Be ready to go over:

• Problem Structuring – How you break down a complex, ambiguous business problem into solvable components.
• Optimization Modeling – Identifying key constraints, decision variables, and objective functions within a business scenario.
• Presentation Skills – Delivering your recommendations clearly and defending your assumptions under questioning from the interviewers.
• Advanced concepts – Understanding heuristics, linear programming, vehicle routing problem (VRP) variants, and workforce scheduling constraints.

Example questions or scenarios:

• Presenting a structured solution to a complex logistics distribution problem, detailing how to minimize fuel costs while meeting strict delivery windows.
• Explaining how you would handle data gaps when building a workforce planning model for a client with irregular shift patterns.

As a Consultant at ORTEC, your daily activities will span the entire lifecycle of client engagements, combining technical implementation with strategic business consulting.

You will be responsible for translating complex business requirements into structured mathematical optimization models. This involves conducting workshops with clients to understand their operational bottlenecks, gathering and cleaning relevant data, and configuring ORTEC's proprietary software suite or building custom optimization tools to address their needs. You will regularly collaborate with internal software engineers and data scientists to ensure that the solutions you design are robust, scalable, and technically sound.

In addition to technical implementation, you will drive change management efforts within client organizations. This means presenting your analytical findings and optimization results to both technical teams and senior executives, ensuring they understand the value of the solution. You will also train client teams on how to use the implemented systems, ensuring long-term project success and high adoption rates.

To be competitive for the Consultant role at ORTEC, you must demonstrate a strong academic and professional background in quantitative disciplines, paired with excellent interpersonal skills.

• Must-have skills – Strong analytical and quantitative background, typically demonstrated by a degree in Operations Research, Econometrics, Mathematics, Industrial Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
• Must-have skills – Proven problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to structure complex, ambiguous challenges into logical, manageable steps.
• Must-have skills – Excellent communication and presentation skills in English (and the local office language, such as Dutch for Netherlands locations), with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Nice-to-have skills – Experience with optimization software, programming languages (such as Python, R, or SQL), or business intelligence tools.
• Nice-to-have skills – Prior experience in a consulting role or working within supply chain, logistics, or workforce management industries.

Q: How difficult is the online assessment, and how should I prepare? A: The online assessment is considered to be of average to high difficulty due to strict time limits. You should prepare by practicing quantitative reasoning tests, mental math, and logical pattern-recognition puzzles. Familiarizing yourself with standard cognitive tests will help you manage your time effectively during the actual 45-minute exam.

Q: What is the typical timeline from application to offer? A: The timeline can vary. While some candidates receive feedback within a few days, others report that the process can take several weeks between stages. It is highly recommended to maintain proactive communication with your recruiter throughout the process.

Q: Do I need a background in advanced programming to be successful? A: While strong programming skills are highly beneficial, they are not always a strict requirement. A solid grasp of logical thinking, database structures, and mathematical modeling is more critical, as ORTEC provides training on their proprietary software and tools.

Q: What distinguishes a good candidate from a great candidate during the case study? A: Great candidates do not just focus on the mathematical correctness of their model; they focus on the business application. They clearly articulate their assumptions, explain the trade-offs of their decisions, and present their findings in a way that directly addresses the client's strategic goals.

To maximize your chances of success, keep these practical, insider tips in mind as you prepare for your interviews:

• Master the VIT (Full Intelligence Test): If you are interviewing in the Netherlands or Europe, you may face the VIT. Practice quantitative matrices, spatial reasoning, and word associations beforehand to ensure this initial hurdle does not block your progress.

• Showcase your curiosity: ORTEC is a company built on a passion for mathematics and optimization. Show genuine interest in how things work, ask deep questions about their products, and demonstrate an eagerness to learn.

• Structure your communication: When answering behavioral or situational questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This structured approach aligns perfectly with the analytical mindset that ORTEC values in its consultants.

• Be prepared to discuss your assessment results: Interviewers frequently bring up your personality and cognitive test results during the first round. Be honest, self-aware, and ready to discuss how your test profile reflects your actual working style and areas for growth.

The Consultant position at ORTEC offers an exceptional opportunity to apply advanced analytics and optimization methodologies to solve critical, real-world business challenges. It is a role that combines intellectual depth with tangible, positive real-world impact—helping global organizations operate more efficiently while reducing their environmental footprint.

To succeed in this process, focus your preparation on mastering the online cognitive assessments, structuring your problem-solving approach for the case study, and clearly demonstrating your motivation and communication skills. Approach each stage with confidence, logical clarity, and a collaborative spirit.

The compensation data above reflects the competitive salary structure offered to consultants at ORTEC. When evaluating an offer, keep in mind that total compensation often includes performance-based bonuses, comprehensive benefits, and significant opportunities for professional development and training.

For more detailed interview insights, company reviews, and preparation resources from candidates who have successfully navigated the hiring process, explore the comprehensive tools available on Dataford. Good luck with your preparation—your journey to joining ORTEC starts now.