Consulting interviews in a non-native (3rd) language

Hi there,

You really have two options here:

1) Improve your German

2) Apply to a country/company where your good languages are used

In terms of improving your German, try the following:

1. Conversational: Download the app HelloTalk. It pairs you up with people that are opposite to you (i.e. learning your language, but native in the language you want to learn) and you chat via text, audio, call etc. It has awesome features (such as edit functionality so the other person can edit your messages for correctness).

2. Vocabulary: Use either handwritten flashcards and/or the app Quizlet. Review these whenever waiting (i.e. on the bus, cooking, on hold, etc)

3. Listening: Download podcasts and listen while you sleep. I.e. put the phone next to your bed, at a soft enough volume that you can sleep, but loud enough that you cna hear the words. You'll be amazing how your listening improves.

4. Dedicated/tailored training: Go to Italki

Hello,

This is definitely a tricky situation. A company that is interviewing you in German would likely want you to have at least professional competency, if not fluency, in the language. If it's a case of making a few language mistakes here and there, colleagues and clients will probably be understanding, but if you are struggling to communicate particular ideas and express yourself clearly in a business environment then it will probably be challenging for them to hire you.

By all means, if you wish to stay and work in the German-speaking country for longer, keep working on improving your German. If you don't feel confident that you master the language sufficiently to get a consulting position now, perhaps you can apply a few years down the line when you feel you are sufficiently fluent. If you would want to go down this route, think about what kind of work you can do in the meantime (as well as what practical steps you can take to improving your German).

Another option could be seeing whether there are any consulting jobs available where professional German fluency is not a requirement. You don't specify the country so I cannot say for sure, but many European countries will have firms (typically larger firms or ones that operate internationally) where the working language is English. 

Hey there,

Some good answers already.

I want to add one thing: practice with a German-speaking coach and German-speaking peers + read German business newspapers and publications.

1. Why a coach?

Case interviews are very formulaic and you will have to do the same thing at the same time in almost all cases, so a good coach can not only tell you what to do but also HOW to communicate each step. You will learn a couple of phrases for each step along the case 

2. Why peers?

Once you have the approach down, you need to internalize and practice.

3. Why publications?

You want to increase your vocabulary and key phrases even more.

I would say within 6 months of following these steps, your consulting-level German should come alive.

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

Agree with Ian and believe your options are two

1. Choose an English-speaking country. Possible options in Europe are the UK, Nordics and for some companies (eg Bain) Amsterdam
2. Improve your German. I don’t think you will need 3 years if you are already at C1 level to reach one good enough. You can find some tips here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/good-resource-to-learn-business-english-vocabularies-7017

You may also try 1 first and if it doesn’t work go for 2 after the ban ends.

Best,

Francesco

Hi, I confirm to prioritize Switzerland, English speaking countries, or Nordics if you are serious about strategy consulting. In particular Zurich office can be a good way to start working in German and after few years think about move to Germany

Best,

Antonello