06/ 08/ 2006
Hiring a contract worker or freelancer can be scary. On one hand, they can provide an edge to your business by providing services and bringing expertise to the table that no one else at the business can provide. But on the other hand, you're at their mercy. You need their help, but can they deliver the work they promised? Will they complete the work when they said they would? Are they going to charge what they said they would? The answer is yes—if you choose the right one. Here are five things to look for in a good contract worker:
Job history: For some freelancers, your work could be their first real foray into the profession. If you're getting a novice to do your work, that's fine, but make sure the pay is comparable to the experience they have in the industry. Otherwise, make sure to look at the candidate's job history. Experience in your industry is a plus, but if you're hiring them to help you create a marketing plan, make sure their marketing background is extensive.
References: You wouldn't hire a new employee without checking their references first, would you? The same goes for contract workers. During the interview process, your potential new contractor should supply you with a list of references without your having to ask. It could be a red flag that they don't want you talking to people they've worked with in the past, if they don't readily supply the list. Once you have the list, make contact with at least half of the references.
Work ethic: One thing to definitely ask about when calling your potential hire's references is their work ethic. Unless you have room in your office, chances are your contract worker or freelancer will be working remotely, meaning you can't supervise their day-to-day progress. When it comes time for the deadline, a freelancer with a proven work ethic will deliver on time.
A shared vision: You're hiring a freelancer because they can bring something to the table that you or your current employees can't, but make sure they don't bring too much to the table. Before you hire them, get a sense of their goals in this project and make sure they're aligned with yours. If you ask for a simple Web presence, and they show you the latest in Flash technology, you may want to keep shopping around. Unaligned goals are a surefire way to create problems throughout the duration of the project.
