HR Consultant
Complete with job descriptions, skill profiles, and interview templates. Use this HR Consultant hiring guide to help you make the right decisions, fast.
HOW TO HIRE A HR Consultant
What does a HR Consultant do?
A human resources (HR) consultant provides advice and guidance to businesses and ensures that an organization’s human capital serves the best interests of the company. By creating and implementing bespoke HR strategies, they work to ensure the organization is effectively utilizing its personnel to achieve its goals while working at optimal performance and efficiency levels. An HR Consultant is often either outsourced from an HR Consultancy or works freelance. They advise and perform HR functions as and when they are needed within the business.
Day to day tasks of a HR Consultant
- Refurbish knowledge of advancements in the field and present new ideas
- Initiate and lead human resource programs and projects
- Conduct research through various methods (data collection, surveys, etc.) to identify a problematic situation or find the cause
- Provide advice and recommendations to HR personnel for resolution of daily issues
- Formulate strategic and practical plans to address human resource matters
- Assist in recruiting, training, and management of personnel
- Devise plans and techniques to drive change and culture management
- Assist in the development and integration of policies
- Select and implement suitable HR technology
- Help establish control systems for compliance with business methods and HR practices
- Review systems and processes and make modifications to address issues
HR Consultant definition
An HR Consultant offers specialist advice and services, often from a third party, to help businesses maximize the efficiency of their HR operations and implement appropriate new policies and procedures in the best way possible. They are valued by companies for their ability to bring an outsider’s objective view.
HIRING PROCESS
HR Consultant Hiring Process
Build the ideal candidate profile
Skills needed for a HR Consultant
An HR Consultant must be solutions and problem-solving-oriented. As the role is people-focused, they must have exceptional interpersonal skills and have a keen eye for detail.
- Attention to Detail
- Interpersonal Skills
- Solutions Oriented
Pro Tip
Problem-solving is key when it comes to resolving situations where HR is involved. Being able to mediate a situation and find a solution where all parties are satisfied is an important skill. Keep an eye out for any applicants who place importance on problem-solving.
WRITE A JOB DESCRIPTION BASED ON SKILLS
How to write a HR Consultant job description
Once you’ve determined the skills required for the role, you can write the job description to advertise for your position. Here’s what to include in your HR Consultant job description:
Job Title: What position are you hiring for?
Summary: What makes your company unique? What would it be like to work for you?
Responsibilities: An overview of the role’s day-to-day activities, and how the position contributes to the organization
Requirements: Skills a candidate must have to perform the job successfully
Benefits: Details of compensation, benefits, and any perks on offer
Pro Tip
In building your candidate profile, remember you’ve already identified what skills are needed to succeed in the role. Here’s where to list your “must-have” skills and maybe a couple of “nice-to-have” skills. For example, an HR Consultant must have interpersonal and social skills, as this is a people-centric role. They should also have well-developed communication skills to go hand-in-hand with their interpersonal skills.
SELECTING THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Sample skill tests for a HR Consultant
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Question 1
Attention to Detail
Question Type: Multiple Choice
Read the below text.
Which of the following statements best describes the trend in complaints?
Question 2
Interpersonal Skills
Question Type: Video
What projects have you worked on that you are most proud of, and why?
Question 3
Solutions Oriented
Question Type: Text
There is high turnover within the business and you have been asked to find out why and to improve it.
What information would you gather to find out the cause of attrition?
INTERVIEW TOP PERFORMERS
How to interview a HR Consultant
Once your Vervoe skills assessment has surfaced the most qualified people for your open role, you can focus on interviewing these candidates. The interview should focus on any skills that require development that were highlighted from the skills assessment.
Now you know that candidates can do the job, the interview becomes more of a relationship building exercise where you can get to know the candidate on a more personal level, understand their motivations, and how they would fit in with the team.
Making An Offer
How much does it cost to hire a HR Consultant?
The US average for an HR Consultant is $63,063 according to Indeed.com, while the reported average salary on Glassdoor amounts to $75,238. 90% of HR Consultants earn up to $109,000 with 75% receiving less than $75,000. The lowest-paid 10% is paid up to $51,000.
HR Consultant Salary United States
HR Consultant salaries in the United States range from $51,000 – $109,000 (USD). HR Consultant salaries in the US vary a lot depending on the industry and commission.
HR Consultant Salary United Kingdom
HR Consultant salaries in the United Kingdom range from £24,000 – £64,000 (GBP). HR Consultant salaries in the UK vary largely based on location and career experience.
Source: Glassdoor
HR Consultant Salary Australia
HR Consultant salaries in Australia range from $82,657 – $122,948 (AUD). HR Consultant salaries usually depend on the industry and career experience.
Source: Talent.com
