How to Stand Out in an Interview for Consulting Work
Highlights
Standing out in an interview makes you a memorable candidate and shows recruiters you’re serious about getting the job.
Finding consultant work means not only having the right skills, but also having the ability to adapt to different environments, clients, projects, and priorities.
Tips for how to impress at a client interview include researching the client with whom you’re interviewing, preparing for possible questions with real-life examples, being transparent about your job needs, and testing your technology for remote interviews prior to your meeting.
You made it through the recruiter screens and now you’re on to the client interview — congratulations! Based on your resume and initial screening, hiring teams can see that you have the qualifications to do the job for which you applied. Your next objective is to stand out in an interview so clients will remember you and feel confident they’ve found “the one.”
At this point, client hiring managers want to ask in-depth questions about your experience. They want to ensure you’re able to do the job and be a good fit for the company. It’s not just about the answers you give; they’re also looking for confidence in your delivery, your personality, and even the questions you ask them. Consultants need to be able to adapt to different environments and situations, so cultural fit is just as important as ability here.
With these pointers in mind, let’s explore how to stand out in an interview for consulting jobs.
Be Clear About Your Needs
Finding consulting work isn’t just about acquiring a new job title. As with any job, you have certain needs and expectations from the work you do, such as salary, benefits, number of hours worked each week, and where you work.
In your initial recruiter phone interview, make sure to address any salary expectations prior to talking with the client. Be transparent about your working environment needs, as well (fully remote vs. hybrid, part time vs. full time), and benefits requirements.
When meeting with our talent team, don’t be shy about asking specific questions about the consulting jobs for which you’re applying.
Research the Client
Interviews are a two-way street. Not only are client hiring managers getting to know you, but you also get to find out if the project this client is hiring for has the team and culture that will allow you to thrive. Be prepared to ask meaningful questions about culture, the working environment, and any questions you have about the role itself. At Prime 8, you get to choose the projects you work on, so part of the interview process is for you to decide if this is the right project for you
Before your interview, spend some time researching the company, the team and the hiring manager. Look up the hiring manager’s professional profile on LinkedIn. Do you share any common contacts or courses of study in college? Research can not only give you insights into the environment you’ll be working in and help you better align your skills to the role, it can help you form a more personal connection during your interview..
Respond to Interview Requests Right Away
When a recruiter from a consulting firm reaches out with an opportunity, time is of the essence. Hiring managers need to fill positions quickly, so it is in your best interest to respond to interview requests right away. Be timely in responding to requests to schedule client interviews. Even if it means rearranging your schedule, try to be open for the available time slots they are offering. It could mean the difference between getting a client interview or being passed over for a candidate who was available.
Bonus tip: Be prepared to accept the job when an offer is extended. One report shows that more companies are competing for top talent by making job offers in days, not weeks.
Prepare for Questions Using the STAR Method
Nerves getting the best of you? We recommend using the STAR method to help. STAR stands for:
Situation: Set the stage by giving some context about the example.
Task: Talk about your role in solving the problem or finding a solution.
Action: Share the steps you took to reach the solution.
Result: What happened as a result of those actions?
Consulting jobs are all about solving problems for others. Clients want to know how you’ve helped others address tough challenges and the steps you took to get results. Real-life examples demonstrate how you approach difficult situations or projects and how you manage your time and resources.
Leverage the job description to identify the client’s needs and prepare relevant examples of other project situations prior to the interview. This helps you avoid scrambling to provide specific examples of your competency in various work scenarios.
Test Your Tech Setup Prior to the Interview
Many interviews now happen online instead of in person, at least initially. Before your appointment, ensure your internet connection is stable and your background is well lit. Test your microphone or headset to ensure sound is flowing and comes through clearly. This lets you dig right into the interview and gives a polished, professional appearance.
If you are interviewing virtually, keep the same best practices you’d follow if the interview were on site. Dress professionally and maintain good eye contact with the interviewer. Block out distractions and background noise when possible. Make sure nothing inappropriate is in view of the camera. Present yourself in a professional manner to leave a lasting positive impression.
Standing out in an interview requires going beyond small talk and Q&As. Ultimately, think about what’s important for the interviewer to know about you and how you’ll perform in consulting work. Build their confidence in your skills and demeanor so clients will feel confident assigning you to their projects.
Ready to find consultant jobs? See our open consulting positions and use these tips to learn how to impress at the interview!
