The average yearly salary for a full-time employee is just over $51,000, and many employers are hoping to save money by hiring freelancers.
But what are the best tips to consider when selecting a freelancer? If you hire the wrong independent contractor, they could perform substandard work while expecting you to pay exorbitant fees for their services.
Fortunately, you can avoid this issue by using some simple guidelines that can make finding a first-rate freelancer a breeze.
Here’s all you need to know.
Use Reputable Freelance Job Sites
Finding freelancers online isn’t difficult, but locating high-quality contractors can be an issue. Make sure you only post your freelance job description on reputable sites that have a solid industry reputation to save you time and hassle.
This will help you find only candidates who are suitably qualified and experienced to take on your tasks.
Conduct Professional Interviews
Even though you may not be meeting in person, you can use video or audio platforms to conduct interviews with applicants. Create a list of freelancer interview questions that can help you determine if a contractor would be a good fit for your role.
It can also be helpful to ask a candidate if they have any questions for you. If they have lots of queries, this could be a sign that they are enthusiastic about taking on the work and are keen to do a professional job.
Confirm a Freelancer’s Skillsets
You’ll likely have job-specific tasks for freelancers to complete, and you don’t want to hire someone who isn’t up to the task. Consider asking a candidate to complete paid skills assessments or a trial period. This can help you establish if they will be able to provide you with the required level of service.
You may even find a freelancer who goes above and beyond your expectations, adding even more to your business than you were originally looking for.
Check a Freelancer’s Rates
Inquire about a contractor’s prices and confirm they are in line with the average market costs. This can help you hire the best virtual assistants at fair hourly freelancer rates.
It’s also crucial to confirm if a freelancer charges more when working at certain times of the day or evening. This can be particularly important when working with contractors who live in a different time zone. Take care not to inadvertently ask them to work during hours when their rates are higher.
Be Thorough When Selecting a Freelancer
Online job platforms make it easy to hire an independent contractor within minutes, but you should have a thorough process when selecting a freelancer. It’s a good idea to only search on trustworthy online job boards and to interview each candidate via video or audio call. You should also confirm a freelancer has the skills you need and check that they offer their services at a reasonable price.
When you work with the right freelancer, they could be a valuable asset for your company for many years to come.
If this article has helped you find a freelancer, check out more of our business posts before you go.
