Resources
Post a Job

consultant Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top consultant interview questions and answers.

  1. Why do companies need consultants? See answer
  2. How would you make our company more profitable? See answer
  3. How do you set prices for various projects? See answer
  4. What methods do you use to size a market? See answer
  5. What would you do if a business leader was doubtful about your advice? See answer
  6. Why do you believe CRM systems are essential to business improvement? See answer
  7. How will our business improve through new information systems and technology integration? See answer
  8. Do you recommend VoIP telephony systems for businesses? See answer
  9. Why do you think marketing automation is a valuable tool for businesses? See answer
  10. Do you believe that outsourcing is effective at cutting expenses? See answer
  11. Can you tell me about a time you displayed leadership? See answer
  12. Tell me about a time you stepped outside your comfort zone to achieve a goal. See answer
  13. What makes you want to work for this company? See answer
  14. As our consultant, what value can you add besides experience and expertise?
  15. How do you adjust to a company’s culture as a consultant?
Show more questions Show fewer questions

Hire your next consultant today.

Post a job

Hire your next consultant today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 consultant Interview Questions and Answers

Why do companies need consultants?

Consultants provide an outside, objective view and provide the human resources to complete projects. They help companies identify problems, needed changes, and develop strategies to improve performance. This question gives you an understanding of the value that the candidate brings to your company. What to look for in an answer:

  • Candidate's knowledge of company growth strategies
  • Dedication to consultancy work
  • Industry expertise

Example:

"Companies can benefit from experienced consultants who identify problems and facilitate change. Outside talent provides the expertise to resolve problems, and revitalize the company or a product."

As our consultant, what value can you add in addition to experience and expertise?

A consultant has to bring something to the company to influence stakeholders. This question reveals the candidate's skill and strategy to accomplish that. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interpersonal skills
  • Communication skills
  • Management and leadership skills

Example:

"Companies sometimes misunderstand our role, which is to develop creative solutions and resolve problems. I'd like to add value to the team by opening discussions across departments, functions, and structural levels. Fostering collabouration and discussing change is often the key to finding the best solution."

How would you make our company more profitable?

The answer to this question should reveal the candidate's knowledge of your industry and exhibit their critical thinking and analytical skills. You should be able to see the research they've done on your company and if they understand the primary issues facing your industry. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to critique company processes
  • Problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills
  • Knowledge of your company, its mission, and the industry

Example:

"I think you've been successful at what you do, especially in adding a service to expand your market. The biggest problem I see is that you still provide a product that's losing market share. The key is to develop a product for a newer target market using newer technology and separate yourself from the competition. I can develop strategies to make that happen and keep the business thriving."

How do you set prices for various projects?

Corporate consultants have pricing set up based on history. Smaller companies and self-employed consultants need enough experience to know what to charge for each deliverable. All consultants should talk about price in terms of value-added. What to look for in an answer:

  • A clear understanding of consulting and price drivers
  • Experience calculating and tracking budgets
  • Able to provide detailed reporting and analysis

Example:

"I base my prices on the increased revenue my solutions bring to the company, otherwise known as pricing set by value. I communicate rates, am always transparent with my negotiations, and set clear deliverables. My rates also depend on the going market rates and your company's needs. I always set comprehensive budgets and stick to them so my clients know what to expect."

How do you adjust to a company's culture as a consultant?

Consultants take on temporary projects with set timelines. The answer to this question should show the candidate's experience of adapting to various company cultures. They should also exhibit strong communication and collabouration skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • Adaptability
  • Relationship building
  • Fostering teamwork

Example:

"I like to conduct in-depth research about a company before I start a project. I use online information, website, news releases, reports, and ratings to help me understand the culture. I have strong communication skills and can build relationships with colleagues and clients quickly. Relationship building and collabouration allow me to adapt and integrate into your company's culture easily."

What methods do you use to size a market?

Consultants must size markets to determine growth potential. This question helps you understand the candidate's analytical skills and tools used to develop accurate numbers. They can discuss their approach to demonstrate reasoning skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • Critical thinking skills
  • Analytical thinking skills
  • Structural problem-solving

Example:

"I like to work with a top down structural format for large markets. I start with the total population and divide it into the market. I use that method when dealing with multiple customer segments within large markets. Typically, for a local market like yours, I use the bottom-up approach that have a more standardised customer base."

What would you do if a business leader was doubtful about your advice?

A good consultant should be able to work with and influence people who disagree with new ideas. They need strong persuasion skills to get support for implementation their ideas. This question gives you insight into a candidate's communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • Make complex information easy to understand
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Confidence and ability to persuade stakeholders

Example:

"I'd acknowledge their issues and concerns, find something we could agree on, and work backwards from that. It's a guarantee that we always share the same goal of improving the company's operations or revenue, so I use that to explain the cause-and-effect of my ideas. I'd use data, research, and market examples to demonstrate the trends of my previous projects and explain how I could apply them to their business."

Why do you believe CRM systems are essential to business improvement?

Consultants evaluate operations and suggest changes to streamline the company's processes. They often recommend customer relationship management systems to accomplish those goals. The candidate should be able to explain how the system would improve customer service, and discuss the uses of data mining. What to look for in an answer:

  • Identify the benefits of CRM
  • Experience and success using CRM to improve sales
  • Teaching skills to train employees on the use of CRM

Example:

"In my experience, I've seen CRM systems benefit the sales process, increase customer retention, and grow the businesses' revenue stream. These platforms give sales a full view of prospects, provide information to build lasting customer relationships, and reduce the overall cost of sales. Introducing a CRM system to your company has several benefits, including..."

How will our business improve through new information systems and technology integration?

Consultants evaluate your information systems and identify outdated integrations and suggest new technology. The candidate should be able to implement recommendations for updates and integrations into your infrastructure and identify ways for you to get the most from your resources. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to create recommendations and plans
  • Knowledge of current technology
  • Knowledge of trends and future technology

Example:

"With new integrations, new IT standards are crucial. I predict mobile and cloud-based applications will replace old practises. These process improvements increase productivity to meet market demands and speed up your business operations."

Do you recommend VoIP telephony systems for businesses?

Consultants know the benefits of telephony systems and the benefits of internet-based services. The candidate should be able to identify your business phone system needs after researching your company and business needs. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of benefits of VoIP systems and scalability
  • Experience in implementing VoIP telephony systems
  • Analytical skills to assess your company's needs

Example:

"VoIP technology is cost-effective and allows you to integrate software apps over the internet via the phone. One major benefit for your business is that it can increase productivity by helping employees multitask, attach documents, and share data through videoconferencing."

Why do you think marketing automation is a valuable tool for businesses?

Marketing campaigns can be improved with marketing automation. A candidate should know that automation saves time and money. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience instaling marketing automation
  • Knowledge of how to get the most from the software
  • Understanding of digital marketing

Example:

"The software platforms and technology automatically manage your marketing process and multifunctional campaigns across multiple channels. The technology, via the internet, allows you to target customers, update the content of marketing campaigns, and track the success of each campaign."

Do you believe that outsourcing is effective at cutting expenses?

Outsourcing services reduce overhead expenses. The candidate should be able to discuss when outsourcing is needed and discuss any experience they have with it. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of outsourcing business services andcompany expertise
  • Experience implementing outsourcing for previous clients
  • Analytical skills to identify cost savings

Example:

"Yes. Outsourcing cuts your spending, boosts productivity, and you can use as many experts as you need. It eliminates bureaucracy and applies to any market niche. It's a cost-effective option that helps increase revenues and promote company growth. It fosters partnerships, reduces risk, and offers market opportunities. Based on my research, I would highly recommend outsourcing some elements of your business."

Can you tell me about a time you displayed leadership?

A major skill of consulting is leadership, since it involves working with teams to strategize, develop, and implement solutions. When asked this question, the candidate has the opportunity to describe an example of their strong leadership abilities. What to look for in an answer:

  • Collabouration and teamwork skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Leadership experience

Example:

"One of my previous clients, ABC Inc., needed to layoff several employees in different departments. This resulted in the remaining employees feeling overwhelmed and overworked. I scheduled a meeting to discuss strategies and communicated my appreciation for their dedication through the challenging time. I asked for their assistance to identify ways to increase efficiency. I led the team through several planning sessions and came up with an effective solution."

Tell me about a time you stepped outside your comfort zone to achieve a goal.

Here you're asking about a past project or specific experience, which is a behavioural question. Candidates should provide context and explain the goal, and the steps they took to achieve it. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience and confidence in finding new ways to achieve goals
  • Goal-oriented
  • Ability to overcome challenges

Example:

"In a previous role, I had to present a project plan to executive-level managers. I was nervous because I hadn't done a lot of public speaking at that level. I had two days to prepare for the presentation and spent that time ensuring that I knew the plan, the logic behind it, and the reasoning used to recommend it. I made a list of follow-up questions they may ask and practised my responses. The presentation was a success, and the executives approved the project. I have also taken public speaking classes since then to improve my confidence."

What makes you want to work for this company?

The answer to this question should give you insight into how much the candidate knows about your industry and the values of your company. They should show enthusiasm for the role and confidence in what they can offer. What to look for in an answer:

  • Research about your company
  • Knowledge of your needs and goals
  • Motivation and interest in being a valuable addition to the team

Example:

"From my research, I understand that you have a collabourative and supportive culture which I believe is important for personal development. I believe I can help solve problems working with a team that strives for excellence."

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

Hire your next consultant today

Post a Job

Explore Interview Questions by Title

No search results found

    Related Articles

    Best Practices for Virtual Interviews
    Read article
    12 Interview Questions Not to Ask to Avoid Getting in Hot Water
    Read article
    How to Conduct a Second Interview (with 5 Example Questions)
    Read article