Interviews for consulting roles can be intense. You need to prove you’ve got the hard skills to analyze complex problems. But that’s only part of what recruiters look for. They also want to see you’ve got the soft skills too. Skills like passion, curiosity, and strategic thinking.

That’s why they always ask some version of “Why consulting?”.

It seems simple on the surface. But your answer reveals a lot about how well you really understand the industry. And whether you’ve got that consulting mindset they want.

This question trips up a lot of candidates. But with the right preparation, you can craft an authentic answer that wins over even the toughest interviewers.

Here’s how to shine when they ask you “Why consulting?”.

Why Do Interviewers Ask “Why Consulting?”

Before we get into how to answer, you need to understand why they ask this in the first place.

It’s not just because they’re curious or want to make small talk.

There’s real strategy behind it. Your answer gives recruiters insight into a few key things:

Does Consulting Align with Your Goals?

Top firms invest a lot in training their people. They want to know you’re not just chasing the prestige or paycheck.

Your answer needs to show consulting aligns with your long-term aspirations. Not just that you want a job that looks good on your resume.

They want to see this is a career path you’re genuinely passionate about.

Do You Understand What the Job Actually Involves?

Recruiters also use this question to assess how well you understand consulting.

Do you know what the day-to-day work really looks like? Or do you have unrealistic expectations about it being glamorous and easy?

Your answer needs to show you’ve done your research about the realities of the job. The exciting parts as well as the challenges.

Can You Think Strategically?

Finally, this question tests your strategic thinking skills. Recruiters want to hear how you’ve deliberately evaluated different career options.

They want to know you’ve carefully considered how consulting fits into your long-term career vision. Not just chosen it on a whim.

How to Craft a “Why Consulting” Answer fow Interview

Now that you know why they ask it, let’s talk about how to create a compelling response.

I’m going to share a powerful framework to help you stand out. I call it the PACE method.

PACE stands for:

• Personalize your answer
• Align with the firm’s values
• Convey enthusiasm
• Emphasize impact

Let’s break down each part.

Personalize Your Answer

A generic, one-size-fits-all response won’t impress anyone. To connect with your interviewers, you need to make your answer feel unique.

Talk about specific experiences that have led you to consulting. For example:

“My experience leading complex projects in my role showed me how much I enjoy tackling ambiguous problems. Consulting will let me apply those skills in diverse contexts.”

Research the firm you’re interviewing with. Weave in details about why their culture or values resonate with you.

Align with the Firm’s Values

Top consulting firms all have distinct cultures. Make sure you understand what makes each one unique.

Do your research on their values, specialties, and focus areas. Include details that show you connect with that specific firm’s ethos.

For example:

“BCG’s emphasis on innovation excites me. I’m drawn to how you reimagine entire industries – not just optimize clients’ existing business.”

Convey Enthusiasm

A little passion goes a long way in interviews. The recruiter wants to feel your energy and excitement.

Use vivid language. Vary your tone and pace. Avoid sounding stiff or robotic.

For example:

“I’m thrilled by the constant growth in consulting. The idea of tackling a new challenge every few months is so energizing to me!”

Emphasize Impact

Consulting firms want team players motivated by real change. Highlight how you’ll drive results for clients.

For example:

“What draws me to consulting is the opportunity to transform organizations at scale. I want to shape industries and economies by helping leaders reimagine the future.”

Key Points to Make in Your “Why Consulting?” Answer

While your answer should reflect your own story, there are a few key themes recruiters love to hear.

Weave in details about:

• Your problem-solving skills and intellectual curiosity
• Desire to gain broad business experience
• Excitement for a collaborative team environment
• Passion for creating tangible impact on clients

Here are some examples:

• “The intellectual challenge of tackling ambiguous problems energizes me.”
• “I’m excited to gain such diverse business exposure through consulting projects.”
• “I thrive when collaborating with smart teammates to drive innovative solutions.”
• “My goal is to create measurable impact for clients through my work.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid with “Why Consulting?”

Some of the most common ways candidates mess up this question include:

• Giving generic answers like “I enjoy problem solving”. Get specific instead.
• Focusing only on personal benefits like resume prestige or earnings potential. Emphasize the value you’ll bring to clients and the firm.
• Lacking examples of experiences that sparked your interest in consulting. Back up your points with stories.
• Overemphasizing the fame or compensation of consulting. Stick to less superficial motivations.
• Failing to personalize your answer to each specific firm. Research their culture and specialties.

Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll impress interviewers rather than turning them off.

Tailor Your Response to Top Consulting Firms (McKinsey, Bain, BCG)

Let’s look at how to customize your answer for consulting giants like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain.

Though they have similarities, each firm has a distinct flavor. Make sure you understand and connect with what makes them unique.

Research Their Culture and Values

Get to know what guiding principles shape each firm’s culture. Then work details about why those resonate with you into your answer.

For example:

“Bain’s principles of Vision, Reason, Results, and Contribution deeply align with my personal values.”

Highlight Your Interest in Their Specialties

Is the firm known for digital transformation? Sustainability? Comment on how their strengths align with your experience and passions.

For example:

“BCG’s work around tackling climate change excites me. It perfectly combines my engineering background with my interest in ESG.”

Reference Their Thought Leadership

Show you’ve engaged with their ideas and reports. Mention how their innovative thinking energizes you.

For example:

“McKinsey’s research on the future of work really impressed me. Those kinds of insights are why I’m so excited to work here.”

To help you tailor your response effectively, consider the following key attributes of top consulting firms:

Sample Answers to “Why Consulting?” for Different Experience Levels

Let’s look at some sample answers tailored for candidates at different experience levels.

Recent Grad

“As a recent graduate, consulting appeals to me for a few key reasons.

First, I love analyzing complex problems and coming up with creative solutions. The case interviews I’ve tried showed me how fun it is to dig into nuanced business scenarios.

Second, I’m excited to rapidly build hard and soft skills through the training. Consulting seems like this amazing crash course in business strategy straight out of college.

Finally, the idea of having real impact on clients early in my career motivates me. I want my work to lead to tangible improvements in their business, even as a junior team member.”

Career Changer

“After five years in marketing, I’m drawn to consulting for a few reasons.

I’ve realized what I enjoy most is solving multifaceted problems using data-driven strategies. Consulting allows me to flex those muscles in diverse contexts.

While I have deep expertise in marketing, I’m eager to expand my business toolkit more holistically. Consulting offers incredible exposure to different functions and industries.

I’m also motivated by the mentorship and rapid learning in consulting. I’m ready to maximize my professional growth. The training opportunities here are extremely appealing.

Ultimately, consulting seems like the perfect way to leverage my skills while also aggressively expanding my capabilities and impact.”

MBA Student

“My MBA has crystallized my desire to pursue consulting.

The case method helped me discover my passion: breaking down tricky business problems and driving creative solutions. I’m excited to apply that mindset to real client work.

My diverse background has shown me the power of cross-industry insights. I look forward to blending experiences from different sectors to spur innovation.

I also believe in the power of high-performing teams. The collaborative culture here is so appealing to me.

Most importantly, I want to create tangible impact through my work. Consulting gives me the opportunity to transform organizations early in my career – that’s what motivates me most.”

Tying It All Together

Your “Why consulting?” answer doesn’t exist in isolation. Make sure it aligns with the rest of your interview responses.

For example:

• Discuss how your motivations inform your approach to cases
• Expand on the themes from your answer when asked follow-up questions
• Ensure your motivations align with your overall career narrative

Craft your story ahead of time. Then practice telling it naturally. You want to sound genuine and unrehearsed, even if you’ve prepared thoroughly.

You’ve Got This

The “Why consulting?” question might feel intimidating. But it’s actually a huge opportunity to show what makes you stand out.

By following the PACE framework, highlighting your unique background, and conveying authentic excitement, your answer will win over even the toughest crowd.

Consulting thrives on people with passion, strategic thinking skills, and intellectual curiosity. Use this question to show you’ve got all three in spades.

Knock it out of the park, and you’ll be well on your way to the offer you’ve been dreaming of. You’ve got this!