What is the difference between a traditional job interview and a consultant interview? What is good to keep in mind before a consultant interview? And is a consultant manager really necessary?
In my second blog post I will also outline the pros and cons of working as a consultant.
There is quite a significant difference between a job interview and a consultant interview. A typical job interview usually takes much longer, and it might even require two interviews. During a regular job interview, they ask about your interests and what you do in your free time. They also ask situational questions.
A consultant interview, on the other hand, is very quick. The client wants to meet you promptly and see if you “fit in” with the team. Is this someone who can collaborate with others in the group? The first impression is very important. The client wants to hear about your experiences that might be relevant to the role, and the consultant usually receives feedback very quickly.
Reference checks are not usually part of a consultant interview, but they are often conducted in a regular job interview.
Initially, let the client explain the assignment and the company. Then, as a consultant, you should prepare how to answer the question, “Please share a bit about your background and experience.”
Focus on highlighting qualifications and skills that are particularly relevant to the assignment at hand. Avoid listing all the projects you’ve been involved in; instead, emphasize aspects of your past work that you believe will be useful for this specific assignment, or relevant courses if you are a recent graduate.
During a consultant interview, it’s also crucial to be curious and ask questions. Instead of starting with a question like, “Can I work from home?” consider asking questions such as: What programs do you use? What are your future plans? What do you need help with? How do you approach sustainability?
You might come up with additional follow-up questions as well. It’s better to ask many questions than none at all.
Of course, you should research the company before the interview. By asking questions, you demonstrate your interest in the client. This not only shows curiosity but also might help you uncover aspects the client hadn’t considered.
Some may wonder about the role of a consultant manager and what purpose it serves. The consultant manager acts as a “bridge” between the consultant and the client. Their job is to motivate and inspire, ensuring that the consultant becomes the best they can be!
However, it’s not only the consultant manager’s job to ensure your development as a consultant. You, as a consultant, are in charge of your own growth. The manager’s role is to coach, support, and create opportunities. Therefore, make sure to have a good dialogue with your consultant manager. Take advantage of development meetings to discuss your goals. If you’re unsure about what you want to do, create a mind map and dream big!
Another interesting aspect to discuss regarding the roles of a consultant versus a consultant manager is: While the consultant manager is responsible for finding assignments, you, as a consultant, have the most up-to-date information and meet the client every day. Therefore, it can be advantageous for you to support the consultant manager by staying informed and providing insights. Contributing to the sales process can also help you learn more about the consultant role.
For both individual consultants and consulting firms, it is crucial to continuously evolve alongside their clients while staying ahead of the curve. With that in mind, I believe that skills development, curiosity, and staying up-to-date with the latest technology are key to success. By gaining experience in various areas, you will also be better equipped to meet the needs of tomorrow.
Interested in learning more about the consultant role? Check out my other post, “11 Tips for Consultants on Assignment.”
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Guest blogger: Lezan Rashid, consulting manager at Alten
Guest blogger: Lezan Rashid, consulting manager at Alten
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