HRMI includes several Human Resources certifications. Certifications include topics such as professional, manager, director, consultant, trainer, and lots more. Unfortunately, this is not a good option to get started unless you already have a bachelor's degree and 10 years of experience in Human Resources with 4 years at the management level. If you do have this education and experience, this certification can take you to the next level and would be helpful for anyone wanting to become a freelance HR Consultant.
Education in Business
While you don’t need a degree or certification in business, you will need to learn how to start and manage your business. This includes managing the finances, marketing, planning, the legal side of business, and lots more.
There are lots of free and paid business courses online. Depending on where you live, there may be business courses that you can take locally. There are many books on starting and running a freelance business. I recommend at least getting a good book on freelancing and going from there. You should plan to keep learning about business.
Legal Requirements
Depending on your location in the world, you might need a business license to operate your freelance business. You’ll also need to decide the type of business entity you want to build. Choose between sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), etc. You’ll need to research the legal requirements in your location and where you want to do business.
For the US, the Small Business Administration provides all the information needed to legally start and operate a small business. They also have information that can help you get started regardless of your location.
Choose a Niche
It’s difficult to work as a generalist with any freelance business. Working as an HR Consultant is no different. It’s best to focus on the types of clients you’d like to work with. For example, you might choose to work with manufacturing companies, non-profit organizations, tech companies, etc.
By specializing, you can charge more for your services. However, don’t tighten your niche too much. It could be difficult to find work if there aren’t many businesses in your niche.
Getting Experience in HR Consulting
The more experience you have working with Human Resources the better. Getting the experience needed to build your portfolio is almost always a difficult part of getting started. You need the portfolio to get the work, and you need the work to build your portfolio.
One way to get the experience you need is to work with people or organizations you already know. Another option is to work with an HR agency as an entry-level HR associate or an intern. Volunteering to help with HR for a non-profit organization would also benefit when getting started. I don’t recommend volunteering for the long term unless you have the extra time on your hands.
All of these options can help you get started in HR. They help build foundational skills and experience that can build your portfolio and help you get clients.
Set Your Prices
First, you must consider your skills and experience. Most likely, you’ll have to start with lower prices until you gain the experience and clientele. Once you’ve gained enough experience, you can raise your prices accordingly. Keep in mind that low doesn’t mean cheap. Search for the wage range of entry-level HR associates in your area to get an idea of where to start.
Rather than charging by the service, most HR Consultants charge an hourly rate. This would include all tasks done within the time frame. Charging by the project is difficult for this type of work because there can always be extra work involved that isn’t foreseeable. Be sure to include any expenses, such as travel, in your rate.
Set your price based on your annual income goals. Be sure to include any benefits you want to purchase for yourself, the cost of doing business, etc. You’ll need to charge a higher rate than what the companies would pay normally. Most companies are willing to pay higher rates considering they only pay for the hours they need. This still saves them a lot of money throughout the year.
Keep your prices consistent, and don’t allow clients to talk you down on your prices. Those same clients don’t allow their customers to talk them down either. Know your value and stick to your prices. If the client doesn’t understand your prices and value, they won’t value your services.
Build Your Online Presence
Create a professional website to showcase your portfolio, qualifications, skills, and services. Your website should include the best methods to contact you and links to your work-related social media profiles. For more information about building a website for your freelance HR consulting business, see the articles The Small Business Checklist: Four Things to Consider Before You Build a Website, How to Start Your Own Business Website, and Top 10 Online Courses for WordPress to Build a Website.
Create social media profiles for your freelance HR consulting business. Go where your clients are. Focus on LinkedIn and other platforms where your ideal clients are present. Create profiles on websites that specialize in HR. Join HR online associations. Remember, you are your product and the face of your brand. Building your brand also builds your credibility.
For more information about building your social media presence, see the article Social Media Marketing in the 2020s.
Build Your Network
