INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES FOR CONSULTING JOBS

When applying for consultancy jobs candidates are up against a lot of competition and many of them with just as much ambition, if not more, to succeed in what they do. Getting to the interview stage will be the biggest milestone travelled and some would say that that is an achievement most people would not have even reached. However, just because you have reached the interview stage does not mean that you will still be successful in getting the job.

Preparing for a consultancy jobs interview is the key to a successful position. Therefore, begin your preparation by researching successful interview skills. Researching skills is a plus point for all would-be management consultants, displaying a genuine interest in the company you have applied to. Look on the internet, find out as much information about the company, their history, their services and mission statement. Follow links, articles, press releases, anything that will set you apart in that interview room. You must be clear in the type of work they do, who their clients are and the industries they operate in.

The next step in preparing is to have a look at your CV. With all consultancy jobs you need to be able to sell yourself. What can you offer to the company? How are you qualifications going to benefit the company? How will the corporate culture affect your working for them? How well can you adapt to this culture? Do you understand the industry they work in and how best do your qualifications match the services they provide? Can you contact or read up on client/staff feedback of the company? Give them a good idea what it would be like to work with you and what positives you can bring to the company.

A key candidate will have the following qualities;

1. Strategic thinking
2. Excellent organizational skills,
3. Good analytical judgment
4. Sound knowledge in marketing and business planning
5. Commercial knowledge and awareness
6. Excellent mathematical skills
7. Common sense - going beyond the job title
8. Motivation, determination and drive to achieve financial and business success
9. Good management, people and team working skills

If you are able to demonstrate this in the interview or provide examples of where these skills have been used to improve or change a company for the better, use this and do it with conviction. Finally practice the interview, in front of a mirror or with a friend. Make a plan of how you think the interview will be structured, typical questions you will be asked and questions you would like to ask about the company.
Gino Hitshopi is experienced in providing interview techniques for people applying for consultancy jobs. For more on finding management jobs visit http://www.prismrec.co.uk