Many experienced professionals assume consulting interviews are simply about technical expertise or industry knowledge.

In reality, consulting firms are assessing far more than your ability to solve a problem. They're evaluating how you communicate, structure your thinking, influence stakeholders, demonstrate commercial awareness, and whether they can trust you in front of a client.

In this session, Outsized co-founder Anurag Bhalla, Outsized Talent Director Amneet Kaur, and independent consultant Ines Kossai unpack what actually happens behind the scenes when consulting firms hire independent talent. From CV screening and case interviews to partner assessments and client interviews, the panel shares practical advice to help you navigate each stage with greater confidence and clarity.

What you'll take away from the session:

•  How consulting firms assess candidates across different interview stages  

• How consulting firms assess candidates across different interview stages

• What partners, project leads, consultants, and clients are each looking for during interviews

• How to tailor your CV to stand out in a competitive consulting market

• The key skills consulting firms value most, from problem-solving and commercial thinking to communication and stakeholder management

• Common mistakes and red flags that can derail an otherwise strong application

• Practical interview preparation strategies, including case study preparation and effective questioning techniques

• The realities of independent consulting and how to position yourself for project-based opportunities

If you're transitioning into independent consulting or looking to improve your interview conversion rate, this session provides practical insights from both hiring managers and experienced consultants who have been through the process themselves.