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    How Fast Can You Get a Consultant?

    One of the most common questions we get: "How fast can we have someone in place?" Here are realistic timeframes and what affects speed.

    Typical delivery processFive-step vertical timeline from requirements brief to start, with estimated timeframes for each phaseTypical delivery processDay 01Requirements brief receivedStarting point of the processDay 1–22Shortlist delivered2–4 profiles on business daysDay 3–73Interviews conductedPhone, video or in personDay 5–104Decision madeInternally on your sideWeek 2–4+5StartDepends on notice periodSecurity clearance can add an extra 2–6 months

    TL;DR

    • Typical shortlist within 24–48 business hours (depends on role and requirements).
    • Interview and decision: 1–5 days after shortlist.
    • Start date depends on consultant's notice period (typically 0–3 months).
    • Security clearance can add 2–6 extra months.
    • Urgent needs can be solved faster with proper prioritization.

    Typical process and timeline

    Standard delivery process: • Requirements brief received: Day 0 • Shortlist delivered: Day 1–2 (business days) • Interviews conducted: Day 3–7 • Decision made: Day 5–10 • Start: Depends on consultant availability For many roles, a consultant can be in place within 2–4 weeks from first contact. For roles with special requirements, it may take longer.

    What affects speed?

    Factors that slow things down: • Unclear or shifting requirements. • Niche competency with few available profiles. • Security clearance requirements. • Long internal decision process. • Consultants with long notice periods. Factors that accelerate: • Clear and complete requirements brief. • Flexibility on secondary requirements. • Fast internal decision process. • Consultants who are immediately available.

    Urgent resources

    When you really need to hurry: • Communicate urgency level clearly in the brief. • Be flexible on nice-to-have requirements. • Plan for short interview loops (phone/video). • Have decision-maker available for quick clarification. Some consultants are immediately available ("on the bench"). These can start within days, but availability varies.

    Realistic expectations

    Be honest with yourself: • Fastest realistic start for most roles: 2–4 weeks. • Standard process without urgency: 4–8 weeks. • With security clearance: +2–6 months. It's better to plan for realistic timeframes than to rush into a poor fit.

    Practical Checklist

    • 1Send requirements brief early – the earlier, the better.
    • 2Be clear on must-have vs nice-to-have.
    • 3Clarify security clearance requirements immediately.
    • 4Plan internal capacity for interviews.
    • 5Have decision-maker available.
    • 6Communicate urgency level if relevant.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Sources & methodology:Sources
    Based on experiences from Norwegian IT deliveries.

    Sources used in this guide:

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