The start of a new year is often a time for reflection and fresh starts. For HR professionals, this can mean thinking about new challenges and opportunities. One increasingly popular career move is venturing into HR consultancy. But how do you know if you’re ready for this leap? This article will help you assess your readiness by exploring the essential skills, experience, and mindset needed to succeed as an HR consultant.
What is HR consultancy?
Before diving into whether you’re ready, it’s crucial to understand what HR consultancy entails. HR consultants provide expertise to organisations, often on a project or contract basis. They may specialise in areas such as employee relations, talent management, organisational design, or compliance.
Unlike working in an in-house HR role, consultancy offers greater independence, variety, and flexibility. However, it also comes with the challenges of business development, client management, and handling the unpredictability of freelance work.
Signs you might be ready for HR consultancy
There’s no single formula for determining if HR consultancy is the right move for you, but there are several indicators that you might be ready to make the transition.
You have deep expertise in a specific HR area
Clients hire consultants for their knowledge and ability to deliver results. If you’ve developed significant expertise in an HR niche – such as learning and development, diversity and inclusion, or TUPE – you already have a potential selling point for your consultancy business.
You’re ready for independence
One of the biggest shifts in moving to consultancy is working independently. This can be liberating if you thrive on self-direction and enjoy setting your own schedule. However, it’s not for everyone, especially if you prefer the structure and camaraderie of a traditional workplace.
You’re comfortable managing uncertainty
Consultancy work can be unpredictable, with income fluctuating between projects. If you’re adaptable, resourceful, and able to weather the ups and downs of freelance work, you’re likely better equipped for the demands of consulting.
Assessing your skills and experience
To succeed as an HR consultant, you need both technical expertise and the soft skills to manage client relationships. Here’s how to evaluate your readiness:
Review your technical skills
Start by mapping out your technical HR skills. Consider areas like:
- Employment law knowledge
- Talent acquisition strategies
- Performance management systems
- HR technology and analytics
Clients will expect you to bring a high level of proficiency in your chosen focus area. If there are gaps in your knowledge, now might be the time to invest in professional development.
Evaluate your communication and interpersonal skills
Consultants must communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, from business owners to front-line managers. Reflect on your ability to:
- build trust quickly;
- influence decision-makers; and
- handle difficult conversations.
If these are strengths, you’re likely well-positioned to handle the client-facing aspects of consultancy work.
Consider your business acumen
Running your own consultancy means thinking like a business owner. Assess your understanding of:
- marketing and branding yourself;
- setting competitive pricing; and
- managing your finances
If these areas are new to you, there are plenty of resources and courses to help you build the necessary skills.
Is your mindset ready for the transition?
Beyond skills and experience, your mindset plays a critical role in determining your readiness for HR consultancy.
Are you entrepreneurial?
Successful consultants are often entrepreneurial by nature. They enjoy identifying opportunities, solving problems, and taking calculated risks. Ask yourself if you’re comfortable with the idea of seeking out clients and building a personal brand.
Do you value flexibility over stability?
While consultancy offers flexibility in how and when you work, it also comes with less job security. Consider whether you’re willing to trade the predictability of a steady salary for the freedom to work on your terms.
Are you resilient?
Consultancy work can be challenging, especially in the early days when you’re building your client base. Resilience, perseverance, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks are critical traits for success.
Practical steps to prepare for the leap
If you’re leaning toward HR consultancy but aren’t entirely sure if you’re ready, there are practical steps you can take to test the waters and build your confidence.
Start with side projects
Consider taking on consulting projects while still in your current role. This allows you to gain experience, build your network, and test your interest without committing fully.
Build your network
Networking is essential for finding clients. Attend industry events, join professional organisations, and connect with former colleagues who might refer you to potential clients.
Create a strong personal brand
Your personal brand is how potential clients perceive you. Invest in a professional website, maintain an active LinkedIn presence, and showcase your expertise through thought leadership, such as blogs or webinars.
Seek mentorship
Connect with experienced HR consultants who can offer advice, share insights, and help you navigate the challenges of starting your consultancy business.
When to take the leap
There’s no perfect moment to make a career change, but some factors might signal it’s time to move forward:
- you have a clear financial plan to support you during the transition;
- your skills and expertise align with market demands; and
- you feel confident in your ability to manage the challenges of self-employment.
Trust your instincts, but also weigh the practical realities. If you’ve prepared thoroughly and are excited about the prospect of consultancy, it might be time to take the leap.
Final thoughts
Moving into HR consultancy can be an exciting and rewarding career move, offering opportunities to make a meaningful impact while enjoying greater flexibility and autonomy. However, it’s not a decision to take lightly.
By carefully assessing your skills, experience, and mindset – and taking practical steps to prepare – you can set yourself up for success in this dynamic field.
As 2025 approaches, now is the perfect time to reflect on your career goals and decide if HR consultancy is the fresh start you’ve been seeking.
Considering a different way to start your consultancy journey?
If the idea of going it alone feels daunting, another exciting option is joining an HR franchise like face2faceHR. As part of a franchise, you’ll benefit from the independence of consultancy while having the support of an established brand, proven systems, and a collaborative network of like-minded professionals.
Want to find out more? Download our prospectus or get in touch with us today to discover how we can help you make your consultancy dream a reality.