A simple 5 step guide to help you hire reliable and trusted experts for your projects.

1. A simple step-by-step guide to hire a
good consultant.
This simple 5 step check –list will guide
you through the process of sourcing,
evaluating and hiring the right
professional with relevant product
knowledge, experience and expertise
for your consulting projects.
A CHECK-LIST TO HIRE THE RIGHT
CONSULTANT

2. Hiring any consultant does not work for an
organization today.
The specialist should be worth the
investment and also have a level of
credibility.
Hiring the wrong professional will do more
damage than good to the organization.
A systematic approach to identifying the
right expert will help you avoid making
costly mistakes.

3. Be specific about your requirement.
• What is the objective of the project?
• What are the key deliverables?
• What skills are critical?
• What is the duration and budget of the project?
• What expertise do you expect the consultant to
bring to the table?
• What values and beliefs are critical for a right
fit.
Do not hire a consultant just because he
was recommended by someone in the
management.

4. Scouting for a reliable and trusted
expert is a time consuming process.
Spread the word and ask for
references.
Leverage your digital presence. Use
social media and business community
networks to search for relevant
profiles.
Post your requirements on digital
platforms that specifically cater to
this niche segment of consultants and
freelancers.

5. Ask for proposals and quotations.
Short-list the most appropriate profiles
and conduct a face-to-face interview.
Important aspects for evaluation:
• Knowledge and experience
• Credibility
• Domain knowledge specific to your
industry
• Client list
• Cost
Be as objective as possible in your
evaluation by using a scoring
methodology.

6. Short-list the most appropriate profiles
after Step 3 and conduct face-to-face
interviews.
Involve internal stake holders during this
interview to cover all bases.
Focus on 3 main aspects:
• Expertise and experience
• Candidates involvement and initiative to know
more about your organization and project
• Cultural fit
Insist on references and testimonials and
conduct a reference check before hiring

7. This is a very critical aspect to engaging a
consultant.
Sign a detailed contract that spells out the
terms of engagement (ToE) with the selected
consultant.
Some critical areas to cover in the ToE are:
• Confidentiality clause
• Key responsibilities of both parties
• Costs involved
• Timelines and Milestones
• Payment terms (ideally linked to milestones)
• Termination clause

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