Working with freelancers is cost-effective whether you are just starting to build a team or already have an existing business. You can save a lot, especially if the task you need to be done is just a one-time thing.
The hiring process right now should be easy, given that there are so many freelancers in the market. You can even hire one using your phone for less than an hour without getting out of the comfort of the perfect massage chair. But, that is also the drawback. In the sea of freelancers with varying levels of skills, how do you know if you are hiring the right one?
It is vital to hire the best freelancer out there for the job you want to be done. This way, you will not be wasting your time. Most importantly, the second time you need a similar job to be done, you know who to call. Here are some tips you can follow to ensure you are hiring the best person for the job.
1. Set a budget
Budget is always the biggest consideration. To be able to set a proper budget for the task, you should do your research first. What kind of job are you looking to get accomplished? What is the level of difficulty of the task? By knowing this, you will be able to set fair compensation.
If this is your first time hiring a freelancer, you can browse freelancing platforms to see what rates freelancers usually charge. You can also ask around the people in your network if they have experience working with one. Once you have an idea of how much it costs and you can afford it, you can now get to the actual hiring process.
Word of advice: do not low ball talent. Be ready to pay for quality work. Be fair with your compensation once you publish your job posting and many people reach out to you. If the competition is tough, some freelancers will even offer meager rates.
Sometimes, this is just so there will be something reflected on their work portfolio. Remember that you are paying them according to their skill and expertise. Plus, if you can’t do something yourself, be ready to pay someone else who can.
2. Publish your job post
You can opt to try only one freelance site. You can easily monitor the applications you get by using just one platform. Some platforms don’t charge clients, but some charge you a fee once you pay a project that has been successfully accomplished. It is very minimal compared to how much they cut from the freelancer’s side.
When you make a job posting, include all the details. This is so you can fast-track the whole application process. You can quickly eliminate unqualified applicants by being transparent with the experience and qualifications you are looking for. Even the soft skills you want to see include them. If you don’t like working with people who are not available to communicate with you, make sure to add that.
3. Select the best candidate according to their qualifications and your values
Check their work portfolio if they have one. Read all the comments and reviews of past clients on their profiles. Usually, the job success rate and the work history are right under their freelancer profiles.
It is up to you if you want to interview the person or not. However, it is easy for anyone to claim that their past works were successful. If you really want to know, ask for proof. You can even ask them to do sample work for you. Usually, this is paid because they will be spending time doing the trial work.
This is actually an excellent way to test the waters. Sometimes, their work ethic shows up during the trial period. It is called a trial period for a reason. Before you commit to a partnership with them, it’s helpful that you grasp how they are as a worker. If you find a great candidate but don’t like their personality, you can always compromise.
Lastly, be open to negotiation. Sometimes, the freelancer cannot meet the deadline for some reason. But other times, it is the client who cannot afford an expert freelancer’s rate. Negotiating your terms will help both parties. After all, it’s a partnership, and all effective partnerships require open communication.
Once you find people you like working with, make sure to treat them well from your end. While there’s a lot of freelancers in the world, it’s hard to keep working with different people every time.
