Cassi McLemore
Former BCG Recruiter
Crafting a successful consulting experienced hire resume is key when making the shift from your current industry job to consulting. Whether you are a software engineer, teacher, or marketer, you can pivot into consulting with the right strategies.
You’ll need to effectively highlight your industry expertise and showcase how your skills are transferable to consulting. It’s also important to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the problem-solving and strategic thinking required in consulting roles. A tailored consulting experienced hire resume will help you stand out to recruiters and also show how your unique background can bring value to consulting firms.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- What is a consulting experienced hire?
- How to identify transferable skills from your current role
- Examples of successful consulting experienced hire resumes
- Top 3 tips to help your consulting experienced hire resume stand out
Let’s get started!
Contents
What is a Consulting Experienced Hire?
If you have professional experience in another industry and are trying to pivot into consulting, you may be considered an “experienced hire” in the consulting recruitment process. But what does that actually mean, and how does it differ from entering as a traditional consultant straight out of undergrad or business school?
Experienced Hire vs. Entry-Level Consultant
At firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain (MBB), as well as Big 4 and boutique consulting firms, most consultants come in at the entry-level, either straight out of undergrad or following business school. These consultants are trained from the ground up in consulting methodologies, client management, and problem-solving.
Experienced hires, on the other hand, bring several years of expertise from outside consulting. They generally join at a more senior level because they already have industry knowledge, leadership experience, and specialized skills. While they still need to learn the consulting toolkit, they bring value that entry-level hires may lack, such as deep industry insights, functional expertise, and real-world problem-solving experience.
What Types of Experienced Professionals Transition into Consulting?
Consulting firms seek experienced hires from a variety of backgrounds, but some common ones include:
Industry Professionals: Engineers, product managers, marketing specialists, and finance professionals often move into consulting to broaden their problem-solving scope.
Academics & Scientists: PhDs, researchers, and even professors frequently join life sciences or analytics-focused consulting firms.
Legal & Policy Experts: Lawyers, policy analysts, and regulatory specialists can provide valuable insights into compliance-heavy industries.
Entrepreneurs: People who have built businesses or worked in fast-paced startup environments can bring skills with making things happen quickly, pivoting, and making the most of limited data.
For example, an aerospace engineer might transition into consulting with a focus on manufacturing and supply chain. A data scientist could join a firm’s digital transformation practice. A physician might become a healthcare strategy consultant.
Why Do Consulting Firms Want Experienced Hires?
Experienced hires are attractive because they bring:
Deep industry knowledge – They understand specific sectors inside and out, helping firms win clients in those areas.
Functional expertise – They’ve worked in roles like strategy, operations, finance, or product development, bringing niche skills that clients need.
Leadership & maturity – Many experienced hires have managed teams or projects, making them well-suited for client-facing roles.
Credibility with clients – A former tech executive advising a tech company adds instant credibility.
Essentially, experienced hires can help firms bridge the gap between high-level strategy and real-world execution.
Should You Target Consulting Firms That Align with Your Industry Experience?
It depends on your goals. If you love your current industry but want to apply your skills in a broader, strategic way, a specialized consulting practice (e.g., life sciences, energy, or fintech-focused) makes sense. For example, if you’re a scientist, firms like L.E.K. or ClearView might be a better fit than a generalist consulting firm.
However, if you want a fresh start and exposure to different industries, a generalist firm like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain could be a better move.
Consulting firms differ in the paths they prefer for experienced hires, so dig into this as you consider specific firms.
Is Consulting the Right Move for You?
If you’re looking for a career pivot, increased problem-solving exposure, or a faster leadership track, consulting can be a great option as an experienced hire. Just be prepared to learn the consulting playbook while leveraging your unique industry skills.
For more insight, check out this firsthand perspective from a McKinsey experienced hire on navigating the process!
What Skills Are Transferable to Consulting?
One of the biggest misconceptions about transitioning into consulting is that you need to have prior consulting experience. In reality, many of the core skills required in consulting like problem-solving, project management, analytical thinking, communication, and leadership are things you’ve already been doing in your industry job. The key is recognizing these skills and framing them in a way that aligns with consulting work.
Most consultants, regardless of industry or specialization, rely on a few fundamental skills:
- Structured Problem-Solving – Breaking down complex challenges and identifying actionable solutions
- Project Management – Organizing workstreams, timelines, and deliverables efficiently
- Data Analysis & Synthesis – Turning raw data into meaningful insights that drive decisions
- Client & Stakeholder Management – Communicating effectively with different teams and leadership levels
- Strategic Thinking – Seeing the big picture and identifying long-term opportunities
You’ve likely developed some or all of these skills in your current role. Consulting just gives them a new application!
How to Identify Your Transferable Skills
To pinpoint what skills translate well, consider the following questions:
- Do I frequently break down complex problems into smaller, solvable pieces?
- Have I managed or contributed to cross-functional projects with multiple stakeholders?
- Do I analyze data to make business recommendations?
- Have I led meetings, presented findings, or influenced leadership decisions?
- Have I worked with external partners, vendors, or clients to align on business objectives?
If you answered yes to any of these, you already have skills that consulting firms value!
Industry Experience Translated to Consulting
Here are some examples of common industry experiences and how they align with consulting skills:
Example: Product Manager in Tech
What you did: Launched a new feature in a software product or app, coordinated between engineering, marketing, and sales, and analyzed customer adoption rates
Consulting Translation: You managed a complex, cross-functional initiative just like consultants do when leading client workstreams. You also synthesized data into insights, a key consulting skill.
Example: Financial Analyst in a Corporation
What you did: Created financial models to evaluate potential acquisitions and presented recommendations to leadership
Consulting Translation: This mirrors the analytical work consultants do building models, assessing business impact, and making strategic recommendations to executives.
Example: Engineer in Energy/Manufacturing
What you did: Led a process optimization project that reduced production costs by 15% through efficiency improvements
Consulting Translation: Consulting firms frequently work on operational efficiency projects so your experience with process improvement and cost reduction is highly relevant.
Example: Marketing Manager in Consumer Goods
What you did: Conducted a competitive analysis, reworked branding strategy, and drove a 20% increase in sales
Consulting Translation: You’ve used data to shape business strategy and worked on market positioning which reflects what consultants do for clients across industries.
Example: Physician or Researcher in Healthcare
What you did: Led a team conducting clinical trials, managing data collection, and advising on regulatory approvals
Consulting Translation: You’ve worked on highly analytical, structured problem-solving and managed multiple stakeholders which are both essential consulting skills.
How to Demonstrate These Skills in a Consulting Context
Once you recognize your transferable skills, the next step is to demonstrate them in a way that resonates with consulting firms. Here’s how:
Use a structured, problem-solving mindset in interviews. Think about how you frame your past work. Consultants love frameworks and logical storytelling.
Highlight cross-functional collaboration. Show how you’ve worked with different teams, just like consultants do with clients.
Showcase data-driven decision-making. Even if you weren’t in a technical role, emphasize how you used data to guide business decisions.
Demonstrate adaptability. Consulting is fast-paced; highlight examples where you quickly learned something new and delivered results.
You don’t need to start from scratch. Consulting is about applying skills you already have in a new way. The more you recognize what’s transferable, the more confident you’ll be in making the transition.
How to Write a Successful Consulting Experienced Hire Resume
When applying as an experienced hire, your resume should highlight your industry expertise and the impact you’ve made and show a clear alignment with consulting through structured problem-solving, data-driven insights, and leadership.
Unlike traditional consulting applicants who are fresh out of undergrad or MBA programs, experienced hires must strike the right balance between showcasing their deep industry knowledge and demonstrating they can pivot into consulting.
Key Sections to Include in a Consulting Experienced Hire Resume
A well-structured resume for an experienced hire should include:
Work Experience – Focus on impact, problem-solving, and leadership rather than just listing responsibilities. Use a consulting-style structure. Start each bullet with action verbs (Led, Analyzed, Developed, Optimized, Managed). Highlight quantifiable impact ($X revenue growth, % efficiency gains, team size, cost savings). Show problem-solving skills—how you identified issues, structured solutions, and drove results.
Education – Include degrees, relevant coursework, and certifications (MBA, CFA, PMP, Six Sigma, etc.), especially if they demonstrate analytical or strategic skills.
Skills & Tools – Focus on data analysis, strategy, and leadership tools (Excel modeling, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, Python for analytics, etc.).
Consulting-Relevant Projects (Optional) – If you’ve worked on strategy, operations, or cross-functional problem-solving in your current role, consider listing it separately as a “Selected Projects” section.
Emphasize Industry Experience While Showing a Shift to Consulting
Think Like a Consultant: Don’t just list tasks. Rather, demonstrate problem-solving, strategic thinking, and impact.
Use Consulting-Friendly Language: Instead of “managed daily operations,” say “optimized workflows, reducing inefficiencies by 15%.”
Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration: Show how you’ve worked with different teams (engineering, marketing, finance) like a consultant does with clients.
Quantify Impact: Consulting firms love numbers. Any metric that demonstrates growth, efficiency, cost savings, or operational improvements strengthens your case.
Tailor Your Resume for Consulting Firms
Match Their Language: Review job postings at McKinsey, BCG, Bain, or Big 4 firms and mirror their terminology (e.g., “structured problem-solving,” “data-driven insights,” “client-facing experience”).
Emphasize Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Show examples of how you’ve used data to drive business decisions.
Show Leadership & Stakeholder Management: If you’ve led teams, presented to executives, or influenced company strategy, make it clear.
Demonstrate Impact, Not Just Responsibilities: Consulting firms hire for results. Make sure your resume reflects tangible achievements.
Examples of a Successful Consulting Experienced Hire Resume
#1 - McKinsey Experienced Hire Resume Example
Why this works
This is a successful resume from a software engineer turned McKinsey consultant. Our client landed their dream role at McKinsey with a resume that is:
Clear and Concise – The formatting is clean, professional, and easy to read. It followed a traditional style with no distracting elements like graphics, colors, or a lengthy professional summary.
Impact-Driven – Each bullet point leads with measurable impact, making it easy for recruiters to quickly assess the candidate’s contributions. Instead of simply listing responsibilities, the resume quantified accomplishments. Given that consulting firms receive thousands of applications, making your impact clear within seconds is crucial.
Academically Impressive – While consulting values problem-solving and leadership, academic excellence remains a key differentiator, even for experienced hires. This candidate highlighted their Dean’s List recognition, class ranking, and GPA, reinforcing their analytical ability and work ethic.
#2 - McKinsey Experienced Hire Resume Example
Why this works
Our former logistics manager client is now a Consultant at McKinsey. This resume resulted in an offer because it includes:
Quantifiable Impact – Every bullet point highlights measurable achievements, showing clear contributions to business outcomes. Instead of listing job duties, the resume focuses on how the candidate improved processes, reduced costs, or increased efficiency. Consulting firms prioritize candidates who can demonstrate results, so including metrics makes a significant difference.
Relevant Certifications – The candidate strategically showcased industry certifications, reinforcing their expertise and commitment to professional development. Consulting firms value specialized knowledge, particularly for experienced hires, so credentials in areas like Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or data analytics can be strong differentiators.
Concise and Impactful Formatting – The resume avoids excessive detail, keeping bullet points focused and easy to scan. Rather than overwhelming recruiters with a long list of responsibilities, it highlights only the most high-impact contributions. This structured, to-the-point approach ensures that key takeaways stand out within seconds.
#3 - Deloitte Monitor Experienced Hire Resume Example
Why this works
This resume helped a healthcare entrepreneur transition into consulting and land a role at Deloitte Monitor. It stood out because it effectively showcased:
Leadership Experience – The resume features a dedicated leadership section, highlighting the candidate’s ability to drive teams, make strategic decisions, and influence business outcomes. Consulting firms highly value leadership skills, as they indicate a strong ability to manage projects, collaborate across teams, and guide clients.
Entrepreneurial and Startup Background – The candidate’s experience in launching and scaling a business demonstrates initiative, problem-solving, and adaptability—qualities that align well with consulting. Firms like Deloitte Monitor appreciate candidates who have tackled ambiguity, built solutions from the ground up, and managed high-impact projects.
Quantitative Rigor – The resume is packed with data-driven accomplishments, emphasizing measurable outcomes. Whether it’s revenue growth, cost reduction, or operational efficiency improvements, the numbers make a compelling case for the candidate’s analytical and strategic thinking skills.
Top 3 Tips to Help Your Consulting Experienced Hire Resume Stand Out
1. Clearly Explain Your Pivot to Consulting
Consulting firms want to understand your motivation for making the switch. Even if you don’t have a dedicated “summary” section, your resume should tell a clear story. Your experience should highlight problem-solving, strategic thinking, and leadership, showing that consulting is a natural next step.
For example, if you’re a product manager moving into consulting, frame your experience around analyzing market trends, leading cross-functional teams, and developing business strategies rather than just managing product roadmaps.
2. Focus on Impact & Problem Solving
Consulting firms prioritize results over job descriptions. Instead of listing tasks, structure your bullet points around the problem you tackled, the actions you took to solve it, and the impact you made.
For instance, instead of saying, “Managed supply chain operations,” reframe it as:
“Redesigned supply chain workflows, reducing costs by 15% and improving on-time delivery by 20%.”
3. Tailor your Resume to a Consulting Audience
Your resume should be formatted and written with consulting recruiters in mind. Use structured, concise bullet points. Avoid excessive industry jargon that a consultant outside your field wouldn’t understand. Ensure your resume mirrors the style and language of consulting job descriptions.
If you’re applying to multiple firms, customize slightly for each, especially if one has a strong industry focus aligned with your background (e.g., a life sciences consulting firm for a healthcare professional).
Contents
– – – – – – –
In this article, we’ve covered:
- What is a consulting experienced hire resume is
- Relevant skills that can be transferred from industry to consulting
- How to structure your consulting experienced hire resume
- 3 tips on crafting a compelling consulting experienced hire resume
Still have questions?
If you have more questions about writing your consulting experienced hire resume, leave them in the comments below. One of My Consulting Offer’s recruiters will answer them.
Other people writing a consulting experienced hire resume found the following pages helpful:
Help with Your Consulting Application
Thanks for turning to My Consulting Offer for advice on writing your consulting experienced hire resume. My Consulting Offer has helped 89.6% of the people we’ve worked with to get a job in management consulting. We want you to be successful in your consulting interviews too. For example, here is how Paul got his offer from McKinsey.