When you’re starting out as a junior consultant, it can be tricky to assert yourself in front of customers who are used to seeing older people, and whose age is often perceived as a sign of competence and experience. To compensate for a lack of experience is quite possible for the young graduate who enters the job market for the first time.
Appropriate dress for professionalism
It’s said that clothes don’t make the man, and yet, as all recruiters will tell you, in the consulting profession, professional attire is a sign of rigor and professionalism that is highly appreciated by clients. Nevertheless, there are a few points that need to be addressed before making suits compulsory for consultants. It is important to adapt your dress to the people you are dealing with. For example, in the banking and insurance sector, suits are de rigueur for men.
When dealing with clients in these sectors, wearing a dark suit is often common. Black, gray or blue will be just fine. A tie may be required and you will need to make sure your shoes are shined and very clean. For girls, pants, skirts or dresses in solid colors are ideal.
Overall, depending on the context and the sector in which you are going to carry out your activity, adjustments can be considered. In some areas, a shirt is more than enough without the need to wear a tie. Don’t hesitate to observe your colleagues to see what can and cannot be worn. Finally, don’t forget to work on your posture in order to assert yourself, especially if shyness is one of your weak points. In any case, you must be well presented and comfortable in what you wear.
Become a member of the team you work with
Generally speaking, as a junior consultant, you’ll be working with a team and senior consultants to support you. In order to be well integrated and presented to your end customers, you’ll need to find your place in the existing team and quickly prove yourself.
Take advantage of being surrounded by experienced and senior consultants to ask questions about the project, the client, the way they work and to get inspired by the best practices of your colleagues. Don’t hesitate to have lunch with your colleagues. Punctuality is also important and will build your credibility over time. It’s also important to immerse yourself in the local corporate culture, and how it works.
Who is the decision-maker, the prescriber, and who needs to be convinced to move the project forward.
The attitude to have on a daily basis in the consulting world
It’s important to be in a constant position ofactive listening. Listening is one thing, but making it known is another. Look at the person you are talking to and show that you are receptive to what he or she is saying, ask questions and, most importantly, take notes. Since time is precious for these functions, it is best not to have things repeated. On the other hand, don’t hesitate to rephrase if your customers’ expectations are unclear.
Proactivity is also essential in the consulting profession. That’s why it’s important to anticipate your customers’ needs and provide them with advice.
And above all, don’t panic when you don’t have the answer to a question. Taking the time to find out what you need to know so as not to make mistakes is also a quality in a consultant.
Finally, rigor and the ability to synthesize information will also be essential to enhance your image.
Knowing how to use an approved methodology to collect, analyze and synthesize information is what the customer expects from a junior consultant.
You are not born a consultant, you become one
Remember, you are not born a consultant, you become one. To be credible, you must get to know your client and their issues. Knowing your client and the context in which they operate is paramount. It will often be necessary to educate yourself through information available within your firm that deals with similar cases or the client’s website, a valuable source of information about their organization, management, issues, market.
Undertaking additional online training through MOOCs, for example, will be a plus. Finally, don’t hesitate to talk to a more experienced senior consultant or a sales representative from your firm, who can share their expertise and tell you how to behave with your contacts.
Join a great place to work
Your career at SQORUS is more than just a job, it’s an opportunity to grow professionally and personally in an environment where individual development contributes to the growth of the whole.
