How do you stand out in your job application?

When reading this, it will stand out to most recruiters—it will showcase that you have done your homework, that you understand how the company operates, and that you have an interest in the work they do.

But most importantly, it will demonstrate that you could be up to speed from the moment you are hired. This knowledge can even be helpful during interviews, serving as an ice-breaker and allowing you to ask interesting questions that will impress the interviewers.

Some key pointers that may be crucial for your application:

🏛️ Understand the team structures

• Does the consulting firm have verticals based on industry or geography? Or both?

• You need to ensure you understand how the firm operates, particularly how they structure their consulting service offerings for clients.

• Learn about team hierarchies and who the Senior Partners are in each industry or region.

• Know their names, specialties, and expertise (hint: research some case studies or expert reports!).

• This will show that you are well-prepared and would know your way around the firm from day one.

🌍 Know the specialties of each office

Most consulting firms have offices worldwide, and each office has its own specialty or area of focus.

For example:

• Health Tech is a major focus in Bain’s Boston office.

• In Brussels, where I work, our office is a leader in ESG work.

Make sure you understand the context of the office you’re applying to:

• What types of clients do they serve?

• Which industries do they specialize in?

Being informed about this will ensure you're up to speed and well-prepared for your application and interviews.

💼 Understand the context of the firm

Beyond individual offices, take a step back and consider the overall strengths of the firm:

• Bain is highly regarded for its work in Private Equity, offering a unique learning experience within the MBB (Big Three) consulting firms.

• McKinsey is known for its expertise in public sector projects, providing a different kind of exposure and learning experience.

To give yourself an edge, tailor your application towards these strengths.

• Go through client case studies and research the latest high-profile projects they have worked on.

• Understanding what types of clients they serve and their biggest success stories will help you make your application stand out.