Why Consulting? | The Best Interview Answers to Give

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide on how to answer the crucial 'Why Consulting?' interview question, a common query asked by consulting firms. The speaker, a former Bain manager, explains what interviewers look for: understanding of the job, structured thinking, strong communication skills, and enthusiasm for consulting. The video offers practical advice on content, structure, and delivery, emphasizing the importance of being genuine, enthusiastic, and well-prepared. Candidates are encouraged to highlight impactful reasons for choosing consulting and avoid superficial ones like money or prestige. By following these tips, candidates can craft a standout response that showcases their passion and qualifications.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Why Consulting?' question is a critical interview question that candidates must prepare for, as consulting firms ask it in every interview round.
• 😀 Many candidates focus heavily on case interview prep but neglect the 'Why Consulting?' question, despite it being asked in up to 20 interviews per applicant for multiple firms.
• 😀 Interviewers look for four key traits when asking the 'Why Consulting?' question: understanding of the job, structured thinking, communication skills, and enthusiasm for consulting.
• 😀 A strong answer to 'Why Consulting?' demonstrates a solid understanding of what consulting is and why the candidate is genuinely interested in it, beyond just prestige or salary.
• 😀 Structured thinking is important in consulting, and the 'Why Consulting?' answer helps interviewers assess whether a candidate can organize their thoughts logically.
• 😀 Clear, concise, and confident communication is essential in consulting, and interviewers will assess this in your 'Why Consulting?' response.
• 😀 Enthusiasm is a key factor interviewers are looking for. They want candidates who are genuinely passionate about consulting and eager to commit to the role.
• 😀 Good reasons for pursuing consulting include making an impact on high-level business decisions, the desire for professional development, and the excitement of working with talented people across industries.
• 😀 Bad reasons to give for choosing consulting include seeking high pay, wanting a prestigious job title, or using consulting as a stepping stone to other careers or graduate education.
• 😀 A structured answer to 'Why Consulting?' should include stating that consulting is the top career choice, providing three distinct reasons, and concluding by reaffirming that consulting aligns with personal and professional goals.
• 😀 When delivering your answer, be genuine, show enthusiasm, and practice to ensure a natural, confident response without sounding robotic.

Q & A

Why is the 'Why Consulting' question important in interviews?

The 'Why Consulting' question is crucial because it helps interviewers assess whether a candidate understands the consulting role, has structured thinking, effective communication skills, and a genuine enthusiasm for the profession. It helps separate committed candidates from those who applied out of curiosity or without a clear understanding of the job.

What are the four things interviewers look for when asking the 'Why Consulting' question?

Interviewers look for: 1) A basic understanding of the job, 2) Structured thinking, 3) Communication skills, and 4) Enthusiasm for consulting.

What are some good reasons to express interest in consulting?

Good reasons include: making a significant impact by solving complex business problems, enjoying the diversity and novelty of consulting work across industries, building a strong skillset for a future career as an executive or entrepreneur, and working with talented and bright colleagues.

What are some bad reasons for wanting to pursue a career in consulting?

Bad reasons include seeking high pay, prestige, the opportunity for an MBA sponsorship, access to exit opportunities, or simply wanting to travel and stay in luxury hotels. These reasons indicate a lack of genuine interest in the consulting profession and can result in short-term employment.

How should candidates structure their answer to the 'Why Consulting' question?

Candidates should structure their answer by stating that consulting is their top career choice, providing three clear reasons to support this, and then concluding by reiterating that consulting best aligns with their professional goals.

What are three key components to delivering the best answer to the 'Why Consulting' question?

The three key components are: 1) Content – providing compelling and genuine reasons for pursuing consulting, 2) Structure – organizing the response clearly with a logical flow, and 3) Delivery – presenting the answer with enthusiasm, credibility, and authenticity.

Why is structured thinking important in consulting?

Structured thinking is critical because consulting involves breaking down complex problems into manageable components. Interviewers want to see if candidates can logically structure their answers and solve problems effectively, as this skill is essential for success in consulting.

How can candidates practice delivering their 'Why Consulting' answer effectively?

Candidates should practice their answer several times to reduce hesitation, avoid stuttering, and improve their delivery. However, they should not over-rehearse to the point of sounding robotic. The goal is to deliver the answer naturally and with enthusiasm, while maintaining authenticity.

What role does enthusiasm play in answering the 'Why Consulting' question?

Enthusiasm is essential as it signals to the interviewer that the candidate is genuinely excited about consulting and committed to working hard in the profession. It helps demonstrate that the candidate is likely to stay with the firm long-term and adds to the overall impression of a passionate, motivated individual.

Why should candidates avoid giving generic reasons for wanting to work in consulting?

Giving generic reasons, such as wanting a high salary or the prestige of the firm, makes it appear that the candidate is not genuinely interested in the consulting work itself. This could lead to the interviewer perceiving the candidate as someone likely to leave the firm after a short period.