Recruiting FAQs

Because we receive lots of questions about recruiting at SMP, we have answered the most important ones in these FAQs. If you have any other questions, then please just give us a call.

When is the best time to apply?
Regardless of the desired entry position (internship, permanent position), you are requested to apply at least three months before your planned start date at SMP.

What documents does SMP need from applicants?
Completed applications should include a covering letter, a complete CV and relevant certificates regarding appointments, internships and your university and school career.

When can I expect feedback on my application?
Once you have sent us your documents, we kindly ask you to be patient. Our recruiting team will review each application carefully and will then get back to you. In general, we will contact you within two weeks.

Where can I learn more about SMP?
Besides the information on our website, we are regularly on campus at the major business administration faculties in German and European universities, where we introduce ourselves to students. In addition to traditional corporate presentations, you will also find us at large recruitment events. Current dates can be found in the "SMP on the spot" area on our website.

If I am invited to the applicants day / interview, what can I expect?
If you have applied for a permanent position with us, you will go through various stations at our full-day Applicants Day. Once our guided tour has given you a first impression of our offices, things really get started. In addition to individual interviews, you will be given a case study to solve together with other candidates. This case study will be derived from a typical SMP consulting case. You can also put your analytical and linguistic skills to the test in a systematised testing session. If the result is positive, you will round off the day with a partner interview.

If you apply as an intern, the interview takes approximately 1.5 hours. During this time we want to find out all about you and your reasons for wanting to do an internship at SMP. And, of course, you will also have the opportunity to clarify any outstanding questions. Finally we're testing your capacity as a strategy consultant by having you solve a small case study and a practical test in PowerPoint and Excel.

Within what kind of time frame would you make your decision?
Both the decision for an internship and of course, even more so for a permanent position, require careful consideration. That's why you should allow two weeks for this decision. If you have any queries, you can always contact our recruiting team.

Will I be assigned as a consultant to a specific industry sector right from the start?
No, new entrants always start off as generalists. You need to get to know all the core sectors of SMP before you focus on specific industries and topics. In this regard, we take into consideration your personal strengths and aspirations.

As an intern, do I get the opportunity to apply for a permanent position?
Our most successful recruiting channel is, in fact, subsequent permanent employment of (former) interns. Therefore, use the opportunity during your internship to make sure you are recommended for a permanent position, even if your potential starting date is still a long way off.

What is the minimum time an internship should last?
The minimum duration of an internship is two months. Normally, interns stay 10 - 12 weeks with us.

Will I get to spend any of my internship on the customer's premises?
We always try to take each trainee along to the customer, so you can form an accurate picture of the career of an SMP strategy consultant. Nevertheless, because this opportunity depends on both the project and the customer relationship involved, we can't always guarantee that you will be able to work on site.

For my internship or permanent employment, I am looking for short-term accommodation in Düsseldorf. Can SMP provide any help with this?
Particularly among interns, excellent quality accommodation is passed around quite freely and often there are a few tips from consultants. We will be happy to be able to help you out with this, please just give us a call!

How will I be looked after as an intern at SMP?
Right from the start of his or her time at SMP, every student is assigned a mentor who will be the contact point for the intern. The mentor also observes the development of the intern and provides regular, structured feedback.