How do you address any gaps or weaknesses in your consulting resume and cover letter?
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One of the main challenges for aspiring consultants is to demonstrate that they have the relevant experience and skills for the role, especially if they come from a different industry or function. To address this gap, you need to highlight the transferable skills and achievements that show your potential as a consultant. For example, you can emphasize your problem-solving, analytical, communication, and leadership skills, and provide specific examples of how you applied them in your previous roles. You can also show your interest and knowledge of the consulting industry by mentioning any relevant courses, certifications, projects, or extracurricular activities that you have completed or participated in.
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Not having direct consulting experience can be mitigated with client-side experience, which is highly valued by consulting companies. Consultants work to serve client companies, so having experience on the other side can be parlayed as a strength.
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Fundamentally, management consulting is a free market. They are looking for smart, easy-to-work-with people who can solve client problems, bill at a $$$ hourly rate, and get things done. "Relevant" experience is a subjective term. It might not be in the EXACT industry, but it's your job to paint the picture and show how you are still a great FIT for the firm, and clients.
Another common scenario is when you are making a career change or transition, either voluntarily or due to external factors. This might create some gaps or inconsistencies in your resume and cover letter, and raise questions about your motivation and commitment. To address this issue, you need to explain the reasons behind your career change or transition, and how it aligns with your long-term goals and aspirations. You also need to show that you have done your research and preparation for the consulting role, and that you have the skills and competencies to succeed in it. You can also leverage any relevant connections or referrals that you have in the consulting industry, and mention them in your cover letter.
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In returning to consulting after obtaining my Master of Art in Teaching and teaching for a couple of years, I decided to return to consulting. A number of firms had challenges with my return, only one valued the experience and I was able to leverage into a focus on consulting to education institutions. Look for the firm that values your experience not one looking for you to fit into their cookie cutter profile.
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Consulting firms, are not the most open minded, flexible, or desperate recruiters. Lots of people want to work here. Therefore, play to your unfair advantage. With solutions can you sell for them? https://www.consultantsmind.com/2023/03/15/whats-your-unfair-advantage/
Another possible weakness in your consulting resume and cover letter is an employment gap, which might be due to various reasons, such as personal, health, family, education, or travel. While an employment gap is not necessarily a deal-breaker, it might raise some red flags if it is not explained or justified. To address this issue, you need to be honest and transparent about the reason and duration of your employment gap, and how it has impacted your career development and readiness. You also need to show that you have used the time productively and constructively, by engaging in activities that have enhanced your skills, knowledge, or network. For example, you can mention any volunteer work, freelance projects, online courses, or personal projects that you have done during your employment gap.
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The productive and constructive use of time during the employment gap itself does not have to be consulting-related, however it is a definite plus when the candidate can clearly show how it ties in with their goals and ambitions related to working in the industry. An example could be explaining how learning a new language has allowed the candidate to pursue projects in other countries and regions.
Another potential weakness in your consulting resume and cover letter is a low GPA or test score, which might indicate a lack of academic excellence or aptitude. While consulting firms do not have a strict cut-off for GPA or test scores, they do use them as a screening tool to assess your potential and fit for the role. To address this issue, you need to provide some context and explanation for your low GPA or test score, and how it does not reflect your true abilities or performance. You also need to highlight other aspects of your academic profile that show your strengths and achievements, such as honors, awards, scholarships, publications, or extracurricular activities. You can also demonstrate your readiness and interest for the consulting role by taking additional courses, certifications, or tests that are relevant to the industry or function.
One of the most common mistakes that applicants make in their consulting resume and cover letter is to use a generic or template-based approach, without customizing them for the specific firm, role, or project that they are applying for. This might show a lack of research, understanding, or enthusiasm for the opportunity, and reduce your chances of standing out from the crowd. To address this issue, you need to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific requirements and expectations of the consulting firm and role that you are targeting. You need to use the keywords, language, and format that match the firm's culture and values, and highlight the skills, experience, and achievements that are most relevant and impressive for the role. You also need to show your fit and interest for the firm and role by mentioning why you want to work for them, what you can contribute to their success, and how you align with their vision and mission.
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This is so important. Make sure to read any information about the role thoroughly but also research the organisation. What are their values? Their tone of voice? Their mission (if shared in the public domain)?
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From what I've been hearing this has been the most challenging job market for folks, especially those over 40 with lots of experiences, which unfortunately may be working against them. But I think it's important to not try to dumb down your resume just to fit perceived expectations, or to "add yeast" to include things that appear to be what folks are looking for if you really don't have it. Because eventually it catches up to you. But learning new skills and being up front about what your true experiences are will hopefully put you in a good position for when you do make it past the algorithms and get a chance to speak to a real human. And do so without having to "front" because of something you put on your resume that was fake news.
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This article is a bit simplistic. Management consulting is a complex art, and the skill set has been defined internationally by the CMC body of knowledge (Certified Management Consultants), recognized in 100+ countries Here is an example of the list with a practical assessment: see for yourself! https://www.dropbox.com/s/an9shob916r7itt/FGA_CMC%20-%20Management%20Consulting%20SKILLS%202020%2008.pdf?dl=0 (Source : CMC?)
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