The Perfect HR Consultant – who is she/he?
Human Resource Management is an essential component of any organisation aiming to achieve long-term success. Large corporations are intensively developing their HR departments and know that this investment pays off. In addition to in-house staff, they also use independent experts who provide vital support on particularly demanding projects. It is often more cost-effective for small and medium-sized companies to use external HR consultants for modelling and optimising the company’s HR landscape.
But how do you choose the best HR company and consultant? How can you recognise them and what qualities do they possess?
We provide a breakdown of all areas of HR experts’ competencies and capabilities. Now everyone can find out what to look for to choose the best HR consultant for their project and organisation.
To structure the knowledge, we have divided the competencies into four main groups: knowledge, consultation, communication and project management.
Knowledge – Professional and Organisational
Professional knowledge of principles and best practices in HR procedures and methods. This should be complemented by expertise in the relevant business context, supported by practical experience and training. As a result, a good consultant creatively leverages these elements to develop optimal solutions for a given project. Their knowledge also includes familiarity with the latest HR news, trends and legislation. The ideal consultant believes in and embodies continuous improvement, both in terms of information and cutting-edge industry solutions.
Consultation skills
What is the skill set of an expert in the HR field? They establish and maintain collaborative professional relationships. Discuss, identify and address internal and external client priorities in the context of the organisation’s mission and goals. Based on this, a great consultant provides counsel and information on HR best practices that help achieve desired outcomes and are in the best interest of the organisation. Regardless of pressures, uncertainties, risks and unpredictable outcomes perform a comprehensive analysis of the situation. He or she evaluates the relationships and interrelationships of all issues across organisational boundaries (where relevant) and shares knowledge and critical insights to achieve mutually acceptable outcomes.
Human assessment skills distinguish the best HR Consultants. They know how to assess the candidate’s potential during recruitment, along with the evaluation of the suitability of staff for their current or potential roles. That is connected with high human capital management skills. The ability to acknowledge and nurture employees including training, managing, mentoring and retaining them are the most important goals of the role.
Communication skills
Excellent communication skills are essential for an HR Consultant. The ability to communicate, understand, empathise and problem-solve with people from all levels within the company is vital.
The HR Expert you are looking for communicates clearly (both verbally and in writing) and makes sure that information is understood and shared. Can actively listen and ask questions. Is open to the ideas and opinions of others. Has respect for all people and perspectives, which gives them credibility.
Project Management
Best specialists in the field provide oversight of the formally functioning programme or projects and all activities related to the objective and timeframe intended. They define and develop quality control targets, methods and measures and undertake actions to improve the process and programme performance.
That is why time management skills for HR consultants are crucial. Prioritising, punctuality and being efficient is a must to complete time-sensitive tasks.
This shows that the competencies of the best experts are extensive and in-depth. They translate into efficiency and optimal solutions proposed by the best HR consultants. If you want your organisation to operate more efficiently, your processes to run more smoothly and your projects to be completed faster and with better results, contact us at [email protected]. Our top HR experts will develop a programme for your company that will result in long-term success.
