Exploring the Pros and Cons of Consulting

In today's evolving employment landscape, both short-term and long-term consulting engagements are becoming increasingly appealing to workers and employers. If you’re considering a consulting position instead of full-time employment, you’ll find many distinct advantages—and, of course, some downsides—to consulting.

At Talent Groups, we have extensive experience in guiding and supporting candidates through the process of becoming consultants. Here’s an overview of important factors to consider when you’re thinking about consulting.

The Advantages of Consulting

From the interview process to flexible schedules, compensation to skill-building, there are numerous benefits to working as a consultant. Here are several advantages to think about:

Speed: The interview process for a consulting job is generally quicker, and because the stakes of making a poor hiring decision are lower, hiring managers are more likely to give a consultant a chance. Additionally, the onboarding process for a consultant is usually faster, so you put your skills to work sooner.

Test Drive: Once you make a good impression as a consultant, it can be a simple process to get hired as a permanent employee if that’s what you want. It’s also an ideal way for you to determine if a potential employer will be a good match for you.

Flexibility: As a consultant, you may have more control over your schedule since you are paid to produce work, not to be in an office. This may mean longer days but shorter work weeks, or perhaps you take the summer off between contracts to travel or take care of your family.

Higher Pay: Consultants typically command a higher pay rate since the employer is paying primarily for your skills and productivity without the promise of continued employment. "Consulting roles often offer higher compensation because of the specialized skills and immediate impact consultants bring to the table," says Karen George, VP of Recruiting at Talent Groups.

Rewards: Many consultants feel a sense of accomplishment from successfully completing defined assignments. Being paid for the work you produce rather than the time you put in yields a direct measure of your value.

Entrepreneurial Experience: Working as a consultant allows you to create your own brand and work for your own clients without the financial risks of starting your own company.

Skill Building: Consulting gives you the opportunity to choose the projects you want to work on, which makes it easier to acquire desired skills that will help build your resume and career.

Finding Your Passion: By exploring different types of work, consulting may help you find your ideal career focus more quickly than a typical full-time job would.

Variety: As a consultant, you can experience new things all the time: work challenges, ideas, people, industries, and even cities. If you like diverse experiences, consulting can be very enriching.

Future Readiness: As the way work gets done undergoes fundamental changes, being an experienced consultant positions you as an adaptable, skill-based professional, ready for whatever comes next. "The dynamic nature of consulting helps professionals stay ahead of industry trends and changes," adds Amy Migliore, VP of Recruiting at Talent Groups.

The Disadvantages of Consulting

Before you decide to pursue consulting, it's important to consider the potential cons as well:

No Guarantees: Unlike a permanent employee, a consultant’s position can be eliminated quickly and easily—often with no warning—if performance goals aren’t met or the scope of the project changes.

No Sense of Home: As a consultant, you may not feel the same sense of belonging that a full-time employee might. Likewise, you may be treated by permanent employees as a bit of an outsider.

Obstacles to Career Progression: Particularly in the earlier stages of a career, it can be easier to be promoted within your own company rather than landing that position from outside. Longer-term consultants, especially those who have completed multiple short-term assignments, may not be viewed as permanent employee material by some employers.

If you’re uncertain about the consulting path, Talent Groups also has a dedicated direct-hire team focused on placing candidates in permanent positions. This ensures that if consulting isn't the right fit for you, we can still help you find a stable, full-time role that aligns with your career goals.

Choosing the Right Consulting Firm

Talent Groups is recognized as one of the top technical staffing firms in the industry. With more than twenty years of experience, we offer guidance and expertise to help you land the right consulting opportunities.

Want to learn a little more about Talent Groups? Here’s a snapshot of who we are:

• Nationwide Reach
• 20+ years helping companies hire the right IT professionals
• Partners to Fortune 500 companies and small businesses alike
• Specialize in Healthcare IT and niche technical recruiting
• Committed to diversity and inclusion through our Talent Academy

Our reputation as a trusted resource for providing employees with respect, appreciation, and responsive service is unmatched. Whether you’re working on a temporary assignment, a long-term contract job, or a contract-to-hire position, Talent Groups provides exceptional support throughout your tenure.

Our Approach is Different

Land the Perfect Job: Imagine having an IT recruiter streamline your search so you land the role that suits your career—and your life. At Talent Groups, our expert recruiters get to know you, your talents, and your preferences. We prepare you for interviews, providing tips to put your best foot forward. We act as your advocate through the negotiation and hiring process.

Benefits: Many temporary assignments do not provide health and other benefits, but Talent Groups does! We offer a package of competitive benefits, including training resources and a 401(k) plan, allowing you the freedom to make the best decisions for your career.

Ongoing Consultant Care: You got the job, but it doesn’t stop there! Our team is committed to your success. We guide you through every step of our smooth onboarding process and stay in touch to ensure you are happy and valued.

The Hunt for the Next Assignment: It might feel daunting to get back into the job search when your assignment ends. But at Talent Groups, we look out for you and partner with you in your search. We contact you before the end of your current assignment, help you update your resume, seek out appropriate new opportunities, and advocate for you through the hiring process.

Whether you are interested in a shorter three-to-six-month assignment or seeking a multi-year assignment, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of being a consultant and consider how these factors may affect you.

Considering trying out consulting or looking for your next permanent role? View open roles or contact us to explore the possibilities for your career!