In today’s gig economy, hiring freelancers has become a popular option for businesses to tap into specialized skills and expertise without the costs and obligations of a full-time employee. However, the process of finding and hiring the right freelancer, especially for blog writing, can be challenging. In this article, we’ll guide you through 5 steps to simplify the process and help you find the best independent contractor for your business needs
Hiring freelancers has become increasingly popular for businesses to access talent without committing to a full-time employee. But finding a competent blog writer to hire at Skillhub can be tricky, especially if you’ve never done it before. To make things easier, we’ll walk you through 5 steps to help you get the right independent contractor for your business.
Freelance Work Is the New Normal
A decade ago, independent contractors were rare, and few major companies would hire them. But that’s no longer the case. Today, it’s estimated that up to 47% of the global workforce are freelancers. That’s nearly one-half of all workers across the globe!
In fact, as lickthecowhappy on Reddit notes, it’s actually difficult for job seekers to find regular employment in some places, for example, the tech industry in the Bay area. Companies are so used to the perks of working with independent contractors that they’re reluctant to use traditional staffing methods (except for leadership positions).
#1 Define the Job and Identify Your Requirements
So if you’ve decided to join in on the trend and hire skilled freelance professionals to complete a project for you, you won’t have any problem. Whether it’s copy editing experts or software developers you’re after, the number one thing is to ensure that you have a clear idea of what you expect and can articulate it.
You need to know exactly what skills, experience, and qualifications you seek in a freelancer. It’s also essential to be aware of the scope of the project, the timeline, and the deliverables. Otherwise, you won’t be able to communicate your requirements to potential freelancers, and you might not end up on the same page.
When selecting freelancers, prioritize candidates with strong resumes as you can view on this page that align with your project requirements. A well-crafted resume showcases relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments, indicating a freelancer’s capability to handle your project efficiently. Look for those who have successfully completed similar projects or possess specialized qualifications.
This approach increases the likelihood of finding a professional who not only understands your needs but also brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, ensuring a higher quality of work and a smoother collaboration process. Remember, a robust resume often translates into better project outcomes.
#2 Choose the Right Platform
Given how quickly freelancers are taking over the world, it’s no wonder that there’s no shortage of online marketplaces where you can hire a specialist for basically any kind of work. All platforms have their strengths and drawbacks. Some also specialize in specific work or industries; others are more general. Do your research before committing.
Reliable Platforms
To jump-start your search, here are a few well-established and universally known online platforms where you won’t have any trouble finding skilled and experienced independent contractors:
- Upwork;
- Fiverr;
- Toptal;
- Guru;
- People Per Hour.
Also, LinkedIn is always a great option. If you have specific recommendations, just contact the specialists you’re interested in. If you don’t, give LinkedIn ProFinder a chance. Not everyone knows this, but it’s a great way to find experienced freelancers.
#3 Create a Detailed Technical Task
Next, make sure that the description of what you want the freelancer to do isn’t just a couple of lines long. Remember—the more specific you are and the more information you provide about every tiny detail, the more likely the contractor will deliver precisely what you hoped for. Creating an excellent technical task can be challenging, but it’s the foundation of successful employer-specialist cooperation.
#4 Interview Candidates
One-on-one interviews with candidates are the best way to find a contractor who knows what they’re doing and is comfortable for you to work with. Although freelancers aren’t part of your team, you should treat them like they are, at least for the project they help you with. That’s why it’s important to get along with your contractor.
Don’t Just Hire the Person Who Charges the Cheapest
One of the worst mistakes a business owner can make when looking for freelancers is prioritizing only the price. There’s nothing wrong with being frugal and trying to cut costs. But the contractors with the lowest rates (especially on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and People Per Hour) are rarely competent enough to leave you happy with the job done.
#5 Make Your Final Choice and Agree on Terms
After interviewing the candidates, it is time to choose and agree on terms. This should include the scope of the project, the timeline, the budget, and any other details that are important to you. Discuss every nuance of your cooperation with your new contractor to avoid any misunderstandings.
Contracts Are Essential
And no matter how lazy or anti-bureaucracy you are, never neglect to sign a contract with the expert you’ve decided to hire. It’s a document that protects both you and the expert. Without it, you’re at risk as much as they are.
Hypothetically, you might refuse to pay them. Or they might take the partial prepayment and disappear. A legally binding agreement ensures that neither of these happens.
An Afterword
Hiring freelancers can be a great way to access the talent you need for your business. Following these five steps, you can find the right person for your project and ensure everything runs smoothly. Know exactly what you’re expecting, choose the platform that suits your needs, be thorough with the technical task, interview the candidates, and enter a legally binding agreement.
And if you need expert assistance with a resume, just read zety resume reviews – and we’ll do all the work for you!
FAQ
- Why rely on contractors instead of staffing?
Working with contractors instead of regular employees is a great way to access the enormous global talent pool and cut costs. Sure, there are challenges (for example, the abundance of questionably competent contractors on popular platforms). But the perks far outweigh them.
- Is it safe to hire independent contractors for important projects?
It is as long as you do thorough research and get to know the people you’re hiring first. It’s no longer unconventional: over 90% of Fortune 500 companies use Upwork. If it’s good enough for them, it probably is for your business as well.
- How can I manage freelancers more effectively?
The best approach is to invest in relationship-building first. Research consistently shows that forming a human connection with independent contractors leads to better results. Also, clarity of expectations and constant communication is the way to go.
