How can you stand out when applying for consulting firms?

Research about them and apply through their preferred channels. Don't expect an HR recruiter to walk you through the process as mostly small consulting firms will neither have an HR nor a job role that won't change for another 40 years. Most consulting firms are change agents therefore, be open minded to learn,unlearn, and relearn. On the day of interview be humble, grounded, and tell them why you would like to work with them. In the beginning, you will be most likely expected to shadow a senior consultant. Don't expect high pay in small firms unless you yourself are capable of bringing clients and doing projects yourself-and if you can why would you work for them anyway. You don't need to outsmart anyone just be yourself.

To prepare for an upcoming job interview and align with the prospective employer's culture start by delving into the firm's LinkedIn profile to gain insights into its history and the individuals who contributed to its success. This examination of personnel can also help you gauge the company's culture, as it often reflects the backgrounds and experiences of its employees. It's essential to recognize that culture, irrespective of geographical boundaries, profoundly influences our interactions and work environment. Your ability to adapt and align with the company's cultural values can significantly impact your success as an employee and enhance your ability to effectively communicate your qualifications and fit within the company's culture.

4 things to combine: 1) Presentation skills: "We can put you in front of a client" 2) Problem-solving and execution skills: "This is how I suggest to address your challenge " 3) Show ability to be flexible 4) Any specific focus area and expertise (Industry, software, project execution, etc.)

Consulting is a continuous move in the world that change and require a big part of research before consulting and strong roots and background on the field you want to consulting trust me is a Job with a lot of satisfaction and keep your brain active as you never know who is in the other side listening during a paired consultation and the questions runs from A to Z and you need to be ready to make your anonymous ctm happy..

It also helps to know your interviewer. I'm always amused when people have read my book before interviewing with me. It shows they did their homework.

One best ways to showcase your skills is to create a work sample. Like using a public dataset and creating a study on the market, domain, etc. in the form of PPT Decks that Consulting firms use.

What are the top 3 standout things that you did? Highlight those. For example, Designed a workflow that improved productivity by 20% Make sure these are different things or at least present them differently. This will make it clear to the recruiting company about the value you will bring and what can be expected from you.

My Top Tips: -Polish your CV. -Create a compelling cover letter specific to the consulting organisation and the position. -If you have your own website - display your case studies there. -Its a planned and long journey to get into a big consulting firm - so keep doing and keep displaying - blogs, articles, polls, research, webinars, summits. Writing a book will be ultimate - I have been suing self-publishing - quick and easy. -Do not miss to 'blow your trumpet' i.e. being communicative - all the time on a regular basis for a long time. e.g. I have been publishing my annual achievements in the beginning of every year (for last 3 years) in the form of an infographic. To do that, I need to work throughout the year to do so many activities.

Having a portfolio to share or sharing know-how through a STAR method is crucial, just be mindful not to disclose any non-public and confidential information. Also, don't just dress for the job you have, but for the job you want (cliche, I am aware). Do a bit of research on the dress-code of the company, and if that is not possible, always dress smart (or at least smart casual). This way you won't feel out of place and your demeanor will be one of confidence. Remember that rapport is important so be calm and pleasant, as well as sure of your know-how.

My Top Tips: 1. Big consulting firms have pages sepcific to these skills - do not miss that opportunity. 2. Attempt to speak with a senior contact in teh company for any tips, current challenges, strategies etc. 3. Prepare-Prepare-Prepare. 4. Anticipate questions and write answers. Review and refine your answers. 5. Look for such contributory articles on LinkedIn. 6. Do not hesitate to use AI (e.g. ChatGPT) in preparing for your big interview. But use your I(intelligence) and I(eye) before and after the AI.

My Top Tips: 1. Prepare for reverse interview too. One of the best ways to know current challenges and culture of the consulting firm that is interviewing you. 2. It is not out of place to follow up and seek feedback (immediate/ delayed) for future preparations at this consulting firm or another one. 3. Make notes immediately after the interview - questions that were asked, the way you responded, and your response. Just read these notes and your confidence will be up - these will also provide your opportunities for improvement.

Compose your presentation around what you bring to the table for the benefit of the company at which you are applying. What knowledge, solutions or perhaps new areas are your forte. Although you will be talking about yourself, be clear what value you would bring for the company.

Don’t be afraid to be different. Consultancies have a reputation for employing people with the same backgrounds but that does not fit with the types of clients consultancy’s often work with on assignment and different people being different experiences and insights so don’t worry if you have a different background that can have so many benefits to potential future clients of the consulting firm. However maybe don’t stand out too far in the interview but showcase your background

Consultancies have a template for the type of people that they want to hire for each level in their organisation. If you get an opportunity to be interviewed try to be natural, be honest and don’t try too hard. Have answers to (1) why you want to work for the firm. (2) your business acumen and personal career aspirations and (3) why you think you could be a successful consultant. You don’t need to be a star pupil before day 1 or immediately after day 1, you just need the opportunity to be a star at some time in the future (should you choose to be a star).