“What are the characteristics and personality traits of people suited for consulting?” “Should I take an aptitude assessment before aiming to become a consultant?” — do you have these questions?
This article addresses those questions, covering the following topics in order:
- What you should know before taking a consultant aptitude assessment
- Characteristics of people suited / not suited for consulting
- Types of aptitude tests used by consulting firms
- Key points to keep in mind when aiming to become a consultant
This article is useful for anyone considering a career change into consulting. Please read through to the end.
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What You Should Know Before Taking a Consultant Aptitude Assessment
Before taking a consultant aptitude assessment, it’s important to first clear up the questions: “What exactly does a consultant do?” and “What types of consulting firms are there?”
What Is a Consultant?
A consultant is a professional who objectively understands clients’ challenges and offers appropriate proposals. They support clients in improving operations, increasing productivity, expanding profits, and achieving business growth.
The word “consultant” derives from the English verb “consult.” Unlike trading companies or manufacturers that deal in tangible goods, consultants provide intangible value — identifying problems and making proposals.
ConsulNext.jp publishes many columns related to consulting, so if you want to deepen your understanding of the profession, be sure to check them out.
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Types of Consulting Firms
Consulting firms (companies that provide consulting services) include the following types:
- General Consulting Firms
- Strategy Consulting Firms
- IT Consulting Firms
- Think Tank Consulting Firms
- Financial Advisory Consulting Firms
- Business Turnaround Consulting Firms
- HR Consulting Firms
Review each type of consulting firm and identify which industries interest you most.
General Consulting Firms
General consulting firms are firms that provide end-to-end services ranging from issue identification and strategy formulation to system implementation, operational improvement, and post-implementation support.
The Big Four — Deloitte Tohmatsu, PwC Consulting, KPMG Consulting, and EY Advisory & Consulting — are also classified as general consulting firms.
Strategy Consulting Firms
Strategy consulting firms are firms that analyze corporate management challenges and design and execute management strategies for their clients.
Major players include global firms of Western origin such as McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, and A.T. Kearney.
IT Consulting Firms
IT consulting firms are firms that leverage IT technology to solve their clients’ business challenges.
They serve not only large enterprises but also small and medium-sized businesses and startups.
Representative companies include Gartner Japan, Future Architect, Ulsystems, and Cambridge Technology Partners.
Think Tank Consulting Firms
Think tank consulting firms are firms that evolved from think tanks that research social issues and political strategies and provide recommendations to national and local governments.
Representative think tank firms include NTT Data Institute of Management Consulting, Mitsubishi UFJ Research & Consulting, Nomura Research Institute, and Japan Research Institute.
Financial Advisory Consulting Firms
Financial advisory consulting firms are firms that support clients in resolving finance-related challenges such as cash flow management, tax affairs, and M&A advisory.
Examples include PwC Advisory, Deloitte Tohmatsu, KPMG FAS, and EY TAS.
Business Turnaround Consulting Firms
Business turnaround consulting firms are firms that support companies whose management is in crisis.
Representative firms include AlixPartners, Industrial Growth Platform (IGPI), Yamada Business Consulting, and Frontier Management.
HR Consulting Firms
HR consulting firms are firms that support clients in identifying challenges and formulating strategies related to human resources and organizational structure. In addition to advice on organizational design, they also offer guidance on institutional aspects such as pensions and employee benefits.
Examples include Mercer Japan, Willis Towers Watson, Korn Ferry Hay Group, and Aon Hewitt Japan.
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[Aptitude Assessment] Characteristics and Personality Traits of People Suited for Consulting
So, what kind of people are well-suited for consulting?
Check whether you match any of the traits listed below.
High Stress Tolerance
First and foremost, having high stress tolerance is a critical factor.
Because consultants handle complex problems, there are many situations where proposals or analyses don’t go as planned. Feeling stressed every time this happens can take a serious toll on your mental health.
Furthermore, if a proposal fails to satisfy a client, you may face scrutiny from both your superiors and the client.
Of course, virtually every job involves some degree of stress, but having high stress tolerance is particularly desirable for those aiming to become consultants.
Strong Intellectual Curiosity
Another characteristic of people well-suited for consulting is strong intellectual curiosity.
Intellectual curiosity refers to “the desire to take interest in all kinds of things and want to learn more.” It can also be described as a proactive attitude toward gathering information.
Consultants must stay sensitive to all kinds of information and trends, including the latest news and industry developments. Those with strong intellectual curiosity tend not to find information gathering burdensome, which indicates good aptitude for the role.
Desire for Growth
Consultants are expected to have a strong motivation to grow.
Consultants are involved in various industries depending on the projects they are assigned to. They must acquire knowledge about each relevant industry in order to address client challenges, which requires a high drive to keep growing.
During job interviews, candidates are often assessed on whether they have the ambition to aim for higher positions, so demonstrating growth motivation and drive is important.
Strong Sense of Responsibility
People with a strong sense of responsibility are also well-suited for consulting.
Consultants are expected to drive projects to success. Rather than simply accommodating every client request to keep them happy, it is sometimes necessary to take a critical stance and offer the most suitable proposals for the client.
Rather than irresponsibly going along with things just because “the client asked for it,” consultants must constantly keep in mind the goal of making the project succeed.
Proficient in Languages
Language proficiency is one of the key skills required of consultants.
This is because both Japanese and foreign companies have been accelerating their expansion into global markets in recent years, making it necessary to communicate with overseas clients and liaise with international offices.
Some argue that “translation tools have become so advanced that language skills are no longer necessary.” However, being able to communicate directly without the aid of translation tools allows for more precise conveyance of nuance.
In addition to English, proficiency in languages such as Chinese, German, and Spanish increases a consultant’s market value.
Ability to Assert Oneself
The ability to assert oneself is another characteristic of people suited for consulting.
When providing services to clients, consultants are expected to demonstrate a proactive attitude — actively making proposals and clarifying uncertainties during meetings.
Those who can make well-grounded assertions will be able to propose solutions that genuinely convince clients.
Strong Communication Skills
Strong communication skills are indispensable for working as a consultant.
Consultants must communicate not only with clients, but also with project team members and employees from other departments — requiring contact with a wide range of people.
Those who struggle to communicate with diverse individuals may find the environment stressful and may not be well-suited for the role.
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[Aptitude Assessment] Characteristics and Personality Traits of People Not Suited for Consulting
The characteristics of people not suited for consulting are as follows:
Unable to Prioritize the Client
People who lack the desire to “help others” or “solve the challenges that clients face” are not well-suited for consulting.
This is because consultants must always operate with a client-first mindset. If you genuinely want to be of service to clients, you will naturally take actions that consider the client’s perspective.
Moreover, there are times when you may need to respond to clients outside of working hours or on weekends, which can be a significant source of stress for those who do not have a client-first mindset.
Prefer Stability Over Growth
People come in many types — some are growth-oriented and always want to keep developing, while others prefer a stable, low-change lifestyle.
The consulting profession involves significant change, making it difficult to maintain a stable lifestyle. Those who prioritize stability may be better suited to careers outside of consulting.
For example, roles such as civil servant, IT engineer, or programmer — where the environment tends to remain relatively stable — may be recommended.
Prefer Working Alone
People who prefer solo work may have a greater chance of thriving in a role other than consulting.
Consulting is a profession that requires engaging with many people and working as a team. While individual work time does exist, the job is fundamentally team-based.
Those who prefer working alone may be better suited to roles such as engineer, writer, or administrative staff.
Want a Job with Fixed Working Hours
Those who want to work strictly within set hours may not have the aptitude for consulting. Since consulting is client-facing work, there are times when you need to adapt your schedule to match the client’s.
During busy periods, it is not uncommon for consultants to work until the last train or even stay overnight. If this kind of work style does not appeal to you, consider choosing a role where it’s easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance by leaving on time.
Not Skilled at Gathering Information
People who “don’t usually watch the news” or “don’t have a habit of researching information online” may not be well-suited for consulting.
Consultants must gather information on a continuous basis, as they need to make proposals to clients that reflect current social conditions, industry trends, and the latest technologies.
In interviews, candidates are sometimes asked “What news story has caught your attention recently?” — so those aiming to become consultants are encouraged to make information gathering a daily habit.
Tend Toward Negative Thinking
A tendency toward negative thinking is also cited as a characteristic of people not suited for consulting.
Consulting is a profession that requires a proactive, forward-looking attitude when addressing clients’ management challenges. Thoughts like “This will never work anyway” or “What if my proposal gets rejected?” — those who tend to fall into negative thinking may find the pressure overwhelming.
That said, negative thinkers do have strengths — they tend to have a critical perspective — and may be able to apply this in other professions outside of consulting.
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Can You Transition into Consulting Without Prior Experience?
To put it simply, it is not impossible to aim for a consulting career without prior experience.
In recent years, the diversification of business has led consulting firms to seek talent with a wide variety of backgrounds.
Moreover, the worsening labor shortage caused by Japan’s declining birthrate and aging population has prompted many consulting firms to step up their recruiting efforts.
As a result, even those with experience at a business company can aim for a consulting career without prior consulting experience.
For Career Changers Without Experience, Second-New-Graduate to Early 30s Is the Best Window
If you have limited business experience and no prior consulting background, applying through the second-new-graduate track (potential-based hiring) will likely be your primary route.
A “second new graduate” refers to someone who joined a company fresh out of school and left within a few years, and is now seeking a new position. Eligibility criteria vary significantly by company — for example, “within 3 years of professional experience” or “having worked at no more than 2 companies.”
Those aiming to transition into consulting as a second new graduate should check the application requirements on the consulting firm’s careers page or job listings on recruitment sites.
Key Criteria Evaluated for Candidates Without Experience
For those without consulting experience, hiring decisions are primarily based on “experience and skills,” “English proficiency,” and “aptitude”.
Experience and Skills
When applying through mid-career or second-new-graduate channels, your track record, experience, and skills will be assessed.
This is to determine whether your experience and skills would be valuable in a consulting role. For example, someone who has worked at an IT company would be considered to have relevant aptitude for an IT consulting role, given their knowledge of the industry.
When preparing your resume and work history, clearly articulate your strengths and back them up with specific figures and concrete examples.
English Proficiency
With globalization accelerating across various industries in recent years, consultants are increasingly expected to have language skills, including proficiency in English.
If you have business-level English proficiency or study abroad experience, these can be strong selling points during your job search. Highlighting your TOEIC score or equivalent is a good approach.
Aptitude
In addition to experience, skills, and language ability, hiring managers also assess whether the candidate fundamentally has the aptitude for consulting.
Since consulting is client-facing work, communication skills, the ability to listen and understand client needs, and proposal capabilities are essential.
Furthermore, since the role demands various qualities such as logical thinking and mental resilience, whether a candidate has the aptitude for consulting is a critical evaluation criterion.
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Types of Aptitude Tests Used by Consulting Firms
In the consulting industry, various selection processes are conducted to assess whether candidates have the aptitude for the consultant role.
These are broadly divided into four categories: “personality assessment,” “aptitude/ability test,” “case interview,” and “standard interview.” Let’s review the characteristics and purpose of each below.
Personality Assessment
A personality assessment is a test conducted to determine whether a candidate has the aptitude for consulting and which roles they may be best suited for.
Personality types well-suited for consulting include those with strong intellectual curiosity, a positive mindset, and an open, coachable nature.
Consultants not only need to gather information continuously, but also approach complex problems with a forward-looking attitude.
Because there are personality types that tend to excel in consulting, firms conduct assessments to determine whether candidates have the relevant traits.
Aptitude / Ability Test
Ability tests are administered to determine whether a candidate possesses general cognitive abilities.
These tests are generally divided into “verbal” and “non-verbal” sections. The verbal section assesses vocabulary and reading comprehension, while the non-verbal section includes arithmetic problems and graph interpretation.
There are various types of ability tests, and commonly used formats include Tamatebako, SPI, WebCAB, and WebGAB.
Case Interview
A case interview simulates real-world scenarios. It is an interview format designed to assess how a candidate proposes solutions and analyses in response to a problem posed by the interviewer.
Case interviews are broadly divided into “Fermi estimation” and “business case” formats. Fermi estimation involves calculating approximate values for quantities that cannot be directly measured.
A business case involves explaining the business value and benefits a company can gain from a project before it begins.
Both formats may feel challenging for first-timers, but with thorough preparation you can learn to handle them — so there’s no need to worry.
Standard Interview
In addition to the selection methods described above, a standard interview is also conducted to comprehensively assess the candidate’s personality, thinking style, and values.
Practical questions such as whether the candidate is willing to relocate and what their career goals are may also be covered. In a standard interview, the fit between the candidate’s intentions and the company’s ideal candidate profile is evaluated through the exchange with the hiring manager.
What You Should Do to Successfully Transition into Consulting
If you are considering a career change into consulting, there are several key points to keep in mind. Let’s look at what you should do when aiming to become a consultant.
Conduct a Self-Analysis
Before fully diving into your consulting job search, conducting a thorough self-analysis is essential. This not only helps you prepare for interviews but also gives you clear criteria for selecting which firms to apply to.
Specifically, articulate your core values, strengths and weaknesses, vision for the future, and the experiences that have shaped your thinking.
By doing so, you will gain greater clarity on whether consulting is truly the career you want, and why you want to pursue it.
Understand the Characteristics of Each Firm
Once your self-analysis is complete, the next step is company research. Consulting firms differ significantly in their strengths, areas of specialization, ideal candidate profiles, and working styles.
Consulting firms can be categorized into types such as strategy consulting firms, IT consulting firms, and think tank consulting firms.
Select the firm that best aligns with your career plan and aptitude. The article below explains the characteristics and hiring information of major consulting firms.
Prepare a Compelling Statement of Purpose
When beginning a job search in the consulting industry, your statement of purpose plays a crucial role. It is important to clearly and convincingly communicate “why you want to become a consultant” and “why you are applying to that specific firm”.
A vague statement of purpose will fail to convey your motivation to the hiring manager. Craft a compelling narrative with a clear story arc to make your case persuasive.
Build Specialized Skills in Your Current Role
For those considering a future move into consulting, it is important to consciously build experience and deliver results in your current organization. Specialized knowledge gained through experience in a specific industry is invaluable when working as a consultant.
For example, someone with experience at an IT company — familiar with the latest information, specialized knowledge, and industry trends in the IT field — would be welcomed by firms offering consulting services in the technology space.
Use a Recruitment Agency
Those who want to advance their consulting job search efficiently should consider registering with a recruitment agency.
A recruitment agency is a service where a dedicated career advisor introduces job opportunities that match your preferences, experience, and skills. They can present positions you might not find on your own, including non-publicly listed roles, helping to expand your options.
ConsulNext.jp is a service specializing in consulting job listings, offering positions in business consulting, IT development consulting, management consulting, and more.
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Summary
In this article, we explained the characteristics of people suited and not suited for consulting, as well as the types of aptitude tests used in the selection process.
While it is possible to transition into consulting without prior experience, it is a client-facing profession that can demand a demanding work style. We recommend confirming whether you have the aptitude for consulting — such as high stress tolerance and a strong desire to grow — before fully committing to your job search.
If you feel that consulting is a good fit for you, start collecting job listings and identifying firms to apply to. ConsulNext.jp handles a wide variety of consulting job openings.
If you are looking to transition into a consulting career, please consider registering with ConsulNext.jp, operated by Mirai Works Inc., a company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market.
