In 2019, around 57 million Americans freelanced which is 35% of the nation’s entire workforce.
Businesses hire freelancers because they can access high-quality talent without having to pay for a full-time salary. Perhaps you’re planning to hire a freelancer for an upcoming project but you’re not sure what the process entails.
Sounds like you? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how to hire freelancers.
What Are Freelancers?
“What are freelancers?” You ask.
Freelancers are self-employed people who offer services and often work with multiple clients at once. Note that freelancers earn money on a per-job basis either charging businesses on an hourly or daily rate.
One of the main benefits of freelancers for hire is that they’re affordable, you can reach global talent, and receive high-quality work as self-employed are more motivated because their reputation is on the line.
Things to Consider Before Hiring
The first step of hiring freelancers is knowing your budget, the level of expertise required for the job, and the tools needed. It’s wise to create a project outline so, at a glance, freelancers know your expectations and deadlines.
You should also decide whether you’ll need to hire freelancers for an extended period or on a one-time basis.
How to Attract Talent
There’s fierce competition for freelancers and, if you’re a small business, you must find ways to attract high-quality talent affordably. You may be unable to provide free lunches, so instead offer flexible working arrangements so freelancers can work from home or only visit the office twice a week.
Another key incentive you can provide is helping freelancers develop their skillset. It’s a no-brainer that a varied CV and portfolio helps candidates stand out so provide feedback, offer training, and give them opportunities like speaking gigs to build their reputation.
Where to Find Freelancers
Once you’ve created a job description, you must post it on a site that will attract worldwide talent.
There are multiple platforms where you can hire freelancers and each one offers something unique whether you want an accountant or a graphic designer. You can also ask others in your industry if they’ve worked with anyone exceptional so they can give you references for the top freelancers for businesses.
Choosing the Right Fit
When hiring freelancers, you need a system so you can screen candidates to ensure they’re right for the job.
First, ask for credentials and the freelancer should happily give you proof of their qualifications or show you they have the required skills. Make sure you check their online portfolios and talk to their references for a second opinion. If you feel like their portfolio isn’t giving you enough evidence, ask for more as freelancers only post several examples.
You could also test the candidate’s skills with a paid skill assignment to see if they’re the right cultural fit for your company. Then once you’ve narrowed down the list to a few candidates, invite them to an interview.
Know the Interview Process
Video interviews are a fantastic way to get to know the freelancer and evaluate their productivity, passion, and thoughts on the project. Ask behavioral questions to learn more about their organizational skills and scenarios where the freelancers have worked independently and managed their own time.
During the interview, discuss payment, and make sure you’re paying them fairly. Remember, freelancers are an extension of your company so prove you treat employees fairly.
The size of the project will determine the payment. So if it’s a marketing video or a logo then it’ll likely be a one-off payment compared to someone developing your site.
For larger projects, create clear milestones where you pay the freelancer a portion of the overall sum. This means they’ll focus on quality rather than the hours spent on work.
Once you’re happy, ask the freelancer to sign a contract that outlines your expectations, deadlines, and fees before the work begins.
How to Manage Freelancers
Throughout the project, regularly communicate to answer any questions and check that the freelancer is on the right path. Although it can feel tempting, avoid micromanaging as it may discourage and frustrate them. Instead, trust your freelancer’s expertise and ability to complete the project in time as it’ll benefit both of you.
But if your freelancer isn’t making enough progress, ask them to see what they’ve done well before the final deadline. It’s likely a blip and voicing your worries will stir them on to continue.
Show Your Appreciation for Their Work
If you’re happy with the complete project then show the freelancer your appreciation. For instance, give them a small gift and leave a positive review on their profile. You should also thank them publicly for their work, refer them to your affiliated businesses, and if you’re celebrating the end of the project, invite them to join in.
That’s How to Hire Freelancers
Hopefully, after reading this article, you now know how to hire freelancers from start to finish.
You must have a clear understanding of your needs, budget, and timeframe before searching for talent. Make sure you have a rigorous screening process to ensure they’re the right fit and regularly check-in so you’re assured they’re on the right track. And always show appreciation for their hard work to show you’re a great organization to work with. Good luck!
Did you find this article helpful? Great! Then check out our posts on everything from Business Products to Real Estate.
