moving to a different firm?

In August this year, I got a job at a mid level international strategy consulting firm. It was still in the middle of the crisis, the offer was OK and some other firms (more prestigious) were not hiring. Now I'm kind of satisfied with the firm (learning a lot, an training programme in place, working in very interntional teams, a fantastic culture and a very good boss).

However. I could be getting much better pay for the same work at better firms, work with more people (our office is small), have more client exposure (we work mainly in the office, no travelling) and the range of the projects could be wider (we focus on PE). Plus, I don't necessarily like the city I live in (it's not the capital).

Would these all be very good reasons to apply to other firms with the beginning of the year?

I meant: how would they look like in my cover letter?

Guys, this is a bit hard for me and I'm really struggling. I would highly appreciate the advice of somebody more experienced. Thank you.

Sounds like you have a good deal at your current employers. I would not rush to jump ship while the world is still in recession (perhaps coming out, perhaps not)

Get another year or two experience under your belt before moving on

Let's break down your reasons.

1. Better pay for the same work: Almost certainly some consultancies will pay at or above market rate for relevant experience. However unless you're very good at hiding your true salary most firms will match your current pay given your situation (jumping ship less than 1 year into a job).

2. Work with more people = Maybe. Arguably the larger the firm the more pigeonholed you will be in a specific role with a smaller remit.

3. Have more client exposure = If you mean more late nights with the client pretending to laugh at their drunken jokes or getting the red eye into London City, sure why not.

4. Range of projects could be wider = Depends on your group and what you are aiming for.

5. Working in a capital city = if you get a 20% payrise in a new job but your living costs are 40% more, why bother?

My point being, don't be so quick to dismiss the advantages of your present situation and always know the true cost (and consequences) of any decision. But then, you're in Strat - you're supposed to know this already.