Top 5 Skills I Look for in a Tech Consulting Candidate (From a Hiring Manager)
Over the years as a Technical Consulting Manager, I’ve interviewed hundreds of candidates — from fresh graduates to seasoned professionals. While every interview is unique, there’s a consistent pattern in what makes a candidate stand out.
If you’re preparing for a tech consulting interview, here are the top 5 skills I personally look for — and how you can demonstrate them.
1. Presentation & Communication Skills (Yes, Look at the Camera!)
First impressions matter. Whether your interview is in-person or virtual, how you present yourself speaks volumes.
What I’m looking for:
Clear, confident speech
Engaging body language
Eye contact — if virtual, look at the camera, not just the screen
Pro Tip: Practice introducing yourself on video. Watching the playback will help you spot habits like looking away, speaking too softly, or using filler words.
Example:
If you’re explaining a past project, instead of saying, "I worked on an app for a client," try:
"I led the design and rollout of a mobile app for a retail client, resulting in a 20% increase in online sales." — Specific, confident, and impactful.
2. Clear, Structured Answers (Always Provide Examples)
A common mistake is rambling without a clear point. Strong candidates answer in a structured way — one that’s easy to follow.
What I’m looking for:
Use of frameworks like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Real-world examples, not just theory
Clear link between your example and the question asked
Pro Tip: Before the interview, prepare 3–4 strong examples of projects or challenges you’ve faced. Practice telling them in under 2 minutes each.
3. Motivation & Research
It’s easy to spot when someone hasn’t researched the company or role — and it’s an instant red flag.
What I’m looking for:
You’ve read the job description and can explain why you’re a fit
You know what the company does, its products/services, and recent news
You can connect your skills to the company’s challenges and goals
Pro Tip: Spend at least 30 minutes before the interview:
Browsing the company’s website and careers page
Reading recent press releases or blog posts
Checking the interviewer’s LinkedIn (if known)
This shows you’re genuinely interested, not just applying to every open role.
4. Growth Mentality
Tech consulting is fast-paced — tools, methods, and client needs change constantly. I value candidates who embrace learning and adaptation.
What I’m looking for:
Examples of learning a new skill quickly
Times you adapted to unexpected changes
Openness to feedback and improvement
Example:
"When my client moved from on-premise to cloud solutions, I quickly upskilled in AWS through a certification course, allowing me to contribute to the migration project immediately."
5. Asking Great Questions
An interview is a two-way conversation. The questions you ask tell me a lot about your priorities and thinking style.
What I’m looking for:
Questions that show curiosity about the role, team, and company vision
Strategic thinking — asking about business challenges, future projects, or success metrics
A focus on impact rather than only salary or benefits
Example Questions:
"How does this role contribute to the company’s long-term strategy?"
"What qualities do the top performers on your consulting team have in common?"
Final Thoughts
If you master these five skills — presentation, structure, preparation, growth mindset, and curiosity — you’ll stand out from most candidates I meet.
💡 Action Step: Before your next interview, record yourself answering a question, review it critically, and refine your delivery. Pair that with strong research and thoughtful questions, and you’ll be well ahead of the competition.
