardless of age or gender.

The Benefits of Procrastination

Since procrastination is unavoidable, it is recommended to change the way we perceive and think about it. If we constantly bog ourselves with pressure to concentrate, it can trigger deeper sets or procrastination, which turns into a never-ending cycle.

To avoid this, one should first understand the benefits of procrastination. Firstly, procrastination acts as a filtering system for unimportant tasks. Just like emails, not all tasks are important. As professionals, we have the habit of making everything top priority. An example is bills that aren’t due until a week from the time they were received. Most people are persistent on filling up their day with errands that can actually be completed slowly throughout the week.

Procrastination, or the art of putting things off for a later time, can actually help you reorganize your priority list. Basically, if a task was really that important, you’d be doing it immediately instead of just thinking about it. In this case, thinking about less essential things on the to-do list is merely a reminder of tasks that are yet to be completed.

Secondly, the phrase “save the best for last” is also applicable when it comes to tasks that we put off for later in the day or week. In this case, a different type of procrastination is at play; the type that causes individuals to think about more important things. When you’re thinking about the feeling of completing a project, it can actually cause you to do a better job when performing the action. This kind of procrastination can be channeled into motivation.

By procrastinating, you are indirectly streamlining your work, with minimal effort. This is only works if what you’re thinking about is something within your priority list or something that you feel is attainable. If you’re thinking about a vacation that you haven’t planned, chances are it will work against you and make you question what you’re currently doing. On the contrary, if you’re faced with a pile of papers to look over and lunch break is just 2 hours away; the fleeting thought of getting fresh air and biting into a tasty sandwich might be just what you need to get through a long list of tasks.

The Good Kind of Procrastination

Motivation can only get you so far. Like concentration levels, motivating thoughts and feelings can be easily depleted. Moreover, one can’t constantly be thinking about motivating ideas or memories as this takes time and attention away from the current task at hand. A solution for this is to apply a strategy that turns procrastination into something positive.

Priority lists are designed to have the most important things to do at the top, while the less essential things sit at the bottom. Those who are a fan of procrastinating will usually avoid tasks located at the top of the to-do list, as they are more difficult and time consuming. Because of this, the smaller menial tasks are done quickly, which somewhat defeats the purpose of a priority list, but unfortunately this is how most people go about their day or workload.

If you’re one of the majorities who does this, all you have to do is add tasks to your priority list that seem urgent. This technique is similar to setting your watch or alarm clock 10 minutes advanced, with hopes to boost punctuality levels.

Positive Procrastination Tips for Management Consultants

Now that we have established how procrastination can be used to one’s advantage, here are some methods that both candidates and consultants can use to increase productivity.

The first tip is to add more commitments or tasks to maintain a constant flow of things to do. Procrastination kicks in when we either have nothing to do, or when we have so much to do that we buy ourselves time due to being overwhelmed. There is a middle ground that you want to stay in, the point where you acknowledge that there are things to do and you feel confident about doing them. This is a healthy balance that can easily be maintained by quickly moving from on task to another, or by adding new tasks throughout the day.

Be Firm

Sometimes we allow ourselves to procrastinate or entertain fleeting thoughts while sitting through a boring presentation or conference. You also know yourself well enough to know what times of the day you are productive, and what times of the day idleness takes over. For that, you can follow up with the product manager certification.

Plan ahead and capitalize on the times of the day wherein your productivity levels are high. This could be in the morning after stepping into the office or even at night, after dinner while looking over trails of emails that your team sent earlier in the day. During these times, set boundaries by forcing yourself to be productive. At first it may seem impossible, but after a few days of consistently allotting the same period of time on a daily basis, your mind will be accustomed to focus and avoid stray thoughts and ideas.

Taking On Big Tasks through Small Steps

To conclude, converting procrastination into productivity starts small. For consultants, learning how to do this can make you more reliable and help you get more things done. Breaking down a big project into smaller tasks can lessen the feeling of being overwhelmed (which results in procrastination); and instead encourage you to complete the assignment one step at a time.

Prestigious career lines such as management consulting and investment banking are considered to be some of the busiest professions. 70-80 hour work weeks, no weekends and lacking personal life are all the negative aspects of highly competitive occupations.

We all know that there comes a point where too much work becomes counter productive. When coffee stops working and when it’s taking you twice as long to review memos and graphs, it’s probably a sign that you need to take a break. Not listening to these warnings can result in errors, stress or in the long run maybe even your job.

For consultants who have gotten used to the busy lifestyle, taking breaks simply isn’t an option. But what if I told you that taking a break isn’t limited to blocking an entire day or weekend? Yes, taking breaks can also be done right in the office. 5-10 minutes of time away from the computer screen to recompose and refocus may be all that you need to reset your productivity levels.

What to Do With So Little Time

When we have 5-10 minutes of free time (waiting for a client to start a meeting, getting signatures for a document, or just when you need a breather) it’s common to go for the phone and check emails. Even if you have nothing to check, you may catch yourself rereading emails. If you do this often, this is a sign that you really don’t know what else to do with the little time that you have.

These days, you can accomplish more than you think in 5-10 minutes. For example, you don’t need to enroll in a class to learn a new language. Apps such as Duolingo, provides individuals with the ability to pick up French, Portuguese, Spanish and English through a series of very effective learning methods. Learning something new isn’t limited to languages. Khan Academy and Instructables are online platforms for people who want to learn new things in small doses.

If your idea of a short break doesn’t involve a gadget, you can start a journal and write down your thoughts. They don’t have to be structured and complete. The whole point of the activity is to keep your mind going in a different direction other than your current professional task.

Healthy Distractions

From the beginning, we were all taught that distractions (all types) are counter productive. New studies show that this may not be all true. There are certain types of distractions that can help individuals perform better at work.

“Brent Coker, who studies online behavior at the University of Melbourne in Australia, found that people who engage in “workplace Internet leisure browsing” are about 9 percent more productive than those who don’t.”

A similar study done by Jonathan Schooler, a psychology professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, came up with a similar conclusion. What type of distraction is considered to be healthy?

When you’re performing a task for a long period of time, such as preparing for a presentation or typing an important document, your mind has the tendency to get burned out. To prevent this, you need to stop what you’re doing for a short period of time and find a distraction.

The studies mentioned above tested for a number of different types of distractions, from online videos to more demanding memory tasks. The results showed that non-demanding tasks can boost productivity and concentration levels, once the individual returns to what he or she was doing prior to the short break. To elaborate further, such non-demanding activities must be something that is the exact opposite of your current task.

This means that if you were computing numbers for the past couple of hours, it wouldn’t make sense to indulge in more math problems while you’re on a break. Instead, you may opt to review a few sports highlights on the computer. Moreover, if you were busy putting together a soft skills training module for entry level associates, it would be wise to immerse yourself in light technical activities.

Why do these small distractions raise productivity? The whole point of these small breaks is to keep the mind running, without letting one’s thoughts wander too far. In other words, you need to keep the momentum of your thoughts consistent, using other types of non-demanding activities. This prevents you from being burned out, as you are not fully immersed in your current work task. Additionally, your mind stays warmed up and doesn’t run cold or stale because you’re focused on something else.

The final tip when applying this method at work is to avoid turning a non-demanding activity into something completely engaging. This means you should avoid social media. Why? Because personal connections can cause deeper thoughts to surface, making your train of thoughts incredibly difficult to get out of. It is best to keep distractions light and upbeat.

Reorganization and Productivity

One of the best activities to take part when taking a break is reorganization. Just how a clean room will eventually become disorganized and messy, your desk, car, phone and computer also require regular upkeep. Failing to keep things that you frequently used organized can result in taking more time to complete tasks.

With your short break, it doesn’t hurt to erase apps that you don’t use in your phone, or place your computer files in newly created folders. This can make your work more productive, and also making you feel lighter, refreshed and less prone to error.

What about Longer Breaks?

Short breaks will get you through the arduous work week; but what about months of consistently burning the midnight oil? For these one needs longer breaks. For consultants, not all weekends will be filled with work. There will be occasions in the year when you will get to take a weekend off like everyone else. During these times, it’s best to make the most out of the hiatus by planning something fun and adventurous.

Your first instinct will be to sleep in and stay in bed all day. There’s nothing wrong with that. However, studies show that weekends filled with activities can significantly lower stress in the long run compared to sitting on the couch and watching television all day. This is because home is still a big part of one’s daily activities. It’s not anything new.

Our minds have become accustomed to the personal environment. Individuals who stay in all weekend may find themselves more prone to stress earlier in the work week, compared to people who went for a hike or ran a marathon. These new experiences have a more profound effect on perception and character, which can help professionals cope with stress.

Family and Personal Priorities

Many consultants feel that a large sacrifice in choosing a highly competitive career is balancing time with family and personal priorities. In fact, one of the main reasons why capable female consultants are not as frequently seen in higher positions or making partner is due to their choices in taking time off to take on a motherly role at home. Because of this, top consulting firms such as Accenture have started programs that boost female roles in the consulting industry.

From another perspective, if individuals are able to stay balanced and keep their personal priorities in check early in their career, then the need to step away from the industry completely in the future is less likely to happen. Messaging your significant other or children during your 5-10 minute break can help keep the communication flow running smoothly. These days, sending over flowers or a small gift can all be done in less than 5 minutes using a smartphone or computer.

For those without families, maintaining a social life can be tricky with a demanding consulting position. Instead of flipping through the newsfeed, reach out to one of your friends personally. Closely knit connections can be more beneficial over a long period of time than leaving generic comments on random online posts.

Quality Breaks

If you find yourself always feeling the need to take breaks, there may be something wrong with the quality of your allotted time alone. One quality break in the day is better than 2 or 3 breaks where you catch yourself flipping through documents while talking to your friend on the phone. A great way to ensure that you are having a quality break is by stepping away from your workstation. Don’t take a break inside your work area or conference room. Instead, go to a different part of the office such as the rooftop, break room or lobby.

To conclude, in the consulting industry, where professionals are filled with demanding schedules, it is essential to take short (and some long) breaks. In fact, the busier you are, the more it is important to incorporate some form of breaks to avoid getting burned out. Don’t forget to monitor the quality of your break in order to get the most out of this precious time.

First and foremost, the consultant has to interact with the individuals or a group of individuals representing the customer. This interaction will result in the consultant understanding the nuances of the customer’s business. Often, these are either the business owners or the key decision makers.

What role does the consultant play here? The consultant’s role is to give the persons involved, guidance on business strategy, or new ways of doing the same tasks; which leads to some improvement in either one or more business parameters for the company. It could be the company’s operations, company’s image in the market, its product quality or its service quality.

In order to be highly effective in this role, consultant must possess following attributes:

1. Ability to strike a rapport with the customer
2. Relationship building and people skills
3. Being a good listener
4. Being truthful
5. Projecting a winning image
6. Building customer trust
7. Projecting an image that matches the company’s image
8. Business etiquette and social etiquette
9. Developing a unique personal style
10. Being knowledgeable

Let us closely elaborate these attributes and understand finer nuances of each.

Ability to Strike a Rapport with the Customer

The most important quality a consultant must have is the ability to strike a rapport. Consulting engagement involves an interaction between two individuals who are mature, professional, and accomplished.

The basic premise of this interaction is that each individual is different. Everybody comes with an ego. They have past credibility, track record, self-respect and self-confidence. Hence, the consultant’s role is very challenging. He is required to establish an engagement model or a relationship wherein, he is looked at as an expert and the customer takes his suggestions and guidelines, seriously.

Relationship Building and People Skills

It is essential for the consultant to build a relationship with the customer, and hence his soft skills are of prime importance. How he connects with people from different backgrounds is very important. As the consultant progresses in the consulting assignment, he needs to subtly highlight his knowledge, expertise and past experience in the similar field. This will ensure that the engagement proceeds in a smooth manner.

Being a Good Listener

Consulting is a two-way process where the consultant has to learn about the business and the business issues of the customer. Only then he will be able to suggest changes or improvements in the business parameters. Hence, it is important that the consultant is patient, and listens to the customer’s issues, his point of view and business need. Only if the consultant appears to be in the know-how of the customer’s business, is sensitive towards their business parameters and the current scenarios; he will be able to impress upon them that he can make a difference!

“Unless you know where you are, you will not be able to tell them where to go and how to go there”.

A good consultant is always willing to learn, do the thorough research, fact-finding, gather knowledge and always be well-prepared.

Having an inquisitive nature, asking questions politely so that you don’t offend the customer becomes a very critical aspect. Another aspect which is very important in the consulting assignment is the ability to do a very good documentation and establishing written communications. Either through emails or any other means of written communication, the consultant must be able to establish the overall tempo of the project.

The communication skills of the consultant are important. Email etiquette should be followed by the consultant while sending information over the email, sending request, or setting up meetings over the email. There must be a clear undertone of being polite. At the same time, he has to be very assertive and affirmative so that the project moves fast.

Being Truthful

Another critical aspect of being a good consultant is being truthful. Unless and until he makes the customer aware of what the realities are by telling the truth, he will not be able to give the kind of consulting that entices the customers to make the necessary changes in the business process, business parameters and their business environment. Hence, it is very important to be truthful.

Projecting a Winning Image

The consultant must project an image that is professional, appropriate and authentic. The consultant needs to come across as a person who is polished, polite, confident and assertive at the same time. He needs to project a certain authority as it is an important quality for a consultant to be successful in his job.

Most of the consulting engagements involve influencing some change in the organization. There is always resistance to change. Hence, it is imperative that the consultant is authoritative, influential and assertive.

The consultant will look influential by dressing appropriately, by displaying strong communication skills, a pleasant appearance, and at the same time he needs to project a strong body language. Apart from this, a very thorough knowledge of the subject in which he is providing consulting is crucial.

Building Customer Trust

The consultant needs to create a winning impression through his personality, behavior so that the customers start believing in him and start trusting him. So building customer trust is another extremely important parameter. His personality plays a big role in creating the first impression in the mind of the customer and building mutual trust and confidence.

The consulting engagement or assignment may not be too long. So in a very short span of time, in the early few communications itself the consultant has to create the first impression in such a way that the customer starts believing in him as an expert. This builds trust and the customer understands the consultant’s way of working, his discipline, professionalism, and then automatically starts cooperating with him towards the change.

Projecting an Image That Matches with the Company’s Image

Depending on the level of seniority, the consulting role may involve business development as well as some pre-sales activities.  In this case, the consultant ends up interacting with very senior people in the industry, the decision makers, owners, or the promoters of different businesses to whom his organization is offering consulting. The consultant must know how to represent his organization at the highest level. He should project an image that matches with the company’s image.

Business and Social Etiquette

As a part of the job, the consultant may have to entertain some of these customers or potential customers off-site in fine dining scenarios. The social engagements and meetings with the customer could be in five star hotels, or they could end up meeting in conferences.

Hence, the consultant must be well versed in the concept of power dressing and must be comfortable in entertaining the guests in a very boutique restaurant. This is where his dining and drinking etiquette plays an important role in creating the perfect impression. Apart from this, skills like how to order food, how to order wine, how to taste wine are very critical and help build the consultant’s image.

Developing a Unique Personal Style

At the social scenarios where the consultant meets the customer or interacts with him, he needs to be extremely comfortable in introducing himself, or establishing a rapport.  He may not necessarily give his business card in a very office style old fashioned manner. The consultant needs to develop his own style of introducing himself and using that as a mechanism to break the ice.

If the consultant is entertaining a very senior lady, who belongs to the top management of the customer, how the consultant entertains her in outside scenarios is also going to be very critical. These are certain attributes which will make a very good and successful consultant.

Being Knowledgeable

At the end of the day, there is no substitute for the genuine knowledge in the field in which the consultant is consulting. There is no substitute for keeping up-to-date with the latest happenings in his field; whether it is reading news, new management books, technology updates or whatever is happening in the market. Understanding market trends is another very important aspect.

Finally, the consultant must make sure that he closes the loop on all communications. It is a good practice that after attending the meetings, he sends a courtesy email thanking the customer for the meeting. He can send short text messages if the customer prefers it. So the consultant must follow the etiquette of closing loop on all the interactions so that the record of every transactions and interactions in maintained. By doing so, his business will get more and more opportunities to get a repeat customer.

These are some of the key attributes which will help you succeed as a consultant!

In the past decade, Europe’s economy has hit notable high points, as well as several low points. Because of this, companies have been on the lookout for new and fresh insights from consulting firms worldwide.

Under these circumstances, consultants have their hands full in providing long-term advice to encourage businesses and consumers to stay active in the market.

25 Most Prestigious Consulting Firms in Europe

#1: McKinsey & Company Europe

McKinsey & Company consistently ranks as the top consulting firm in various regions worldwide. The company’s professional practice covers key concerns of today’s leading businesses in Europe. These fields include risk management, strategy, restructuring and corporate finance. Their services can be applied in major industries such as aviation, transportation, IT and retail.

#2: The Boston Consulting Group, Inc. Europe

With an extensive company profile, The Boston Consulting Group, Inc. Europe consists of high level consultants who are experts in the fields of Biopharmaceuticals, Financial Institutions and Telecommunications. The company hit several milestones in 2013, with the launch of the “Game Changing” program, which aims to align large businesses with current global trends.

#3: Bain & Company Europe

Bain & Company Europe has a reputation for providing quality consulting services due to leaders, such as Keith Bevans, Jenny Davis-Peccoud, Phyllis Yale and Orit Gadiesh, who run the successful firm. The results-driven company easily thrives in the Euro market due to their unwavering practice in the fields of Private Equity, Performance Improvement and IT.

#4: Booz & Company Europe

Booz & Company Europe is a well-established consulting firm that has experienced consistent growth since it started in 1914. The future of the flourishing company is currently under scrutiny as talks about the merger with PwC started in late 2013.

#5: Oliver Wyman Europe

Oliver Wyman has positioned themselves as experts when it comes to the European market. The company currently has a staff composed of mostly European consultants, which enable the firm to effectively handle the thriving businesses in the region. Oliver Wyman Europe covers consulting practices related to Corporate Finance and Restructuring, Health and Life Sciences, Surface Transportation and Value Sourcing.

#6: Roland Berger Strategy Consultants Europe

Roland Berger Strategy Consultants Europe has a number of impressive achievements, one being their entry in the U.S. Association of Management Consulting Firms as the first European-based company in 1980. Since then, the consulting firm is recognized for their practice in the following sectors: environmental technology, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and public services.

#7: A.T. Kearney Europe

A.T. Kearney Europe’s status in the consulting industry is well-known due to forums such as the Global Business Policy Council. In addition to regularly holding meetings with top CEOs and leaders, the firm provides exemplary consulting advice to a range of businesses in the manufacturing, financial and IT industry.

#8: Mercer Limited Europe

Mercer Limited Europe’s core consulting practices lie in the areas of retirement, health and benefits, and talent. Through these departments, the company is able to address concerns pertaining to workforce communication and human capital. Apart from these fields, the consulting firm provides advice related to pension funds and strategy.

#9: OC&C Strategy Consultants Europe

OC&C Strategy Consultants Europe has numerous high profile clients, as well as small businesses in their portfolio. This allows the influential consulting firm to monitor various industries from key perspectives. The company’s practice primarily revolves around strategy and operations, as they concentrate closely on businesses located around Europe.

#10: PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) International Ltd.

With deep roots in accounting, PricewaterhouseCoopers’ consulting branch offers superior financial and risk management services. The company currently has over 41% of their employees based in Europe. 3M, Sony, Ford and IBM are some of the big name clients PwC has handled.

#11: L.E.K. Consulting Europe

L.E.K. Consulting Europe extends their services to government departments and leading businesses. The company’s practice revolves around marketing and sales, mergers and acquisitions, organizational development and share value management. The firm continuously rolls out new programs to keep their consultants plugged into their respective industries.

#12: Deloitte (European Consulting Practice)

Deloitte reaches out to their European clients through a series of 35 branches in the region. The firm has a reputation for providing top-notch human capital services. This specific type of practice deals with addressing talent concerns using effective business strategies. As a result, company performance and growth are achieved.

#13: EY (Ernst & Young) Consulting Practice Europe

EY (Ernst & Young) Consulting Practice Europe has a long history of success in the consulting industry. The company takes pride in providing advisory services, in the areas of financial, risk, dispute and security. Global companies such as Amazon, Intel and Citigroup have worked with the firm in repositioning themselves as leaders in their respective fields.

#14: Arthur D. Little Europe

With more than 40 years of experience in business related strategies, Arthur D. Little has risen as one of the most reliable firms to date. The company focuses on the following major industries: energy and utilities, manufacturing, consumer goods and private equity.

#14: KPMG (Europe Consulting Practice)

KPMG has numerous offices spread across Europe, over 143 stations in 18 countries. Because of this, the firm is able to focus solely on the European market, with access to first-hand information and accounts. KMPG consulting services are primarily found in the areas of risk management, restructuring and transactions.

#15: Accenture Europe

When it comes to IT-related practices, Accenture has proven to be one of the most versatile in the field. The consulting firm offers a variety of solutions, ranging from cloud integration to sustainability, which can boost the productivity levels of a struggling company. Additionally, the company is easily accessible worldwide with over 200 global offices.

#16: IBM Global Services Europe

Over the years, IBM has made a name for themselves in the IT and electronics industry. Since their notable purchase of PwC’s consulting arm, the company has been in the business of combining their first-hand experience in the industry with effective advisory services.

#17: NERA Economic Consulting Europe

NERA Economic Consulting Europe has some of the top analysts in the world leading the company, including Dr. Lawrence Wu, Dr. Sanghvi and Dr. Frank Maier-Rigaud. The firm makes it a habit to publish the results of their studies in magazines and journals. Public policy, regulation and competition are areas that NERA consultants are experts in.

#18: Capgemini Europe

With experience in working closely with the European Commission, Capgemini Consulting has a unique perspective on the economic state of the European market. The firm applies their practice in the following sectors: Business Process Outsourcing, Procurement, Supply Chain Management and Green IT.

#18: Simon-Kucher & Partners Europe

Simon-Kucher & Partners Europe’s consulting practices deal with setting prices for goods and services. This is done by implementing key business strategies and analyzing relevant industry trends. Adidas, Porsche, LinkedIn, PayPal and BMW are just a few big brand companies that the firm takes pride in serving.

#19: Porsche Consulting GmbH

Porsche’s consulting branch consists of rendering services linked to transformation, reorganization, process optimization and training. The company brings their success from the automotive industry with the same drive in providing top-notch consulting services to growing companies.

#20: BearingPoint

BearingPoint provides consulting services to businesses in the commercial, government and financial sectors. The company specializes in creating personalized solutions through IT services, outsourcing and strategic advisory.

#21: AlixPartners, LLP Europe

AlixPartners built their reputation in the consulting field by rendering corporate turnaround and restructuring services. These days, the company has branched out to offer financial advice and enterprise improvement.

#22: Mars & Co Europe

Troubled businesses in Europe can benefit from Mars & Co’s strategic services. The company’s practice lies in drawing support from all offices worldwide. This means that a client in Los Angeles can easily get additional help from the firm’s branch in Paris. This “one-office” concept has revolutionized the way the company lays out options for their clients.

#23: Gartner, Inc. Europe

Garner, Inc. Europe is a firm that provides IT-related consulting services. The company renders IT strategies to help businesses manage their operations and increase overall performance. Additionally, the firm engages in projects related to cost reduction and risk management.

#24: Marakon Europe

After being acquired by Charles River Associates (CRA) in 2009, Marakon Europe focused on increasing company value. As a result, the firm grew in the following practices: Organic Growth, Risk Management, Execution and Managing for Value.

#25: PA Consulting Group Europe

The London-based consulting firm has plenty to offer to the European market. With extensive experience in security systems, strategy and defense projects, the company continuously works with businesses in highly competitive industries. The firm is currently developing their IT development services, as they look for new ways to serve the needs of their clients.

Creating Opportunities in the Euro Market

Consulting firms have their work cut out for them when it comes to providing advice for businesses that want to stay sustainable in the unpredictable market. The current conditions are ideal for firms to stand out and create new strategies that will be able to address the key concerns of big brands, small businesses and government departments.

Many professionals flirt with the idea of being consultant. They are ready to step out of their full time employment just to successfully break into the lucrative world of consulting. However, being a guru for hire seems to be a temporary gig, as consultants tend to quit consulting at some point. When and why?

Reasons Why Consultants Leave

There are many valid reasons why consultants want to leave a prestigious industry. Let’s dig into these reasons.

Better Hours

While consulting firms say they are pro work-life balance, the truth is consultants tend to be workaholic, especially the senior leaders. Yes, consultants can enjoy flexibility of the work, however, many may find it very hard to find the “off” switch for work. Most professionals in this field find it hard to have work-life balance even if their schedule is flexible as they tend to work far longer hours than regular employees.

No matter how many vacation days or flexible work schedules are offered, consultants are going to work as much as possible. That’s the nature of the job – it’s inevitable.

Less Pressure in Work Environment

As a consultant you’ll work in a challenging and very stressful environment. For some people, they find it really rewarding – that affecting positive change is worth the high level of stress. But for others, particularly who have been in the industry for a while, working longer hours and enduring more stressful deadlines than most of their peers can be really draining.

That’s why many consultants welcome the relief of quitting consulting for a regular job that really values a sustainable pace.

Short-term Work Engagements

You’ll most likely not to get bored as a consultant as there’s always variety in terms of work engagements. Constant change is part of a consulting career. However, this aspect may be considered unfavorable for others.

If you’re the type of person who value long-term relationships, then this aspect could be unfavorable for you as consultants jump from one job to another. But if you’re the kind of person who thrives with constant challenges and change, you will be much happier as consultant. As a consultant, you’ll be constantly exposed to different people and cultures. This can be either exciting or wearisome depending on your personality.

Too Much Travel

Consultants tend to spend so much time traveling, while this may sound exciting your work-life balance may be greatly compromised. When you travel a lot you’ll find it harder to maintain a healthy relationship with your family and friends. Consulting is a life full of travel and cocktails as well as and hard work and independence – a life that is most ideal for young, single individuals who are extremely focused on career. That’s why those who don’t fall into those categories often opted to leave consulting.

Entrepreneurial Bug

After spending some time around entrepreneurs, many consultants begin to realize that they definitely don’t want to work at a big company as a long-term career. In fact, there are plenty of entrepreneurial executives with time in consulting

Many who feel that they’re stuck in the consulting rut, opted to join a startup. Through this, you’ll have considerably more ownership of the business as well as your day-to-day activities and career path. You’ll have the chance not only to build a great product, but a great company.

Many consultants who quit and started their own companies felt the need to create their own brand as well as increase the created value going into their pockets.

The Non-tangibles

There are many non-tangible benefits to working as an average employee that you don’t usually get as a consultant. For instance, you may work on a consulting project for six months, collaborating with team members around the globe in four languages. And when the project becomes a success, the team of people you’ve been working with had a big party, and your manager got a promotion. However because you’re a consultant, you simply have to move on to the next project – without getting an invite, kudos, pats on the back or high fives. A simple “thank you” is all there is and you are off to the next client.

Now, many clients will make you feel like you’re a real part of their team, but that’s not the point. The point is sometimes, a big paycheck doesn’t feel like an enough reward when you’ve dedicated a great deal of effort. But as a consultant, the only thing you’re really entitled to is a paycheck. This is another reason why many consultants quit after a certain amount of time.

Things to Watch out for Before Leaving Consulting

Although there are plenty of valid reasons why a consultant would leave the industry, it is important to be careful in making such decision as well. You see, many people fall into the “grass is greener” fallacy. Remember, it’s easier to focus on the negative side of your current experience. When you are comparing consulting to a path that eliminates those pain points, make sure you don’t ignore the different issues you might face in the near future.

For instance, ask yourself if you are ready to surrender autonomy? If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like anyone else exercising control over what you do, then being a regular employee may not be the best option after consulting. You may just opt to join a startup instead.

Another thing to carefully analyze is the difference between your proposed compensation and what you’re currently making. You just can’t simply take your annual consulting revenue as a benchmark for your regular employee salary.

Moreover, even though a consultant is much easier to fire, that hardly happens with all of your clients all together. And realize that as an employee you’re committing more of your future success to the fortunes of just one company.

There is more than one way for a determined individual to reach his or her consulting goals. The most common road that many consultants take is through a relevant degree from a recognized university or an internship in a top tier firm.

Not Your Ordinary Path

However, this does not mean that one who comes from other backgrounds such as law, the military, or even health care cannot break into the consulting world. Even though these paths are unconventional, there are still a number of successful management consultants today that come from these industries.

Shifting into management consulting from an unrelated degree or expertise can be difficult. A consultant’s skill set takes years to develop with exposure in the relevant field. As a result, individuals from other sectors must work twice as hard to make up for the lack of knowledge and experience.

Below highlights some of the most popular backgrounds that consultants have started from.

Military

After a service, many soldiers that return home are looking to transition into a new career. You may be surprised to know that there are a notable amount of veterans who take on a career as a management consultant. An individual with a military background is recommended to study from a recognized university. Furthermore, one must maintain a high GPA and work extra hard in building a consulting network from scratch.

There are some downsides that people coming from a military background face. Years of deployment means that by the time an individual applies for a consulting position, he or she might be at the same age as a mid-level professional. This can be a problem if the firm is looking to invest their time in young graduates. While age discrimination should not be tolerated during the interview process, it is a reality that many applicants face. Another concern that individuals with a military background have is lack of experience. A recruiter will most likely choose an applicant who has a background in the relevant field rather than someone who spent time doing military duties.

From another perspective, there are several reasons why a military personnel is suitable to transition to consulting. The competitive nature of deployment can serve as a solid foundation for breaking into the consulting industry. The drive and motivation that a veteran holds is an asset that many recruiters are looking for during the consulting interview process.

Audit

Though somewhat relevant to the industry, auditors may have a frustrating time landing a consulting job. This is due to the type of work auditors are accustomed to. Consulting requires “out of the box” and strategic thinking. On the other hand, the nature of audit work is very repetitive and monotonous. In order to break away from how individuals view auditors, it is recommended to get an MBA from a recognized university. This can show a recruiter that the applicant is capable of doing tasks outside of auditing.

For professionals with an MBA, moving into consulting from a career in auditing can be complicated. One of the best ways to do this is to get into a firm in a non-related field, and get relevant experience. If possible, transition within the firm through an entry-level position or consulting training program.

Information Technology (IT)

Individuals with a background in IT may consider a career in consulting, under the right circumstances. In order to get recognized by a recruiter, and stand out from the competition, it is advisable to be a top performer or have distinctions. It is also essential to have a strong consulting network. Because one may lack experience in consulting, he or she may need someone to vouch for work ethics and professionalism. Ideally, IT specialists looking to make the career shift should consider taking on relevant projects before the change, depending on the type of clients the prospective consulting firm specializes in.

Engineering

With a high GPA, and internships from reputable companies, engineers can transition towards a career in consulting. As mentioned earlier, it would help if such an individual graduated from a top university. A great way to get one’s foot in the door is by attending networking events, as this is a big part of the consulting world. Because engineering and consulting are not directly related, it may take some time to get to know the right people that can help you get access to these types of events. This is the time to use one’s university contacts and call alumni’s and other graduates.

Starting with a 2nd tier firm is a great stepping-stone to consider for those in the engineering industry who want to be consultants. Moving to a larger city with hopes to find more opportunities is not advisable to do immediately due to the level of competition. Alternatively, one may also use LinkedIn to establish a strong set of consulting contacts. Joining online communities is another venue that is starting to become popular due to the information shared in the groups.

History and Literature

Individuals who are highly considering a consulting career without background in financing or business have a lot of catching up to do. Even with a high GPA, one of the best ways to ensure a positive transition would be to get in relevant companies for internships and volunteer work. At the same time, it is recommended to learn basic financing during off hours. Accounting is also suggested. These two topics can help an individual stay up to speed in consulting conversations and when talking to recruiters during the interview process. An individual may need to prove that he or she has knowledge in these subjects. Therefore, it may be a good idea to take a form of certification program from a prestigious institution. Getting an MBA will probably be necessary for many candidates to shift to management consulting.

Consider Relevancy

One of the main issues that individuals encounter when making a career shift to consulting is building up relevant experience. Because one’s degree isn’t related to consulting, recruiters rely on experience to gauge how suitable the applicant is for the consulting industry. The first step in gaining relevant experience is to set a target. You should first know what kind of consulting you want to do, what projects you want to take up and which firm(s) you want to work for.

Secondly, think outside the box. Consider internships, certifications, volunteer work, temp work, freelance and etc. Be prepared to invest time in these areas to show that you can do more than your current area of expertise. It also helps to do what you can on your own time. In order to be able to compete with other prospective consultants, one needs to be well versed in terms, phrases and the latest news circulating the consulting world.

Once you are equipped with the right experience, you may use your consulting network to get the inside scoop on possible openings. The complicated part in this step is if you have no way to start building your network. If you started building the foundation correctly, as mentioned in the previous paragraphs, you should have stumbled upon a few leads, which can help you break into the consulting industry.

Which Firm Should I Apply for?

Depending on where you are, it is recommended not to completely disregard 2nd tier firms. These types of firms are a great place to gain solid consulting experience, which can help catapult one’s goal of working for a top-level firm.

On the other hand, don’t get too comfortable in these types of companies. Once you’ve gathered enough experience from relevant projects, and you feel confident about the knowledge you’ve acquired, it is a good idea to move on to the next step of your plan. It is common for individuals without a relevant background in consulting to lack confidence in their skills. An effective way to overcome this mindset is by staying updated and gathering more knowledge in the relevant field.

A great tip in knowing which firm to target is by knowing what type of clients they are working with. This may help narrow down your choices depending on your previous background or degree. If you’re looking into a completely different speciality, one that you have no prior experience or knowledge in, it is essential to start as early as possible in planning your transition.

In conclusion, an individual without ideal starting credentials can still land a consulting job. However, one has to work extremely hard to achieve the same level of success as a consultant who has taken a relevant path. Never underestimate the foundation of a high GPA and a degree from a top university.

Getting a MBA can solidify one’s chances in getting into a high caliber firm. This can prove to a recruiter that you have the capacity to take on a consulting role. Finally, be prepared to work hard until you’ve closed the knowledge and experience gap.

McKinsey hired 41 students from the 2013 MBA class of the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. This number is a source of pride for the school whose employment report reveals 86.3% of its MBAs receive employment offers by graduation. Many of the job contracts came from companies in which they have proven their worth during their summer internship program.

Major Employers

Four of Booth’s top five employers in 2012 and 2013 are management consulting firms. Aside from McKinsey, Bain hired 21, BCG hired 18, and A.T. Kearney hired 12 graduates from the said business school this year. The other non-consulting firm that belongs to the top five list is the Switzerland-based finance company, Credit Suisse. Other organizations that have also hired many Booth graduates for two consecutive years are Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, JP Morgan, and Anheuser-Busch InBev.

Median Salary

The consulting industry pays the highest median salary to Booth graduates: $135,000. However, some of the biggest individual paychecks went to graduates who landed a job in the financial sector. The biggest salary, $250,000, went to a Boothie who ventured into private equity followed by the graduate who signed an investment management contract at $200,000. In many cases, those huge incomes are granted to MBAs who have valuable work experience before taking up the MBA program.

Comparison with 2013 MBA Wharton Class

In the field of consulting, 30.7% of Booth MBAs went to this sector, a figure slightly higher in comparison to the 29.3% of Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. However, the median consulting salary of both schools is $135,000.

In the finance industry, a slightly bigger percentage of Booth graduates land a job in investment banking, investment management, and diversified financial services. However, Wharton graduates are paid a bit higher than the other group. Poets and Quants explained that one possible reason is that only 23% of Booth graduates went to work in the northeastern part of the country where employees receive higher salaries.

For additional details, please read Poets and Quants’ article.

When you ask this question you are really asking two completely separate questions: firstly, “what are the necessary ‘consultancy attributes’?”; secondly, “how can I demonstrate that I possess such attributes?” This post will concentrate on the latter more than the former, but before an interview you need to be satisfied with the answers you have to both.

With this in mind, here’s something to think about in answer to the first question:

Reliability & Time Management	A consultant must be able to be counted on to do what they said they would, in the manner and time they said they would.
Expertise	A candidate with a certain level of expertise and experience in a particular field will look more attractive to recruiters; knowing how business works and not just the latest business news is important.
Leading and Following	Being a team player and not being embarrassed to say “I don’t know, but I know someone who does” are good traits to have, but the ability to build and lead a team is just as important – communicating and working through others.

Demonstrating Your Abilities

It is all well and good knowing what qualities you need, but now you need to show that you are a master of them. A common error can be simply saying “I am good at this” without showing why.

Interviewing well is a lot like writing a good journal paper or essay, a list of unsupported statements and conjectures will get you nowhere. You need to back up your claims with evidence and examples; you need to be concise and avoid ambiguous language and you need to anticipate any criticisms. This will allow you to make the strongest possible claim or argument.

You must know your CV inside out. Analyse your CV for past experiences in university, societies or sports clubs and think of times when you’ve demonstrated each of the competencies necessary for a career in consultancy. These can be simple anecdotes where you personally have demonstrated the required quality.

How to Structure Your Answers: S.T.A.R.

S – Situation	Provide context to the example; explain the role you played in the scenario.
T – Task	Clearly state the objective you or your team had.
A – Action	This is all about what you did. Use first person pronouns and verbs to specify what you did towards achieving the tasks you mentioned previously. You should spend the majority of your answer on this section.
R – Result	Mention the outcome, ideally quantitatively, referring to the tasks you or your team set. Even in failure you can talk about what you have learned and what you would do to be successful next time.

Final Tips

Granted, you don’t want it to look as though you’ve just learned a script and you’re dictating it to the interviewer word-for-word, your answers need to look natural. At the same time, you still need to have done the necessary preparation: learning about the company and position you’re interviewing for, as well as thinking about your key qualities and times at which you have demonstrated them.

Remember: Listen very carefully to the question and think before you start answering. When you answer you need to evaluate what you’ve learnt from each example you talk about. Employers are interested to know that you are constantly learning and developing yourself.