7 Step Consulting

Consulting Perk: Avoid HR

I have nothing against human resources people or human resources departments. But let’s be completely honest here.

HR Sucks

In some companies, the human resources department seems to have a different mission from the rest of the organization. Instead of furthering the mission of earning a profit, they want to make the hiring process as long and impossible to navigate as possible. Success is judged by how many rolls of red tape we used to keep Mr. New Hire from getting any work done in his first two weeks of being on the job.

Consultants Avoid HR

As a consultant, at least in some cases, you get to avoid human resources. Your contracting company, if you have one, is most likely dealing directly with the manager. Your manager deals with HR. This should make your life a lot easier. If you have a problem, you talk with your manager or your recruiter. No forms to fill out, no calls to return.

It’s not half bad.

Your Recruiter Should Care About You

The recruiter you are working with should care about you and your family. This isn’t just a business transaction. If this guy gets you a job, he’s affecting your career, your family, and your financial situation.

I try to care about my potential consultants. It’s all about relationship. You probably aren’t going to trust me if I don’t know anything about you. Or if I don’t know where you want to take your career.

Does your recruiter never call? Never e-mail? Does he mispronounce your name every time he speaks with you? He probably doesn’t care.

It sounds cliche, but truly developing a relationship with a potential consultant is the best thing a recruiter can do. If I know what your perfect job is — the thing you would really, really love to do — I can bring it to you at the right time. I don’t care if it’s 6 months down the road. Because when I’ve got it, you’ll take it.