Top tips for securing a Consulting graduate job

With acceptance rates anywhere between 1% and 8%, consulting graduate schemes are hugely competitive. 

Consulting graduate programs receive thousands of applications which all look very similar. Therefore you need to find ways to get noticed. Use the tips in this blog to make your application memorable.

How to stand out and get a consulting graduate job

Attend Careers Fairs

How do you get the most out of university careers fairs?

  • Research firms beforehand and prioritise your targets

  • Prepare insightful questions to spark two-way conversations  

  • Have a smooth elevator pitch about yourself ready

  • Follow up with recruiters on LinkedIn (but don’t spam them)

Attend employer events

Some of the big consulting firms will not only attend careers fairs but will also put on events themselves.

This could be in the form of careers workshops, for example mock interviews or mock assessment centres, or it could be a more informal networking/insight event. 

Network

The people you meet at these types of events start to form your network. They’re your ‘insider’ at the firms you want to work for. 

Feel free to add them on LinkedIn and follow up with them where it’s appropriate to do so. 

Join university consulting societies

A lot of universities have a ‘consulting society’ which can be a goldmine of useful information. 

Make the most of them by:

  • Taking advantage of application workshops  

  • Meeting firm representatives and existing consultants at events  

  • Soak up insider tips at speaker events

Stand out from the pack

With creativity and persistence, you can get noticed despite huge applicant pools. Leverage every advantage possible to land your dream consulting graduate role!

Previous
Previous

Is Consulting a good graduate career?

Next
Next

How to Manage Stress as a Consultant: 3 Proven Techniques