Have been working in business / strategy consulting in Ireland for over seven years now and have had enough of it - too much "winging it" all the time has taken the gloss off it for me. Looking for opportunities with good, respected companies in interesting industries (i.e. not widget manufacturing). Problem for a lot of posts seems to be a requirement to be a qualified accountant. Are there any enlightened companies out there who recognise the benefits of hiring ex-consultants? All advice welcome! Thanks. Yours despairingly, C.

I have had recent experience in the UK job market rather than Ireland but I suspect the market requirements are similar.The number of applicants for each position is high. This has led to recruiters using arbitrary and/or unnecessary criteria to filter people out.My advice is to use your personal contacts e.g. people you have consulted for in the past. This will often get you over the initial screening that rejects 95% of applicants. Even if you have met someone only once then it may well be once more than the other applicants!

Thanks PP - pity much of my experience relates to public sector. I would rather stay working in consulting than have to endure a career in some of the organisations that I've had to work with. Any other tips?