Rank: Super forum user 
|
Hi folks
I have been lucky enough to secure an interview with a consultancy. Has anyone made the change from 'in house' to working as a consultant and if so what are the likely pitfalls; also have you any advice as to what i am likely to face question wise - other than why do you want to make this move?
Thanks in advance.
Stuart
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
Make no mistake consultancy work is different so one of the key things I would do is acknowledge that in the interview and that you will have to go on a learning curve - but obviously that you feel capable etc etc.
Skills needed:
Good communication / customer relations skills - don't underestimate how difficult customers can be
Ability to be a jack of all trades and master of none (engineering am, nursing home pm for example)
Ability to manage your own diary
Ability to prioritise, you'll probably have a big client database to manage, always running to catch up
Ability to think on your feet and be independant - you'll be on your own predominately
Computer literacy for reports and databases
After that is depends on the company you've got an interview with as consultancies can operate differently.
Questions are usually based around where you have made a difference, where you got it wrong, what your skills are, perhaps how you would cope with certain situations.
Good luck.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Depending on the principles of the owners of the consultancy interested in you, and on the specific role(s) open to you, bearing in mind that there are no absolutely 'right' answers but some 'wrong' ones, it is reasonable to anticipate that three questions may be more or less directly explored:
a. how have you influenced managers reluctant or unwilling to fulfil their statutory responsibilities about safety of employees reporting to them?
b. what if anything would you do differently in each case?
c. why, in each case?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Just to back up what Clairel has said. If its a consultancy where you will have your own customer base, time management and managing your own diary is a skill you really do need! So ensure you empahises your ability to do this.
You need the ability to walk into any environment (and if its anything like the consultancies I have worked for, I mean ANY environment), take control, plan and show confidence. Action plans, couldn't live without them!!
The biggest tip I can give you which goes for any interview (having interviewed people myself) give examples. Relate to previous jobs or positions where you have tackled a situation or resolved a problem. Don't dig yourself any holes and don't go off on a tangent.
Your CV has got you the interview, so they know you have knowledge. The interview is to A) to see if you will fit in with the team and B) to see how you come across, present yourself.
Good Luck and Have Fun! :)
Si
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: New forum user
|
I echo what has been said above.
You should also think about the travel aspects. Working for one fixed employer, most of the time you probably get to turn up to the same place and settle into an easy routine. Working as a consultant you will potentially be working in a different industry sector each and every day and may have a nice short commute, but equally you may have to contend with traffic that is much worse than your current journey. Be realistic about whether or not that is something that you are willing to do. I often find that, despite warning people about the fact that travel is a reality of the job, it is often cited as being a reason that consultants look elsewhere.
If you can crack the travel and the project management, you're a big chunk of the way there!
When we interview for consultants, we do set a short practical test a means of evaluating time management and practical skills (albeit on a limited scale), so be prepared for something like that.
Mr Flibble is right in saying that much of the rest is down to the fit and whether or not you will come across in the right way to clients. (So try not to be too nervous!)
Hope that helps.
Jodie
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Thank you for taking the time to respond; some good advice there which is much appreciated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Not doing the same but i have to travel to 14 to 15 of our sites as far north as Aberdeen and as far south as Midhurst. Not out and about on my own yet but once i am in the next three months or so, i've decided to learn Spanish from the confines of the motorway traffic jam...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
It might be too late for you now, & if so, I apologise, as I've just read your posting. However, there's some top class general advice on interview techniques on the Andrew Page careers website - you'll find it if you Google on Andrew Page. I'm about to retire after 37 years in public service, but the tips they give will be my main pointers as I look for a part time job at the bottom of the food chain.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Thanks for that David, the initial interview was last Friday; all seeemed to go well - we went over the initially alloted time (good sign?) and I am now waiting to hear if I am to be invited back for the second round of the selection process. Thanks again for the very useful advice and guidance for all of the posters, I just have to wait to see if I managed to put it into practice sufficiently well. Thanks
Stuart
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
DOH!!!
'from' all of the posters - why oh why can we not have an edit function????????????
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.