Do you have any questions for me about this position?

"What skill set or behavioral growth expectations would you have for me after one year on the job?"

This question is a key opportunity to help yourself stand out amongst your fellow candidates and the quality of the questions you ask matters. Use your time wisely and ask something specific about a need your interviewer shared, the projects you will be working on, or a major Huron Consulting Group initiative you're eager to get involved in if hired.

"What is the most important challenge your team currently faces, and what value could I add toward resolving it if hired?"

"You mentioned I would be initially assigned to work with ABC client if hired. What is the current state of the program, and what are the high-level goals for the projects currently in flight?"

"I read about the XYZ program while researching the company. I was really impressed with the impact Huron Consulting Group has made on the community. Does anyone from your team participate in the program and would it be possible for me to get involved in the future if hired?"

At Huron Consulting Group our business portfolio is diversified. Are you able to effectively collaborate across industries?

"Yes, I have a strong record of collaborating across industries. My background lies in education technology and I specialize in working with large educational institutions including public school systems and universities. However, there are interesting applications for the systems and best practices in education within almost any industry because they all share the challenge of educating their employees. For example, I partnered with our retail consultants last year to implement a new online training platform for the sales associates of XYZ company. I led the discovery, strategic planning, and requirements-gathering stages of the project and then offered guidance throughout the remaining phases. As the analysis lead, I was also responsible for guiding the work of my fellow consultants, ensuring proper knowledge transfer, and serving as a key point of contact for the client. Ultimately, the project was a huge success and the retailer was able to reduce their annual onboarding training costs by 35%.I am fully prepared to collaborate here at Huron Consulting Group if hired. I enjoy working with consultants who specialize in other industries and I would love the opportunity to work with the experts here."

Huron Consulting Group serves clients representing over 20 industries and the various markets within them. While Huron's deep industry-specific expertise serves to foster excellence on behalf of their clients, consultants who can work conceptually to apply best practices across industries serve to drive innovation and efficiency in exciting new ways. To successfully answer this question, go beyond what was asked and provide an example from your recent past that proves you know how to drive organizational change in unique and interesting ways.

What are your weaknesses?

"I noticed that experience with XYZ system is listed as a preferred qualification for this role. I have not yet had a chance to work directly with that system. However, I have used ABC in the past and I learned through research that it is very similar to XYZ. Since applying for this role I have read articles and watched videos to better understand the similarities and gaps between the two systems. I enjoy working with new technology and I feel confident that I would be able to leverage my conceptual knowledge of the business processes XYZ system manages while I work to come up to speed on the specifics if hired."

This question tends to intimidate even the best interviewees, but these tips should help you navigate this question with ease during your Huron Consulting Group interview. Select a weakness that is authentic for you, yet not a weakness that would hinder your ability to successfully perform the job you're interviewing for. Describe what you're already doing to improve upon the weakness and convince your interviewer that you've got it under control. Check out our examples of a candidate who lacks a preferred qualification, and one learning how to stay within scope while setting the stage for future project work for ideas on how to discuss your own weaknesses like a pro.

"I currently work as a support specialist for a large enterprise. I handle escalations and I often resolve a series of problems with each ticket I am assigned. For example, a requestor may originally ask for assistance with one system and I may learn through the course of our communication that they also need assistance with unrelated systems or equipment. Given that all of my current customers are internal, it is normal for me to work to resolve any and all problems to the best of my ability. In a consulting IT call center setting, I realize that clients are under service-level agreements that outline the types of support they can receive. I know that I will need to adjust my approach to review the agreements or service-related data available to me so that I can ensure I am providing support in line with those agreements. Additionally, I know it will be important to make note of any patterns that represent follow-up opportunities for the sales teams. I look forward to leveraging my customer experience skills and expanding my knowledge by working with external clients if hired here at Huron Consulting Group."

Effective discovery methods are key to our ability to land and retain new clients here at Huron Consulting Group. Describe your method for coming up to speed on the operations of a new client.

The first thing I do when working with a new client is set up an initial discovery meeting with at least one sponsor and a subject matter expert in the area or areas I will need to analyze for the project I have been assigned to. I go in prepared with a structured series of questions to ensure that I gather all the basic details and contact information I need to get started. I then work to gain access to all of the systems and documents I will need to review. I also set up meetings with various individuals in operational roles I need to learn more about as necessary. Once I have access, I walk through their documentation, policies, and systems in a level of detail appropriate for the assignment. In addition to basic workflows, I also review any available data and reports. I document questions and make note of any interesting patterns I notice. Depending on my role, I might then meet again with the sponsors or main stakeholders and discuss next steps, quick hit opportunities, and logistics for the next phase of the project. I have a lot of experience performing discovery analysis tasks on a wide range of client projects as a consultant. I am confident I will be able to perform any assigned discovery tasks quickly and effectively if hired here at Huron Consulting Group.

If you want to land the job at Huron Consulting Group you'll need to convince your interviewer you know how to navigate workflow and operational analysis tasks with ease. Describe at least three methods for getting up to speed quickly and include at least one option that you can execute with minimal guidance and/or limited time from your client. Finally, customize your response to the type of consulting you specialize in to show them you are ready to hit the ground running when assigned to any new client.

What would you do if a client asked you about a product or service and you were unsure of the answer?

"If I had a client ask me about something that I didn't know enough about, I would absolutely find the answer for them before giving a false answer. I am okay with admitting when I don't know something and I love to learn new things. Of course, I would find the answer quickly by asking the appropriate person or finding it within the company's internal resources."

Huron Consulting Group is hired for their expertise and you will likely face questions from clients that are outside of your domain from time to time. Having a go-to approach for this scenario is a key customer service skill for consultants to possess. Make sure your answer is polished and shows you are prepared to convince your client that Huron Consulting Group has the information they need even if you don't.

"I would let the client know that I do not know the answer and express my commitment to getting them the information they need promptly. If the question was related to an area I was responsible for, I would do the research necessary and/or reach out to a subject matter expert for guidance. If the question was related to a product or service outside of my area of expertise, I would use Huron's internal knowledge base to connect with an expert in that area to gather the information needed. If appropriate, I would have them contact my client and I would follow up to make sure that my client was satisfied with the information they received."

How do you prioritize multiple projects when they all seem equally important?

"I prioritize based on urgency and time required on the project. I have a list of what needs to be done, by when, and how long I project that it will take to accomplish. I am great under pressure, but try to make sure that I don't get myself or my team into a sticky situation by not allotting enough time for any particular project. That said, I also try to be as effective and efficient as possible and make sure I can use all minutes of a day for a project, so I generally have a few things going at once: I am the lead on some, the delegator on others, and the reviewer on another, for instance. This way, by splitting up the work to the appropriate parties, both my team and I will be the most effective and impactful as possible."

In answering this question, show the interviewer that you have a system in place that helps you to think through what needs to happen, and when. The better you can prioritize, the more productive you will be, making you an asset to Huron Consulting Group. Customize your response to the nature of your role and convince your interviewer that you will not let your client commitments go unfulfilled.

"From each client's perspective, their project is important and they are not concerned with the commitments I have outside of what I am working on for them. Regardless of the order I take to my work, I ensure that each client receives what they need on time and that they feel like I treat them as a top priority. I review my commitments on a quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily basis and develop a plan to make sure that I am working toward the delivery deadlines for all of my tasks as efficiently as possible. I typically have multiple items in flight each day and use strategies such as taking on tasks that require collaboration or follow-up first to allow others to do their piece while I work on other tasks. I am proactive and I know that any time spent procrastinating is time that would be better served working on a billable project. I make sure that I always know what the priorities are from an internal perspective and I reach out for assistance if my workload becomes a risk to my ability to meet deadlines. I feel confident I will be able to partner with my superiors here at Huron Consulting Group to initially understand the prioritization methods and then go on to self-manage shortly thereafter."

When have you had to be extra thorough in completing tasks?

"I have to be extra thorough from time to time when I have clients that are especially detail-oriented. Often this will mean spending additional time on calls with them to highlight project changes. I am absolutely okay with being extra thorough when needed."

Many of the solutions Huron Consulting Group delivers rely on getting the details right and perhaps more importantly, instructing their clients on how to get the details right in the future. Your role in this is especially important in the event you will be working to develop solutions, analyze data, or resolve customer support requests. If possible, describe your ability to be thorough using an example that applies directly to a core requirement of the job you're interviewing for.

"As a data scientist, attention to detail is critical. When I think I notice a trend, I take the time to step through the data from several perspectives to make sure that the conclusions I'm drawing make sense holistically. It can take time to look at the details and apply various methods to weed out the unnecessary or rogue data points, but I know how critical it is to get that piece right.I also make sure I allow extra time to explain my methods in this area when working with my clients. The solutions I develop are the most effective when the people who support them after I leave fully understand what they're working with and how it was constructed."

Tell me about a time when you created a unique idea or solution, and it was rejected by your colleagues. How were you able to bounce back?

"A couple of years ago I made a recommendation for scheduling that would have included some split shifts. The result was less overtime and reduced expenses for the company. My colleagues were unhappy with the idea of split shifts. I was able to see their perspective which made it much easier to bounce back from the rejection. My overall attitude is, you win some - you lose some!"

An effective strategy for answering this type of behavioral question is to demonstrate the values of Huron Consulting Group within your response. For example, you might describe a situation in which your idea was solid, backed by data and best practices, was rejected, and you responded with humility. This style of response proves to your interviewer that you're ready to handle frustration or disappointment with the professionalism and poise required for success as a member of the Huron Consulting team.

"I recently suggested a workflow adjustment in combination with a reporting solution that would have saved my client hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars a month in operating expenses. The current state workflow relied heavily on manual processes and resulted in data errors in addition to inefficiencies. While workflow changes are the norm for me, my suggestion seemed crazy to my clients because they had been doing things the same way for over a decade. Despite the value of my suggestion, my peers on the client side opted to focus first on an executive reporting solution and put the workflow adjustments on the back burner.While I understood the need for executive reporting, I felt it would have been a better move to adjust the process to generate more reliable data and then build reports. My internal team agreed, but I have learned as a consultant that sometimes you have to yield to the politics of the company you're working with and it is important to allow clients latitude to learn and decide what is right for them. Ultimately, the reporting solution had gaps until the workflow changes I originally suggested were implemented. My client noted afterward that they should have followed my guidance. I responded with humility and we moved forward to the next piece of the project with the lessons learned in mind."

Tell me about a time that you have helped a co-worker accomplish an important goal.

"Last quarter we hired someone who ended up struggling significantly with sales. I sat him down and realized that he simply didn't understand the product. We spent a few hours together over that next week learning the product. In the end, his sales increased by 64% and he was significantly more confident. It helped the team morale as well."

Huron Consulting Group regularly works with large clients that cover more than one area of consulting expertise. That means you'll need to be an excellent collaborator if you want the job. Think about what you have done outside of your tasks and goals to ensure that everyone on your team is successful. Assure the interviewer that you are always willing to do what is needed to ensure success for your teams, your clients, and Huron Consulting Groups as a whole by walking them through a story that shows you're an excellent teammate and/or servant leader.

"I am a principal consultant at my current firm and I specialize in HCM solutions. I was working on an acquisition project that required us to bring a company that was using PeopleSoft over to their new parent company's Workday software. One of the data conversion leads was struggling with some of the scripting necessary to transform the data into a Workday-friendly format, and the project deadline was at risk. I could tell my co-worker was stressed and I offered to help. It required a few late nights and weekends, but I worked with him to make sure the project was delivered on time. We developed a strong collaboration strategy, and I took on the research and communication tasks that were the best fit for my skills. In addition to delivering a successful project, I learned a lot of technical details that helped to expand my toolkit. You can expect I would approach any collaboration or service opportunities with the same humility and willingness to help if hired for the open role here at Huron Consulting Group."

When have you been asked to perform a function or complete a task in which you had little or no experience in doing?

"When my manager went on unexpected medical leave for 3 months last year I was asked to step into her position in the interim. I knew the basics but was certainly not trained on the specifics of the role. I was able to take it on successfully by leaning on my team, reading a lot of company manuals, and asking many questions. Once my manager returned she was very pleased with the progress that I made and I was awarded a promotion."

Your Huron Consulting Group interviewer wants to know you face challenges with ease. While there are likely several scenarios from your past that could answer the question sufficiently, you will be more likely to impress your interviewer if your answer demonstrates the following:- A time when you volunteered to take on something you had little experience in - A time when you handled the assignment so seamlessly that your client had no idea you were lacking experience - A time when you turned a lack of experience into a key skill set that makes you a great fit for the open role at Huron Consulting Group

"Last year I was assigned as an analyst to a client transitioning to Salesforce. I had experience working with Salesforce, but I had not yet worked with the Marketing and Service Cloud modules. My coworker who was the expert in that space left the company unexpectedly and there was a gap in what we were expected to deliver and the expertise we were able to provide. I went to my manager and asked if I could take on this area of the project. We had other consultants in the company with expertise in my area and I really wanted to learn the marketing and service modules. I proposed transitioning my current assignments and signing me up for intensive training to allow me to gain the knowledge needed for success. She agreed the plan was a good idea and I jumped into the training. Overall, the project took extra work on my part, but we were able to get our client up and running on schedule. I turned a potential problem into an opportunity, extended my knowledge in a key area I was interested in, and gained the experience necessary to be here today."

When have you had to think quickly in response to sudden change?

"I am able to think quickly on the job and I do respond well to sudden change. Last week I was asked to tweak an important client presentation with just 30 minutes' notice. The changes were significant, but luckily I work well under pressure. The presentation went well and our clients decided to move forward with the program we pitched to them."

If you're aiming for a client-facing role at Huron Consulting Group, it is best to outline a story in which you responded with agility to a client-driven change such as a change in scope, business priority, or regulation. This will help to convince your interviewer that you are prepared to roll with unexpected changes that are likely to occur from time to time when working with clients. Likewise, if you are interviewing for a leadership or managerial role, it is best to describe a time when you responded quickly to an unexpected change while demonstrating excellence in leadership.

"As a development lead, I am experienced at responding quickly to sudden changes. I have learned to remain calm, quickly assess the situation, and formulate a plan that aligns with the revised needs. As a leader, I must lead by example and offer support to anyone on my team struggling with sudden changes. For example, one of the Azure services my team developed for a client had an unexpected outage last week that was tied to several business-critical processes. At first, the engineers on my team were certain that the outage was due to a cloud issue, but I wasn't convinced. Given the criticality of the situation, I asked one of the senior engineers to partner with me to take a deeper look. We were able to identify a data-related issue that was causing the process to fail. I then worked to assign the necessary UI changes to another engineer while we worked to clean up the corrupt data. We were able to get everything back up and running quickly including the fix to prevent the problem from occurring again. Our clients were grateful for such a quick response and everything has been running smoothly since. While my immediate focus was on ensuring that their service was restored as quickly as possible, I scheduled a meeting with my team the next day to discuss the outage and what we could have done better. I am committed to continual improvement and we were able to identify several process changes that should add value going forward."

How would you describe your work ethic?

"I am a very dedicated and loyal employee. I saw on your website that you describe your company as honest, and transparent and you go the extra mile for your clients. My work ethic is the same. I am honest, flexible, and ready to work hard for my employer every day."

When your Huron Consulting Group interviewer asks about your work ethic, they are looking for specific examples or keywords they can relate to. Research the values of the company and the teams you will be working with at Huron Consulting Group. Also, consider any clues you've picked up regarding work expectations during the interview process. Use their language, and draw a clear parallel between Huron's values and your specific work ethic to improve your chances of being hired. Here are a few examples: diligent, committed, thorough, attentive, consistent, earnest, focused, prepared, agile, and responsive.

Tell me about a time when you took the initiative to improve work-related procedures.

"I was able to present and implement one specific change in the office this past year. It was a recycling program that I felt was very important, even for our smaller office. We had significantly less waste after my initiative was implemented and I enjoyed seeing others take pride in helping our environment. I loved reading about the 'Bring It' recycling program at Huron and I am excited to interview with a company that shares my values in this area."

Improving work procedures is a core competency of Huron Consulting Group and they want to hire candidates who are willing to apply this skill set internally in addition to the work they do to improve the operations of their clients. Use the STAR method to help you organize your thoughts and be sure to clearly describe the value that was realized as a result of the change you implemented.

"I noticed several variances in the way the consultants at my current firm used our CMS system to keep track of client project notes. The information kept in the system can be very valuable when getting up to speed on a new client or transitioning your team's work to another consultant. Given the lack of structure, our consultants would frequently miss opportunities or have repeat discussions with clients that could have been avoided. I worked with my management and spearheaded an effort to streamline the client notes screens in the CMS. We also developed procedures to ensure that the information was regularly reviewed for accuracy and updated as needed. While it can be difficult to quantify changes like these, several of my superiors and coworkers have mentioned that the updates have been a huge help when working with clients. They were able to speak more intelligently about their needs, capitalize on new sales opportunities, and avoid discussing topics that already had decision points which all have a lasting positive impact over time."

Because Huron Consulting Group is a diversified organization, we offer a wide range of opportunities for career growth. Where would you like to see your career in 5 years?

"In five years I would like to be a consulting manager. I have a strong background across a variety of industries given my experience in technology consulting. I know I will be able to add value through my expertise immediately while I work to grow the relationships and institutional knowledge necessary for success as a consulting manager in the long run. In addition to serving as a key point of contact for my clients, I enjoy working with members of my teams as a coach and mentor. A managerial role would allow me to serve in a leadership capacity as well, and I feel it represents an exciting and fulfilling opportunity for me to work toward if hired here at Huron Consulting Group."

Huron Consulting Group is known for hiring candidates with drive and vision. Convincing your interviewer that you are able to develop a strategy for your own future will boost your chances of success. Review the open roles at Huron, and outline an ambitious, yet achievable five-year plan for yourself. You can make your response even better if you describe why the path you've described will be fulfilling for you personally and/or professionally.

"In 5 years I would like to be seen as an authority in our industry. I would like to be well-connected and trusted when it comes to my work here at Huron Consulting Group. I feel confident I can begin working toward this goal immediately while evolving over time."

After receiving information from your supervisor, how do you ensure you properly communicate this information to your team?

"When I receive new information from my supervisor I will run my understanding of it by the supervisor to ensure that my interpretation is correct. After that, I will relay the information formally (in writing) to my team. This eliminates word of mouth and misinterpretation surrounding the issue."

Keep in mind that a "team" in a consulting setting can often include client representatives or members of third-party organizations. Be sure to note that you take a custom approach suitable for the situation if you will be working in this type of setting on your projects at Huron Consulting Group. For example, you may need to provide written communication in addition to verbal discussion in instances where a paper trail is warranted.

"I ensure I have the correct directives from my supervisor and there is clarity over the direction to be taken. Once that happens, I distribute the communication out to my team - typically in a huddle/face-to-face meeting. I follow this up with a written form of communication to mitigate possible discrepancies between clients and/or third parties."

Clear communication is key to our success at Huron Consulting Group. Describe to me your communication style and why you think your style will be a fit here.

"My communication style leans more to the formal side. I like to be to the point and keep expectations simple to understand. If I had to sum up my communication style in a few words I would say it is concise, clean, and friendly. Likewise, my written communication is articulate and serves to provide a solid paper trail of my client and coworker interactions. From the communication exchanges I have had with Huron Consulting Group so far, I believe our communication styles are a great fit."

Describe your communication style in a way that is a compelling match for the role you're interviewing for. Keep in mind that the majority of open roles at Huron list "excellent written and verbal communication skills" as a top requirement, so it is important to speak to your strengths in both within your response. Also, be sure to weave keywords from the job description into your response (e.g. thoughtful, detailed, articulate) as a subtle means of demonstrating you already know how to communicate in alignment with Huron Consulting Group's preferred style.

"My communication skills are very strong. My verbal communication style is flexible and customized to match the person or persons I am speaking with. I often utilize written communication as a follow-up to verbal communication. In my experience, a brief follow-up documenting decisions and/or action items provides a great resource for associates to go back to and reference, plus might answer any questions that come up along the way. I think my style of communication will be a fit here because it's thorough and flexible."

Because Huron Consulting Group has a large geographic footprint, we have to accommodate a variety of time zones. Do you have experience working for clients and with co-workers in multiple time zones?

"In my current position, I collaborate with our offices in the U.S., Canada, Scotland, and Finland. It was a struggle at first to always remember what day and time others were working in; however, I now have a great desktop application that tracks this for me so I have a quick reference to the information that I need."

If you have experience working across time zones, outline the specific methods you use to ensure success. This should include apps, tools, and any workflow steps you lean on to make sure the work you do and/or the work of any teams you are responsible for is as efficient and effective as possible. If you are new to working across time zones, take the time to research tips for success in this area and describe how you plan to deliver seamless team and customer experiences if hired at Huron Consulting Group.

"I do not have exposure to working around multiple time zones; however, this is something I could pick up on very quickly. I would be sure to follow any guidelines offered by Huron Consulting Group for success in this area and I would leverage technology to make the process as easy as possible. Also, I am not opposed to working outside of business hours on the occasions where I would need to communicate with a client across the globe."

"I have over eight years of experience working across time zones. For me, the key to success lies in discussing the differences and developing a clear communication plan that everyone can easily follow. For example, I currently work with a client that has a 13-hour time difference. I worked with my team to develop a rotational on-call schedule to ensure that we always have someone available to work directly with the client when needed. Likewise, we schedule client meetings first thing in the morning or at the end of the day to minimize overnight communication on both sides. Finally, I ask everyone on my team to use an app that shows exactly what time it is at all of their teammate and client sites at all times. This helps everyone to communicate more mindfully and provide a more thoughtful customer experience."

Typical "corporate culture" is something that we work hard to avoid here at Huron Consulting Group. Tell me about your ideal workplace culture.

"I have researched your company through your social media channels, and on Glassdoor. Your employees have really great things to say and overall it seems that you have fun while you work. I am looking forward to joining an organization, like yours, that is upbeat and thoughtful with an eye on helping the community at the same time."

When asked to describe your ideal workplace culture, an effective strategy involves mirroring the company's culture appropriately for the role you're interviewing for. For example, if you're interviewing for a leadership position at Huron Consulting Group, be sure to check out their leadership principles and weave the concepts they promote into your response. (e.g. "I thrive in workplace settings that are humble, positive, and embrace risk-taking and entrepreneurship.") You can also review their values, the job description, and employee reviews and use the key themes you notice in your response.Here are a few more examples of Huron Consulting Group cultural keywords to get you started: - innovative - empowering - collaborative - supportive - knowledgeable - strong leadership - driven - growth opportunities - diversity

"My ideal workplace culture is dynamic and collaborative. I enjoy working in teams that support each other and encourage everyone to grow and perform at their best. I value diverse backgrounds, ideas, and methodologies. Based on my research, I feel confident Huron Consulting Group has a culture that I would be able to thrive within."

What do you know about the values of Huron Consulting Group, and how do they align with your values?

"I have always spent time volunteering with local organizations. This includes the animal shelter, the children's hospital, and our local food bank. I believe that no matter how busy we are we always have time to give back. I have researched the efforts that Huron Consulting Group invests in this area. Your values and interest in your global impact are impressive. It's one of the reasons I am so attracted to your organization."

It is important to realize that the culture of Huron Consulting Group is a key selling point for their consulting services and they expect their employees to actively demonstrate their values while working with their internal teams, with their clients, and with the world at large. In preparation for your interview, go beyond simply memorizing Huron Consulting Group's values (collaboration, excellence, humility, impact, inclusion, integrity, and intellectual curiosity) and take the time to learn how they have leaned on those values to become a top consulting firm. Finally, think about ways you have shown excellence in similar ways and be prepared to briefly share a story that proves you are a strong cultural fit.

"The fact that Huron Consulting Group puts so much focus on your local and global impact is part of the reason why I applied here. I follow your organization on social media and have seen pictures of the great work you are able to do. I am excited for the opportunity to be on board with this!"

"As a consultant, I know that I am expected to live by the values of the company I am working for. As such, I thoroughly researched Huron Consulting Group's values and cultures before applying for this job. I resonate with all of the main seven values, but specifically, I was impressed to see such a strong focus on humility. In my experience, this is not always a focus area for consultants, and a lack of humility when working with clients, coworkers, or the community can have a lasting impact on the reputation of an organization. From what I can tell, the employees of Huron Consulting Group understand the importance of listening and learning and how to balance it with excellence in their particular areas of expertise. They collaborate with their teams, other departments, and their clients. They take an inclusive approach and I feel all of that is rooted in a commitment to humility. I use a similar approach in my personal and professional lives and I would love the opportunity to work for a company with values I align with so strongly."

Tell me about a time you experienced a conflict when working with a client.

"Last year I was assigned as the lead on a client M&A project. The main client used Salesforce and we were transitioning the smaller company they purchased to their system. The CTO of the smaller company was displeased about the shift as his team had built a custom CRM system over the years. He made several attempts to deter the project and caused a lot of disruption in our meetings. The leads at the larger company were frustrated, and I knew the project would be at risk if we were unable to turn things around with him. I traveled to the CTO's office and spent a week there with his team. I asked to review their systems and processes and I spent time shadowing his team, their sales staff, and their operations group. I also held meetings with him to dive into his concerns and understand the gaps he felt his teams would be left with if they were forced to transition. He really appreciated my taking the time to get to know his staff and watch their operational model in action firsthand. He said he felt heard for the first time during the transition and that meant a lot to him. Ultimately, some gaps needed to be addressed and I was able to convince the project sponsors to give the top-priority items the attention they deserved. We couldn't give him everything he wanted, but the transition went smoothly and they are doing well on Salesforce today. His teams were able to leverage several new features they didn't previously have and the solution has added a lot of value overall."

Huron Consulting Group takes great pride in maintaining excellent relationships with its clients. For example, their net promoter score (an assessment of customers that would be willing to promote the Huron Consulting Group brand) outranks their top competitors by a wide margin. Needless to say, they know how to navigate client conflict with ease. Make sure the scenario you choose clearly demonstrates how you listened to the concerns of your client, showed empathy for their feelings, identified a solution, and ultimately led to a positive outcome.

What are you reading right now?

"Currently I am reading 'Ego is the Enemy' by Ryan Holiday. It is a book about ambition, resilience, and success. I feel that every professional should read it - it comes highly recommended."

Questions like these are a chance to let your personality shine in an interview. If you're currently reading something interesting, you're all set. If you're not, discuss a book that has added value to the way to live your life or approach to your work. If you're still struggling, consider lightening the mood by tossing out a humorous response likely to make an impression on your interviewer.

"Lately, I've been reading job descriptions and company websites in preparation for interviews. Ha. The last book I read was 'Transcend' by Scott Barry Kauffman. It discussed Maslow's hierarchy of needs, what it feels like to be in a flow state, and how to achieve transcendence through a flexible mindset. I value books that shift my perspective and I got a lot out of it.I'm ready for my next great read. Do you have any recommendations?"

"I am currently reading 'A Wrinkle in Time' with my children. I loved that book when I was a child and they are amazed at all of the advanced concepts the author was able to dream up so long ago. I find my creativity is boosted when I take a break from time to time from technical and business reading and see things through the eyes of children."

Tell me about yourself.

"I studied data science at Purdue and worked in my first enterprise role with XYZ company as an intern. I had the opportunity to work with several consultants from Huron Consulting Group while I was there, and I was impressed by their humility and expertise. They were trustworthy, and even the junior consultants demonstrated strong leadership skills. After graduation, I took my current job with ABC company as a data analyst. I have worked on projects for a variety of clients and I specialize in business intelligence solutions. I am here today applying for a lead analyst position because my values of curiosity, integrity, and excellence are in direct alignment with the values of your company and I know I could grow and thrive here while adding value to my clients as a talented analyst.I hold the same values on a personal level as well. I enjoy exploring through travel and I regularly volunteer for several organizations. I enjoyed reading about all of the ways Huron Consulting Group works to make a positive impact on the world and I would love the opportunity to work for an organization that shares so many of my values and beliefs."

There are two things you can do to start your interview with Huron Consulting Group off on an excellent note. First, their interviewees regularly report being asked about the company's values. Demonstrating alignment with their values up front is a fantastic way to make a first impression. Second, practice your delivery of your response prior to your interview to ensure it is clear, positive, and authentic. Any client-facing role at Huron Consulting Group will require you to be able to quickly establish trust and communicate effectively in an elevator pitch format. This question is likely to start your interview, and it is the perfect time to prove you have what it takes to thrive at Huron.

What percentage of the time are you available to travel for work?

"I travel anywhere from 25%-40% of the time in my current role. I am comfortable with travel and I enjoy exploring new places and working on-site with my clients."

Prepare to answer this question even if the job description doesn't mention travel as a requirement for the role. Your chances of being hired at Huron Consulting Group will greatly improve if you communicate that you are ready and willing to travel as needed. Be sure to mention any previous experience in this area and your comfort with work-related travel.

"I am open to travel up to 50% of the time. I have a current passport and I look forward to any domestic or international travel opportunities associated with the role."

Have you ever been employed through a company merger or acquisition? If so, tell me about your experience.

"I went through a merger in 2010 with Company ABC. The transition during their mass-layoff was not handled as professionally as many would have liked; however, I believe that the leadership team did the best they could. I was lucky enough to stay on board with the company and my experience during the transition was certainly eye opening. I learned a lot through the process and I know I could serve as an asset to any client I might work with at Huron Consulting Group going through a similar experience."

Huron Consulting Group works regularly with clients navigating mergers and acquisitions. Hiring candidates who have participated in a merger directly helps to ensure their employees have the perspective and attitude needed for success during the stress and heightened emotions that can occur during these scenarios. Describe your experience and convince your interviewer you have the maturity to handle mergers and acquisitions with empathy and professionalism.

"I have not had the experience of being involved in a company merger or acquisition. From my understanding, it can be a stressful time for employees and upper management, alike. I feel that the key to a smooth merger would be setting clear expectations and maintaining a high level of communication during all stages. I am fully prepared to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and understanding during any mergers and acquisitions of my assigned client accounts here at Huron Consulting Group if hired."

Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?

"I am regularly exposed to cross-functional teamwork in my current position. I believe that when expectations are communicated clearly from the beginning, a cross-functional team project can be very successful. I go into these types of projects with an understanding that everyone has their own strengths and limitations based on their expertise and job function."

If you want the job at Huron Consulting Group, you need to convince your interviewer you can thrive in a cross-functional setting. For candidates lacking professional experience in this type of team, reflect on the concept of cross-functional work and find a relatable example from your personal life. In essence, working in a cross-functional setting means working on a team where members have different areas of expertise. Here are some examples you could use to demonstrate your ability to be successful in a cross-functional setting- acting, directing, or supporting the production of a play - playing music with a band - serving a specific function within a project team in college - playing a specific position on a sports team - serving as a volunteer that works in a team setting

"I have worked in a cross-functional setting for many years. Primarily with the HR department and the Accounting department. Clear communication is key when collaborating with different teams. Clarity in expectations is of huge importance."

"This will be my first job out of college, but I worked in several cross-functional project teams my senior year. For example, we were responsible for building a website with marketing material for a client and I served as the project manager. Also, I have played sports since I was a kid. I know we aren't all athletes, but we each specialize in our positions and trust each other to perform a specific function on behalf of the team. I feel confident I will be able to work well in a cross-functional setting if hired at Huron Consulting Group."

In addition to our consulting services, we offer our clients research and industry insights. What type of experience do you have authoring research or industry insight materials?

"I have authored and administrated over a dozen organizational change management surveys within the past three years. Last year, I authored an article documenting the key themes across the education industry. I utilized a mix of quotes, statistics, and infographics to communicate the information in a compelling manner. I enjoy this aspect of my work and I would love the opportunity to contribute to these types of materials if selected for the position."

Huron Consulting Group's website has a rich offering of research-backed materials. Think of any work you have done to directly author materials such as case studies, white papers, blogs, articles, infographics, or surveys, and walk your interviewer through those experiences. Remember that work done supporting these initiatives can be helpful to mention even if you weren't the direct author. Finally, candidates lacking professional experience in this area may benefit from discussing research papers completed in an educational setting.

Do you believe you are a leader? When have you led a team?

"I definitely see myself as a leader. Not only have I managed a team in two prior roles, but also I believe that leadership does not always equate to management. I am sure to lead at all times by providing the best model of enthusiasm and work-ethic. I am open to new ideas and love to tackle a new project which, to me, embodies leadership."

Huron Consulting Group asks all of its employees to demonstrate leadership skills starting with their first day on the job. Answering no to this question is not an option and failing to prepare to discuss your ability to lead in your interview is a missed opportunity. The key to successfully answering this question lies in researching Huron's leadership principles (curiosity, earning trust, growth mindset, setting and achieving goals, etc.) and working a few of them into your response. Also, be sure to review articles that discuss common leadership traits and behaviors if you're having trouble preparing for this question and identify a time from your professional or personal past when you exemplified those behaviors.

"I believe everyone is a leader and should work hard to develop leadership behaviors. I was pleased to see that Huron Consulting Group shares the same belief and asks their employees to start their leadership journey on day one of their employment. I am an analyst, but I regularly lead by example. I set clear goals for myself and work hard to achieve them. I keep my word and foster trust within my teams and with my clients. I am curious and I maintain a positive outlook even in the face of a challenge. I currently serve as the lead analyst on two projects. I help guide the junior analysts, review their work, and we work collectively to meet our goals. I enjoy serving as a mentor and I have learned a lot from them as well. I feel I am a solid leader and I look forward to growing my skills in this area through the leadership opportunities available at Huron Consulting Group if hired."

Huron Consulting Group provides expertise across seven main areas. Can you name some or all of them?

"Yes. I remember that Huron Consulting Group has expertise in Business Operations, Consumer Transformation, Digital, Strategy and Information, and Organizational Transformation. I also remember there are healthcare and research-focused areas of expertise, but I cannot recall the exact names. Can you clarify them?"

While it may seem overkill to memorize the seven areas of expertise , keep in mind that the ability to communicate and/or sell services outside of your specific domain of expertise is a skill that consulting firms value. When answering, try your best to remain calm; a relaxed mind can help boost your brain's memory recall functions. Walk your interviewer through the areas you can recall and then ask for clarification on any you missed or cannot remember.

What are your salary expectations?

"I am currently making $100,000 per year with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides opportunity for growth."

If you are currently working in a similar role to the one you're interviewing, a solid strategy is to communicate your current salary, note any bonuses, and make note of your expectations if you feel your experience justifies a jump in compensation (e.g. you have been working in your current position for two years and you're interviewing for a role that represents a promotion).If you are new to consulting, be sure to do some research on typical salaries for the role you are targeting. Many consulting roles require travel or duties that may differ from your current role. It is important that you don't undersell yourself when answering this question. Luckily, Huron has a solid track record of providing good faith estimates for the salary range for their open roles. You can use this information to point you in the right direction.

"I am interviewing for a role today that would represent a promotion for me. I reviewed the good faith estimate for this role online and I am comfortable with the salary range of the role."

Describe your working relationship with your previous or current colleagues.

"I get along well with most personalities. My colleagues are great team players and we have a healthy culture. I embrace differences in background and opinion and value learning from others. I can tell that Huron Consulting Group's team and leadership culture is similar and I feel confident I will be able to develop healthy working relationships with my coworkers if hired for the open role."

If you want to work at Huron Consulting Group, you need to be able to develop successful working relationships with just about anyone. Your ability to work well with your colleagues is a direct reflection of your ability to work well with Huron Consulting Group's clients and they are unlikely to hire candidates with a poor track record in teamwork. When you answer this question, remain positive, even if the experience wasn't. It is important to be authentic, but in a way that avoids drama and negative judgment of your colleagues.

"Our communication styles were all very different which made it challenging at times. However, I always lean on mutual respect and professionalism when working with coworkers. I was able to establish a working relationship that ultimately led to success despite any differences."

Why do you think you will be successful in this role with Huron Consulting Group?

"I know I will be successful in this role because I have been working in this industry for five years and I have a proven track record of successfully delivering on my projects. I have a solid understanding of X, Y, and Z (skills listed in the job description). Also, I have all of my updated certifications as outlined in your job description. Finally, I am a leader, I have exceptional customer service skills, and my values are aligned with those of your company. I am well-prepared for this next step in my career, and I look forward to becoming an asset to Huron Consulting Group if hired."

If you only have a short amount of time to prepare for your interview, this should be one of the questions you focus on. Your answer to this question needs to be polished and convincing, so make an outline and practice your answer out loud several times. Better yet, practice with a friend or in front of a camera and make adjustments until you're confident your answer will convince your interviewer you are the right person for the job.

At Huron Consulting Group we offer a wide range of products and services. How do you plan to positively impact our business, if hired?

"I really appreciate the range of products that you offer your clients at Huron Consulting Group. I am sure that it is a bit of work to become familiar with all of the products; however, I am very good at memorization and my recall abilities are above average. I expect that I will be up to date on your product lines much faster than your average employee. This strength also helps when it comes to my up-selling percentages because I can easily recommend additional products based on the customer's needs."

The main goal here is to clearly show you have actively thought about your potential fit with Huron Consulting Group and the ways that you would make a fast and positive impact on their organization. Your answer should display your confidence and touch on your particular specialty. Think about what makes you great at what you do and how it specifically translates to meeting the needs of Huron Consulting Group's clients or to improving Huron's organizational health as a whole.

"I plan to positively impact your business, very quickly, by being incredibly diligent in my training, getting to know your service offerings in and out, and being an engaged member of your team from day one."

"As a Technical Account Director at Huron Consulting Group, I plan to use my 15 years of experience in the industry to impact your business positively. I have learned to quickly establish trust with my clients and help them visualize their future through the use of a wide variety of solution options. Likewise, I can leverage the same skills to collaborate effectively across the various groups needed to deliver best-in-class client solutions. My ability to serve as a bridge between groups internally helps to improve efficiency and adds value to the overall customer experience."

We have many strong competitors. In your opinion, what does Huron Consulting Group do to stand out from the rest?

"I have researched Huron Consulting Group online and found a common theme when it came to reviews, comments, and news articles. That common theme is surrounding the fairness that you offer your employees. You have a strong benefits programs and offer multiple growth opportunities in all business units. This seems like a really positive place to work. I simply didn't see your competitors standing out in that area."

Keep your answer positive by not knocking any of Huron's competitors, but be sure to show off your impeccable research skills by noting something specific Huron Consulting Group is doing better than a specific competitor. This will prove you've done your homework, but more importantly, it will show you are ready to promote Huron Consulting Group if hired. If you're struggling to know where to start, use one of the company comparison tools available through Glassdoor or Comparably.

"In my research, I noticed that Huron ranked first when compared to its competitors overall and within several specific categories. That was impressive to me as I value working for a best-in-class employer. For example, the overall company culture of Huron Group on Comparably,com has an A+ rating. To provide context, they rank 15% higher than KPMG in that category. Likewise, Huron has higher scores than any of their competitors in diversity, benefits, and leadership. I feel that Huron's commitment to excellence applies across the board and I would love the opportunity to learn from the best!"

"Huron Consulting Group's net promoter scores are consistently higher than their competitors. This means that your clients and your employees are willing to promote your brand. That is high praise for any company, but it is critical for a consulting firm. I also learned that Huron Consulting Group outranks competitors such as West Monroe Partners and KPMG in pricing, customer satisfaction, culture, and diversity. To me, that is an impressive and exciting culture to be a part of and I would be honored to join the Huron Consulting Group team."

Huron Consulting Group Interview Questions

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1. Do you have any questions for me about this position?
2. At Huron Consulting Group our business portfolio is diversified. Are you able to effectively collaborate across industries?
3. What are your weaknesses?
4. Effective discovery methods are key to our ability to land and retain new clients here at Huron Consulting Group. Describe your method for coming up to speed on the operations of a new client.
5. What would you do if a client asked you about a product or service and you were unsure of the answer?
6. How do you prioritize multiple projects when they all seem equally important?
7. When have you had to be extra thorough in completing tasks?
8. Tell me about a time when you created a unique idea or solution, and it was rejected by your colleagues. How were you able to bounce back?
9. Tell me about a time that you have helped a co-worker accomplish an important goal.
10. When have you been asked to perform a function or complete a task in which you had little or no experience in doing?
11. When have you had to think quickly in response to sudden change?
12. How would you describe your work ethic?
13. Tell me about a time when you took the initiative to improve work-related procedures.
14. Because Huron Consulting Group is a diversified organization, we offer a wide range of opportunities for career growth. Where would you like to see your career in 5 years?
15. After receiving information from your supervisor, how do you ensure you properly communicate this information to your team?
16. Clear communication is key to our success at Huron Consulting Group. Describe to me your communication style and why you think your style will be a fit here.
17. Because Huron Consulting Group has a large geographic footprint, we have to accommodate a variety of time zones. Do you have experience working for clients and with co-workers in multiple time zones?
18. Typical "corporate culture" is something that we work hard to avoid here at Huron Consulting Group. Tell me about your ideal workplace culture.
19. What do you know about the values of Huron Consulting Group, and how do they align with your values?
20. Tell me about a time you experienced a conflict when working with a client.
21. What are you reading right now?
22. Tell me about yourself.
23. What percentage of the time are you available to travel for work?
24. Have you ever been employed through a company merger or acquisition? If so, tell me about your experience.
25. Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?
26. In addition to our consulting services, we offer our clients research and industry insights. What type of experience do you have authoring research or industry insight materials?
27. Do you believe you are a leader? When have you led a team?
28. Huron Consulting Group provides expertise across seven main areas. Can you name some or all of them?
29. What are your salary expectations?
30. Describe your working relationship with your previous or current colleagues.
31. Why do you think you will be successful in this role with Huron Consulting Group?
32. At Huron Consulting Group we offer a wide range of products and services. How do you plan to positively impact our business, if hired?
33. We have many strong competitors. In your opinion, what does Huron Consulting Group do to stand out from the rest?

Huron Consulting Group Interview Questions

1. Do you have any questions for me about this position?

2. At Huron Consulting Group our business portfolio is diversified. Are you able to effectively collaborate across industries?

3. What are your weaknesses?

4. Effective discovery methods are key to our ability to land and retain new clients here at Huron Consulting Group. Describe your method for coming up to speed on the operations of a new client.

5. What would you do if a client asked you about a product or service and you were unsure of the answer?

6. How do you prioritize multiple projects when they all seem equally important?

7. When have you had to be extra thorough in completing tasks?

8. Tell me about a time when you created a unique idea or solution, and it was rejected by your colleagues. How were you able to bounce back?

9. Tell me about a time that you have helped a co-worker accomplish an important goal.

10. When have you been asked to perform a function or complete a task in which you had little or no experience in doing?

11. When have you had to think quickly in response to sudden change?

12. How would you describe your work ethic?

13. Tell me about a time when you took the initiative to improve work-related procedures.

14. Because Huron Consulting Group is a diversified organization, we offer a wide range of opportunities for career growth. Where would you like to see your career in 5 years?

15. After receiving information from your supervisor, how do you ensure you properly communicate this information to your team?

16. Clear communication is key to our success at Huron Consulting Group. Describe to me your communication style and why you think your style will be a fit here.

17. Because Huron Consulting Group has a large geographic footprint, we have to accommodate a variety of time zones. Do you have experience working for clients and with co-workers in multiple time zones?

18. Typical "corporate culture" is something that we work hard to avoid here at Huron Consulting Group. Tell me about your ideal workplace culture.

19. What do you know about the values of Huron Consulting Group, and how do they align with your values?

20. Tell me about a time you experienced a conflict when working with a client.

21. What are you reading right now?

22. Tell me about yourself.

23. What percentage of the time are you available to travel for work?

24. Have you ever been employed through a company merger or acquisition? If so, tell me about your experience.

25. Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?

26. In addition to our consulting services, we offer our clients research and industry insights. What type of experience do you have authoring research or industry insight materials?

27. Do you believe you are a leader? When have you led a team?

28. Huron Consulting Group provides expertise across seven main areas. Can you name some or all of them?

29. What are your salary expectations?

30. Describe your working relationship with your previous or current colleagues.

31. Why do you think you will be successful in this role with Huron Consulting Group?

32. At Huron Consulting Group we offer a wide range of products and services. How do you plan to positively impact our business, if hired?

33. We have many strong competitors. In your opinion, what does Huron Consulting Group do to stand out from the rest?