Introduction: As a consultant, your interview might focus on different aspects than a full-time role. Beyond your skills and experience, hiring managers are under pressure to ensure they make the right choice. They need to feel confident that you will not only get the job done but also know when to seek guidance.
Jim O’Hagan from O’Hagan Career Coaching emphasizes this mindset: “Every hiring manager, is under dramatic pressure to hire the right person. They need to trust that when you’re assigned something, you’ll take it on and get it done, but also be willing to raise your hand when necessary. It’s not just about your resume; it’s about trust, feel, and making a genuine personal connection.”
With that in mind, this guide will give you insights into what hiring managers are really thinking when they’re considering you for a consulting position and how you can position yourself effectively.
1. “I’m Evaluating Your Fit for Our Current Needs”
What They’re Thinking: Hiring managers are focused on finding someone who can quickly integrate and deliver results. They’re assessing whether your skills and experience align directly with the project’s specific goals.
What You Should Do: Emphasize your ability to hit the ground running. Highlight previous consulting projects where you quickly adapted to a new environment and delivered successful outcomes.
2. “I’m Interested in Your Problem-Solving Approach”
What They’re Thinking: As a consultant, you’re expected to bring solutions to the table. The hiring manager wants to understand how you approach problem-solving and how you’ll handle challenges that arise during the project.
What You Should Do: Share examples of how you’ve solved complex problems in previous roles. Walk them through your thought process and how you’ve applied your expertise to deliver value to your clients.
3. “I’m Assessing Your Ability to Work Independently”
What They’re Thinking: Consultants often work with minimal supervision, so they’re gauging your ability to manage your time, stay organized, and deliver results independently.
What You Should Do: Demonstrate your self-sufficiency by discussing how you’ve managed projects from start to finish on your own. Highlight your time management skills and how you’ve successfully met deadlines without constant oversight.
4. “I’m Curious About Your Flexibility”
What They’re Thinking: Consulting roles often require flexibility—whether it’s adjusting to new client demands, working across different departments, or adapting to evolving project scopes.
What You Should Do: Showcase your adaptability by sharing experiences where you’ve successfully navigated changes in project direction or scope. Highlight your willingness to take on new challenges as they arise.
5. “I’m Considering How You Fit with Our Team (Even Temporarily)”
What They’re Thinking: Even though you’re a consultant, your ability to mesh well with the existing team is important. They want to know if you’ll work harmoniously with full-time employees, even if it’s just for the duration of the project.
What You Should Do: Talk about your experience working with different teams, especially in temporary or project-based roles. Emphasize your ability to build rapport quickly and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.
Conclusion: As a consultant, understanding the specific concerns and expectations of hiring managers can help you stand out in the interview process. By addressing these key points, you’ll position yourself as the ideal candidate for the consulting role.