Hi Everyone!I'm an experienced hire in the process of applying and interviewing for jobs. In this process I came across a consultancy that demanded my degree result and shockingly (to me) my A-Level grades.Is this typical of consultancies? Looking at the likes of Cap, ACN, Detica, E&Y... most of them don't specify specific A-Level and degree grades from specific universities, but to what extent is academic history considered over relevant experience / ability to perform well in the role?Or more to the point: are straight As, a 1st class degree from a Top 5 red brick uni an unwritten pre-requisite regardless of professional experience?Cheers for any insight :)

It depends which consultancy you are applying for. Unless you are joining as a rainmaker or have specific and unique operational expertise, then you will typically need near-straight As and a very good 2.1+ irrespective of level.

Agree: “it depends”. In general the more experienced/senior you are the more they will concentrate on career/achievements. There are 3 categories of firm: some are not concerned re academic profile/ or not going to rule anyone out; some just want a degree or formal professional qualification but aren’t too bothered about what it is; and the more obviously “top tier” firms will want a 2.1 or above from a Russell Group University (for which you usually need decent A Levels anyway) and possibly a further qualification too. There will be firms which feel they need analytical and thinking types and unashamedly look for evidence of it in top academic results i.e. strategy firms.

Thanks for the replies - I was just shocked I was asked about A-Level grades rather than what my current role is. :)