How to find the right IT Consultant Company

by ORionDig

January 25, 2018

in iT news, Networking, Security, SEO, Website

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Choosing an IT or information technology consultant to help you find and deploy new hardware, upgraded
software, or a new networking system is no small task. All too often, the future of your business relies
on your ability to make the right decision — not so much about the technology being used, but the
technology partner you choose to provide the service. Just because someone has the words “IT
consultant” printed on a business card doesn’t mean he can solve your particular technology challenge
or will work well with your IT or management team. So how do you find the right IT consultant,
someone who understands your business and can address your specific IT need(s).

So, before you even think about giving a third-party access to your critical or sensitive information
systems or software, here are some tips on how to find the right IT Consultant Company

1. Make sure the consultant has experience in your size and type of business

An IT consultant who typically works with Fortune 500 companies will have a difficult time serving the
needs of an SMB — and a consultant who has been in the finance industry his entire career may not have
the experience needed for, say, a manufacturing shop. So, when considering hiring an IT consultant,
make sure the consultant has had experience — and success – working with companies not only in your
industry but also in your size.

2. Ask to see samples of their previous work

Before hiring, ask to see candidate’s online portfolio and check them out on communities of global
developers. It’s great to see the actual work done than just take a recommendation. While references
are important, it’s good to see what projects the candidates have completed in previous positions or on
the side to really get a sense of the quality of their work. Examining a consultant’s previous work will
also show you their strengths and weaknesses.

3. Check credentials and affiliations

Experience is a good start, but does the consultant have any industry certifications, membership in
professional organizations and accreditations. Also, don’t be afraid to ask if their certifications are up to
date. Many software vendors require you to pass ongoing exams on the latest versions in order to remain certified. If a consultant hasn’t pursued such recognition, how deep can their expertise really
be?

4. Conduct a thorough background check

Before allowing an IT consultant access to your business-critical systems, conduct a thorough
background check. Mandatory items to keep an eye out for criminal offenses, including misdemeanors,
and suspicious credit scores. If you are hiring for government-related jobs, confirm any necessary
government clearances. And lastly, always check at least three references.

5. Look for good communication skills and the ability to work well with other people

How articulate is the consultant? Can he speak clearly — and successfully convey information — to both
your IT team and management? “An IT consultant must be business-savvy and possess good
communication skills. He should understand the technology and be able to articulate it in business terms
that management can understand. The purpose of technology is to solve business problems, and a
competent IT consultant must be equally comfortable in both technical and business settings.

6. Find out how they measure results

Before hiring an IT consultant, make sure he is comfortable using a measurement system. There are
numerous methodologies out there that can be used to measure readiness, improvement and overall progress. While you may have your own preference, aligning to any methodology shows that a consultant takes his work seriously.