Technology consulting is one of the most dynamic and lucrative fields, attracting top talent from around the world. Whether you’re a university student, a recent graduate or pivoting from another career, the competition to land a tech consulting job is fierce. With so many candidates vying for the same roles at prestigious firms, you need to find ways to differentiate yourself and stand out. In this post, we’ll explore 5 actionable steps that you can take to make you a standout candidate. [Heading]: 1. Build a Solid Foundation of Core Skills [Main Body Text]: Tech consulting is a specialised field that requires a combination of technical and soft skills. Technical skills can include knowledge and expertise in areas such as cloud computing (e.g. AWS, Azure), data analysis, (e.g. Tableau) or more niche topics like cybersecurity, blockchain and machine learning. Depending on the area of tech consulting that you're interested in and the role that you’re applying for, make sure that you are proficient in (or at least have a thorough understanding of) the key technologies and fundamental tools. Similarly, in order to excel in the application process and as a tech consultant, you must also hone your soft skills, such as your ability to communicate clearly, problem-solve, collaborate effectively and demonstrate leadership. Tip: To develop your technical skills, invest time in learning tools associated with programming, software development or data analysis (such as Python, SQL, Tableau) or obtain certifications in cloud computing such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (if required for your role). There are several free certifications also available (e.g. Google Analytics Academy Certifications: Google Analytics for Beginners/Advanced Google Analytics) or free coding bootcamps (e.g. FreeCodeCamp). To develop your soft skills, download our free UniStars skills checklist here, which will serve as a quick guide to help you master interpersonal and communication skills. [Heading]: 2. Develop Strong Business Acumen [Main Body Text]: It is important for tech consultants to be able to clearly understand & articulate the intersection between technology and business needs. This is crucial because it allows you to understand the broader context in which your technical solutions will be implemented, making you more valuable to clients and employers. Tip: You must demonstrate that you can connect the dots between technology, strategy, and organisational goals. If you’re from a purely technical background, learn the ‘language of the business’ by researching key terms such as ROI (Return on Investment), profit margins, market share, customer acquisition cost (CAC), lifetime value (LTV), and business KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). Also research the latest industry landscape by regularly reading industry news, reports, and case studies to stay informed about trends and challenges in the tech consulting industry. [Heading]: 3. Showcase Your Passion for a Specific Niche [Main Body Text]: While being a well-rounded candidate is essential, specialising in a niche area within tech consulting can help you stand out as it signals your knowledge and expertise in a specific technology or industry. Identify which technologies or industries excite you the most and dive deep into learning about them. Having deep knowledge in these fields can give you a competitive edge during the application process. Tip: Consider joining industry-specific groups on LinkedIn, attending conferences, or working on relevant personal projects to showcase your expertise. Here are some examples of valuable niches: (1) specialisations in emerging technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), or cybersecurity), or (2) gaining industry-specific knowledge (e.g. latest tech trends in particular industries like healthcare, finance, or retail). [Heading]: 4. Gain Real-World Experience Through Relevant Projects [Main Body Text]: The best way to stand out in tech consulting is to have hands-on experience that you can showcase. But do not worry if you don’t have any internships and/or prior experience with a consulting company! Recruiters are equally interested in your proactivity and your involvement in any relevant projects - creating your own tech consulting-related projects can be a great way to gain experience. Tip: Whether it's building your recommended solution to a real-life business problem or contributing to open-source projects, showing your initiative and problem-solving skills will catch the recruiter’s eyes. If you’re working on open-source projects, share the code on GitHub, and include links to your work in your applications (if applicable) and make sure to add these experiences in your CV or portfolio. [Heading]: 5. Tailor Your CV and Online Presence to Highlight Your Consulting and Technical Skills [Main Body Text]: In a competitive market, the smallest details can set you apart. Tailor your CV and online profiles (e.g. on LinkedIn, GitHub, personal website etc.) to highlight your consulting and technical skills. Even if you don’t have direct consulting experience, focus on past roles or academic experiences where you've demonstrated problem-solving, teamwork, client interaction, and technical expertise. Tip: The most important tip for optimising your CV and online presence is to quantify achievements and accomplishments as much as possible. For example, instead of saying that you ‘improved website performance’, you could instead say, ‘optimised website code, improving load times by 40%.’ In addition to quantifying achievements, make sure to use keywords from the job description in your CV and your online profiles to optimise for applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by many firms to screen applicants. [new Body Text at the end/conclusion]: Maximise your chances of success by following these top 5 tips, which will help you excel in your job applications. The tech consulting job market is undeniably competitive, but by developing the right skills, gaining hands-on experience and tailoring your approach to focus on skills quantification, you can position yourself as a standout candidate. Remember, consulting isn’t just about solving technical problems, so focus on building a holistic set of skills that demonstrate both technical and business proficiency.