Consulting & Advisory

How to get a job at FTI Consulting

20 real interview questions, insider tips on the hiring process, and what FTI Consulting actually looks for. Most people read about it. Very few practise for it.

London, UK 6,500+ 4/5/5 Glassdoor
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Your question

Tell me about yourself and what makes you a strong candidate for this role.

30s preparation 2 min recording Camera + mic

About FTI Consulting

Company overview

FTI Consulting is a leading global consulting firm providing multidisciplinary expertise to help clients manage complex challenges across litigation, investigation, strategic communications, restructuring, and operational transformation. The firm combines deep industry expertise with forensic and investigative capabilities, serving corporations, governments, and financial institutions worldwide.

Inside the company

Culture & values at FTI Consulting

FTI's culture emphasises collaborative problem-solving, intellectual integrity, and genuine partnership with clients. The firm values diverse expertise and perspectives, believing that multidisciplinary teams deliver superior insights. FTI is committed to developing consultants as future leaders through mentoring, continuous learning, and clear pathways for advancement. The firm maintains strong commitment to ethics and client success.

Why people want to work here

At FTI, you'll work on complex, high-stakes projects requiring multidisciplinary expertise across strategy, operations, litigation support, and restructuring. The firm's diverse service offerings create rich learning opportunities and career development. FTI's collaborative culture and focus on consultant development make it an exceptional place to build expertise. The firm's global reach and prominent client relationships provide significant career advantages.

What to expect

Working at FTI Consulting

Most roles at FTI Consulting are office-based or hybrid, with teams typically splitting time between their London, UK offices and remote working. The day usually starts with team stand-ups or check-ins, followed by focused project work. Collaboration is a significant part of the role — expect cross-functional meetings, client interactions, and working alongside colleagues from different departments throughout the day. The rhythm varies by team, but most people find a mix of heads-down work and collaborative sessions. Peak periods (month-end, quarter-end, project deadlines) can mean longer hours, but the day-to-day pace is generally manageable.

As a 6,500+-person organisation, FTI Consulting sits at a size where you can genuinely know people across different departments. Teams tend to be close-knit, and there's a real sense of shared purpose. You'll likely have more visibility with senior leadership than you would at a larger employer, which means your contributions are noticed and your ideas can reach decision-makers more quickly.

The culture at FTI Consulting shapes how the day feels beyond just the work itself. Colleagues describe the environment as one that values Analytical rigour and structured problem-solving ability and Attention to detail and accuracy in analysis. Lunch breaks, team socials, and informal catch-ups are part of the rhythm — FTI Consulting recognises that building relationships across the organisation is as important as the deliverables themselves. Most employees report that the people are one of the best things about working here, and that the team dynamic makes challenging work feel manageable.

The hiring journey

FTI Consulting interview process

FTI's recruiting process includes case interviews, technical discussions, and behavioural assessments designed to identify problem-solvers with analytical ability and collaborative mindset.

1

Online application and CV screening

Varies

Online application and CV screening

2

First-round interviews (case discussions and analytical assessment)

Varies

First-round interviews (case discussions and analytical assessment)

3

Second-round interviews (complex cases and strategic discussion)

Varies

Second-round interviews (complex cases and strategic discussion)

4

Final round with managing director or principal on fit and vision

Varies

Final round with managing director or principal on fit and vision

5

Optional technical assessments

Varies

Optional technical assessments

4-8 weeks from application to offer

Insider tips

Develop strong case interview skills with focus on problem-solving and quantitative analysis. Research FTI's service areas and recent engagements. Prepare examples demonstrating analytical thinking, impact, and collaborative work. Show interest in complex, high-stakes problems and investigations. Practice clear communication of complex analysis. Demonstrate understanding of litigation support and restructuring contexts.

Your game plan

How to prepare for your FTI Consulting interview

FTI Consulting's interview process typically takes 4-8 weeks from application to offer. Starting your preparation 4 weeks ahead gives you enough time to research thoroughly, build strong examples, and practise until your answers feel natural rather than rehearsed. Candidates who prepare systematically consistently outperform those who wing it — and interviewers can always tell the difference.

4 weeks before

Research FTI Consulting thoroughly — read their annual report, recent press coverage, and leadership interviews. Understand their position in consulting & advisory and any challenges or opportunities they're facing. Follow FTI Consulting on LinkedIn and note the type of content they share — this reveals what they're proud of and where they're heading. Start reviewing the 5 stages of their interview process so you know exactly what to expect at each step. Identify anyone in your network who works or has worked at FTI Consulting and reach out for an informal conversation.

3 weeks before

Prepare 8-10 STAR examples from your experience that demonstrate Analytical rigour and structured problem-solving ability, Attention to detail and accuracy in analysis, Communication clarity and ability to persuade with evidence. These should be specific, quantified stories you can adapt to different questions — don't just prepare one example per quality, because interviewers often ask follow-ups or probe the same competency from different angles. If you're applying for Management Consultant or Business Analyst role, make sure your examples are directly relevant to that function. Start practising answering questions out loud — silent preparation and written notes aren't enough, because the interview requires you to articulate your thoughts clearly under pressure.

2 weeks before

Do a full mock interview covering FTI Consulting's typical question types — common, behavioural, and technical. Time your answers (aim for 2-3 minutes per STAR response — shorter feels thin, longer loses the interviewer's attention). Research your interviewers on LinkedIn if you know who they are — understanding their background can help you tailor your examples. Prepare 4-5 thoughtful questions to ask at the end of each stage. Good questions show you've done your research: ask about team challenges, upcoming projects, or how the role contributes to FTI Consulting's strategy.

Final week

Review and refine your STAR examples — tighten any that felt long or unfocused during practice. Check FTI Consulting's news and social media for anything published in the last few days (being able to reference something current shows genuine, ongoing interest). Confirm logistics — location, format (video or in-person), dress code, who you're meeting, and how long to allow. Prepare a printed copy of your CV, the job description, and your question list. Plan your route if in-person. The night before, focus on rest rather than last-minute cramming — confidence and composure matter as much as preparation.

Stand out from the crowd

What FTI Consulting looks for

Analytical rigour and structured problem-solving ability

Analytical rigour and structured problem-solving ability

Attention to detail and accuracy in analysis

Attention to detail and accuracy in analysis

Communication clarity and ability to persuade with evidence

Communication clarity and ability to persuade with evidence

Collaborative approach with strong team engagement

Collaborative approach with strong team engagement

Initiative and drive to deliver client value under pressure

Initiative and drive to deliver client value under pressure

Get through the door

How to apply to FTI Consulting

Start by studying FTI Consulting's careers page and current openings carefully. Tailor your CV to mirror the language they use in job descriptions — consulting & advisory employers use applicant tracking systems that scan for specific keywords, and generic applications get filtered out before a human sees them. If you're applying for Management Consultant, Business Analyst, Financial Analyst, research what each role involves at FTI Consulting specifically, not just the job title in general.

If you're early in your career, look for entry-level or junior positions on FTI Consulting's careers page. Some roles may not be advertised externally, so networking through LinkedIn and industry events can surface opportunities before they're posted publicly. Consider whether FTI Consulting offers internships or work experience placements as a route in — many consulting & advisory employers use these as a pipeline for permanent roles.

Before submitting your application, research FTI Consulting's recent news, strategy, and any public statements from leadership. Mentioning something specific in your cover letter — a recent project, a company initiative, or a strategic direction — signals that you've done your homework and aren't sending the same application to every consulting & advisory employer. Referrals from current employees significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, so connect with people at FTI Consulting on LinkedIn and attend any open days or recruitment events they run.

With 6,500+ employees, FTI Consulting has a large alumni network. Search LinkedIn for former employees now working elsewhere — they can offer candid insights about the interview process, team culture, and what it's really like to work there. Current employees are also worth connecting with, but former employees tend to be more frank.

Mistakes candidates make

  • 1Submitting a generic CV that doesn't reference FTI Consulting or consulting & advisory-specific experience — tailored applications are significantly more likely to get past initial screening. Mirror the language from the job description and quantify your achievements.
  • 2Failing to research FTI Consulting's values, recent news, and strategic direction before the interview — interviewers can tell immediately when a candidate hasn't prepared beyond reading the About page on the website.
  • 3Not preparing concrete STAR examples that demonstrate Analytical rigour and structured problem-solving ability and Attention to detail and accuracy in analysis — FTI Consulting uses competency-based interviewing, so vague answers like "I'm a team player" without specific situations, actions, and measurable outcomes will score poorly.
  • 4Underestimating the preparation timeline — FTI Consulting's process typically takes 4-8 weeks from application to offer, and the best candidates start preparing weeks in advance. Last-minute cramming shows in your answers.
  • 5Neglecting to ask thoughtful questions at the end of each interview stage — generic questions like "what's the culture like?" waste your chance to demonstrate genuine curiosity about FTI Consulting and the specific role.
  • 6Applying to multiple roles at FTI Consulting simultaneously without tailoring each application — recruiters notice this, and it signals that you're not genuinely interested in any specific position.

Real questions asked

FTI Consulting interview questions

20 questions sourced from real FTI Consulting candidates. Practise answering them out loud before your interview.

  • 1Tell us about your background and interest in FTI.
  • 2Describe a project where you managed complex, competing demands.
  • 3Give an example of when you had to present findings persuasively.
  • 4How do you approach problems requiring forensic analysis?
  • 5Tell us about a time you failed and recovered.
  • 6Walk us through a complex analytical project.
  • 7Why litigation support or restructuring consulting interests you.
  • 8How do you maintain accuracy and attention to detail?

Your career here

Growth & development at FTI Consulting

Career progression at FTI Consulting follows a relatively clear path for most roles. Promotions typically depend on demonstrating increased responsibility, deeper expertise, and leadership capability — whether that's leading teams, managing clients, or driving technical innovation. The organisation values both specialist depth and the ability to take on broader management responsibilities, so there are usually multiple progression routes available. Don't assume you need to move into management to advance — many consulting & advisory organisations increasingly recognise and reward technical and specialist career paths.

FTI Consulting invests in structured learning and development programmes, including access to training courses, conferences, and professional certifications. Many employees report that the L&D budget is generous and genuinely encouraged — not just a line in the benefits package that nobody actually uses. Whether it's technical upskilling, leadership development, or industry certifications, there's real support for continuous learning. While formal mentoring programmes may vary across departments, the culture generally encourages learning from more experienced colleagues. Building relationships with senior team members is one of the most effective ways to accelerate your development — seek out people whose career trajectory you admire and ask them for advice regularly.

For consulting & advisory professionals, FTI Consulting offers exposure to projects and challenges that build a strong CV whether you stay long-term or move on after a few years. The skills and experience you gain — particularly around Analytical rigour and structured problem-solving ability and Attention to detail and accuracy in analysis — are transferable across the consulting & advisory sector and beyond. Internal mobility is possible for strong performers, with opportunities to move between teams, departments, or even locations as your career develops. Many senior leaders at FTI Consulting started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.

Compensation

Salary & benefits at FTI Consulting

Associate Consultant: £48,000–£60,000; Senior Associate: £68,000–£85,000; Manager: £110,000–£140,000+

Notable benefits

Competitive salary with performance bonus (15-30% of base)
Private health insurance with family coverage
Pension scheme with employer contribution
Flexible working and parental leave (18+ weeks)
Professional development budget
Gym membership and wellness support
Travel and relocation benefits
Life insurance and income protection
Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays

Frequently asked questions

What types of cases do FTI consultants work on?

FTI consultants work on litigation support cases involving damages quantification, expert testimony preparation, and competitive analysis. You might also work on fraud investigations, restructuring advisory, crisis management, and business transformation projects. The range of matter types creates exposure to diverse industries and complex business challenges.

How much travel is involved at FTI?

Travel varies by project type and role level. Litigation support cases may require travel to depositions, trials, or client locations. Some projects allow significant remote work, while others require regular travel. FTI has expanded flexible working arrangements allowing negotiation of travel expectations based on project needs.

What do junior consultants do on engagements?

As an Associate Consultant, you'll conduct research, financial analysis, interviews with subject matter experts, and document review. You'll help build models, prepare presentations, and support expert preparation. You'll work closely with senior consultants and gradually take on more responsibility as your expertise grows.

How does FTI develop its consultants?

FTI is committed to consultant development through structured mentoring, regular feedback, skill-building programmes, and clear advancement pathways. You'll have a mentor and manager guiding your growth. The firm provides training in consulting skills, industry knowledge, and subject matter expertise. FTI emphasises learning from complex projects.

What is the career progression?

The progression is Associate Consultant (2-3 years) → Senior Associate (2-3 years) → Manager (3-4 years) → Senior Manager (3-4 years) → Director. Advancement depends on demonstrated client impact, analytical capability, and leadership potential. FTI evaluates consultants regularly with transparent feedback.

Do I need a legal background to join FTI?

No, FTI recruits from diverse backgrounds without requiring legal training. The firm values analytical skills, business acumen, and ability to learn complex subject matter. Many successful FTI consultants come from engineering, sciences, business, and liberal arts backgrounds. You'll develop necessary subject matter expertise through training and project work.

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