When it comes to sourcing independent talent, understanding how they can help your business grow is paramount. We provide a few tips to think about when interviewing an independent consultant.

1. How to interview an
independent
consultant.

2. How is it different from a
interviewing a permanent
candidate?

3. These guys know how to sell
Make sure you’re prepared to ask some deep dive
questions about their experience and
background, and don’t let them steer the
conversation away from what you really need to
know.

4. Make sure they can deliver…
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“Unlike permanent interviews, the consultant’s long term
career plans and aspirations are much less crucial. Focus
your efforts around really getting to the crux of whether
they can deliver your project, and how quickly. Asking
clear, direct questions on their previous experience is a
better approach than going down the competency
question route.”
Charlotte Bohlman, Head of Delivery at Talmix

5. Be prepared for some negotiations.
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Independent consultants have done this before. They
know how they would like to deliver a project or
assignment, and how much time they have free to do it,
so they will likely come ready with what they think the
approach should be. Use the interview as a chance to
take on board their suggestions and see whether it fits in
to your timelines and expectations.

6. Always take notes on their
availability.
Whilst many consultants will want to take on
multiple projects at a time, having them work
on your assignment during moonlight hours
may not work for you, so make sure you set
expectations with them on how and when
you want the work done.

7. Come to the interview with an
open mind.
Whilst a permanent hire interview is a two
way selling process, the independent
consultant interview is a two way discussion.
It’s a chance to bounce ideas around, get to
know each other, and negotiate a way
forwards.

8. You know what you need to
find out
But what about the
consultant?

9. What consultants want to know from the interview
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• Who are the project stakeholders?
• What is the current state of project?
• What is the reason for it being undertaken?
• What is the budget flexibility?
• What are the expectations and internal visibility?
• What is the expected duration?
• Who else is working on the project?
• What is the geographical coverage?
• Can any of the project be delivered off-site?
It’s useful to have this prepared in advance!