Necessary hardskills to pass the CV round

Hi there,

You’re thinking about this the right way, but for the CV stage, firms care much more about evidence of problem-solving and impact than specific technical skills. You don’t need advanced hard skills to pass the screening.

That said, having some familiarity with data analysis, Excel, and PowerPoint is helpful because it shows you can handle quantitative work and present insights clearly. If you want to add something tangible, a short online course in data analytics (Excel, SQL, or basic Python) or financial modeling can strengthen your profile.

However, don’t let that distract you from the core priorities: strong grades, leadership or initiative in internships or projects, and well-written bullet points that show results. Hard skills are a nice plus, but they won’t make or break your CV: clarity, structure, and measurable achievements will.

Hi there,

For consulting CV screening, firms don’t expect deep technical expertise. They mainly look for strong academics, leadership experience and analytical ability.

That said, a few practical hard skills can help you stand out, especially early in your career:

• Excel and PowerPoint – still the core consulting tools for analysis and presentations
• Basic data analysis – being comfortable interpreting charts, running quick calculations, and using structured thinking
• Financial literacy – understanding revenue, cost, and margin basics if you’re applying for strategy or due diligence roles
• Optional extras – SQL, Tableau, or Python can be a plus for digital or analytics-heavy practices

I would also mention any languages you speak as these are highly valued.

You don’t need extra certificates or projects to get shortlisted. Focus on a sharp, results-oriented CV and put most of your effort into case and test prep, since those matter most in the process.

Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out :)

Best,
Evelina

The CV is critical. 

It's the element in the screening process that matters the most. 

There are lots of things to pay attention to and optimise for. 

Specifically to your comment, extra qualifications / certifications help, but what helps even more is evidence of you having done consulting-like work previously or having had an interest in consulting going back some time (e.g., having been part of a consulting society at university). 

If you have any specific questions feel free to reach out. 

You might also find this guide useful about how to approach the application process:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

For most entry-level consulting roles, firms don’t expect deep hard skills beyond solid Excel and PowerPoint proficiency, plus some comfort with data interpretation. What really matters at the CV stage is demonstrating impact, leadership, and problem-solving through your experiences. Building extra skills (like analytics or basic SQL) is nice, but not essential. You should still focus first on crafting strong, results-driven CV bullets and preparing well for tests and interviews.

Good for you to be thinking so strategically about the CV - screening :) The thing is, it is not any particular hard or technically skills that will push you over the edge and have the recruitment team calling you for an interview. 

What you need to focus on is your story arc. 

How can you show progression even if early in your career? (e.g., responsibility in student clubs, internships, leadership in sports etc.)

In recruitment for consulting they are looking for well rounded, intelligent, perseverant individuals who excel both as part of a team and stepping up to lead when it is time. 

This is what you need to focus on when building your consulting CV and cover letter :)

Hope that helps!
 

Hi there, 

those are nice to have, not a must. Suggest to focus on the core skills that would affect your interview performance, and don't stretch yourselfe too thin. 

Best,

Emily

They want some excellence indicators - either of achievements or potential. Adding hardskills doesn't really make a difference, as they will teach all of those on the job, as long as you are able to show you have the right intellect and mindset.