How an HR Manager Can Start Career Consulting and Earn in the Evenings
Every day you review resumes, conduct interviews, and understand why some candidates receive offers while others don't. You know how the hiring market works from the inside out.
This knowledge is a market asset. Hundreds of thousands of people are looking for jobs right now and are willing to pay for expert help. In this article, learn how an HR manager can monetize their professional knowledge through career consulting.
Why HR Expertise is in Demand in the Career Consulting Market
Demand from Both Sides of the Labor Market
Millions of people are looking for work or planning a career change. Yet, most of them have never worked with a career consultant.
Your Unique Position
An HR specialist sees the process from the other side of the table: what happens to a resume after submission, how hiring decisions are actually made. This is a fundamentally different level of insight.
What Exactly to Sell: Formats of Career Consultations
Resume Review and Revision
The most popular request. Cost: $30–$80.
Interview Preparation
Analysis of typical questions, practice responses. Cost: $40–$100.
Career Strategy
Analysis of the current situation, goal setting, transition plan. Package cost: $200–$500.
Offer Negotiation
A niche but highly paid specialization. Cost: $50–$150.
How to Legally Structure Your Career Consulting Activity
Career consulting is an advisory activity that does not require a license.
Self-employment is suitable for starting out. It has a 4% tax rate and takes 10 minutes to register. A sole proprietorship with a 6% simplified tax system is recommended for active growth.
Packaging: How to Describe Your Services
Positioning
- "I help IT professionals get job offers 20–40% higher than their current salaries."
- "I prepare managers for transitioning into top-level management."
- "I help individuals over 40 find jobs in competitive environments."
Your HR Background as a Competitive Advantage
Be sure to state: you are not just a "career consultant," but a specialist who has personally hired people. Mention the number of interviews you've conducted.
Launch your career consulting service this evening. Create a page on Geniuz.io in 15 minutes – AI will write the description, and you'll set your schedule.
Start for Free →Where to Find Your First Clients as an HR Consultant
LinkedIn and Other Job Platforms
Write a post announcing that you are starting to consult. Your professional network is the first and warmest source of clients.
Telegram Channels for Career and Hiring
Publishing helpful posts in other channels and establishing your own channel with resume reviews attracts targeted clients.
How to Combine Full-Time Employment with Private Practice
Check your employment contract for clauses regarding competition and secondary employment. Most companies do not prohibit consulting activities outside of working hours.
Start with 3–5 consultations per month in the evenings or on weekends. As you grow, increase your workload or decide to transition to private practice full-time.
Frequently asked questions
Will there be a conflict of interest with my main job?
If you are consulting on general career matters, and not poaching candidates, there is no conflict. Check your employment contract.
From how many consultations should I register as self-employed?
From your first paid consultation. Self-employment can be registered in 10 minutes and removes all legal risks.
How can an HR manager build a personal brand?
A Telegram channel with real-life case studies, publications on LinkedIn, and speaking at career webinars all contribute to building an expert image.
How much can you earn from career consulting?
With 10 consultations a month at $50 each — $500. This is a realistic scenario for starting out while combining it with full-time employment.