Management Consulting

Management consulting refers generally to the provision of business services, but there are numerous specialties, such as information technology consulting, human resource consulting, virtual management consulting and others, many of which overlap, and most of which are offered by the larger diversified consultancies. So-called "boutique" consultancies, however, are smaller organizations focusing upon a few of such specialties.

The functions of consulting services are commonly broken down into eight task categories. Consultants can function as bridges for information and knowledge, and that external consultants can provide these bridging services more economically than client firms themselves.

► Large and diversified organizations

► Medium-sized management consultancies

► Boutique firms that have focused areas of consulting expertise in specific industries, functional areas, technologies, or regions of the world

► Strategy consulting branches

Traditionally, the consulting industry charged on a time and materials basis, billing for staff consultants based upon the hours worked plus out-of-pocket expenses such as travel costs. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was a shift to more results-based pricing, either with fixed bids for defined deliverables or some form of results-based pricing in which the firm would be paid a fraction of the value delivered. The current trend seems to favor a hybrid with components of fixed pricing and risk-sharing by both the consulting firm and client.

Management consulting is the practice of helping organizations to improve their performance, operates primarily through the analysis of existing organizational problems and the development of plans for improvement. Organizations may draw upon the services of management consultants for a number of reasons, including gaining external (and presumably objective) advice and access to the consultants' specialized expertise.

I would like to emphasize a strength that would differentiate me from the rest. Not that having no international exposure is a drawback. But I think one should set themselves apart by highlighting the 'cool factor' in their personality arsenal. I personally like the whole 'international outlook' thing and believe that this is especially important in today's world as businesses get more globally interlinked.

► Honestly my greatest strength would be the ability to adapt. Adapt to different philosophies, ideologies, cultures, atmospheres and be able to mingle with and relate to people from all over the world.

DO you know how hard it is to convince a group? And what are you supposed to say if your persuasion skills are worse than Sarah Palin's and you have failed to influence anyone in your life?

You sort of 'embellish the truth'. Maybe you influenced a small group (like maybe 2) to do something your way. It doesn't really matter. The point is, firms are looking at your approach. Are you dictatorial? Or do you just let brilliant ideas go by just because you are too timid to voice out your opinion? Consulting firms unfortunately want intellectual barbies - geniuses with high EQs and leadership abilities.

Honestly my greatest strength would be the ability to adapt. Adapt to different philosophies, ideologies, cultures, atmospheres and be able to mingle with and relate to people from all over the world.

My habit of spreading myself too thin. I have a variety of interests and love to take on additional responsibilities. This has often led me to lose focus and burning out prematurely. However, I am learning to eat one spoon at a time and not bite off more than I can chew. I have learned that it is not worthwhile to be a jack of all trades, yet master of none. Elaborate (again) with a story.

► Had a brilliant idea (could be anything from changing cafeteria food vendors to implementing a mentor ship or student counseling program)

► Governing body and other higher ups didn't like my idea because of stretched resources/no solid plans/plain pigheaded

► I came up with a detailed plan to implement my idea, using minimal resources and highlighting its benefits

► Gathered support of student body

► Was persistent

► Eventually Governing body saw my way and approved my idea after minor modifications

► Company Name should hire me because I have great Analytical/Quantitative/Interpersonal (Teamwork)/Communication skills. Elaborate with a short example.

► I have a keen desire and determination to succeed in every endeavor. If you hire me, I promise you will receive nothing short of a stellar performance from me.

► I will be a good fit for the company. Elaborate on how/why.

Most consultants love their jobs and lifestyle. If you can deal with it, Consulting is a profession which provides job satisfaction like none other.

Millions of dollars of savings for clients is quite an impact. Also, you get to build strategies to assist organizations improve their performance and attain new levels of productivity from their business processes.

► Please describe your most important leadership experience and the impact that you had as a leader?

► Describe a problem that you would like to tackle at [this firm], why and how would you pursue it?

► If I were to speak to your colleagues from your most recent internship (or friends in school), what would they say about you? What are the strengths and weaknesses they would share?

► Describe a situation where you failed. What did you learn about yourself and how did you change as a result?

► Why our firm instead of your current firm? What do you know about us compared to your firm?

When in a tough spot, especially with your client (FYI client = king in Consulting), do not try to take him head on. Try to compromise, and if that doesn't work, get help from team members and/or your manager who will be more experienced to handle such issues. You may be a great mediator amongst your friends, but never try to resolve a client sensitive issue all on your own!

In that case, I would ask my team members if they can help me out. If the client's demands are too unreasonable, then I could perhaps talk to my manager to resolve this issue.

Every new project provokes a different thought process, new ideas and innovation.

Team friction happens often due to differing schedules, skill sets and mostly because of unequal motivation levels amongst members. Every group has the "know it all genius", "slacker", "person who talks a lot but brings nothing to the table"… Keep in mind one of the times when you had to deal with such a person in a group and elaborate on how you resolved the issue. Consulting firms are looking for leadership abilities as well, and they certainly wont hire someone who sits in a corner while other team members resolve issues.