SECTION 1
Why It Matters
Your pitch is often your first chance to stand out. Catalant clients are busy, discerning decision-makers who are scanning multiple pitches quickly to find someone who gets it. A generic pitch focused on your resume won’t cut through. A sharp, client-centric message that shows you understand their specific challenge is the goal. Combine that with smart timing and a strong review track record, and you significantly increase your chances of landing the right work.
Getting the pitch right isn’t just about being polished—it’s about being relevant, responsive, and credible from the very first touchpoint.
SECTION 2
Client-Centric Messaging
Focus on Their Needs, Not Your Resume
The most important element to consider is making sure your pitch is client-centric. Every Catalant project includes a short overview where the client describes their business and what they’re looking for. Your pitch should be a direct response to that description, not a generic summary of your background.
Let’s look at an example project blurb:
“We are a PE-backed dental chain that is rapidly growing. Our transformation office is led by our Chief Transformation Officer, an ex-MBB consultant, and is currently staffed by 3 people. We are looking to add a fourth to the team. This consultant should be an exceptionally savvy generalist who can ramp up quickly and add value across different workstreams every day as we execute our transformation plan.”
Many consultants on Catalant will respond to this blurb by focusing on themselves:
“My name is Sally and I am an ex-BCG consultant with 10 years of experience in consulting, including 5 years as an independent. I’ve completed over 5 transformation projects with major companies and private equity-owned companies. I am confident I can deliver strong results for your team.”
The problem? It focuses entirely on the consultant, not the client.
The following example is a stronger, client-focused approach, and therefore much more likely to be well received by the client:
“Hello Chief Transformation Officer,
It sounds like you and your team are deep in the trenches executing the PE firm’s value creation plan. Since this hire appears unplanned, my guess is that one or more workstreams are hitting capacity or running into a roadblock, and you need someone who can ramp fast and plug in immediately, picking up that excess capacity.
That’s exactly where I thrive. In past transformation projects, quickly ramping and bouncing between multiple workstreams has been my specialty. You also likely need someone highly organized to know what is happening across each workstream and not let the details slip through the cracks.”
This second pitch does several things well:
That’s how you demonstrate expertise—by showing it, not telling it.
SECTION 3
Speed
Timing Is Everything
There’s a significant advantage to pitching early.
Projects may remain open on Catalant for several weeks while the client interviews candidates. It’s possible to be hired on a project that has been on the platform for several weeks, but the reality is that most hires happen early in the process.
If you’re one of the first to pitch:
Keep a close eye on new postings and move quickly when you see a strong fit. Even a few hours can make a difference.
Pro Tip: Aim to respond to pitch invites from Catalant team members ideally within 6 hours, but no more than 12 hours, to maximize your chances of being seen by the client.
SECTION 4
Ratings
Your Catalant Track Record Matters
Every consultant on the platform has a ratings score—think of it as your “Uber rating.” It’s a quick signal to clients about whether others have found you reliable and effective.
- If you’ve completed projects on Catalant, your ratings score appears on your profile. A strong score gives you a competitive edge. Clients are more likely to trust consultants who’ve already delivered results through the platform.
- If you’re new and don’t have ratings yet, it does not mean you’re less likely to be considered; it just means you need to be strategic and sharp in your pitch.
Start with projects where you can stand out and are more competitive, build your base of positive reviews, and then move up the ladder.