Every business is unique. It’s a saying that rings incredibly true no matter the industry, size of the company, or the products/services it offers. With that said, staffing needs will vary from company to company, with some needing a large dedicated full-time crew and others being able to run efficiently on a skeleton crew.
As a small business owner, there’s no doubt that you’ve been operating on that bare-bones crew, but there comes a time where extra help is needed. Maybe your team doesn’t have the right skill set for a particular task or project, or perhaps you just need some temporary help. This is when it can make complete sense to hire on a freelancer who can work on a project-by-project basis. But before you go ahead with this hire, there are a few things you’ll want to know.
References and Referrals Will be Key
When looking for a freelancer, one of the most important questions to ask is for references and referrals. In most cases, they will also have a portfolio of work that you can go through. It’s important to take the time and actually follow up with these references and referrals so you can get a better understanding of what kind of freelancer they would be.
Do They Have Specific Experience with Your Industry?
On top of the referrals and references, you may also want to find freelancers with specific experience in your industry. This will be dependent on the job itself and just what you need from the freelancer. Sometimes that in-depth understanding of the industry, and even your company can prove to be extremely valuable and will reflect in the work delivered to you.
What Kind of Communication Skills Do They Have?
In the majority of cases, freelancers work remotely, which means they aren’t on-site at your office or place of business. That doesn’t mean it should affect communication, however, as you should be able to speak to them whenever necessary in order to communicate instructions, details, information, and needs.
Can They Handle Constructive Criticism?
Here’s something that The Hunt, who are experts in the field of freelancers, recommends to hiring managers. A freelancer that can take criticism without taking it personally is essential. Offering constructive criticism isn’t intended for mean purposes, rather it is to ensure that the work being delivered to you is what you need and want. They shouldn’t push back against you.
What About Their Rates?
Rates should also be clearly defined before the contract begins. Make sure to ask if there will be any added costs at the end of the project so that you have a heads up.
A Multi-Pronged Approach
Finding a freelancer shouldn’t be as simple as going with the first one you can find. Instead, it is a process you want to take some time with, ask plenty of questions, and make sure you feel completely comfortable and confident in your final decision. Remember, a freelancer will be just as important to the overall success of the company, so being picky is essential.
