20 FTI Consulting Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. And if you’re hoping to land a job at FTI Consulting, you’ll need to know how to answer some specific interview questions.

FTI Consulting is a global business advisory firm. Their clients include Fortune 500 companies, major corporations, and government agencies. So, when it comes to interviews, they’re looking for candidates who are sharp, analytical, and have the ability to think on their feet.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample FTI Consulting interview questions and answers. These questions will give you a good idea of what to expect during your interview, and how to craft your own responses.

FTI Consulting Interview Process

The interview process at FTI Consulting can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone screen, followed by one or more in-person interviews. For entry-level positions, the interview process may be shorter and less difficult than for senior positions. Overall, the interview process is generally positive, with friendly employees who are interested in getting to know you and your qualifications.

1. Tell us about a time when you had to communicate with someone who did not speak your language well. How did you handle it?

FTI Consulting is a global company, so you may need to communicate with someone who does not speak your language. The interviewer wants to know how you would handle this situation and if you have experience doing it.

Example: “At my previous job, I had to work with an international client who did not speak English well. We communicated through email and phone calls for the most part, but sometimes we needed to meet in person. To make sure that our meetings were productive, I brought along a translator. This helped me understand what they were saying and allowed them to feel comfortable enough to express themselves.”

2. Why do you want to work at FTI Consulting?

FTI Consulting is a global business advisory firm that helps clients solve complex problems. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interest in FTI Consulting and how you can contribute to the company’s success. To answer this question, think of what attracted you to FTI Consulting when you applied for the job. Consider mentioning any specific aspects of the company that appeal to you, such as its mission or values.

Example: “When I was looking for a new position, I read an article about FTI Consulting’s innovative approach to solving client issues. I am excited by the opportunity to work at a company that is committed to providing excellent service to its clients. I also appreciate the company’s focus on employee development and empowerment.”

3. Describe how you would approach a client and present them with a plan that they may disagree with.

FTI Consulting is a firm that helps clients solve problems and develop strategies. The interviewer may ask this question to see how you handle challenging situations with your clients. In your answer, explain how you would use your interpersonal skills to help the client understand why their plan isn’t working and how yours will be more effective.

Example: “When presenting a new strategy or plan to a client, I always try to make sure they understand my reasoning for each decision I’ve made. If I disagree with one of their plans, I’ll first ask them what their goals are and if there’s anything else we can do to achieve those goals. Then, I’ll present my own idea and explain why it’s better than theirs.”

4. Give an example of a time when you worked under pressure in the workplace. How did you handle it?

FTI Consulting wants to know how you will handle pressure in the workplace. This question is an opportunity for you to show your ability to work under stress and perform well despite it.

Example: “In my previous role, I was working on a project that had a tight deadline. The client wanted to see results within two weeks, but there were several factors that made this challenging. One of these was that our team was short-staffed. Another factor was that we were waiting on information from other departments. Despite all of this, I managed to complete the project by myself with only one day left before the deadline.”

5. What is your experience with data analysis?

FTI Consulting uses data analysis to help clients make informed decisions. The hiring manager may ask this question to learn about your experience with analyzing large amounts of data and presenting the information in a way that’s easy for others to understand. Use examples from previous jobs to show how you used data analysis to solve problems or create solutions.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for creating reports on client activity each week. These reports included metrics like revenue, expenses and customer satisfaction. Each report also had graphs and charts that helped our team see trends over time. This allowed us to identify issues before they became major problems.”

6. Provide an example of a difficult situation where you were able to create a positive outcome.

FTI Consulting is looking for candidates who can solve problems and create solutions. Use your answer to highlight a time you faced a challenge at work and how you overcame it.

Example: “At my previous job, I was working on a project that required me to meet with the CEO of a company every week. The CEO had very high expectations for our team, which made him difficult to please. After several weeks of meeting with him, I realized he was just nervous about his new position. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with him where we talked about his concerns. He felt more comfortable after our conversation and started giving us feedback instead of waiting for us to ask.”

7. When working on a project, how long does it usually take for you to understand what needs to be done?

FTI Consulting is a fast-paced environment, and the interviewer wants to make sure you can keep up with their expectations. Your answer should show that you are organized and efficient in your work.

Example: “In my previous role as an accountant, I was responsible for managing multiple projects at once. I found that it took me about two weeks to understand what needed to be done on each project. However, after that initial period of time, I could complete most tasks within one week.”

8. What are some key points that need to be included in consulting reports?

FTI Consulting requires its employees to write reports that include key points and recommendations. These reports are often used by clients to understand the findings of a project. Your answer should show your ability to create clear, concise and informative documents.

Example: “In my experience as a consultant, I’ve found it’s important to keep reports simple and easy to read. This is because they’re usually given to clients who may not be familiar with the terminology or processes we use in our work. In my last position, I was tasked with writing several different types of reports for various projects. I always made sure to include an executive summary at the beginning of each report so that clients could quickly get the information they needed.”

9. Do you have any experience managing teams?

FTI Consulting is a global business advisory firm that offers services to clients in many different industries. The company needs employees who can work with others and manage teams effectively. When you answer this question, explain your experience managing teams or projects. You can also mention any leadership skills you have.

Example: “In my previous role as an accountant at a small accounting firm, I was responsible for overseeing the entire financial department. This included hiring new accountants and training them on our processes. I also had to make sure all of our clients were happy and received their financial reports on time. In addition to leading the team, I also helped each employee develop their professional skills by providing one-on-one feedback.”

10. Have you ever been told that you need to improve something specific in your performance? What was it?

FTI Consulting wants to know that you’re open to feedback and can use it to improve your performance. When answering this question, try to be honest about what you’ve been told in the past and how you used the information to make improvements.

Example: “In my last position as a financial analyst at a small business, I was told by my supervisor that I needed to work on improving my communication skills with other employees. At first, I was unsure of how to do this since I felt like I had good relationships with everyone. However, after talking with my supervisor, we decided that I would start holding weekly meetings where anyone could ask me questions or give me feedback.”

11. Are you comfortable traveling for business?

FTI Consulting requires its employees to travel for business. The company wants to know if you have any concerns about traveling and how you would handle it. If you are not comfortable with frequent travel, be honest about your feelings and explain why.

Example: “While I am excited to start my career as a consultant, I do have some reservations about the amount of travel required by FTI Consulting. However, I understand that this is part of the job and will make sure to plan ahead so I can get to work on time. I also want to reassure you that I am an excellent driver and always follow traffic laws.”

12. If hired, what do you think will be the most challenging part of being a consultant?

FTI Consulting is a global business advisory firm, so the interviewer may want to know how you plan to handle working in different time zones and collaborating with colleagues. Your answer should show that you are prepared for this challenge and have strategies for overcoming it.

Example: “The most challenging part of being a consultant would be managing my time effectively. I am used to working independently, but at FTI Consulting, I will need to collaborate with other consultants who work in different time zones. To overcome this challenge, I plan to use project management software to create schedules and deadlines for myself and my team members. This way, we can all stay on track and communicate regularly.”

13. What are your short term career goals?

FTI Consulting wants to know that you have a plan for your career and are willing to work hard to achieve it. When answering this question, be specific about what you want to accomplish in the next few years. Explain how these goals align with FTI Consulting’s mission and values.

Example: “My short term goal is to become a senior consultant within two years of joining the company. I believe my skills and experience make me well-suited for this role, but I am committed to putting in the extra effort to learn new things and develop my abilities. In addition to this, I would like to complete an advanced certification by the end of 2018.”

14. Name three things you learned from previous jobs that contribute to your success.

FTI Consulting wants to know that you’re a lifelong learner and have the ability to adapt to new situations. This question helps them determine if you are open to change, how much you value learning and whether or not you can apply what you’ve learned in previous positions to your current job search.

Example: “In my last position as an accountant for a small business, I learned how important it is to be organized and detail-oriented. When working with numbers, it’s easy to overlook mistakes, but by being more attentive to details, I was able to catch errors before they became larger problems. Another thing I learned from this job was how to work well under pressure. The company grew so quickly that we were constantly short on staff. I had to learn how to prioritize tasks and manage my time effectively.”

15. What skills do you believe are required to succeed as a consultant?

FTI Consulting is a global business advisory firm that offers consulting services to clients in various industries. The company wants employees who can provide quality service and support to its clients, so it asks this question to make sure you have the skills necessary for success as a consultant. Before your interview, review the job description to see what skills FTIs look for in their consultants. In your answer, explain which of these skills you possess and how they benefit you as an employee.

Example: “The most important skill I believe a consultant needs is communication. As a consultant, we work with many different people from all over the world. We need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with our colleagues, clients and other stakeholders. Another skill I think is essential is problem-solving. Consultants are often tasked with solving complex problems for their clients. I am confident in my ability to solve challenging issues because I have experience doing so.”

16. What do you find interesting about the consulting industry?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what motivates you. It also helps them determine if your interests align with FTI Consulting’s mission, vision and values. When preparing for this interview question, think about why you chose a career in consulting. Consider mentioning any personal experiences that led you to pursue a career in this industry.

Example: “I find it interesting how many different industries are connected. I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects where I didn’t even realize all of the connections between companies. For example, I worked on a project where we helped a company create a new product line. We found out that one of their suppliers was actually our client. That made me really excited because I love when I see how everything is interconnected.”

17. Consultants often have to deal with difficult clients. Can you give me an example of a time when you dealt with a difficult customer or co-worker?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving and interpersonal skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of how you handled the situation successfully.

Example: “I once had a client who was very demanding. They would often call me at all hours of the day with questions about our progress on their project. I tried my best to answer their questions as quickly as possible, but sometimes they would get upset if I didn’t respond right away. Eventually, I learned that they were just nervous about the project and wanted reassurance that we were doing everything we could to help them succeed. After talking with them about their concerns, they became much more understanding.”

18. What makes you passionate about consulting?

FTI Consulting is a global business advisory firm that offers consulting services to clients in various industries. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interest in the field of consulting and how it relates to their company. To answer, think about what drew you to the profession and highlight any personal experiences or skills that led you to pursue a career as a consultant.

Example: “Ever since I was young, I’ve been interested in learning new things and helping others solve problems. When I graduated from college with my degree in finance, I knew I wanted to use my knowledge to help businesses make smart financial decisions. In my last position, I worked with several small businesses who were looking for ways to improve their cash flow. I enjoyed working with them to find solutions to their unique challenges.”

19. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s often asked to see if you have career goals. It can also be used to determine whether or not the company will be able to help you achieve those goals. When answering this question, make sure that your answer shows that you are ambitious and willing to work hard for success.

Example: “I hope to still be working at FTI Consulting in five years. I would like to continue growing as an analyst and eventually become a senior consultant. In five years, I’d also like to have my CFA certification.”

20. We want our consultants to be able to work independently. Do you think you would be a good fit for that type of environment?

FTI Consulting wants to know that you can work independently and be successful in their organization. They want employees who are self-motivated, organized and able to complete tasks on time. When answering this question, show the interviewer that you have these skills by describing your ability to work independently and how it has helped you succeed in previous roles.

Example: “In my current role as a financial analyst, I am responsible for completing projects and analyzing data without much supervision. This is something I enjoy because I like being able to take initiative and solve problems on my own. In fact, I find that working independently helps me stay focused and productive.”