Consulting's 'Airplane Test': The Secret to Landing Top Jobs and What It Means for Startups

I've often heard that the consulting world is tough to break into. Recently, I stumbled upon Jack Kim's experience, which got me thinking about how the hiring process mirrors challenges in the crypto space. Kim, a former Bain consultant, now co-founder of a mentorship program, shared a key insight: passing the 'airplane test' is important for locking down a consulting role. But here's the thing, isn't this test just as relevant for startups and the crypto industry?

Understanding the 'Airplane Test'

Kim's journey into consulting wasn't straightforward. Despite graduating from the London School of Economics and having experience at Parthenon, he faced multiple rejections before landing a role at Bain. He attributes these setbacks to overlooking the 'airplane test,' a important part of the hiring puzzle.

what's the 'airplane test,' you ask? It's a simple yet telling question: Would you be comfortable sitting next to this candidate on a 12-hour flight? In consulting, the implication is clear, travel is a staple, and you don't want to be stuck with someone who grates on your nerves. It's about culture fit, likability, and whether you can hold a decent conversation. Kim learned the hard way that all the technical skills and case interview prowess in the world won't help if you can't pass this test of personal compatibility.

Kim's mentorship company, Casebuddy, leverages this insight, guiding students not only through technical preparation but also focusing on these softer skills. In their first cohort, they helped four students get into top consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain, or BCG, even from non-target universities. Clearly, understanding this 'airplane test' is a big deal in the consulting hiring process.

Implications for Startups and Crypto

So, what does the 'airplane test' mean outside traditional consulting? In startups and crypto, where teams are often smaller and work closely, this principle could be even more critical. You're not just hiring skills. you're adding to a company's culture and vibe. But here's the twist, does the crypto industry, often lauded for its innovation and disruption, fall short in valuing this?

Crypto startups can learn from Kim's experience. Many focus heavily on technical expertise, overlooking the relational aspects that could be important for a cohesive team, especially in remote work settings. In a rapidly growing industry like crypto, where projects can pivot quickly, having team members you genuinely get along with could be the difference between success and failure.

For startups, adopting a version of the 'airplane test' could lead to higher employee retention and better team dynamics. The industry already faces challenges with security exploits and scams, so building a team that communicates effectively could be a proactive approach to these issues. After all, in a world where 'funds aren't safu,' trust among team members is invaluable.

Actionable Insights and My Take

Let's get real. If you're hiring, or getting hired, in today's fast-paced industries, consider this: Are you focusing enough on cultural fit? Kim's insights make it clear that this isn't just a nice-to-have. it's essential. For those looking to enter consulting or crypto, developing these interpersonal skills could set you apart.

And for companies, maybe it's time to rethink hiring processes. Incorporating 'airplane test' elements could refine talent acquisition strategies, leading to more resilient teams. In the end, it's not just about skills. it's about the people behind those skills.

So, next time you're interviewing, ask yourself: Would you be okay sharing a long flight with this person? If the answer is yes, you might just have found your next great hire.