Consulting Recruitment Plan

Recruiting for a job in consulting demands not only skills and knowledge but also a strategic approach to researching and securing positions within competitive firms. Crafting a well-defined recruitment plan is a key piece of this journey. In this article, we'll delve into the essential elements of a recruitment plan tailored specifically for aspiring consultants, outlining steps to navigate the process efficiently within a 12-week or 90-day timeframe.

What Does A Recruiting Plan Entail?

A recruiting plan outlines a structured approach to identifying, understanding, pursuing, and securing opportunities within the consulting industry. It serves as a roadmap, guiding candidates through the complicated recruitment process with clarity and purpose. The process for going through recruitment in the consulting industry is well defined but it can be difficult to juggle research, deadlines, and connections for a long list of target firms. From initial company presentations to the ultimate offer negotiation, a well-crafted plan delineates actionable steps to maximize a candidate’s opportunity for success.

Will A Recruitment Strategy Plan Help Me Land A Consulting Role?

The short answer is: “Absolutely”. A recruitment plan provides a systematic framework to manage the relationships that you will foster with your target consulting firms and defines next steps that should be taken as you progress through the process. By defining concrete objectives, setting milestone deadlines, and tailoring your approach to match your specific skill set, candidates can significantly enhance their prospects of securing coveted roles in the consulting industry. Consulting firms are looking for structured, high-performing individuals, so having a detailed plan in place for how you manage your relationships with your target firms will showcase that you have the skills that these firms are looking for.

90 Day Recruiting Plan

The 90-day recruiting plan serves as the outline of a candidate's strategic approach. Here, we outline a comprehensive plan encompassing key activities to be undertaken within distinct timeframes:

Weeks 1-4: Preparation and Engagement

• • Research a wide variety of consulting firms with different specialties and business models.
  • Attend company presentations and engage with recruiters.
  • Identify target firms that you wish to pursue.
  • Establish connections with consultants and seek advice.
  • Refine resume and cover letter according to targeted firms.

Weeks 5-8: Application and Interview Preparation

• • Submit tailored applications to targeted firms with cover letters when needed.
  • Prepare for case interviews and behavioral questions.
  • Conduct mock interviews to hone skills.
  • Continue networking and seeking mentorship opportunities.

Weeks 9-12: Interview Execution and Follow-up

• • Continue case preparation to showcase problem-solving abilities and industry knowledge.
  • Refine stories to be used for fit and behavioral interviews.
  • Participate in virtual and in-person interview rounds with confidence.
  • Send personalized thank-you notes post-interview.
  • Engage in proactive follow-up with recruiters and contacts.

Recruitment Planning in Action

Let's consider an example scenario to illustrate the successful implementation of a recruitment plan:

Scenario:

Sarah, an ambitious MBA candidate, aspires to secure a consulting role within a top-tier firm that has a generalist role. Leveraging the 90-day recruiting plan framework, Sarah executes each phase:

Weeks 1-4:

Sarah conducts extensive research on consulting firms and their focus industries. She chooses 2 MBB firms, 2 Big 4 firms, and 2 boutique firms for her target list, each of which align with her generalist interests. Then, she attends company presentations and actively engages with recruiters at each firm that is on her target list. After reaching out to some consultants from the firms, she sets up quick chats to ask intentional questions about the firm to gain a better understanding of the work they do and the experiences of working for that company. Using the knowledge she has gained from the presentations and chats, Sarah updates her resume and cover letter to align with targeted firms.

Weeks 5-8:

Sarah submits applications to her selected firms and sends follow up thank-you emails to the connections that she has made and lets them know that she has submitted her application. Now that the application is taken care of, she intensifies her interview preparation efforts. She participates in mock interviews, works on areas of weakness, and refines her case-solving skills. Meanwhile, she continues to cultivate relationships within the industry to ensure her name is still on the minds of the recruiters.

Weeks 9-12:

She uses the last few weeks to taper down her case interview preparation and begin working on refining stories that she plans to use for the behavioral or fit interviews. Sarah approaches her interviews with confidence after weeks of practice, effectively showcasing her capabilities and industry knowledge. She once again sends personalized thank-you notes promptly post-interview to connections she has made at the firm and engages in proactive follow-up with recruiters and contacts.

Conclusion

In navigating the competitive landscape of consulting recruitment, a well-defined plan is indispensable. By leveraging a strategic approach encompassing preparation, engagement, and execution, candidates can maximize their chances of securing roles within their target consulting firms. We welcome you to begin crafting your 90-day recruiting plan to use as your roadmap to success, and embark on your journey with confidence and purpose.

 

Additional Resources:

• AI In Consulting Recruiting: Benefits & Challenges
• Recruitment Strategy: Elements of Success & Template
• 6 Consulting Recruiting Trends to Know for 2024
• Consulting Resume: Complete Guide
• Case Interview: Complete Prep Guide (2024)