Most often, when a candidate hears about a consulting or case interview, one thing comes to mind – case study research. These types of interviews involve the candidate being given a hypothetical situation so that their analytical thinking can be evaluated when they provide their solution to the case. No wonder that addressing this difficult scenario frequently becomes the main focus of any candidate.
But problem-solving is just one of the interview phases. Below, we will delve deeper into some tips and examples of consulting interviews to provide a better understanding of what they are and how to handle them.
Tip: Most interviewers prioritize evaluating your analytical skills, humility (yes, that’s correct, humility), and flexibility over the specific content of your final answer. As a consultant, the most valuable asset you have is wisdom, which transcends all industries.
Things to know when preparing for a consultant interview
Be aware of the fundamentals
You must grasp the fundamentals of consulting before diving into the nuances of the industry or the case in question. This entails being aware of the duties performed by consultants, the abilities and characteristics required of them, and the instruments they employ to address issues. You can study books, articles, or websites on consulting to gain a solid understanding of the basics. You can also enroll for webinars and on training courses.
Tip: Try imagining interviews and solving brainteasers to get better at problem-solving, and improve your analytical and communication skills.
Interviewers are now putting applicants through a process called “casing”. In essence, this involves giving a “case study” and then rating the applicant according to how they reached a “solution” including their ability to analyze. Asking the appropriate, sometimes provocative questions is crucial to achieve better results in this process.
Study the industry
After you have gained a firm grasp of consulting, you should investigate the industry in which you are seeking employment.
Learn more about the industry’s obstacles, opportunities, and trends. Comprehending the industry-specific vocabulary, metrics, and best practices is also recommended. There are a variety of information sources, including mass-media articles, podcasts, conferences, webinars, and industry publications.
Do some research on the company
Researching the organization that is interviewing you will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company; it also allows you to adjust your responses and shows that you are proactive and well-prepared.
Start by visiting the official corporate website. Examine the pages on careers, news, services, about us, annual reports, and press releases. Research industry reports and study the company’s social media platforms.
It’s worth noting that DevelopmentAid offers an extensive database of international organizations, providing valuable resources for consultants conducting research.
Here’s what you should focus on:
- Understand the company’s services, clients, and competitors
Understand the key services that the organization provides. This includes its specialties and fields of expertise. For a consulting firm, this could include strategic consulting, operations, technology consulting, or human resources.
Example: If the company specializes in digital transformation, be ready to discuss how you can contribute given your experience and skills.
DevelopmentAid platform can help you to identify the partners and the competitors of any organization operating in the development sector based on an analysis of the shortlists and awarded projects.
- Learn about the company’s culture and values
It is important that you align your interview answers with the firm’s values. For instance, if the organization values innovation, describe the innovative solutions you introduced in your previous positions.
To learn more about the company’s approach to teamwork and leadership, you can analyze the reviews on various online resources, such as Glassdoor, and research press releases or blog posts related to the firm. It is also advisable to read the news to learn more about the company.
Practice your case study skills
Be prepared to provide rational, concise solutions to business problems. This is a must. To do this properly, you should adopt a structured approach. The capacity to figure out problems using a structured approach is one of the most important abilities that consultants must possess.
The structured approach involves dividing complicated topics into smaller, more manageable segments, prioritizing the most crucial issues and data.
Be flexible to changing circumstances while maintaining a structured approach. Adjust the information you provide based on fresh data or comments from the interviewer. You can enhance your level of flexibility by subjecting yourself to a variety of challenges and by learning from your failures.
Tip: Don’t forget to show your curiosity and interest in consulting, along with your values and interpersonal and teamwork abilities. Throughout the interview, be sincere and respectful.
Improve your personal pitch
Not just during an interview, but on any given occasion, you should be able to communicate a succinct overview of your experience, qualifications, and areas of expertise. For instance:
“With six years of strategic consulting experience, I have worked in digital transformation and operational efficiency and have helped customers improve productivity by an average of 20%.”
Working on your pitch every now and then will help you build up confidence.
You could consider employing the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method:
“In my previous position, I led a team (Situation) to create a new market entry strategy (Task). I undertook extensive market evaluation and competition analysis (Action), resulting in an effective introduction and fifteen percent of the market capture in the initial year (Result).”
Review your CV and prepare your questions
Make sure you can go into detail on any points raised in your CV or work examples. In particular, prepare detailed information about each major project listed.
It is also important to have insightful questions that you can ask the interviewer when it’s your turn to find out more about the organization you aim to work for. Thus, you will not only gain new information but also show that you are interested in the company and in the role it is offering.
If you are unsure whether your CV is well-prepared, let our professionals assist you. DevelopmentAid provides a CV tailoring service that makes sure your professional experience is optimal, increasing hiring managers’ awareness of you.
Do you want to secure a role in a development project? Contact DevelopmentAid Career Center – we leverage advanced career aid tools and offer expert assistance, delivering personalized career advice for individual consultants.
Original article written by Daniil Filipenco - https://www.developmentaid.org/news-stream/post/182859/preparing-for-consulting-interviews