Understanding Human Resources Consulting

What Do HR Consultants Do?

Human Resource Consultation Defined: Human Resource consulting is simply consultation on HR practices. This can range from needing assistance with hiring and recruiting efforts, or it can be strategic integration of Human Resource programs, policies, processes, or practices.

Ultimately, the role of a Human Resource Consultant is to help clients with identification of their HR needs, assist them in developing an action plan and make policy and procedures to enhance the success of their company. Generally, these efforts break down into four key areas of focus.

The 4 P’s of Human Resource Consulting

Human Resource consulting services have grown from just assistance with hiring and staffing. HR consulting usually focuses on four core areas:

Human Resources Plan / Programs – developing an overall Human Resource plan that your company utilizes. This could include creating or updating your organization’s HR package. Redefining your Human Resource program helps not only with staffing the company but also with future recruitment and  employee retention. Your Human Resource plan will consist of goals, targets and a strategic map for achieving these goals and objectives.

Policies – introducing new “rules” and documentation around everything from orientation to non-disclosure agreements, codes of conduct etc.

Processes – establishing the necessary documentation and protocol that are to be followed as part of your deploying Human Resource programs. This could include guidelines for mapping out interview process, and the post-interview process, etc.

Practices – this might include things like creating job descriptions and figuring out the best avenues for sharing job postings. This would similarly include creating things like performance appraisal forms or an Employee Handbook.

The goals of an HR Consultant is to help in human resource management and offer the necessary support by developing processes and policy designed to increase efficiency, productivity, communication and employee morale.

What Do HR Consultants Do?

HR consultants have to be great at sales, accounting, finance, IT, marketing, and undeniably, human resource management to thoroughly understand inefficiencies and issues in human resources and how to counteract them.

Most of the Human Resource consultants are qualified and well-educated HR generalists or specialists, as this type of Human Resource career involves having a deep understanding of everything from labor laws to organizational management to equal opportunity employment and beyond.

A few HR consultants market themselves as generalists, thus attracting smaller companies who may need essential services related to hiring, recruiting, performance management, benefits, and training. Other HR consultants may choose to market themselves as HR specialists and thereby offer more strategic services that are of importance to more significant operations.

The job duties/responsibilities of Human Resource consultants often include:

• Serving as internal HR consultants by evaluating a company’s current HR programs and recommending solutions
• Recommending management on the administration of human resources policies and procedures
• Making sure HR programs and services are in compliance with established policies and procedures and state/federal laws and regulations
• Establishing, revising, and implementing HR policies and procedures
• Helping with the development and coordination of suggested changes regarding workflow
• Making and maintaining reports related to specific Human Resource projects
• Conducting audits of Human Resource activities to ensure compliance
• Establishing methods for compiling and analyzing data for reports and special projects
• Conducting training sessions related to specific Human Resource programs

Desired Competencies for Today’s Human Resource Consultants

Along with possessing advanced business and HR skills and knowledge, successful Human Resource consultants must have a number of competencies:

Theoretical and practical knowledge: HR Consultants must have the experience needed to understand what solutions have worked successfully in the past and about how to improve upon past mistakes.

Self-confidence: They must be sure of themselves if they are to communicate their wisdom and know-how with others.

Ability to improvise: Because companies are always evolving and changing, HR consultants must be able to predict and implement multiple solutions.

Ability to clarify ideas and concepts in a simplified manner: Human Resource consultants understand complex ideas in Human Resource, but they must be able to simplify and explain issues and solutions in terms everyone can understand.

Trustworthy: HR consultants must be able to create a strong relationship with their customers and to do so, they must show integrity as to build trust.

Excellent listening skills: Before solutions can be revealed, problems need to be completely understood. So, HR consultants must cautiously listen to the needs of their customers to implement solutions that address their particular needs.

How to Become an HR Consultant: Education and Certification

To be able to succeed in Human Resource consulting, individuals must be equipped with a solid education background and plenty of experience. A career in Human Resource consulting, therefore, usually begins with the completion of a bachelor’s degree in business management, business administration, human resources, finance, or a related field.

A common pursuit has become the Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management, as it offers a foundation in not only Human Resource-related topics, but in business concepts, as well, thus preparing students to become experienced in topics related to leadership, finance, management, and marketing, among others.

An MBA in HR Management offers students a comprehensive course of study in areas, for example:

• Management Information Systems
• Human Relations
• Marketing Management
• Human Resource Management
• International Business Management
• Financial Management
• Business Ethics
• Organizational Behavior
• Leadership
• Strategic Compensation
• Strategic Management

Professional certification for Human Resource consultants is an excellent way for these Human Resource specialists to set themselves apart from the competition and differentiate themselves as leaders in the profession.

HR Consultation services are something that business owners should take into consideration if they wish to grow their business. Whether you are a small company or a larger organization with multiple locations, leveraging a recruiting agency that offers HR consulting may be just what you require to take your business to the next level.