10 Factors to Consider When Searching for the Right Freelance Talent
Welcome to Recruiter Q&A, where we pose employment-related questions to the experts and share their answers!
Today’s Question: When it comes to hiring the right talent for freelance or contract work, what’s one factor all businesses should consider? Why?
These answers are provided by the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization composed of the world’s most successful young entrepreneurs. YEC members represent nearly every industry, generate billions of dollars in revenue each year, and have created tens of thousands of jobs in the employment market.
1. Their Ability to Communicate
When hiring a freelancer, the skills and experience they bring to the table are key, but their ability to communicate clearly and reliably is just as important. One of the things I always look at when bringing on new talent is the quality of their email correspondence. Are they replying promptly? Are their messages to the point and easy to follow? These are all indicators of a positive experience. — Matthew Manos, verynice
2. Their Expertise and Track Record
They must be an expert with a track record of success in what you’re asking them to do. It’s very easy to decide with your wallet and hire the most economical option, but you must require that they have deep knowledge and proven success in what you’re about to ask them to do. I’ve learned that the greater cost is in not hiring top talent versus short-term savings trying to hire cheap. — Joel Mathew, Fortress Consulting
3. The Long-Term Implications
Consider the long-term implications of any freelancer you plan to hire. For example, if you need someone to work on a one-time project, will your team be able to maintain this project once it is finalized? Will this freelancer be available again in the future if something were to come up that requires their expertise again? If not, find someone who has the longevity and track record. — Nathalie Lussier, AccessAlly
4. Their Reliability
Reliability is key. We always hire based on reliability and a proven track record. You can be the most talented artist, the fastest coder, or the most creative writer, but if you cannot deliver on deadline with work double-checked, it does not matter. — Peter Boyd, PaperStreet Web Design
5. Their Ability to Adapt Quickly
Hiring freelancers or contractors who will work well for your business comes down to seeking out a handful of key factors, one of which is an openness to quickly adapt to different workflows. When it comes to delivering on time, teams need to have a consistent process for collaboration, which is why this adaptability is so important when hiring freelancers and contract workers. — Richard Fong, PageKits.com
6. Your Timeline
Whether it’s contract or project-based, your timeline should be valid and acceptable. Nothing should be compromised, and both parties should accept it. Whether it’s about deadlines or pay dates, let your timeline be reasonable and perfect for both you and the freelancer. — Daisy Jing, Banish
7. Their Bandwidth
Freelancers work for several clients at a time. One of the most overlooked parts of hiring a freelancer is whether they have the time to devote to your project. Be clear on the hours needed and what hours they need to be available, such as normal business hours. Clearly delineate your expectations regarding deadlines and extensions. Clear expectations will almost always deliver better results. — Jared Weitz, United Capital Source Inc.
8. Their Proposal
The best freelancers always explain in detail how they’re right for the job. They mention their experience, the tools they use and how they can do the work you’ve set up. They also do a minor portion of the job you want and give it to you as a sample. Read your freelancer’s proposal carefully. The more detailed it is, the more likely they are to be right for the job. — Syed Balkhi, WPBeginner
9. Their Client Reviews
When hiring a freelancer from a freelancing platform, I take a look at reviews from previous clients. Happy clients leave detailed reasons as to why they liked working with a person. And it’s details like timeliness, communication, and other things that help me pick someone. So look at reviews over experience. And give new freelancers a chance since they’ll work hard to build their reputation. — Blair Williams, MemberPress
10. Whether Your Goals Align
You are hiring freelancers to do XYZ, but what’s in it for them? In what way is working for you better than working with any other client? If you want your cooperation with freelancers to be successful, make sure your goals are not conflicting. For example, if they agree to work with you at a certain rate hoping to get more work and you don’t have as much of it, they will prioritize someone else. — Solomon Thimothy, OneIMS
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