Things to Consider Before Getting a Contractor to Hire

A business's success depends on how efficiently the owners are involved in the business growth, production, marketing, and sales. A new generation of workforce is available, the freelancers, also known as a contractor to hire.

They are delivering the same outcome as an employee with less investment. This article will provide skillfully researched guidance for the decision-makers as certain risks are involved in this process.

A freelancer is a professional who receives payment against the short term work they do. It could be a per-task or per-job. Though freelancers do short-term projects most of the time, some may get long-term contracts as well.

They are not company employees and, therefore, may be involved in multiple projects simultaneously.

• The standard features of freelancer hiring are as follows:
• Freelancers offer result based service
• Generally, they set their rates, working hours, and working location
• Some freelancers may offer exclusive project-based works
• A contractor to hire being self-employed are responsible for their taxes

The company manager should collect a resume from the freelancer to know in detail about the followings:

• Past project experiences
• Qualifications
• Personal contact details

The hiring firm also may want to perform a detailed background verification. It helps the company when they are going to recruit a freelancer contractor to hire for sensitive projects.

A written contract is useful in cases involving monetary transactions. Try to include the following terms:

• Work delivery deadline
• Results and it's quality as per the company
• The scope of the project
• Payments term and rate
• Intellectual property right
• Risks and disputes could arise, and how to resolve those

Freelance professionals start working on your project right away. In most cases, businesses hire expert freelancers with proven experience in similar projects. Hence, managing such skilled workers is quite easier than any new employee.

The company should also focus on the following points for a seamless experience with freelancers:

• The freelancer will work on a temporary short project
• The contractor has the full liberty to decide the work location and work timing
• Freelancer uses own resources to deliver results
• The contractor will send invoices to the company
• Businesses may not hire freelancers to perform core business

1. Referrals from the Past Businesses

Review the contractor portfolio thoroughly to know more about past projects. It is wise only to hire freelancers who have prior experience in any related project. A freelancer may not skillfully outline all past projects; however, they may possess the talent you need. Hence, invest some time while looking for the right candidate.

2. Freelancers Asking Questions

Confident and open freelancers will ask proactive questions to know your company and project. Asking questions and directives gives a hint that the freelancer is more open to discussions. The more you discuss with the candidate, the more you know about their intention about the project.

3. Contractors have High Reviews and Ratings

It is a standard process of only selecting freelancers with 4.5 or higher ratings and not less than ten reviews.

4. Good Communication Skills

Communication is the lifeline of any business. Hence, the freelancer should be able to convey and understand information efficiently. It's worthy of hiring language compatible contractors.

5. Freelancer Understands the Company

Find a candidate who knows more about the trade-related to the company. When the freelancer knows the business brand, value, and positioning, they will deliver more relevant results.

6. Recent References Available

Another important standard in the freelance niche is that businesses should hire candidates who have references within the past six months and not older.

7. Open to Feedback and Suggestions

Hire a contractor who is open to suggestions and constructive criticism. Though they could be highly skilled in the end, it's your project.

8. Living within Similar Time Zone

At times small and medium businesses may ignore the time zone where the contractor resides. It could be challenging while communicating with someone from an incompatible time zone.

9. High-Level Understanding of Collaborative Tools

The right freelancer should be able to use collaborative tools as follows:

• Google Docs
• Microsoft 365
• Spreadsheets
• Project management tools
• Messaging and calling apps

10. Self Motivated Person

A self-motivated individual would discuss more the work rather than the monetary gains. Look for the following clues:

• Interested in the company and its products
• Wants to explore different verticals
• Wants long term project
• Take away from the project

11. High Ethical and Quality Standards

Find a candidate who is passionate about work perfection. Average freelancers will have a few errors in their deliverables. Look for the one who believes in quality and ethical standards.

12. Attention to Details

Attention to detail is the key to deliver quality work in less time. Add an easy task in the middle of the job posting. It will filter out average freelancers.

13. They Adapt to the project

Try to recruit a contractor who can relate to the work at a personal level. If the freelancers have a personal stake in the project, they will be reliable.

The Business Growth (H3)

There are many benefits of getting a contractor to hire, and you can still grow your business at a good pace. Some of the significant pros are as follows:

A. Cost savings on the following investments:

• Software and tools
• Office space and workstations

B. Additional savings as the business doesn't need to pay the followings:

• Health insurance for employees
• Paid leaves
• FICA taxes
• Unemployment insurance
• Worker's compensation insurance

C. More savings in training and grooming of existing or new employees.

Cost-effective intellectual work can be delivered by freelance graphic designers, video editors for hire, animators, digital marketers, SEOs, cybersecurity experts, etc.

Final Thoughts

As evident from the above discussion that contractors offer numerous benefits to a business, so whenever you are looking for a contractor to hire, make sure to craft your strategy as per this article carefully. Only by following the checklist you can avoid any legal or financial issues with the freelancer.