You're preparing for a consulting interview. What's the most important thing to research?

Research what is going on in the relevant industry or sector to show that you stay current with news and trends. I often ask about what a candidate thinks about a specific issue that is in the headlines.

knowing the firm's vision is essential when preparing for a consulting interview. Understanding the company's long-term objectives, mission, and values provides crucial context for your conversations during the interview process. It enables you to align your responses with the firm's goals and demonstrate how you can contribute to achieving its vision. By researching the firm's vision, you can also gain insights into its strategic direction, which can inform your questions and responses during the interview, showcasing your enthusiasm and alignment with the company's aspirations.

Research cultural values, asess the purpose and the mission the company has and evaluate if it aligns with your own values and aspirations. It's important to have alignment on the values and the culture right from the start, as changing behaviors later is usually a long lasting process without much results for both parties involved.

Understanding the firm's interview process is crucial for adequately preparing for a consulting interview. Each consulting firm may have its unique process, which could include multiple rounds of interviews, case studies, behavioral assessments, and potentially other evaluations. Researching the firm's interview process beforehand allows you to anticipate what to expect at each stage, tailor your preparation accordingly, and ensure you're ready to demonstrate your skills and fit for the role. Moreover, knowing the interview process enables you to understand the firm's values and priorities in evaluating candidates, helping you to showcase your strengths effectively throughout the process.

The most important thing to research for a consulting interview is a comprehensive understanding of the company you're interviewing with. This entails delving into their history, recent projects, clients, industry trends, and market positioning. Additionally, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the consulting firm's methodologies, frameworks, and core values. This knowledge not only demonstrates your interest and preparedness but also equips you to articulate how your skills and experience align with the company's goals and ethos during the interview process.

When assessing firm's culture, processes and the industry trends, try to spot potential problems the firm might be facing. Then think about potential solution to these problems and be ready to proactively offer proposals for thier resolution. You will show initiative, be ready to get stuff done and impress your interviewers with the level of the assessment and the research you did!