What personality traits do consultants have? (2024)

We surveyed 15,006 consultants to learn what personality traits and interests make them unique. Here are the results.


Holland Codes

Consultants are enterprising and artistic

Consultants tend to be predominantly enterprising individuals, which means that they are usually quite natural leaders who thrive at influencing and persuading others. They also tend to be artistic, meaning that they are creative and original and work well in a setting that allows for self-expression.

If you are one or both of these archetypes, you may be well suited to be a consultant. However, if you are realistic, this is probably not a good career for you. Unsure of where you fit in? Take the career test now.

Here’s how the Holland codes of the average consultant break down:


Big Five

The top personality traits of consultants are extraversion and openness

Consultants score highly on extraversion, meaning that they rely on external stimuli to be happy, such as people or exciting surroundings. They also tend to be high on the measure of openness, which means they are usually curious, imaginative, and value variety.

Once again, let’s break down the components of the personality of an average consultant:

What personality traits do consultants have? (2024)

FAQs

What personality type is good for consulting? ›

Traits of a good consultant: Flexible, Disciplined, Confident, Persistent, Studious, Sociable and Creative. INTJ – “The Architect”: INTJ's have superb professional competence, self-confidence and great observations.

What traits does a consultant need? ›

The qualities of a good consultant are important to keep in mind, as a leader looks for the best fit for their business.
  • Demonstrable Depth of Experience. ...
  • Client-first Mindset. ...
  • Analytical Problem Solver. ...
  • Reliable in Word and Deed. ...
  • Professional. ...
  • Excellent Listener. ...
  • Lifelong Learner. ...
  • Driven.
Jan 27, 2021

What is a consultant personality? ›

Professional is the word that best describes a consultant. This characteristic can be seen in the way they communicate with clients, fellow team members and other employees. They use tactful expression and maintain their emotional intelligence. Their excellent people skills make them good leaders.

What is the profile of an excellent consultant? ›

However, no matter what type of consulting area a person would like to enter or what firm they would want to work for, there are several key characteristics that every successful consultant should possess: Having self-confidence, be a good listener, be a team player, easily cultivate and gain client trust, exhibit ...

Do consultants need to be attractive? ›

It is important, however, to note that physical appearance (not necessarily attractiveness as much as how you present yourself) matters. Not only do you feel more confident when you are professionally put together, you deliver the impression consulting firms want to convey.

What is the most successful personality type? ›

Extroverts, sensors, thinkers, and judgers tend to be the most financially successful personality types, according to new research. The researchers surveyed over 72,000 people measuring their personality, income levels, and career-related data.

What is the mindset of a consultant? ›

The consulting mindset means changing your perspective and asking questions from a place of curiosity. This is what helps leaders uncover the best implementable solutions.

What are the four roles of consultants? ›

What does a consultant do?
  • working with clients to understand their needs and to agree the scope of each consulting project.
  • conducting research, surveys and interviews and analysing data to gain insights into the business.
  • analysing statistics.
  • detecting issues and investigating ways to resolve them.
Jun 21, 2023

Do consultants have to be extroverted? ›

While those who are naturally drawn to networking and interacting with others may have an advantage when it comes to self-promotion or meeting new people, that doesn't mean an introvert—or a shy extrovert—can't be effective in starting their own business.

How do you stand out in consulting? ›

What makes a graduate consulting candidate stand out?
  1. Demonstrate attention to detail. Being a good consultant is all about sweating the small stuff. ...
  2. Show you're already thinking like a consultant. ...
  3. Ask insightful questions. ...
  4. Practice competency questions. ...
  5. Show an aptitude for both teamwork and independent working.

What is the person specification for a consultant? ›

The person specification is an important document for your application to a consultant post as it dictates the requirements in terms of training, experience and personality which you will be expected to demonstrate through the consultant application form, your consultant CV or your consultant interview.

What makes someone a consultant? ›

A consultant is a person who's an expert in a particular field who gives professional advice to individuals and businesses in their area of expertise, usually on a temporary or contract basis until a particular need has been met.

Who is suitable for consulting? ›

If you want to pursue a career in consulting, you'll need to have specific expertise in your field, as well as exceptional skills in communication, dealing with people, flexibility, curiosity, and problem-solving.

What personality type is best for counseling? ›

The Personality Type Best Suited for a Counseling Career

Research has shown that effective counselors fit one specific personality type: Introvertive, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging (INFJ). This research concluded that counselors tend to be quiet and reserved and enjoy learning through observation.

Can you be an introvert in consulting? ›

Remember, as an independent professional, you're able to set your own schedule, decide how you run your business, and choose where you work. Introverts bring many benefits to this career path; it's simply a matter of playing to your strengths and working with your weaknesses.

Which MBTI type is best at business? ›

The ESTPs, ENTPs, ESTJs, ENTJs, INTJs, and ISTJs are the most common personality types for entrepreneurs and business owners.

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