Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Consulting to Industry

Hello preplounge experts,

I joined a consulting firm 2 years ago and Im looking to switch to the Industry. I prepared my CV and showed it to a CV professional and currently started applying to jobs and expanding my network. I talked to several people in the industry I want to join in November and December and most told me that now there is no opening and no interviews being conducted given its a holiday season and end of year. 
1. is it ok if I reach out to same people as a kind reminder that I m still available and looking for a job or is it too early?

2. any additional thing I can do to get an interview?

3. Do you think upgrading linkedin to premium would actually help as the statistics based on the company these a 2.6 increase in getting an offer is the linkedin profile is premium?

7 Answers
700+ Views
24
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Farrah
Coach
on Jan 04, 2024
2 yrs coaching; ex-McKinsey, ex-Goldman, ex-UN; founder x2; management consultant; Private Equity (3 free lessons!)

Hello! I'd suggest:

1. Network - research as many people as you can in the industry (spec., those you have a connection to), and ask for a 10 minute chat. I'd probably start outreach with ‘Hello! I’m really interested in joining X industry and would really appreciate 10 minutes to hear about what you do…'. It is worth noting that it may be better to do this in ~2 weeks when the post Xmas/NY frontload is done - use this time to learn as much as you can 

2. Be clear about your intentions - there's no shame in being blunt about wanting to transition, but be very clear about it. These people will be really busy, so A. do your outreach, and B. don't let them wonder why you reached out

3. Linkedin Premium - I wouldn't recommend it. People are getting Linkedin fatigue, and a connection request with a clear, targeted message and small ask would be worth as much as a long, premium inmail

Hope this helps!

Anonymous A
on Jan 04, 2024
Thank you Farrah, Exactly I have already had several 30-60 min meetings with people from the industry. All of them said that there is no openings now or no opportunities but we will keep you in mind if something came up after the break. I will try to reach out in ~2 weeks time as a kind reminder. From my experience the recruiters and talent acquisitions were the least responsive on Linkedin and least helpful; is there any specific way to contact them? Btw I’m looking for a job in the healthcare industry in the ME (Im from the region and arabic speaker) so if you or any of the experts have recommendations for recruiters that you can share it would be great. Thank you in advance
edited on Jan 04, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there!

Happy to provide a perspective. 

1. It's too early. Follow-up at the end of the month or, rather, the start of Feb. People are barely restarting work in most consulting firms and reassessing their hiring needs for this year. 

2. Yes, get in touch with 2-3 headhunters / recruiters. They will do some of the work on your behalf. The good ones tend to have a great network and a strong understanding of your target industry. Aim to find some that operate specifically in your region. 

3. I wouldn't trust this 2.6x recruitment statistic. From my point of view, having the hiring banner or any other sort of additional tools only serves to make you look more desperate. 

If I were in your situation I would play the long-term game. You already have a good job and most likely the luxury of waiting for the right opportunity to come along. So, I wouldn't jump on just anything at this point. 

Best of luck!
Cristian

Ian
Coach
on Jan 05, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

First of all, definitely read this article (internship + full-time tips are the same): How to Get a Consulting Internship - Tips and Tricks

Second, patience will be key! Given that you're looking to start in 10-12 months, you have a good runway.

1. is it ok if I reach out to same people as a kind reminder that I m still available and looking for a job or is it too early?

I have no idea when you spoke to them last. Each person will be different! Based on your last interaction, what they said, when it was, for what role/company, etc., that will determine if + how you reach out. A coach can help you here!

2. any additional thing I can do to get an interview?

a LOT! Expand the resume, make the resume better, mass produce your cover letter, network effectively.

^The key with this is having the optimal strategy+approach and everything done right

3. Do you think upgrading linkedin to premium would actually help as the statistics based on the company these a 2.6 increase in getting an offer is the linkedin profile is premium?

Generally, yes. This helps immensely with networking as well.

But, importantly, you have to use it right. Feel free to shoot me a message to learn how to get a ton of networking calls without too much work :)

on Jan 05, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

1) Is it ok if I reach out to same people as a kind reminder that I am still available and looking for a job or is it too early?

I would mid-January, as some people might still be on vacation now. I would reconnect just with those you had a good chat with, for “neutral” or “negative”, I would rather look for a new connection.

2) Any additional thing I can do to get an interview?

A referral is probably the best strategy. You can find more on referrals below (the article is for consulting applications, but works in general).

How to Get an Interview Invitation

You might also check if there is any further improvement possible for your CV.

3) Do you think upgrading linkedin to premium would actually help as the statistics based on the company these a 2.6 increase in getting an offer is the linkedin profile is premium?

LinkedIn Premium mainly allows you to connect more easily with others. If you have a way to connect anyway (there are a few ways to get the email of someone on LinkedIn without premium), you should be able to achieve equivalent results.

Good luck!

Francesco

Alberto
Coach
edited on Jan 05, 2024
Ex-McKinsey Partner | Most experienced coach (15 years exp, +2.000 real interviews) | 95% success rate

Hi there,

1. is it ok if I reach out to same people as a kind reminder that I m still available and looking for a job or is it too early?

It is perfectly ok to follow up every 1-2 months with your industry contacts to check if there is any opportunity. Use this interactions as well to expand your network, asking for more interesting connections they may know that can help you.

2. any additional thing I can do to get an interview?

  • Make sure you have great a CV and LinkedIn profile
  • Have a plan to expand your network every week with new contacts (via your current network, events, cold contacts on LinkedIn, etc.)
  • Ask for help to headhunters. They typically have access to positions not publicly available
  • Ask for help within your consulting firm. Consulting firms are typically happy to open access to good industry position to their former consultants to end the professional collaboration in a good standing and increase their chances to work with you as a client in the future

3. Do you think upgrading linkedin to premium would actually help as the statistics based on the company these a 2.6 increase in getting an offer is the linkedin profile is premium?

If you plan to work on the weekly network increase plan I mentioned before I think this is a must. If you are not going to be extra proactive expanding the network, LinkedIn Premium is not worth it.

Good luck!

Alberto

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Florian
Coach
on Jan 04, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

As a heads-up: The market at the moment is quite tricky to navigate across all industries and there are tons of layoffs happening, which might not be the ideal environment to make the move. Consider waiting for a bit longer.

Did you every get contacted by headhunters? Usually, they start reaching out after 1 year if you are in MBB and 2 years for other consulting firms? If yes, I'd leverage these connections.

Regarding your questions:

1. It's completely appropriate to follow up with the industry contacts you spoke to in November and December with a gentle reminder. Inquire about any new openings as the start of the year is often when hiring quotas are unlocked.

2. There are many things you could do:

  • Enhance your LinkedIn: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflects your experience and skills accurately. Use keywords related to the industry you're targeting.
  • Utilize job search engines: LinkedIn is just one of many job markets. Regularly check job postings on platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and some local platforms for your location.
  • Network actively: Attend relevant events, webinars, or workshops to expand your network. Connecting with people in your target industry can lead to job leads or referrals. Look through your LinkedIn contact list and identify who you could talk to. Also, think about 3rd level connections that you could be introduced to. You could also reach out to former clients you have worked with. After 2 years, you should have a good professional to start off with.

3. I don't think LinkedIn premium is worth it unless you are in BizDev or are looking for investments.

All the best,

Florian

Hagen
Coach
on Feb 29, 2024
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | most experience in consulting, interviewing, and coaching

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on your career trajectory thus far!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

  • First of all, it is perfectly acceptable to reconnect with your industry contacts. A gentle reminder can signify your sustained interest and keep you at the forefront of their minds. I would advise you to frame your follow-up as a new year's greeting and subtly mention your job search.
  • Moreover, consider diversifying your approach by engaging in industry-specific online forums and attending virtual networking events. This can increase your visibility and present new opportunities for interviews.
  • Lastly, while LinkedIn Premium may offer some benefits, like increased visibility and insights, it's not a guaranteed game-changer. I would highly advise you to ensure your LinkedIn profile is robust and actively engage with content and contacts within your desired industry first.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Similar Questions
Consulting
Consulting to industry question
on Feb 29, 2024
Global
7 Answers
600+ Views
Top answer by
Dennis
Coach
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
20
7 Answers
600+ Views
+4
Consulting
Differences between the roles in McKinsey and Bain
on Apr 22, 2024
Global
5 Answers
1.4k Views
Top answer by
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
61
5 Answers
1.4k Views
+2
Consulting
Which role do I stand a better chance of getting into at McK, BCG, Bain and etc coming from academia
on Jan 15, 2024
Global
7 Answers
800+ Views
Top answer by
Florian
Coach
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU
24
7 Answers
800+ Views
+4
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
You are a true consultant! Thank you for consulting us on how to make PrepLounge even better!