Cindy Henry
Last week, HR management consultant Cindy Henry of Integrated Resource Network offered advice about the pitfalls businesses face when they hire employees but don’t dot the i’s and cross the t’s of human resources management.
This week, Henry offers questions to ask if you’re in the market for an HR advisor:
- Which consultant will be assigned to my company? Check on that consultant’s background and training, so you know you’ll be getting experienced help.
- Ask about the company’s turnover. You don’t want a series of consultants who aren’t with the firm long enough to build a relationship with you.
- Will I hear from you when there are changes in the law? “If something new comes down the pike,” Henry says, “my clients hear it from me.”
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Ask about availability. Will your consultant respond to a call or an email within one business day? - What steps do you take to customize what you do for my business and industry?
- What resources do you depend on to stay on top of the game? Henry pays for a wealth of resources so she can quickly find the information she needs to service her clients efficiently.
- How long have you been doing private consulting? Think twice before hiring a consultant who just left a longtime HR position with a single company. Says Henry, “Working with a variety of clients gives you more flexibility, adaptability and ways to customize your services.”
- Don’t forget to ask about pricing. Fixed pricing or retainers are often preferable to hourly rates, which can be very costly for a small-business owner.
Because of the complexity of the laws and regulations governing employment, Henry says, trying to do your own HR might just land you in trouble.
