FTI Consulting Interview Guide: What You Need to Know

Do you want to learn how the FTI Consulting recruitment process works, and discover how to prepare for the firm's interviews? Getting hired at FTI Consulting isn't easy. The interview process can be intense and there's tough competition.

However, you can improve your chances of securing the job with strategic preparation and by presenting yourself as the most suitable candidate. Join us below as we walk you through the FTI Consulting recruitment process, interview expectations, and insider preparation tips to help you stand out.

Overview of FTI Consulting

FTI Consulting, founded in 1982 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is one of the largest global consulting firms. It specializes in corporate finance, economic consulting, forensic and litigation consulting, strategic communications, and technology services. But the firm is best known for its expertise in managing complex financial and legal challenges. This makes it a demanded advisor for many high-profile clients, including 98 of the top 100 law firms and 83 of the Fortune 100 companies.

The firm has a good global presence with over 5000 employees across 30 countries. But what sets FTI Consulting apart from other consulting firms is its mix of industry knowledge and expert-driven approach. As a result, consultants here tackle some of the most significant events in recent history, such as the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy and the Bernie Madoff investigation.

While FTI Consulting is not a Fortune 500 company, it ranks #817 on the Fortune 1000 list. This shows its significant presence in the consulting industry. Most employees and former consultants at the firm describe the work experience as rewarding, with a culture that values professional development and well-being. Such descriptions would make FTI Consulting an attractive option for anyone looking to grow in the consulting field.

What Is the Recruiting Process at FTI Consulting Like?

Now that you have a good overview of FTI Consulting including its service areas, let's look at how the firm’s recruitment process works. You might have additional or fewer steps depending on the location and hiring team. But this section will give you a great understanding of the general process.

Initial Application

The journey to securing a position at FTI Consulting begins with the online application. You can visit FTI Consulting students/graduates jobs site to find current opportunities worldwide. If you find a fitting job, you’ll be redirected to create an account and submit your resume through the firm's online portal. Just like with other consulting firms, the portal makes it easier for you to view your progress during the recruitment period.

FTI Consulting looks for candidates who are genuinely excited about specializing in one of their focus areas, such as economic consulting or forensic analysis. So, tailoring your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills can enhance your chances of moving forward in the process.

Online Assessment

If your application impresses the recruiters, they will invite you to complete an online assessment. This typically includes sections on numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning that resemble a mini GMAT-style test.

The goal of this stage is to test your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial in consulting roles. While the assessments can be challenging, they are designed to identify top talent and filter out most applicants. You can ensure you feel more confident by familiarizing yourself with the types of questions you might encounter and practicing with GMAT-style materials.

Phone or Video Screening

After successfully completing the online assessment, the next step is a phone or video screening. During this stage, an FTI Consulting recruiter will want to learn more about you, your background, and your motivations for applying.

Think of it as a great opportunity to discuss your relevant experiences and how they align with FTI Consulting’s values. Being prepared to articulate your story and demonstrate your fit for the firm can make a huge impact.

Interview Rounds

If you pass the screening, you’ll likely encounter about two or three interview rounds. These series of interviews include both behavioral interviews and case studies.

The case interviews involve discussing a hypothetical client challenge that FTI Consulting would typically work on. On the other hand, behavioral questions assess how you handle various situations. These topics might include teamwork, leadership, and overcoming challenges.

Job Offer

This is the final and probably most exciting moment that you’ll be waiting for throughout the recruitment process. When FTI Consulting gives you a job offer, you have the chance to evaluate, discuss, accept or reject it. Consider factors such as the role, team dynamics, and growth opportunities within the firm when looking at the job offer.

What Is the Timeline of the Recruiting Process at FTI Consulting?

The recruiting process at FTI Consulting typically takes several weeks. After submitting your application, you can expect to hear back within a few weeks regarding the next steps, such as online assessments and interviews. Overall, the entire process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the specific role and the number of candidates being considered

What Can You Expect in the FTI Consulting Interviews?

The interviews at FTI Consulting usually last between 30 to 60 minutes and may involve multiple rounds. Essentially, the first round focuses on behavioral questions, while the second round consists of three to six back-to-back interviews. These include case studies and additional behavioral questions. During these sessions, you might also have opportunities for networking with current FTI Consulting consultants. This can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations. Let’s take a quick look at the different interview formats.

Case Interviews

There’s almost a 100% chance that you’ll have one or more case studies while interviewing at FTI Consulting. The interviewer will present you with a hypothetical client scenario and ask you to work through the problem.

Expect to engage in discussions about charts, graphs, or data tables, as your interviewer will be looking for your critical thinking and organizational skills. At FTI Consulting, case interviews often last between 30 to 60 minutes and are candidate-led.

👉Use our resources to prepare for your case interview, like the Case Interview Guide oder the Case Interview Basics!

Behavioral Interviews

Alongside case interviews, you’ll have one or more sessions dedicated to behavioral questions. These interviews help the interviewer understand how you operate in various situations. Questions may include topics like your greatest accomplishments, challenges you’ve faced, and how you approach new projects.

While you should be authentic, it’s a good idea to understand the qualities (like integrity, creativity, and empathy) that FTI Consulting values in candidates. Then you can prepare to provide specific examples from your experiences that present you as the most fitting candidate for the role.

👉If you want to prepare on MBB-Level, use Coach Clara's Fit-Interview Guide

How Can You Prepare for the Interviews at FTI Consulting?

Ready to learn how to prepare for a FTI Consulting interview? The preparation efforts should include practicing case studies, understanding the firm's services and recent projects, and being ready to discuss personal experiences that align with the company's values. Here are more details about these tips that can help you stand out as a candidate.

Understand FTI Consulting

It would be very unimpressive to not be aware of the publicly available information of the company you’re hoping to work for. So, research the firm thoroughly, including its service areas, recent case studies, and company culture. Familiarize yourself with FTI Consulting’s values, such as integrity, creativity, and empathy, and think about how your experiences align with these principles.

Practice Case Interviews & Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Since case interviews are a big part of the process, practice them until you’re confident enough. Use resources like case study books or online platforms to work through various case scenarios. Focus on structuring your answers clearly and logically, and make sure to become confident in interpreting data.

👉Practice authentical cases at our case library

Conducting mock interviews with peers or mentors can also be incredibly beneficial when preparing for FTI Consulting sessions. They’re super helpful because they simulate the real interview environment. This way, you can refine your responses and receive constructive feedback for improvement. Consider recording these sessions to review your performance and improve your delivery.

👉Fid Peers at our meeting board and practice together for your Interviews

In addition to case interviews, be ready for behavioral questions. Reflect on your past experiences and prepare to discuss them in a way that highlights your problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses effectively.

Work with a Coach

If you want to take your practice sessions to the next level and shorten your prep time, consider working with a professional consulting interview coach. They can provide tailored guidance, help you develop your case interview skills, and offer insights into the specific expectations of FTI Consulting.

In fact, a good coach will give you feedback on all the preparation tips we’ve mentioned here. For instance, they can tell you if you have sufficient knowledge of the company, how effective your answers to fit questions are, and what you need to work on when it comes to case interviews. The result is a level of confidence and preparation that can allow you to relax and give your best during the actual FTI Consulting interviews.

👉Practice with one of our professional coaches

Ask Thoughtful Questions

During the interview, be prepared to ask insightful questions about the firm and the role you are applying for. This demonstrates your genuine interest in FTI Consulting and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you. Prepare your questions in advance, but make sure to stay flexible during the interview nevertheless.

Key Takeaways

• The FTI Consulting recruitment process includes an initial online application, online assessments, phone/video screening, and two to three interview rounds before the final job offer.
• You will typically go through 2-3 rounds of interviews combining case interviews (30-60 minutes, candidate-led) and behavioral interviews when interviewing at FTI Consulting.
• Succeeding at FTI Consulting interviews requires thorough company research, extensive case interview practice, behavioral question preparation using the STAR method, doing mock interviews with peers, and possibly working with a professional coach.
• Getting hired at FTI Consulting can be hard due to tough competition and a rigorous interview process that includes multiple assessment stages and demanding case interviews.
• The entire FTI Consulting recruitment process typically takes several weeks to a couple of months, with initial responses usually coming within a few weeks of application submission.