How to Find an Evaluator…

So you’re in need of an evaluator.  It might be the beginning of a new project, the middle of a current project, or the end of a project cycle when you really need assistance measuring your needs or results. This is right about the time you realize there are so many evaluators out there -- how do you find the right one for your organization? Below are a few suggestions to help you pick the evaluator that is the “right fit” for your needs and organization.

• Ask your colleagues for referrals. Chances are that many people in your field have some experience working with evaluators. Getting recommendations can help steer you in the right direction or can help narrow your search. 
• Interview/research several until you’ve found the right one for your project. Don’t just hire the first evaluator you come across. Be sure to do your homework; which can include visiting the evaluators’ website, asking the evaluators about their experience, and determining if they’ve ever evaluated projects similar to yours. Request sample reports (if not available on their website) to get a sense of their work and how they present information. 
• Ask evaluators to explain their evaluation philosophy. Do they take a utilization-focused approach? Maybe they are more developmental? Do they emphasize a collaborative working relationship? Asking evaluators about their approach can help you determine which one is “right” for your organization and specific needs.  
• Get a sense for whether the evaluator fits your organization’s culture. At the end of the day, you’re going to want an evaluator that fits with your culture – so it’s important to do your research to ensure you’ll be able to effectively work with the evaluator you end up hiring. Evaluators can be much more than an outside entity that develop tools and measures your outcomes. They can be valued organizational partners who can help elevate your organization.  

EVALCORP works hard to make sure that we’re the right evaluator for your needs. We partner with our clients to develop the most effective ways to measure their results, and we help them use findings to achieve their goals.