In the realm of consulting and strategic advisory services, the decision not to provide traditional CVs or resumes is a strategic one. While these documents play a crucial role in many job applications, they often fall short in capturing the essence of what makes a consultant or strategist valuable to their clients. In this blog, we’ll delve into why consultants and strategists often opt for alternative methods to present their qualifications and expertise.
Emphasis on Deliverables
Consultants and strategists are results driven professionals. Their clients hire them not for their job history but for their ability to deliver actionable solutions and drive positive outcomes. Instead of listing past job titles, they prefer to focus on concreate examples of projects they’ve successfully executed and the tangible benefits they’ve provided to clients.
Specialised Expertise
Many consultants and strategists specialise in niche areas. Relying on a traditional CV may not adequately convey their depth of knowledge and experience within their specific domain. To showcase their expertise effectively, they often create detailed case studies, whitepapers, and thought leadership content that highlight their specialised skills and insights.
Client Testimonials and References
In the consulting world, client satisfaction and trust are paramount. Consultants and strategists often prioritise collecting client testimonials and references that vouch for their skills and effectiveness. These endorsements hold more weight than a list of previous employers and can provide potential clients with a sense of assurance.
Tailored Proposals
Winning consulting projects requires a highly tailored approach. Consultants and strategists prefer to engage in conversations with potential clients to understand their unique challenges and objectives. They then craft custom proposals that outline specific strategies and solutions. This personalised approach demonstrates their commitment to addressing the client’s specific needs.
Client Centric Communication
Consultants and strategists focus on client centric communication. They aim to understand the client’s pain points and business goals thoroughly. Providing a CV could divert attention away from this client focused approach and toward the consultant’s qualification, potentially making the client feel less central to the conversation.
Evolution of Skill Sets
Like freelancers, consultants and strategists continuously update their skills and knowledge to stay relevant in a rapidly changing business landscape. A static CV may not reflect their most recent training, certifications, or industry trends. Consultants prefer to discuss their ongoing professional development during client interactions.
Building a Personal Brand
Establishing a personal brand is essential for consultants and strategists. They invest in creating strong online presences, sharing valuable insights, and building networks within their industry. A CV, which follows a standard format, does not allow for them to showcase their unique perspectives, philosophies, and personal brand identity effectively.
Demonstrating Problem Solving Abilities
Clients hire consultants and strategists to solve complex problems and seize opportunities. Instead of listing qualifications, these professionals use case studies and interactive presentations to demonstrate their problem-solving abilities and their capacity to bring innovative solutions to the table.
Confidentiality and NDA Constraints
In many consulting and strategic advisory roles, consultants are bound by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that prevent them from disclosing details of their previous projects in a CV. Providing a CV might inadvertently breach these agreements, making alternative methods of showcasing their capabilities necessary.
In summary, consultants and strategists choose not to rely on traditional CVs because their profession demands a client centric, results driven approach that transcends the limitations of standard resumes. They prioritise delivering value through tailored proposals, specialised expertise, client testimonials, and personalised communication. In a competitive consulting landscape, showcasing their ability to drive tangible results and solve complex problems is paramount. As a result, consultants and strategists have adopted alternative methods to
better communicate their qualifications and expertise in a way that resonates with their clients’ needs and objectives.