PwC Mock Interview
Practice 35 PwC interview questions covering case scenarios, values fit, and business advisory challenges.
Question 5 of 35
Why do companies need consultants?
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Community Answers
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
When answering this question, you'll effectively be explaining why companies need to hire consulting firms like PwC, but you'll also be describing your professional worth and why PwC should hire you as one of their consultants. On their website, they define what they do as finding solutions: "Make decisions with foresight and experience to achieve your business objectives."
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"It is important to consult with others who might have a clearer, more objective situational viewpoint. 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 may have pain points they are stuck on due to differing opinions in the c-suite. Others may have antiquated processes and no internal employee knowledgeable enough to change that. Whatever the reason, I am prepared to show my new clients how wise it was to bring on PwC to assist."
Kimberly is a freelance writer and editor with a decade of experience in the education field, including her time as a pre-kindergarten teacher.
"I previously worked for a company that hired a management consulting firm. They needed an outside perspective on their 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."
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Anonymous Answer
Every company needs consultants or a professional services team. This team is at the forefront of handling all client questions, helping with implementation, and solving any issues that come their way. Dedicating resources to a client will make them feel that they are being listened to and that there is someone who willing to work with and guide them through this process
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! You clearly explain how a company benefits from hiring a consultant. It's also excellent that you discuss what the client gains from a company's consultant, which shows that you're always thinking about the client and their satisfaction. Good job!
Anonymous Answer
The types of problems that consultants are often working on require special knowledge that is often not financially feasible for a company to own outright. Consider it as a way to pull in experienced specific problem solvers that are on call, and at the ready, which is usually impossible to employ, yet perfect as a consultant for hire.
Amanda's Feedback
Well said! Consultants are also a bit more distanced from business challenges, which means they aren't as emotionally invested in operations in the same way a business owner or leader is, and they can more easily identify and address challenges.
Anonymous Answer
Are you familiar with Capital One and how it ended up ‘in your wallet’?
A local bank had a floundering credit card division, so they brought in 2 consultants to help them turn things around. The 2 men learned about the culture and processes through questions and observations and came up with solutions. During this exploratory time, they realized the bank did not want to deal with the cc department. So one of the solutions became ‘let us take this off your hands’ and we will keep those positions open to the current employees so there will be minimal job loss. And we will adopt this cc department with our own brand and take the risk of keeping it alive. These 2 consultants turned a floundering local cc business into the powerhouse it is today. Consultants analyze the situation, find the root issues, and provide their expertise to improve the business. They have the power to change not only a business but a community and more.
Marcie's Feedback
Awesome! What a thought-provoking and interesting response! Any interviewer will be highly impressed with an answer like this that showcases your knowledge and passion for consultancy. Your example is a strong one that clearly shows how a consultant (or two) can benefit a company. Excellent!
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