Why this matters:
A consultant’s work is often organized at the project level. Therefore consultants should be able to evaluate their work on the basis of each project in order to develop and grow in their role. Clients and management will provide feedback, but a consultant should be able to accurately assess their own performance as well.
What to listen for:
- Objectivity and self-reflection
- Admitting to past failures while drawing on lessons learned
- Drive to grow and learn through various projects
Why this matters:
Business management software is an essential part of the modern office. A candidate should demonstrate at least a basic level of familiarity with the most commonly used platforms, and understand the role that each of these tools can play in their work to make processes easier and communicate more effectively with clients.
What to listen for:
- Demonstrating familiarity with software features
- Discussing uses of software for research and analytics
- Using software to improve workflow
Why this matters:
Business consultants have to learn about industries on the spot when they receive new assignments, but it’s common for a consultant to develop a niche if they work on several projects within the same industry. A candidate’s answer to this question demonstrates their experience and how they can apply that experience in novel ways.
What to listen for:
- Applicability of skills beyond a small set of industries
- Ability to point to specific projects and accomplishments
- Diverse interests and curiosity about new areas of work
Why this matters:
Consultants ultimately work for their clients, but sometimes a client may misunderstand or feel unsure about a consultant’s recommendations. In this case the candidate needs to work to convince the client that their solution is the best one. Dealing with this situation shows that a candidate has developed mature, professional instincts.
What to listen for:
- Willingness to negotiate and compromise
- Acknowledging reasons for doubt
- Ability to draw on specific data points to convince client
Why this matters:
Any number of things can come up that make a prior plan untenable. Handling seemingly disastrous developments is a part of life as a business consultant, and a candidate should show the flexibility to meet these challenges. This might mean asking for help, organizing a new team, or communicating with a client to manage expectations.
What to listen for:
- Calm and assured attitude
- Ability to organize under pressure
- Accommodating to client needs and expectations
Why this matters:
A business consultant may work as both a leader and as a contributor to a team. In some cases, a candidate feels more comfortable following and allowing others to take charge, but becoming pigeonholed will not be an asset to the consultant or the company. Being able to adapt to a new role shows a candidate’s versatility.
What to listen for:
- Acknowledging necessity of wearing both hats
- Describing strengths in a particular position
- Understanding of power dynamics within a team
Why this matters:
Working as a business consultant can be a source of stress for many, owing to the varied nature of the work, long hours, and unpredictability of client requests. Candidates should demonstrate they know how to manage their stress levels to ensure their work doesn’t suffer, and show a willingness to help others with the same.
What to listen for:
- Willingness to ask for help when needed
- Concern for helping others manage stress
- Ability to set appropriate boundaries for self-care
Why this matters:
When a consultant takes charge of a project, they must balance various concerns and make sure that their team members are all working in the capacity that best suits them. The qualities that make a good leader — the ability to assess a situation quickly and come up with solutions — also define a great consultant.
What to listen for:
- Leadership experiences with positive outcomes
- Strong discretion in decision-making
- Willingness to delegate responsibilities when appropriate
Why this matters:
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and being aware of these is itself a strength for consultants as they have to assess their aptitude for different projects. The candidate’s answer to this question will also serve to demonstrate their broader work method, which can be a determining factor in their fit for the company.
What to listen for:
- Candid admission to shortcomings while acknowledging points of strength
- Explanation of how strength contributes to success and how weakness is overcome
- Discussion of interplay of strength and weakness in a broader work style
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