Feeling nervous about your upcoming consulting interview? Specifically, you’re probably worried about how to tackle those tricky behavioral and situational questions like, 

“Tell me about a difficult situation you handled.”

I get it. That question can feel like your worst nightmare. You wonder how in the world you’re going to convince your interviewers that you have what it takes to thrive in consulting if you bomb this one.

But don’t stress! I’m here to help.

As an experienced consultant, I know how to answer this challenging question. And I’m going to tell you what I know in this article. 

So, keep reading and you’ll learn:

• Why interviewers ask this question and what they want to hear
• How to structure your answer using the STAR method
• The elements of a compelling, memorable answer
• Common pitfalls to avoid

So let’s get started and make sure you ace this question!

What the Interviewer is Looking For

Why do interviewers even ask this question in the first place?

They’re not trying to interrogate you or make you squirm just for kicks. The truth is, they’re using this question to assess some absolutely critical skills and qualities they look for in consulting candidates.

Specifically, when they ask you about a difficult situation, they’re evaluating your:

• Problem-solving abilities – How do you approach ambiguous, complex issues? Can you keep a cool head under fire?
• Leadership potential – Do you take initiative and ownership when faced with challenges? Can you motivate a team?
• Communication skills – How clearly and persuasively do you convey information? Can you simplify the complex?
• Emotional intelligence – How self-aware are you? Can you manage your own emotions and work effectively with others?
• Learning mindset – Do you take time to reflect on experiences and extract key lessons? Do you show a desire to continuously improve?

Think of this question as a fast-track opportunity to prove you have the right stuff to conquer the most daunting problems and thrive in the high-octane world of consulting.

Structuring Your Response with the STAR Method

In the consulting world, the STAR interview method is gospel when it comes to constructing killer responses to behavioral questions like this.

STAR gives you a rock-solid framework to organize your answer so you sound poised, coherent, and compelling. Here’s how it works:

S = Situation

• Set the context by briefly explaining the key details of the challenging scenario. Hit the high points of what was happening, where, when, and why.

T = Task

• Describe the specific difficulties, obstacles, or stakes involved. What made this situation so thorny? Why were the challenges so significant?

A = Action

• Dive into how you actively addressed the situation. Walk through your thought process, any frameworks you used, who you involved, and the steps you took to tackle the challenges. This is where you really get to shine!

R = Result

• Share the outcomes and impact of your actions. Use metrics or specific examples to demonstrate how effective your approach was. Don’t forget to mention key learnings, too.

Let’s look at a quick example:

S: As an intern project manager at ABC Company last summer, I led a team of 4 interns developing a website redesign for our biggest client.

T: Just 1 week before launch, we discovered a major flaw in the website navigation that would severely hinder user experience. With the deadline rapidly approaching, it was a tense, high-stakes crisis.

A: I immediately pulled our team together to brainstorm options. We decided to adopt a “divide and conquer” approach – 2 members tackled the coding bug while 2 others built a contingency UX plan as a backup. I coordinated efforts and communicated closely with leadership to secure more time, if needed.

R: Thanks to our diligence and teamwork, we not only fixed the bug but improved the overall navigation. We launched the site on time to the client’s complete satisfaction. I learned just how crucial contingency planning and clear communication are when faced with unexpected challenges.

See how the STAR framework helps you construct an answer that flows logically while touching on everything the interviewer wants to hear.

Now let’s explore some key ingredients that will make your STAR stories truly stand out.

Applying this STAR framework will ensure your answer follows a logical flow and structure. But a truly compelling answer depends on the quality of your content…

Key Elements of an Outstanding Response

While STAR gives you the basic structure, you need to fill that framework with compelling details that highlight the right capabilities. Here are some tips:

Demonstrate Your Structured Problem-Solving Approach

Showcase your strategic thinking by explaining:

• How you analyzed the root causes
• Any frameworks, methods, or creative techniques you used to generate solutions
• How you weighed the pros and cons of different options
• Any data or evidence that informed your decisions

Thorough, analytical problem-solving is the hallmark of a great consultant, so don’t be afraid to geek out and flaunt those problem-solving muscles!

For example:

“First, I utilized a fishbone diagram to closely analyze the root causes behind the sudden drop in website traffic. This helped us pinpoint that the root issue was actually a glitch in our new recommendation algorithm. Next, I researched best practices for optimizing algorithms, looking especially at approaches used by leading e-commerce sites…”

Highlight Your Leadership and Initiative

Prove that you can lead under pressure by focusing on how you:

• Took ownership of the situation
• Directed and motivated your team
• Made decisive calls when necessary
• Earned buy-in from stakeholders

You might say:

“I knew my team was looking to me to take charge in this crisis, so I made sure to remain calm, decisive, and laser-focused on solutions. I organized daily standup meetings to align efforts and rally the team’s spirits. When two members disagreed on the best design approach, I mediated a compromise that integrated both their ideas…”

Showcase Effective Communication

How you communicate is just as important as what you communicate. Demonstrate key skills like:

• Explaining complex issues simply and clearly
• Adjusting your communication style to the audience
• Listening effectively to grasp nuance and synthesize ideas
• Conveying difficult messages with sensitivity and poise

For instance:

“I knew that delivering transparent yet tactful status updates to leadership was crucial. Before each meeting, I prepared 3 key points tailored to that executive’s interests and communication style. I also made time to listen closely to their reactions so I could continuously refine my approach…”

Emphasize Emotional Intelligence and Agility

Difficult situations often involve navigating tricky interpersonal dynamics and managing emotions (both your own and others’). Showcase strengths like:

• Remaining calm and professional in tense moments
• Applying empathy and emotional awareness
• Adapting your style to motivate and unify others
• Regulating your own emotions to stay focused on solutions
• Maintaining resilience in the face of setbacks

Consider sharing:

“When tensions flared between team members, I resisted the urge to become frustrated. Instead, I took a few deep breaths to remain level-headed. I acknowledged everyone’s feelings but refocused the conversation on our shared goal. My steady presence helped diffuse emotions so we could regain constructive momentum.”

Quantify Your Impact with Results

Hard metrics and outcomes speak volumes in consulting. Whenever possible, spotlight the concrete impact of your actions:

• Percent by which you improved a metric
• Amount of time, money, or resources saved
• Specific positive feedback from stakeholders
• Any awards or recognition received

For example:

“In the end, we met the deadline AND reduced costs by 8% thanks to our nimble problem-solving. The client raved that it was their smoothest product launch to date. Our team’s performance earned us an Excellence Award at ABC Company, which really validated all our hard work.”

To make your answer even more impressive, consider tailoring it to industry-specific challenges that consultants often face:

Industry	Common Difficult Situation	Unique Considerations
Healthcare	Implementing cost-cutting measures while maintaining quality of care	Regulatory compliance, patient safety, stakeholder sensitivity
Technology	Advising on digital transformation in traditional industries	Legacy system integration, cultural resistance, rapid technological changes
Financial Services	Developing risk management strategies in volatile markets	Regulatory scrutiny, complex financial instruments, global economic factors
Retail	Balancing e-commerce growth with brick-and-mortar operations	Omnichannel integration, supply chain disruptions, changing consumer behaviors
Manufacturing	Optimizing operations in the face of supply chain disruptions	Global trade issues, automation challenges, sustainability pressures
Public Sector	Implementing large-scale policy changes	Political sensitivities, budget constraints, public opinion management

Common Mistakes to Avoid

With the right preparation, you can absolutely crush this question. But there are still a few common mistakes that can trip up even seasoned candidates:

Pitfall 1: Picking a weak example

Steer clear of examples that are:

• Too personal or unprofessional
• Not relevant to work contexts
• Focused on trivial problems vs. complex challenges

Stick with substantive examples that demonstrate your poise and prowess in navigating tricky professional situations.

Pitfall 2: Failing to take ownership

Don’t fall into the trap of:

• Blaming external factors or other people
• Downplaying your involvement in the solution
• Glossing over any mistakes you made

Be honest about your role while emphasizing the initiative and accountability you displayed.

Pitfall 3: Neglecting the human element

It’s easy to focus on process details at the expense of the interpersonal facets. Don’t forget to call out:

• How you motivated or unified your team
• Moments when emotional intelligence was required
• Any relationship management challenges

Illustrate your people skills, which are indispensable in consulting.

Pitfall 4: Rambling aimlessly

Keep your answer crisp and structured. Avoid meandering by:

• Sticking to relevant details only
• Starting with a clear roadmap (i.e. the STAR framework)
• Preparing transitions between key points

An organized, concise response demonstrates your clarity of thought and communication savvy.

Expert Tips to Master This Challenging Question

As a seasoned consultant and interview coach, I have some proven strategies to help you craft a compelling answer:

Pick a recent example: Choose a situation from the past 2 years so details remain fresh. But don’t use an example from your current role if confidentiality is a concern.

Rehearse but don’t memorize: Practice telling your story aloud until it feels natural. But don’t sound overly scripted.

Keep it relevant: Customize your example to align with consulting case scenarios, like navigating client expectations or fixer projects.

Watch your tone: Strike a positive tone even when describing difficult situations. Don’t sound bitter or blame others.

Focus on insights: Share 1-2 key learnings or reflections to show self-awareness and growth mindset.

Mind your delivery: Speak slowly and confidently. Modulate your tone. Watch body language. These impact your effectiveness in conveying leadership presence.

Prepare follow-up questions: Rehearse answers like “What would you do differently now?” or “How did you prioritize tasks in this crisis?”

See it as an opportunity: This question allows you to demonstrate the unique value you will bring to the consulting firm. Embrace it!

Align Your Example with Consulting Firm Values

To take your answer to the next level, align your example with the specific firm’s values and consulting focus areas.

For instance, if you’re interviewing with McKinsey, highlight:

• Your structured problem-solving approach (they love MECE) -aptitude for gathering data and conducting analysis
• Ability to challenge assumptions and consider unconventional perspectives

For Bain interviews, showcase:

• Results-driven mindset and relentlessness for outcomes
• Ability to simplify complex problems
• Client relationship skills

And for BCG interviews, emphasize:

• Your intellectual curiosity and passion for tackling ambiguous problems
• Openness to collaboration and teamwork
• Ability to adapt when circumstances are rapidly evolving

To further tailor your response to specific firms, consider how different consulting companies typically approach difficult situations:”

Consulting Firm	Typical Approach to Difficult Situations	Key Phrases to Use
McKinsey	Fact-based, data-driven problem-solving	“Conducted thorough fact-gathering”, “Applied rigorous analysis”
BCG	Innovative, out-of-the-box thinking	“Explored unconventional solutions”, “Leveraged creative problem-solving”
Bain	Pragmatic, results-oriented strategies	“Focused on actionable insights”, “Prioritized high-impact solutions”
Deloitte	Technology-enabled, scalable solutions	“Leveraged digital tools”, “Designed scalable framework”
Accenture	Client-centric, collaborative approach	“Co-created solutions with the client”, “Ensured stakeholder alignment”
Oliver Wyman	Industry-specific, specialized expertise	“Applied deep sector knowledge”, “Leveraged industry best practices”

This level of customization displays your commitment to the firm and the consulting profession.

Conclusion: Master the Consulting Interview

Here are some final tips as you prepare your own answer:

• Be authentic. Choose a real example that showcases your unique strengths.
• Practice extensively but sound natural. Don’t memorize a script.
• Focus on learning not just the outcome. Interviewers want self-awareness.
• Quantify your impact with metrics and real-world results.
• Customize your answer to align with the firm’s values and consulting focus areas.
• Project confidence. Make eye contact and speak with conviction. Mind your body language.
• See it as an opportunity to showcase your consulting potential.

Now you have all the tools needed to develop a compelling answer to “tell me about a difficult situation you handled.” With preparation and practice, you can ace this question and land your dream consulting job. Good luck!