What makes a great IT
consultant?
5 insights from Senior Consultant Hồ Sỹ Công
1. Ask questions
When a client comes to you with a request, take the time to understand their problem and needs to establish the contexts surrounding the request. It’s about asking questions that help uncover the full picture rather than relying on assumptions.
Personally, I take a curiosity-based approach to every problem and actively seek information from different stakeholders. I treat every conversation as an opportunity to learn and gain deeper insights.
2. Embrace a can-do attitude
When you have done something for a long time, it can be easy to stick to what’s familiar. Instead, challenge yourself to explore different approaches and seek diverse solutions with critical thinking and a can-do attitude.
As a consultant in content management, I assist the client’s business team in bringing and mapping out their content from vague concepts into fully developed webpages within the designed capabilities of the content management system and business requirements. I collaborate with the client to explore solutions and provide actionable steps for the production team to implement. It’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about overcoming the challenge and finding the best approach.
»Handling multiple expectations is challenging, but successfully doing so is incredibly rewarding«
3. Expand your knowledge
Growth is crucial for an IT consultant in an ever-evolving industry. That means continuously improving both technical skills and business knowledge at every opportunity.
I have the opportunity to work with many clients across the world. It’s truly a blessing, and it also gives me plenty of room to grow. Each client brings a unique cultural perspective, professional etiquette, and set of expectations from local regulations. Through these interactions, I’ve gained valuable insights into how culture shapes communication styles, decision-making processes, and workplace dynamics. At the same time, I’ve learned to navigate professional boundaries—understanding when to be proactive, when to step back, and how to strike the right balance in collaboration.
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»I feel purposeful when I can support others, and the consulting role allows me to do that«
4. Understand the client’s needs
To consult a client effectively, you need to understand the bottlenecks they face. It all boils down to their business goals and the obstacles stopping them from reaching them. Once you understand this, you can figure out how to help. Having a strong understanding of the business helps me craft an approach that fits the organisation’s overall goals, rather than focusing solely on the immediate task at hand.
My motivation comes from genuinely wanting to support the clients and provide value. It’s not about doing more than what’s expected; it’s about being ready and willing to help, showing that we care and that we’re here for them.
5. Build strong relationships while staying professional
Building strong client relationships is essential. A bit of small talk, personality and openness can make challenging tasks feel more manageable.
As I’m based in Vietnam, most of my communication with clients happens online. That’s why I make a conscious effort to humanise every message, email, and ticket—ensuring that even when video calls aren’t possible, clients can still connect with the person behind the words
Ultimately, my actions and words shape how others experience our company. That’s why I prioritise professionalism—it helps me build trust, create strong connections, and make a meaningful impact in every interaction.
