I need help: In consulting interviews, is it a death sentence to have been part of the COVID-related layoffs at a Big 4 strategy arm?

I have now been rejected from two other T2 strategy firms, and apparently the feedback is that “I have great experience” but they “are not moving forward with my candidacy”.

I’m getting beaten down here. I have 10 years consulting experience, 7 at health plans, 5 in strategy, and 3 as a manager. I know my industry, function, and story.

What am I missing?

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Posting as :
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If you have any interest in moving to Washington DC - Accenture’s federal group is hiring healthcare experience like crazy.

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Thanks for the heads up. I recently connected with a SM to refer me to the open Growth Strategy Manager role.

On that note, based on my experience, what would be your take on the appropriate leveling for me to target at Accenture Strategy? M or early SM? I know the leveling and affiliated timeframes are different firm to firm.

Not in strategy group, but I don’t see why Covid related layoffs would affect.

How far through the process have you gotten? That may help us to advice you.

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Can also confirm it’s not an issue that I’ve seen here. We’re hiring like gangbusters in certain areas and I could care less if you were laid off as a result of COVID. I’m selling deals faster than I can staff them so basically if you can breathe, you’re hired. (Slightly kidding, but point is, keep trying and you’ll land sooner than you think - there are options out there for you).

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How are you selling so much? I've never heard a good thing about Accenture.

funny

To your first question, it has not hurt myself.

Can’t speak as to the rest... perhaps bad timing?

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Don’t take it personally. Everyone is looking to jump now bc everyone is hiring. Keep trying and you’ll get a win eventually. If you need help feel free to message me

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Why do consultants make everything 10x worse with the lingo? “Not moving forward with candidacy” oh my god

Are you targeting roles that would be a "promotion" or a lateral compared to where you were?

Did you have a sales target before the layoff and did you reach it in past years?

Could be a few factors, and it is not unusual for it take take 50+ applications and a half dozen interviews before you land something.

Thank you for the guidance. I will certainly persevere, and continue to practice case interviewing.

What is your take on coming in as an experienced Manager, targeting either SC or M levels, and being rejected based on the company’s lack of belief that you could “learn the X company’s way”? It seems to be such a cop out rationale because there is always going to be a learning curve at a new firm. Are experienced hires just simply held to a different standard?

Covid layoff is not an issue. Got myself a job

Folks, thank you for the responses and, of course, the offers to assist. I must say, this app rocks.

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