What do you do if you want to stand out as a candidate for consulting firms?

Consulting is an important cornerstone in the business world. I believe that those who want to become a consultant should first be a calm and strong mediator with developed leadership skills and emotional intelligence. Thus, it can offer the highest level of support to companies in different sectors from an objective perspective, without personalizing the problems that may arise. Our experience and knowledge in business life may be very good, but our human qualities and solution-oriented perspective brings impactful reflections. Giving importance to our character, qualifications to add value as a consultant and raising the quality of the service we provide to high levels are of primary importance in terms of consultancy applications.

Tailor your resume to highlight experiences and projects directly relevant to digitalization and AI. Emphasize your achievements in process automation, any AI models you've developed or contributed to, and successful digital transformation projects you've been part of. Quantify your successes whenever possible to provide concrete evidence of your impact.

For any profession, I believe a key content in the resume should include evidence. Evidence of the skills you claimed to have, Evidence of the work experience you claimed to have, and Evidence of what you claimed to have achieved. Everything else relevant to highlight in the resume is important, but we need to provide sufficient evidence to make one stands out.

Leverage your professional network by engaging with individuals who are currently in consulting or have insights into the industry. Attend industry events, participate in webinars, and join relevant online forums. This not only increases your visibility but also helps you gain insider knowledge about what consulting firms are looking for.

Networking is crucial in any industry you work in, but more so in consulting. The difference between knowing a lot of people and staying connected with your network is to keep offering them value. This doesn't necessarily has to be done by working with them on projects, but can be as simple as connecting them to other people in your network who can offer them something. The idea is to keep the engagement and understand what other people want, while keep on learning from their insights. Take initiatives and reach out to your network in case you feel you can help them with something however trivial it may seem. It's about enhancing your visibility and showcasing your skills & intent!

Connect with those that are one step ahead of you. Identify contacts who are currently in your desired role. Connect with them to understand their journey. Try to spot the obstacles, areas for growth, challenges that this role provides to them. Map all of these with your own interests. And bring your uniqueness when defining the action steps for your improvements.

Consulting firms often use case studies in their interview process to assess problem-solving skills. Focus on practicing digitalization and AI-related cases to showcase your expertise in these areas. Highlight your analytical thinking, solution-oriented approach, and your ability to apply AI and automation technologies to solve business problems.

Establish yourself as a thought leader in digitalization and AI. You can do this by writing articles, participating in speaking engagements, or contributing to discussions on social media platforms. Your goal is to demonstrate your knowledge, passion, and innovative thinking in the field.

Continuously update your skills in AI, machine learning, and process automation. This could involve taking online courses, obtaining certifications, or participating in hackathons and projects that push the boundaries of what's currently possible in digitalization.

Research the cultures of the consulting firms you're interested in and reflect on how your values align with theirs. In your applications and interviews, be prepared to discuss how your approach to work, collaboration, and innovation makes you a good fit for their team.

Recommendations: Consulting often involves leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Emphasizing leadership roles, teamwork experiences, and ability to manage competing priorities and stakeholder expectations, would be valuable. Try to receive valuable recommendations from your previous clients. Also, case interviews are a common evaluation method used by consulting firms. Practicing case interview questions, developing a structured approach to problem-solving, and preparing to demonstrate analytical, strategic, and communication skills, would be a helping activity.

International experience: In today's globalized business environment, consulting firms often work on projects with international clients. If you have experience working or studying abroad, speak multiple languages, or have exposure to diverse cultures, highlight these experiences. It shows your adaptability and ability to work in a global context. Continuous learning mindset: Consulting is a dynamic industry that requires a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Showcase your willingness to learn and grow by mentioning relevant courses, certifications, or workshops you have completed. Also, highlight any involvement in industry-related conferences, webinars, or thought leadership events.

Stay informed about the latest trends and breakthroughs in AI and digitalization. Consulting firms value candidates who not only have the technical skills but also have a forward-looking perspective. Show how you can contribute not just to current projects but also to the firm’s growth and adaptation to future challenges in digitalization and AI. This approach demonstrates your long-term value and commitment to innovation in the consulting space.