When looking for highly qualified consultants, there are several important techniques you can use to screen and gain insight into the competencies, attitudes, and knowledge of potential candidates. Interviews are a great way to get to know candidates and their potential. However, it can be difficult to predict how candidates will perform. The following are several sample interview questions and techniques you can use to assess the candidate’s suitability for a specific position.

An interview can provide valuable insight into both the skills and abilities of highly qualified consultants, allowing you to choose the right consultant to create a positive impact on your business. To successfully prepare for an interview with a potential candidate, you need to gain all the information available about the candidate. Interviewing consultants presents a unique opportunity to gain information from someone who is not motivated by profit but by helping you achieve your goals and strategies. This type of interviewing provides the opportunity to ask questions that directly affect your business and to gain objective feedback on the candidate’s ability to successfully fulfill your hiring goals.

When interviewing potential candidates for a managerial consulting job, there are several things you should ask. The first question should be about their industry knowledge and industry requirements. In addition, they should be familiar with the general functions of your consulting firm. Specific questions should be focused on specific goals and objectives, experience with managing projects and other assignments and management consulting tools. Third-party referrals are also encouraged. If your firm uses or requires independent consultants, you should request information about how experienced and capable these independent consultants are.

Candidates who successfully completed business school and have the necessary credentials for the specific area of work like Six Sigma Certification, are more likely to be able to successfully complete a management consulting role as compared to candidates who are not well-suited for this intense research. These interviews are often more successful for candidates with extensive business school experience. Many companies also look to experienced independent consultants to help them find talented and skilled candidates. Similarly, candidates who have previously worked in an office or management consulting firm are more likely to feel comfortable working with senior management consultants.

Local presence is critical to a firm’s ability to attract top consultants. A firm may be able to successfully recruit a consultant based upon their local presence but will not be successful if that person does not possess the requisite skills and qualifications when it comes time to develop a contract and start working with their new employers. Some firms have developed tools to screen applicants and choose those who are more likely to be hired. Using these tools, today firms can find candidates who have completed the necessary process and have the appropriate skills and qualifications to succeed as independent consultants.