Your organization is growing, and you can’t do it all. So you’ve decided to hire a social media consultant.

But how do you know that you’re hiring the right one? How do you know that will actually move the needle for your business?

It can be a scary prospect to hand over something this big to another individual, so let’s talk about the questions you should be asking to help you find the right fit.

What does your work day look like for you?

The clients who have been bad fits for me have been those who do not have a similar work schedule to mine. I have times that I am online for client communications and there are times I am offline. Even though I will constantly check in on social media accounts, I only have emergency communications with clients during my offline time. This does not work for every client, even if they read about my offline times in my contract. Some clients work around the clock, and they want a social media consultant who will do the same.

So think about how you work. Are you a round-the-clocker? Do you need someone who does the same? Or are you someone who understands breaks and gives yourself and others that luxury? Once you determine the kind of schedule you have, talk to your potential social media consultant about what their work day looks like for them. And then decide if that’s compatible with when you work. It’s so much more important than you think.

How do you communicate with clients?

For my clients, I reply to emails and messages within an hour if it’s during business hours. I reply to text messages almost immediately (which is why I tell clients to reserve them for emergency situations). Clients will hear about fan questions and any social media wins as they happen.

In return, I ask that clients get me answers to fan questions within a business day (although I prefer within an hour of the question). And unless it’s breaking news or an emergency situation, I expect to hear about anything needed on the content calendar a week ahead of time. This is so I can get their content calendar ready so they can do approvals in a timely manner. Plus we have reports, meetings and other various communications. My communication style is a mix of what works for me and what works for my client, as well as a heavy dose of what social media requires.

It doesn’t work for every client though. Some clients need more. And some clients desperately need less.

What will make you feel comfortable? Do you need a heavy communicator like me? Or would you rather someone who just goes with less communication?

What is your style of social media?

I am above all else a storyteller. I keep it focused on the audience stories and get them to tell everyone why my client is special. You will also find me using other tactics for clients, but this is the one I am known for. If I were to connect with a potential client who does not have an audience who is willing to tell their stories, I would not be a good fit, and I would have questions about what kind of organization the potential client really is.

Talk to your potential hire about what kind of social media they engage in and what types of content are important to them. Do a quick inventory of your organization and think about whether that kind of social media is really a possibility for you. And I’m not talking about the impossibility of you doing it. I mean ask yourself if your departments and audience can really participate in something of that nature. If not, then ask them what they would do with your particular puzzle pieces. If they still are not saying anything rooted in your reality, you really should move on.

What goes into creating a post on social media?

Whereas the previous question goes into their philosophies around social media, this is about their ability to deliver on those philosophies.

I could go on about how I would answer this question, but it would be too long and involved for this space. So let’s just talk about what you should be looking for in an answer instead.

If everything they say is on a whim with no process behind it, move onto the next candidate immediately. This person may have gotten results in the past, but it’s very unlikely they understand why and even less likely that they will be able to replicate those results with another client. So move onto someone who is more familiar with the process it takes to create posts.

And if they give you an answer that is less based on whims, ask questions about how you and your organization will fit into their process. Figure out if it is something you can do and if you are satisfied with their answers about their process. Your gut reactions about their answers is just as important as everything else.

What is your gut reaction about this potential hire?

I would love to give you a list of what the correct answers are to all of the above questions. The reality, however, is that there really isn’t one correct answer. Every potential client is a different puzzle that requires a certain kind of person to put them together in the best way. You have to ask the right questions and trust your gut about the person. If something feels wrong, trust that and move onto the next person. The right social media consultant for you is out there and you will find them if you are patient. Be patient and find that right hire.

What questions do you ask social media consultants when you are looking to hire?