It’s not a bad answer – but a bit mixed. I want to hone my consultancy skills and eventually start my own business = hmm, nice to have ambition but if you’re really going to do it then you’re only here to get trained and the leave. If it’s a pipe dream, well, I don’t want any dreamers on the team. Generally don’t mention wanting to start your own firm, it’s a no-win.I want to solve problems – probably a good answer.I like to work across industries - bad answer as most consultants quickly get shoehorned into an industry in order to justify higher day rates (industry knowledge).I’d say a better bet would be....“I’d like to work in consultancy because I think this is the very best time in my life to throw everything I have at my career. I have minimal ties so don’t mind extensive travel and long hours. I’m also very competitive so I want to work in an environment where there is no “back water” and where most other people are also pretty career orientated. I understand that consultancies charge fairly heavy day rates, so clients are less likely to use consultants on anything that isn’t important and challenging – I’d relish that. Finally my friends in consultancies tell me that although most firms have quite a formal promotion PROCESS, the CULTURE is one that supports accelerated progress for those that excel.”WARNING: Not all of the above is strictly true, but it is what most hiring managers will want to hear (and they may even believe it themselves).
