Strategy Consulting

How to get a job at LEK Consulting

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

London, UK 1,800+ 4/5/5 Glassdoor
Practise LEK Consulting interview free

Sign up free · No card needed · Free trial on all plans

Video Interview Practice

Choose your interview type

Your question

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

30s preparation 2 min recording Camera + mic

About LEK Consulting

Company overview

LEK Consulting is a leading global strategy consulting firm known for analytical rigour, industry expertise, and focus on delivering sustainable competitive advantage. The firm specialises in strategy, pricing, growth, and operations across multiple industries including consumer, financial services, energy, and healthcare. LEK combines deep industry knowledge with advanced analytics and quantitative rigour to solve complex business challenges.

Inside the company

Culture & values at LEK Consulting

LEK's culture emphasises analytical excellence, entrepreneurial thinking, and genuine partnership with clients. The firm values intellectual rigour, direct communication, and accountability for results. LEK is committed to developing consultants as future leaders through mentoring, continuous learning, and clear advancement pathways. The firm celebrates diversity and creates an inclusive environment where talented people can thrive.

Why people want to work here

At LEK, you'll work on strategic challenges for leading companies across multiple industries, developing deep expertise in strategy, pricing, and growth. The firm's focus on analytical rigour and quantitative approaches differentiates your skills development. LEK's collaborative culture and focus on consultant development create an excellent environment for building a long-term consulting career. The firm's strong alumni network provides lifelong career advantages.

What to expect

Working at LEK Consulting

Most roles at LEK 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 1,800+-person organisation, LEK 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 LEK Consulting shapes how the day feels beyond just the work itself. Colleagues describe the environment as one that values Analytical rigour and quantitative problem-solving ability and Strategic thinking and industry understanding. Lunch breaks, team socials, and informal catch-ups are part of the rhythm — LEK 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

LEK Consulting interview process

LEK's recruiting process includes case interviews, business discussions, and analytical assessments to identify problem-solvers with strong quantitative skills and business acumen.

1

Online application and CV screening

Varies

Online application and CV screening

2

First-round case interviews (1-2 cases) focusing on problem-solving approach

Varies

First-round case interviews (1-2 cases) focusing on problem-solving approach

3

Second-round interviews with complex cases and strategic discussion

Varies

Second-round interviews with complex cases and strategic discussion

4

Final round with Partner on career vision and strategic thinking

Varies

Final round with Partner on career vision and strategic thinking

5

Optional quantitative assessment

Varies

Optional quantitative assessment

4-8 weeks from application to offer

Insider tips

Develop strong quantitative skills and comfort with data analysis — LEK values analytical rigour highly. Practice case interviews focusing on structured problem-solving and frameworks. Research LEK's industry expertise and recent engagements. Prepare examples demonstrating analytical thinking and business impact. Show genuine interest in strategy and growth challenges. Practice articulating insights clearly and persuasively.

Your game plan

How to prepare for your LEK Consulting interview

LEK 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 LEK Consulting thoroughly — read their annual report, recent press coverage, and leadership interviews. Understand their position in management consulting and any challenges or opportunities they're facing. Follow LEK 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 LEK Consulting and reach out for an informal conversation.

3 weeks before

Prepare 8-10 STAR examples from your experience that demonstrate Analytical rigour and quantitative problem-solving ability, Strategic thinking and industry understanding, Communication clarity and persuasive reasoning. 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 Strategy 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 LEK 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 LEK Consulting's strategy.

Final week

Review and refine your STAR examples — tighten any that felt long or unfocused during practice. Check LEK 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 LEK Consulting looks for

Analytical rigour and quantitative problem-solving ability

Analytical rigour and quantitative problem-solving ability

Strategic thinking and industry understanding

Strategic thinking and industry understanding

Communication clarity and persuasive reasoning

Communication clarity and persuasive reasoning

Collaborative approach with strong interpersonal skills

Collaborative approach with strong interpersonal skills

Initiative and commitment to client value delivery

Initiative and commitment to client value delivery

Get through the door

How to apply to LEK Consulting

Start by studying LEK Consulting's careers page and current openings carefully. Tailor your CV to mirror the language they use in job descriptions — management consulting 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 Strategy Consultant, Business Analyst, Data Analyst, research what each role involves at LEK Consulting specifically, not just the job title in general.

If you're early in your career, look for entry-level or junior positions on LEK 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 LEK Consulting offers internships or work experience placements as a route in — many strategy consulting employers use these as a pipeline for permanent roles.

Before submitting your application, research LEK 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 strategy consulting employer. Referrals from current employees significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, so connect with people at LEK Consulting on LinkedIn and attend any open days or recruitment events they run.

As a smaller organisation, LEK Consulting values personal connections. Attending industry events where their team members speak or exhibit can be an effective way to build rapport before you apply. In strategy consulting specifically, personal recommendations carry significant weight.

Mistakes candidates make

  • 1Submitting a generic CV that doesn't reference LEK Consulting or management consulting-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 LEK 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 quantitative problem-solving ability and Strategic thinking and industry understanding — LEK 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 — LEK 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 LEK Consulting and the specific role.
  • 6Applying to multiple roles at LEK 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

LEK Consulting interview questions

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

  • 1Tell us about your background and interest in LEK.
  • 2Describe a project where you applied quantitative analysis.
  • 3Give an example of when you influenced strategy or decisions.
  • 4How do you approach problems with ambiguous information?
  • 5Tell us about a time you failed and lessons learned.
  • 6Walk us through a complex analytical challenge.
  • 7Why strategy consulting rather than other career paths?
  • 8How do you ensure analysis translates to actionable insight?

Your career here

Growth & development at LEK Consulting

Career progression at LEK 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 strategy consulting organisations increasingly recognise and reward technical and specialist career paths.

LEK 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 management consulting professionals, LEK 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 quantitative problem-solving ability and Strategic thinking and industry understanding — are transferable across the strategy consulting 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 LEK Consulting started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.

Compensation

Salary & benefits at LEK Consulting

Associate Consultant: £50,000–£62,000; Consultant: £68,000–£85,000; Senior Consultant: £105,000–£135,000+

Notable benefits

Competitive salary with performance bonus (12-25% of base)
Private health insurance with family coverage
Pension scheme with employer match
Flexible working and parental leave (18+ weeks)
Professional development and training budget
Gym membership and wellness programmes
Travel and relocation benefits
Life insurance and income protection
Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays

Frequently asked questions

What is LEK's specialisation in pricing consulting?

LEK has deep expertise in pricing strategy, helping companies optimise revenue through analytical approaches to pricing optimisation, customer segmentation, and willingness-to-pay analysis. The firm combines economic principles with quantitative analytics to drive significant financial impact. LEK's pricing expertise is highly valued in consumer, technology, and financial services industries.

How much technical/quantitative skill do I need?

LEK values strong quantitative skills and comfortable working with data. However, the firm recruits from diverse backgrounds and will develop technical skills on the job. Strong foundation in mathematics, engineering, sciences, or analytical fields helps, but business school graduates with strong analytical thinking also succeed. Your willingness to develop quantitative skills matters most.

What do LEK consultants work on day-to-day?

Junior consultants lead workstreams involving research, data analysis, financial modelling, interviews, and presentation development. You'll build models to test strategic hypotheses, analyse customer or market data, and synthesise findings for client leadership. You'll work closely with more senior consultants and have significant client contact throughout engagements.

How does LEK support career development?

LEK is committed to developing consultants through dedicated mentoring, regular feedback, skill-building workshops, and clear advancement criteria. You'll have a mentor and manager supporting your growth. The firm provides training in consulting skills, industry knowledge, and analytical tools. LEK emphasises learning from project work and continuous professional development.

What is the typical promotion timeline?

The progression is Associate Consultant (2 years) → Consultant (3 years) → Senior Consultant (3-4 years) → Manager (3-4 years) → Principal (5+ years). Advancement is based on demonstrated client impact, analytical capability, and leadership potential. LEK evaluates consultants regularly with transparent feedback.

Do I need an MBA to succeed at LEK?

No, LEK does not require an MBA. The firm recruits talented individuals from undergraduate, graduate, and professional backgrounds. MBA graduates may have different entry points or accelerated progression in some cases, but strong analytical skills and business acumen are more important than specific educational credentials.

Your LEK Consulting interview is coming.

Be ready for it.

Practise with real LEK Consulting questions, get scored across 6 competencies, and walk in confident you can perform under pressure.

Start free

Sign up free · No card needed