Application software most common on developer assignments includes SAP, PeopleSoft, Oracle, and Baan. A sample technical support assignment might call for workstation set-up and configuration of platforms like Compaq's iPAQ, or HPs installed in an NT or Novell network. Typical development projects last three to nine months and can include full-life cycle assignments from requirements analysis, to design, code, test, and implement. More often, consultants are brought in to supplement a client's staff with a particular skill set. On the technical support side, a common assignment is to provide a client with a large deployment team when they upgrade, for instance, from Windows 95 to Windows 2000, or to extend a help desk support team after a new installation, when a surge of inquiries are expected.

Social activities include quarterly Consultant Appreciation Events (CAP). These often include technical presentations, contests, door prizes such as a Palm Pilot, and give-aways like T-shirts and frisbees. The company sponsors the Silicon Valley Marathon and promotes professional organizations like Women in Technology and the Help Desk Institute. The company has sponsored the Waves to Wine bike ride up the California coast, a charitable event for Multiple Sclerosis research, for the last seven years.

One of RHI Consulting's key benefits is its commitment to training. The company has allied with SmartForce (formerly CBT Systems) for online courses, as well as CompUSA, New Horizons, and Prosoft I-Net Solutions for classroom training. Consultants are given the opportunity to earn certification in Microsoft Windows NT, Novell NetWare, Sun Java, and Cisco. There are more than 2,000 courses available over the Internet,with 24-hour online mentoring by experts who can answer questions and discuss progress.

RHI Consulting also offers a number of free resources to help consultants navigate their careers, including an IT Career Guide, a Salary Guide, tips on Interviewing and Preparing a Resume, and Quick Reference Guides for OracleDeveloper 2000, Java, and Linux. Just for fun, the company has compiled a list of resume bloopers, collected at their newest web site, www.resumania.com. Samples include, "I have eight arms and eight legs with excellent interpersonal skills," and "I need just enough money to have pizza every night."

Dress and office environment are determined by the client site. Overtime is paid. The average workweek is 40 to 50 hours. If more time is needed, on mission-critical projects, for instance, this is negotiated when the contract is signed. The only requirement for travel is to the client's site, and most clients are local.

In its ongoing efforts to report on IT industry trends, RHI Consulting conducts regular surveys of CIOs and other technical professionals. Recent surveys include the Quarterly IT Hiring Index and the Hot Jobs Report for Information Technology. Competitors include Modis Professional Services, kforce, and Aerotek.

While consultants are matched to the assignments that use their technical strengths, Lee emphasizes other traits that are important. "The most important skill for consultants is the ability to quickly assess, evaluate, and develop solutions." And, since this is a consulting environment, whether it is for technical support or for development, interpersonal skills are key.

Candidates are found primarily through the company's own Web site and from employee referrals (there is a bonus). The company also uses advertisements and participates in job fairs.