Key Questions in the Personal Fit Interview

Consulting interviews are not just about your skills and knowledge — companies also want to see how well you align with their culture and values, often called "personal fit". This part of the interview is your chance to show you’re a natural addition to the team. Here’s a look at three common personal fit questions and some tips on how to answer them confidently and thoughtfully.

1. Why Do You Want to Work in Consulting?

One of the classic questions in any job interview is, "Why do you want to be a consultant?" Many candidates respond with generic answers, such as the chance to work on exciting projects across various industries, the opportunity to travel, or the potential for continuous personal growth. However, these answers often fall flat.

Instead, aim to articulate your response more precisely and highlight personal motivations:

Identify Your Areas of Personal Development
Focus on specific development areas that are crucial for consulting and reflect your personal motivations. For instance, you might mention that you value leadership and teamwork in multicultural environments, emphasizing how international projects allow you to enhance your skills in engaging with diverse cultures and backgrounds. You could also express your enthusiasm for tackling complex challenges: explain how you view these projects as valuable opportunities to sharpen your analytical and structured thinking skills.

Share Personal Experiences
Talk about concrete experiences that demonstrate your ability to apply these skills successfully. If, for example, you led a multicultural team in a past project or overcame a challenge in a new field, relate those experiences to your goals in consulting. This approach shows not only your capability but also your readiness to thrive in the consulting environment.

Highlight Specific Learning Goals in Consulting
Emphasize what you hope to learn or which skills you would like to deepen in your consulting career, and explain why consulting offers you the best opportunities to achieve those development goals. This connection shows how your interests align with the demands of the consulting profession.

👉 If you're curious about how the PrepLounge community would tackle the question "Why consulting?" check out the discussions in our Consulting Q&A: How to Answer "Why Consulting?" in Interviews.

2. Why This Company?

Another common question in a personal fit interview is, "Why do you want to work for this particular consulting firm?" Here, it’s crucial to show that you’ve done more than just skim the surface of the company. While many large consulting firms have similar structures, the real difference often lies in their corporate culture.

Refer to the company's values and explain how they resonate with your own beliefs and goals. Share personal experiences that illustrate why this firm feels like the right fit for you. Perhaps you had an insightful conversation with a consultant from the firm that left a lasting impression, or you are interested in specific development programs that the company offers.

A possible response could be:
"I was particularly impressed by the open and team-oriented culture at [Company Name]. After speaking with one of your consultants, I realized that it's not just about technical excellence; personal development and collaboration are also highly valued. These principles align perfectly with my vision of an ideal work environment."

For more insights on how to answer “Why This Company?”, the following threads in our Consulting Q&A might be interesting as well:

👉 What is the difference between McKinsey, BCG, and Bain?
👉 Why BCG? Ideal interview answers for candidates
👉 Why Firm X?

3. Tell Me About Yourself!

When the interviewer asks you to tell something about yourself, avoid simply reciting your resume. This question is your chance to add a personal touch to the conversation and leave a lasting impression.

Instead of explaining your career path, think about a few unique qualities or experiences that highlight who you are and how you think. One effective approach is to choose three adjectives that describe you and support them with brief examples or anecdotes.

Here’s an example of how your response could sound:
"I would describe myself as solution-oriented, communicative, and curious. In my last role, I successfully handled a challenging situation within my team by bringing everyone’s needs to the table. I believe communication is key to success, especially in complex projects. Additionally, I have a strong willingness to learn — I love learning about new topics, which is one of the reasons I find consulting so interesting."

Conclusion: How to Prepare for Personal Fit Questions in Consulting

Personal fit interviews give you the opportunity to showcase not only your technical skills but also your personality. To answer fit questions successfully, keep the following points in mind:

1. Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with the company’s culture, values, and unique characteristics. If possible, connect with consultants from the firm or explore their career page. Attending recruiting events is also a great way to engage with potential employers.
2. Be Authentic: Stand out by sharing personal stories and answer questions honestly and concisely.
3. Practice Your Responses: The best way to prepare is to practice your answers to personal fit questions with friends or colleagues. This will help you build confidence and present yourself more effectively in the interview.

With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to impress in your personal fit interview and take a significant step closer to landing your dream job in consulting.

👉 If you want to prepare for more questions in personal fit interviews, check out our Stress Question Tool!