In business, there comes a time when the overall workload exceeds the number of available employees. Freelancer contractors can be your next best alternative if you cannot afford to hire new full-time staff on demand.
That is why hiring a contractor or freelancer to help with your business projects is becoming increasingly popular. You can surprisingly get more work done without incurring so much overhead. However, finding and using a qualified contractor can be challenging as the pool is often huge. So, you need to be very thoughtful about your hiring process.
Whether you are looking to hire a contractor for a short-term gig or a long-term role, here is how to effectively assign a qualified contractor to a business project.
Establish Expectations
Start by establishing expectations. These should be expressed from the very beginning of the interview process. Think of them as goals to help clarify and ensure everyone is on the same page. Doing so will establish a baseline for you to measure future performance.
Remember, the contractor must not necessarily fit your company culture or brand identity. Their primary focus is on completing the task they are hired to do, and setting expectations will keep them from getting off track and wandering off their job. So, remember this when addressing them and keep all communications clear and concise.
Know Their Skills
Skill refers to the ability to accomplish a given task. Think of it as an evaluative element that you can use to find the right people to hire; knowing their skills beforehand is crucial.
You can ask specific questions about what the contractor can do to determine if they fit your needs. If you have particular requirements on your end, search for the exact type of contractor you need.
Always be upfront about what skills you require. For example, a freelance angular developer should be your search preference if you need a Javascript developer.
Properly Onboard
Once you find and hire a qualified contractor, it is time to onboard them to the larger organization. Be sure to properly onboard them so they can fully acclimate to their new role and company philosophy to make them feel like part of the team.
Consider what your contractor will need and ensure they have it from the beginning for success. Take time to explain what is essential to know about the company or a project. Also, always allow the contractor to ask questions at any point in the relationship. Doing so often helps new hires understand the role better and know what is expected.
Follow Up
Once the contractor is fully onboarded, you must follow up with them. Think of it as regular check-ins but with the chance to create performance conversations. Follow up with the contractor to see how they are doing and if the project is still on track.
Remember, you are likely not their only client, so be patient and try not to bombard them with constant follow-ups. Consider setting up a regular touch base so you both know when updates will be shared. Follow-ups ensure that everything is on track and show your commitment to helping your contractor succeed.
Provide Feedback
Feedback, in any workplace, is meant to help us improve or assess performance. It often provides a unique chance to identify concerns, address issues, eliminate confusion, and help new hires navigate their new work environment.
It is an effective way for you to make your new contractor feel supported in their new role at the company. When tactfully done, this process often creates a workplace that is much better, more robust, and harmonious for everyone.
Offer the contractor honest feedback and ask for feedback in return. All input is essential, positive or negative, as it will help break bad habits and strengthen processes.
Reviewing business projects and relationship afterward is always good, regardless of whether the contractor returns feedback or not. Such feedback could help improve how you assign tasks to contractors in the future and enhance teamwork.
Quality First
As it grows and expands, the number of moving parts in any business often increases. So, it is common to need an extra hand to finish business projects successfully. That is where contractors come in handy.
While there are many ways to find and hire talented contractors for your business projects, it is always best to be mindful during the hiring process, as it directly dictates performance. By following the tips above, you can successfully assign qualified talent to your project.
