30 Accenture Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

What is the most challenging client issue you have faced this year? How did you overcome the situation?

When the interviewer can understand your significant client pain points, and how you overcame them, they can see the level of responsibilities you currently have. This question, if responded to correctly, also gives you the opportunity to help the interviewer picture you in their role with Accenture. Walk the interviewer through your client situation, and share with them how you overcame the hurdle with professionalism and poise.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I recently had a client who wanted to control every aspect of my work, as opposed to being open to the process. He was very hands-on, which is great; however, not receptive to change. I held a one-on-one meeting with him to discuss the situation head-on. Professionally, I let him know that if he disallowed my process, he would not get the return for which he was seeking. The client apologized for the controlling behavior and, from that point, gave me the room to work that I needed."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"The most challenging client profile is, for certain, the defensive client. I am sure you know the type. The client who argues everything and refuses to look at the hard data, while bringing emotion into every conversation and process. When this occurs, I firmly yet professionally remind the client that past behavior will yield past results. I ask them to revisit why they hired me, or my firm. Then, I have them recommit to our process before I proceed."

2.

How would you make Accenture more profitable?

You work with your clients to help them scale and see more success and profitability. Now, how would you help Accenture to do the same? The interviewer is not looking for you to reinvent their entire organization; however, they are looking for one or two simple ways they could improve. Perhaps, during your application and interview process, you saw some room for opportunity and growth.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I look forward to helping Accenture be more profitable every day. During my application process, I conducted a lot of research on your organization. I noticed one area of opportunity being your social media presence. A strong presence on Instagram, for instance, can draw users to your website, creating more opportunity to educate potential clients."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"I specialize in workforce optimization, so I always see room for opportunity in that realm. When I applied to Accenture online I saw some areas where the application process could be streamlined, saving time and frustration. I would be happy to walk you through my ideas."

3.

Have you ever supervised or trained junior consultants?

The interviewer would like to know more about the level of leadership responsibility you bring. Discuss if you have formally, or informally trained any other consultants throughout your career. If you have supervised or trained junior consultants, discuss how many, what your process was, and the tools and resources you used. If you have not managed or trained other consultants, that is okay too! Discuss the ways that you encourage and help your fellow employees, even if you do not have a formal leadership role.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I have not been asked to train any other consultants in my career formally; however, I do make it a habit of taking our firms' newer consultants under my wing to ensure they are off to a successful start. I will share with them some tools and resources that I find helpful, and remind them that my door is open whenever they have a question. I am very open to formal leadership opportunities should those arise with Accenture."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"Throughout my career, I have trained over 25 new consultants. And, in my current role, I oversee the activities of 5 junior consultants. Strategic leadership and effective management are strengths of mine that I look forward to bringing to Accenture."

4.

How would you explain the management consulting industry to someone who is unfamiliar?

Management consulting can be one of those career paths where people who meet you say, 'What exactly is it that you do?' It's best if you have a one to two sentence elevator pitch on what management consulting means to you! Having this pitch prepared, and memorized, will assist you in answering those 'What do you do for a living?'questions while also helping you sound confident and clear when discussing your career path. Use this pitch when you tell the interviewer how you explain the management consulting industry to someone who is unfamiliar.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"Management consulting is best described as a group of people who help business answer tough questions surrounding their operations, strategy, and profits."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"I explain management consultants as people who help businesses to clarify their operations and strategy. We help businesses of all kinds max out their profitability."

5.

What steps do you take when researching a new market or industry?

A successful management consultant will have excellent research skills. When laying down the groundwork for a successful project, this is where the work should always begin. As you likely know, cutting corners will result in a sub-par result. Take the interviewer through your process when researching a market or industry with which you may not be overly familiar.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"When I take on a project within a new market or industry, I will find someone in my network that I know, trust, and admire, and ask for 30 minutes of their time. Essentially, I want to interview a subject matter expert. I will uncover their best resources, and research thoroughly from there."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"I have strong research skills and a three-step process when it comes to learning about a new market or industry. First, I find what I can from reputable online resources. Next, I create a list of questions that need answering. Third, I source and subject matter expert from my network whom I can ask these questions. It's important to use a wide variety of reputable sources when conducting research, and collecting findings."

6.

How do you manage the lifecycle of your projects, ensuring on-time deliverables, and deadlines?

An efficient process can be the difference between a job well done, and a job that falls apart. The interviewer would like to see that you have a process in place when you take on a new project. Discuss the tools, resources, and methods that you use to ensure that you meet client deadlines.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"When I take on a new project, I break it into four phases. Initiate, Plan, Execute, Close. These four phases are broken down into further categories, all with a linear timeline attached. My 'go-to' tools that I use to ensure the entire team is aware of their tasks and deadlines are Asana and Slack. I book regular check-ins with my team and schedule client touch points. My high-level view of the project, through all stages, ensures there are rarely any surprises and that everyone is on the same page."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"The last time I missed a deadline was five years ago. I trust my process fully and believe in its effectiveness. When I begin a new client project, I call a meeting with my client to create a detailed outline and lay out expectations. From there, I meet with my team where we build out the task list, and attach each task to a team member, with a specific deadline. We track all activity in Trello. We move as a team, meeting regularly and touching base with our client for end-of-day updates. I find that this method brings a high level of buy-in from my team, and accountability from all people involved."

7.

Do you consider yourself a persuasive person?

Part of being an excellent consultant is also harnessing the power of persuasion when necessary. There is a difference between persuasion and debating - or even convincing. Persuasion is used when you want to influence someone rather than tell them that they are wrong, and you are right.

The power of persuasion is essential if you are selling or pitching anything. It is also a helpful skill when you want to gain momentum with your coworkers or have your boss better understand your approach on a project. It is not a negative thing to be persuasive. Talk to the interviewer about whether or not you consider yourself to be a persuasive individual.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I can be persuasive when it comes to helping my clients to understand the logic, or reason, behind recommendations that our group is making. It's important to lay out the intentions of any change and then express the importance of those changes."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"Persuasion and management consulting methods go hand in hand so, yes, I believe that I am a persuasive person. My approach is not sly or combative in any way, however. I go about persuading others by displaying how my approach, or belief, could benefit their business and bottom-line."

8.

How do you react when your team misses a deadline?

Missed deadlines are never good and can reflect poorly on you, but they do happen in the management consulting industry. The interviewer would like to understand better how you react to disappointment and plans not going your way. Give an example of a time when your team missed a deadline and walk the interviewer through the action that you took.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"My team is highly efficient, and we rarely miss a deadline. When we do, it's surprising. We had a very challenging client last year who made a significant amount of changes throughout the entire project. These changes caused us to miss our deadline. I took action after that to ensure a better client onboarding process. This new process made sure we dug deeper with each client at the start which has resulted in fewer mid-project changes."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"When my team misses a deadline it is disappointing, for sure. On the odd occasion that this has happened, I first ask my team for feedback. I want to know what I could have done better, as a leader, to make sure we hit our goal. Then, I ask them to look internally and tell me what they honestly feel they could have done differently. I prefer a collaborative approach to these types of conversations."

9.

What have you done in the last few months to strengthen your professional network?

Management Consultants know very well that a strong professional network can mean all the difference in their business. The interviewer would like to see how you go about networking, and how active you are in your industry. Maybe you attend your local Chamber of Commerce events, or you belong to a local organization where you meet potential clients and business comrades.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I am very focused on building my professional network. For the past six months, I have enjoyed membership at the local Chamber of Commerce. I have also joined a consultants mastermind, where we meet once every quarter to share tools and resources, and also client success stories."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"I am active in my local and online consultants community. I recently started a LinkedIn group for Management Consultants in my city, and we will have our first meetup next month. Networking is a huge component of gaining business, and I plan to keep focused on those activities for years to come."

10.

In consulting, much of your growth will come from feedback on client projects. How do you accept and implement feedback?

Being able to accept feedback graciously is a highly valued skill, especially in the consulting space, where you are continually putting yourself in vulnerable situations, where your recommendations and findings may not always be welcomed or understood. The interviewer wants to know that you accept feedback well, but they also want to see that you see the value of implementing immediate change. Show the interviewer that you:

- Ask for feedback often
- Listen to the input openly
- Take what you know to be important, and leave the rest
- Do not take the feedback personally
- Can take corrective action to implement change

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I ask for feedback on a monthly basis from one of my toughest-to-please managers. Her feedback is accurate, and I trust it. Once she tells me what I could try doing differently, I will take the time to research and plan how I can implement the change. This practice has helped me grow in my career significantly."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"At the end of every project I will give my clients, and their entire team, a survey focused specifically on my service, knowledge base, and if they felt they received the value from me that they expected. The feedback is blind, but I take every bit of it as though it came from the CEO of the company. I analyze the comments for common denominators as well. If the feedback is consistent, I will create a learning plan based around that common piece of feedback."

11.

Accenture works with clients across many industries. Which of our clients' industries interests you the most?

Before your interview you should have a thorough idea of the clients that Accenture takes on. Be prepared also to list the client industries in which you have worked. Show the interviewer that you have experience in the same sectors, as this will build their confidence in your abilities to jump in with their clients right away.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"When researching Accenture, I saw that the bulk of your clients are in the energy, finance, and education sectors. Your experience in these areas is part of what prompted me to apply since the bulk of my experience is there. I have a special interest in finance clients, particularly. I majored in finance while attending university, so it's a solid area for me."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"My industry expertise is in healthcare. When I saw that you were hiring, particularly for your clients in the healthcare sector, I knew I had to apply. I am highly confident working in this sector, and look forward to learning about the other clients you take on at Accenture, particularly those in e-commerce."

12.

At Accenture we use leading-edge technology. Which management tools have you used in your career?

In our digital edge, there are many tools available in the consulting industry, including websites, cloud-based applications, and other software. These tools make your job significantly more manageable, and the interviewer would like to know which ones you have experience using.

If you are unsure of the tech and tools used by Accenture, you can ask. However, be sure to comb through their job posting first to see if they mention any specific programs. You want to do your research before asking questions that you could have answered yourself.

Discuss any programs and tools that you have used in your previous roles. If you are new to the industry or your career, speak to your ability and willingness to learn their systems quickly.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I have a great deal of experience with tools related to application management and implementation. I have leveraged software and other tech offerings from companies such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, Salesforce, and Cisco in the past. All of these tools are incredibly important for accelerating projects and elevating the result."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"In your job posting you mentioned that Accenture uses many Salesforce and Oracle products. I would love to learn more about your internal systems as well. I have about one year of experience with Salesforce; however, am eager to learn the offerings in greater depth."

13.

In your opinion, what makes you a great problem solver?

Accenture wants to know that you have a systematic approach to problem-solving. Consider the skills and qualities that help you successfully face problems, or get through a challenging project. Perhaps you have a keen eye for detail. Maybe you can see opportunity when others can only focus on the issue. Share your strengths as a problem solver, and your ability to come up with innovative solutions for your clients.

Strong problem solvers are:

- Systematic thinkers
- Open minded
- Okay with being wrong sometimes
- Always researching and exploring
- Able to identify the core problem
- Able to reverse engineer a challenge to avoid future issues
- Able to come up with multiple avenues that work well for all stakeholders
- Do-ers and not worriers

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I am a great problem solver because I can compartmentalize all aspects of a problem before studying it. I also like to bring more experienced team members in to add to the solution. I will never try to be a hero and solve a complicated problem without tapping into the resources around me."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"I have been told that I am an excellent problem solver and I believe this is because I have a bit of an engineering mind. I can take the issue, work backward to solve it, and then use that resolution as a basis for avoiding the same issue on future projects. I am also a big-picture thinker which allows me to come up with various resolutions per problem."

14.

In your opinion, why do companies need consultants?

There are many reasons why a company would hire a management consultancy:

- Identifying the misuse of resources
- Find workable solutions to situations they are too close to
- A convincing way to turn the tide, when opinionated boards or c-suites are stuck in their ways
- To uncover a fresh perspective to an antiquated system

This list highlights just a few reasons why a management consulting firm may be engaged. Think of your best guess why a company would want to bring an outside group in, and discuss your reasoning with the interviewer.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I believe every company needs a consultant group, at any stage in their business. Only the most invested will take that step and hire one. Some of the reasons may be pain points they remain stuck on, due to differing opinions in the c-suite. Others may be that their processes are antiquated, but no internal employee is knowledgeable enough to change that. Whatever the reason, I am prepared to show my new clients how wise it was to bring on Accenture to assist."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"I previously worked for a company that hired a management consulting firm. Their reason was that they needed an outside perspective when it came to processes and spending. They wanted to scale but did not understand how to do so. It was a fascinating process, which sparked my interest in joining this industry."

15.

As a management consultant, who is your ideal client?

In your career as a management consultant, you may have the opportunity to work with a vast range of clients, across a plethora of industries. Discuss the type of client with which you prefer to collaborate. You could mention the size of their company, the workplace culture they have crafted, their strategic process, or their vision. Whichever way you choose to answer, it's best if you can touch on the type of clients that Accenture works with, and express your interest in that demographic.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"My ideal clients are receptive to change, focused on scaling, while never forgetting their roots, and what their employees offer them. The industries which I am most interested in working, are the finance, real estate, and investment realms; however, I have found that there are excellent clients in every industry imaginable."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"I am new to the management consulting industry so, at this point, my ideal client is one that I can learn from, who I can teach new things to, and collaborate in a way where we both grow. I see that Accenture works with businesses who are startups in the SaaS industry which is particularly interesting to me."

16.