What will be interview of 3-month contract role of Tier-1 consulting be like

Question

Hi Community

I am Jessica Huang, an ex-Kearney consultant recently approached by a headhunter for a 3-month contract role for a Tier-1 consulting firm in A.P.A.C. My qualifications ticked the vast majority of the requirements in the job description.

Here I have several question to ask about:

1. What does the typical interview look like for a contract role for a tier-1 consulting firm

2. Is that possible to turn the contact role into a full time role? And under what substance?

3. What other factors, as well as pros and cons I should take care of once interviewe with and onboard for a contract role?

Appreciate your input and help.

Answer 1

Hi Jessica (again),

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

First of all, I do not see any logical reason why the interview process should look any different to an internal role, as consulting firms want to keep up their standard. That being said, I am certain that you will be proactively informed in detail about the interview process once you get invited.
Moreover, it is theoretically certainly possible to convert a contractor to a full-time internal role. However, I then wonder (and your colleagues may wonder too) why you applied for a contractor role if you actually want to work there internally?
Lastly, to be perfectly honest, you should be aware of the specificities as well as the advantages and disadvantages before you even apply. What do you think these are? In my opinion, the most obvious advantage is the flexibility you have, while the most obvious disadvantage is job security, which will be less than with an internal role.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

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

Answer 2

1. The type of interview process is similar, but shorter. Expect case interviews.

2. Yes - I've been in that situation personally a few times. But you need to clearly over-perform. Please understand that they are not planning to give you an offer. You have to be so good that they cant help and try to grab a great talent. If you fail… realize you didn't fail. It was never on the table.

3. Just make sure you communicate frequently and are very proactive. If you don't feel a lot of communication with the manager, or are not getting work at 100% capacity, reach out to the manager.

Answer 3

Hi there,

1. Experience interviews, fit, motivation + skill-based interviews (usually cases and/or market sizing)

2. Rarely but never say never

3. Contractor/freelance roles are often very well paid (much more so than full-time consultants so that's a big plus). On the other hand, a big downside is that you often have to do every admin task on your own (e.g., logistics like flight booking, hotels, your own P&L, taxes, etc). As a freelancer, you are more of a business owner w than an employee

Cheers,

Florian