Soft Skills to Look for in an IT Consultant

Technology is more heavily involved in business than ever before, and that’s because the world has more advanced technology than ever before. And yet, for all the ways that tech makes doing business easier, it isn’t without its drawbacks. 

Not only is technology complex and highly nuanced, but it’s also constantly advancing at a rate that makes it nearly impossible to keep up with. This is why even the most tech-savvy business owners are willing to invest in IT consulting services. 

On the surface, finding the right IT consultant might seem pretty straightforward. However, it’s easy to forget that you’re not just looking for someone who’s an expert in tech—you also need someone who you can work well with. (And it’s usually not the first part that makes an IT consultant a poor fit for your business.)

What Does an IT Consultant Do?

Before we get into what to look for in an IT consultant, let’s go over what it is that an IT consultant actually does. Of course, IT consulting is a multifaceted industry that’s difficult to summarize in a few short paragraphs, so this is just a brief overview of some of the services that an IT consulting firm has to offer. 

Roadmapping

Like we said before, there’s no getting around using technology in today’s world, especially when it comes to business. Whether you’re building a new system from scratch or trying to update an old one, bringing in an IT consultant is one of the best ways to create the most effective computer system for your company. 

Integration

Nowadays, it seems as though there’s a software or online tool for just about everything. While these services can expedite your business on each individual level, having them work together is key to increasing your overall efficiency. An IT consultant can help you with software integration and systems management in order to consolidate your business’s moving parts into a cohesive network. 

Security

Cybersecurity is an element of business technology that you can’t afford to overlook. Even if you think you’re system is well-protected, your company’s security isn’t an area in which you want to settle. An IT consultant will be able to show you where the weaknesses are in your system and—even better—how to fix them. 

What Soft Skills Should an IT Consultant Have?

If you don’t know much about technology, you can still narrow your search for an IT consultant using criteria that you’re probably a little more familiar with: professional soft skills. And even if you’re a tech connoisseur, looking for certain personality traits in potential IT consultants might be able to tell you more about whether or not they’re worth the investment than their technical skills on paper. Here are some of the most important soft skills that an IT consultant should have. 

Communication 

Communication is of the utmost importance in any type of consulting, and IT consulting is no exception. You want an IT consultant who will keep you informed every step of the way, which means having dexterous interpersonal communication skills, as well as industry-related skills. This means that they talk to you rather than talking at you and take the time to explain things in language that you can understand. 

Flexibility 

The tech industry is all about adaption, and you need an IT consultant who’s flexible in methodology and can adapt to your needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach in technology, and every business requires different strategies in order to succeed. Being flexible is also a good indication of a willingness to listen, which is always ideal when you’re collaborating with a third-party company.   

Problem-Solving

What good is a consultant if they can’t help you with your problems? An adept IT consultant is a problem-solver by nature, which means that they can break down complicated issues into achievable steps toward a solution. Creativity also comes into play here, as some obstacles require a nontraditional approach. 

Leadership

While you want a team player, you still someone who’s willing to take the lead (in some ways, at least). In other words, you don’t want an IT consultant who simply tells you what you want to hear or agrees with everything you say for the sake of agreement—you need someone who’s comfortable with taking charge of a situation and isn’t afraid to voice their opinion. 

Don’t Know Much about Technology? Go with Your Gut

IT consulting can be beneficial for businesses of any size and every kind. After all, bringing in an outside opinion is always a good way to find places to improve in, especially when that place is as dynamic and influential as technology. 

You wouldn’t judge a job applicant without first considering what soft skills they possess, so why should an IT consultant be any different? Ultimately, in order to get the most out of your consulting experience, you need to find a person or firm that you can get along with. Of course, credentials and reviews should play a major role in finding your IT consultant, but don’t make the mistake of underestimating the value of soft skills. At the end of the day, it’s all about trusting your instincts.