It varies by the company. It can be as short as a couple of conversations/discussions to an ongoing relationship that may last for years, depending on the need or problem that exists. For example, a human resource consultant may be hired initially for communication training, but in the process the small business owner realizes the need to hire people with different skillsets. The business consultant can then provide pre-employment screenings and employment assessments to help the business owner in hiring the most qualified team members. Employment assessments can include a pre-employment test to better understand the mental acuity and personality traits of a proposed candidate. Other employment assessments can be used to coach existing employees and perhaps determine the best candidate for a promotion within an organization.