Consultancy Interview Questions & Answers

It was a very friendly interview with 2 interviewers from EC Harris. I had a few questions on economically related questions such as "what happens if the interest rates change" or "how does government lending affect small businesses". I was also asked to tell them about what I found important in a career and what made me apply to EC Harris. They wanted me to make a short 5 minute presentation on a time when I had suggested a change to an already established procedure and how I went about it and also did a group excersise with one other applicant where they asked me to come up with an answer to how many people passed through the key venues of the 2012 London Olympics.

"How would you go about determining the amount of light bulbs in London?"

prepare a good answer to what inspires you about the company and the role. Also try and think analytically and use logical reasoning to answer the questions that they ask.

You will have to do a numerical test, so maybe apply to a few other companies that you are not as interested in, but also require you to do one. This will give you some good practice and prepare you for the one with EC Harris.

Perform a 5 minute presentation on what I described earlier, and determine how many people passed through the key venues of the 2012 Olympics in London. For the 2nd task, I had 10 minutes to prepare with the other applicant.

The interview consisted of me being asked questions by a recent graduate in the same position and the head of the sector I was intending to get into.

The initial telephone interview was more of a background check on me and what my CV showed about me. This lasted about 20 minutes. No competency based questions and no questions regarding my motives for applying, goals in the future or anything of that variety. This was all left for the later interview in London.

The interview in London included me having to prepare a presentation on something technical I had learned in my previous work experiences or, most applicably, in my degree. My decision was on the Black-Scholes Equation, having recently applied and used this equation vastly in my recent Finance modules.

The presentation was to be 15 minutes long and was to prove I could put over complex ideas to a non-technical audience.

The interview that preceded this presentation was again mostly about myself, into my personal experiences, my work experience, my degree and the two interviewers explained their roles and their histories with the company.

After the presentation and initial interview, competency questions were asked of me. My motive, goals in my career, drive in life and other such things were discussed. (Look at the questions written in the section below for an idea).

Following this, an exercise was put in front of me by the two interviewers to replicate a potential project basis if I were to get the position. The exercise was regarding how individuals are linked via social media and other mediums and how these connections can help in fraud investigations and further investigations into crime etc. This was supposed to test your ability to spot trends and patterns on the spot, with no prior discussion or preparation, and was to see the interviewee's intellectual and analytical skills.

After this exercise, feedback was given about the presentation, my general demeanour, the interview and the exercise. Lastly, I was given a short tour of the offices before being told I would hear back in a number of days.

What do you know of BAE and its clients?

Explain a recent piece of news or a project that BAE have been a part of.

Describe a situation where you had to show your flexibility and adaptability to new surroundings, a new industry or a new subject matter. How did you react? How did you go about it? Why were you successful?

Describe a situation when you had to act with courage to solve a problem or a challenge. What did you do? Who were you working with? What was the conclusion?

Describe a situation where you have had to compromise.

Describe a situation where you have been the leader of a team.

Describe a situation when you have had to use your communication skills to help you get to a goal in a project/piece of work/activity.

Explain what you would do if you were in a team with a troubling individual and the team's goals were being affected. How would you go about the situation? Which skills would you have to use?

What is your greatest strength?

What is your greatest weakness?

If I were to ask a reference individual, what would they say you were like as individual?

Why have you been unsuccessful with previous interviews?

PRESENTATION QUESTION: Where would this equation have been utilised in a business? How would it be used? When has it been used? Any examples of it's use?

Be vastly prepared on your history.

Research into recent company news and events to discuss.

Don't think you can get away with a shoddy presentation style: be bold, be attentive to questions, be heavily prepared on it, prepare answers for questions the interviewers may ask.

Don't be scared about the exercise: it will need no prior knowledge and is about how you adapt to a new situation. Don't panic if no assumptions are easily visible - the interviewers are exceptionally helpful and understand your position.

N/A

The interview consisted of 3 parts:
1) Knowledge about Accenture, recent client stories and its competitors.
2) Competency-based questions. (the usual things)
3) Mini case study.
Overall, it lasted for 50min and it was pretty simple.

The mini case study was basically about a water supplier that had customer complaints about leaking pipes. The problem was that it was hard for the company to identify which fieldworker is closest to the problematic pipe. After that the company would call the worker to assign the task of fixing the pipe. Then, the workers had to call back to inform about the work that was undertaken at the site. All this information was written down on paper and sometimes documents would go missing.

Questions:
-Identify the 3 main problems of this company.
-Suggest solutions to the problems.
-How could the company fix the problem quickly (ie. quicker that the suggestions you already made)
-What will the result be after the problem is fixed.

What was your greatest achievement?

This question is a bit tricky because on one hand you want to answer it on the other you don't want them to think that you're showing off.

Find out as much as possible about the company, what they offer, their structure, client stories etc.
It is especially important to know how Accenture can help clients with technology!

Also, when replying to competency-based questions try to use various examples from different parts of your life rather than just focusing on the academic side. Examples are internships, volunteer work, sports, societies, trips etc. They like to hear variety otherwise they feel that you don't have enough experience.

I was invited to the assessment centre but it will be tomorrow!

The good thing is that you are given the contact details of an analyst that is assigned as your "Recruitment Buddy" and you can ask for tips and advice.

It was a one on one interview covering some competency questions and going over your interest in the role, and CV. You are pulled aside during the group task at any time so you need to plan ahead for that. It was a laid back atmosphere, they're not trying to catch you out with any of the questions.

Why are you interested in Technology? Can you tell me about a time you experienced conflict in the workplace?

Make sure your role in the group task is well defined and that you contribute without talking over others. For your presentation at the end plan to have some time to practice it with your group so it looks more professional. The booklet you are provided with is very thorough, make sure all the main points they are looking for are adressed, get started with the task early (don't spend too long on the name or logo although these are important too)

We were given the job of splitting ourselves up into two teams. We were then given approximately four hours to come up with a product and a business plan, and a presentation that should be ready by the end of the day. We had to present to each other.

I did a telephone interview consisting of competency based questions and a role play. I was then invited to an assessment centre which was very difficult! 3 group exercises and a written exercise in a high pressure environment but got to see the office and meet some of the team.
Then I was invited to a one to one interview with the regional manager which was more competency based questions and a role play, this was fairly relaxed. Then I had to complete an online SQL test to see how I would be able to sell.
Finally, I did a one to one interview with the managing director which was the hardest interview I've ever done. She asked very intrusive personal questions and questioned everything I've done ever! Very stressful.

What is the most selfish thing you've ever done? I had to think of this on the spot and as a not very selfish person I really struggled..

Really make sure you want to go into a hard sales environment with long hours, but are rewarded massively with money and holidays. Be confident, you have to sell yourself so much and don't take a back seat - show you want it.

Group activities including a role play, interviewing each other and prioritising tasks

Online Application
Fill out form online. Read about Accenture case studies to help you structure the answers. Contact people on Linkedin who work for Accenture to get some idea about what type of things work. Main thing is to show an interest in technology and understand how Accenture helps firms.

Online Situational Judgement Test
Consider what capabilities are liked by Accenture. Look at all the information on the Accenture recruitment website and try to make those qualities stand out. This is more based on your determination to work long hours, work independently, work collaboratively. Getting the balance right between leadership and team work is vital.

Phone Interview
Few competency questions and then case study. For competency questions just be sure about Why accenture? Why consulting? Why you? Have your answers planned according to S.T.A.R - Situation - Task - Action - Result. The Case Study is all about showing you can think analytically and systematically. Analyse wider issues etc.

1. Describe a situation you found difficult to work in a team?
2. Describe the toughest decision you have made in the last year?

1. Know Accenture and name drop Case studies

2. Connect with employees to get inside knowledge

3. Be confident and prepare well

4. Even if it says "informal" conversation - you are being interviewed at all times - remember that

1. Meet and Greet
Be friendly and confident

2. Case Study Group Exercise
Show leadership and teamwork

3. Individual Exercise
Be friendly and professional - answer specific questions

The initial interview was 45 minutes long conducted by an outside company on behalf of the organisation I applied for. After successfully passing this stage I went on to the Assessment Centre which was a 9-5 event at one of the Company's offices. Here we had to conduct 4 tasks throughout the day. A written one, a role play, a group task and a one to one interview. The Interview was conducted by a member of staff who worked in your chosen area. It covered both competency based questions as well as a chat about what I knew about the company and why I had chosen to apply for the position within their organisation. This is a good time to not only put yourself across as positively as possible but also learn more about the job role itself and see if you are right for the company.

What would you say was your biggest weakness and how do you combat this?

Do your research. It is integral you know what they do and why you want the role with them. I would also say relax and be confident as it shows. A positive, determined mindset definitely helps portray the right impression.

One part was the group exercise. We were split into two groups and had to read and discuss case studies. The aim was to weigh up pros and cons of both and come to an informed, agreed decision by working together.

We also had a role play exercise where we had twenty minutes to digest some information and make notes in order to go into a 'meeting' to present our findings / discuss resources.

We also had a written exercise. This was a simple exercise that showed off our comprehension, analysis and written skills. We had ample time to complete this task.

We had three different stages in the day, the first was a group activity of about six of us. We were handed a pile of about twenty solutions to go through with a budget of 4.5 million and to agree as a group which ones to implement. We split them between us and fed back. There is a time limit on this as well.

After that, there is a project planning exercise which is basically a gantt chart of when you would implement aspects of a project like when you do plan to plot strategy, when on a 12 month plan do you plot what tech you're going to use. They have allotted blocks of time.

After that is a one to one with senior manager who will re-ask competency questions, ask how you think you've done through the day and also to defend your project plan.

Evaluating your own contribution is difficult but don't make you were awesome if you weren't And if your plan gets pulled apart, at least come up with reasons why its still not the worst thing in the world.

Work as a team, make sure you're heard, stick to time constraints, don't talk over people, make a note of what your contribution was, what solutions you wanted to implement because you'll need the numbers later, really sell why you'll be a great addition to Accenture.

Group exercise, one to one interview, project plan.

A very straightforward interview that allowed the interviewer and candiadate to build a relationship from word go. A phone interview that lasted 20 minutes, covering basic university and career desires. We covered Maths exams, diagramatic reasoning and verbal reasoning tests that revealed how numerical we were.

Describe success in three words. This was hard because it was subjective and personal. Therefore, it put you on your back foot. Another question was describe what differentiates you from someone else.

Prepare early, practice Venn Diagrams. Mock interviews and take care to look at your interviewers. Ensure that you dress smartly with a CV with you, this helps to stand you out instantly. Ensure that you know the organisation inside out covering their mission, vision, company values and concepts.

Venn Diagram test, 1 hour test whereby you describe set notations. A Maths test, 1 hour long test that tries to understand your level of basic Mathematics skills. 5 min interviews, times 3. Speed dating in an interview context.

The interview process began with a 15 minute telephone interview with the head of 'Talent Acquisition'. After this, I had to complete an online numerical test.
Finally, I was invited to an interview at their office in London: It began with an interview with the head of 'Talent Acquisition' who I'd spoken with on the phone, which involved questions about my CV and me as a person. Then, after about 15 minutes, she brought the Consultant from the head of the department they were recruiting for into the room. I had to present to the panel the 20 minute presentation that I'd been asked to pre-prepare, demonstrating the skills that would be required for the role, and that was then followed by another interview. This final interview involved more role-specific questions and lasted another 20 minutes or so.

I was asked to describe the statistical methods used to analyse data, and the methods used to assess the strength of the conclusions made.

As a Mathematics graduate they expected me to be able to talk about these confidently, however my degree contained very little statistics and I was expecting to learn on the job. I recommend brushing up on your statistics and data analysis methods such as A/B and multivariate testing before the interview.

1) Communicate as well as you can: it is a crucial skill in consultancy.
2) Know your project: in the presentation, make sure you know your project inside out so that when challenged you can answer competently, and get back on track without feeling put-off or distracted.
3) Brush up on your statistics knowledge (I was not clear enough on the exact processes an analyst goes through, and consequently was not prepared for these types of questions. I asked for feedback on my interview and they responded that this is why I did not get the job).

I was asked to give a presentation on one of their clients webpages and how I would perform tests to improve it. Although it was a formal set-up, as there were only three of us in the room it felt slightly more relaxed. In addition, there were regular interjections from the consultant, questioning my ideas and challenging my choices. I personally found this made the presentation less intimidating, as I was able to expand on the thoughts behind my ideas, further demonstrating my knowledge and research.
In the interview, as well as testing my statistics knowledge, I was asked to describe my weaknesses and problems that I have encountered and overcome.