What Consulting Firms Look For

Wanted:
Resourceful, Hard-working Candidates With The 'Whatever-it-Takes' Attitude

Seriously, this is the main thing consulting firms look for. One thing I love about the job is the blend between quantitative and qualitative work. On the job you'll be expected to conduct research, crunch data, generate findings, and eloquently present your ideas to the client. People from all majors, both qualitative and quantitative can succeed in consulting because there's just so much variety to the work and so many numerous ways you can bring value to your project team.

And that's why consulting firms use case interviews. It creates a level playing field that determines who has the fundamental ability to perform on the job. During a case you will have to analyze a problem by filtering through a tremendous amount of data and information, derive a solution aimed towards resolving the main issue, and articulate a recommendation. These are tasks all of which are done during projects. And through multiple cases, consulting firms can weed out those who can and those who can not.

It is your job to demonstrate results focused, successful behavior so that your interviewer will answer a resounding ‘yes’ to this fundamental question:

Would I want to staff this person on my project?

A.   During crunch time, can I trust this candidate to deliver for me?
B.   Does this candidate seem like he would need to be micro-managed or is he capable of taking directions and running with them?
C.   Does this candidate exude the professionalism to be put in front of the client?

Academic Backgrounds Of Colleagues I Know Or Have Worked With

Math Economics Engineering Voice Music Sociology Psychology Political Science Journalism

Statistics Spanish Communications History Social Policy Finance Undergraduate Business Accounting Geological Science