10 Key Things Employers Should Look At When Hiring a Freelancer

As an employer, I am sure you have had your fair share of challenges when hiring freelancers. Also, freelancers need clarification on what employers are looking for when hiring.

Hiring freelancers has become a strategic move for many businesses in today’s dynamic work environment.

Whether you’re a startup looking to scale quickly or an established company aiming to bring in specialized skills, freelancers can be a valuable resource.

However, finding the right freelancer can be challenging.

Today, I will explain what to look for when hiring a freelancer, ensuring you make informed decisions that benefit your business.

1. Define Your Needs Clearly

Before you start searching for a freelancer, it’s crucial to define your project requirements clearly.

Ask yourself:

• What specific skills do I need?
• What is the scope of the project?
• What is my budget?
• What is the expected timeline?

By answering these questions, you can create a detailed job description that attracts suitable candidates. A well-defined job description not only helps you but also gives potential freelancers a clear understanding of what is expected, reducing the risk of misunderstandings later on.

2. Look for Relevant Experience

Experience is a significant factor when hiring freelancers. Review the candidate’s portfolio to see if they have worked on similar projects.

For instance, if you need a graphic designer for a marketing campaign, look for freelancers with experience creating marketing materials.

I would Check for:

• Portfolio quality: Does their past work meet your standards?
• Client feedback: What do previous clients say about their work?
• Relevant projects: Have they completed projects similar to yours?

Remember, a freelancer’s ability to deliver high-quality work is often reflected in their previous projects and client feedback.

3. Evaluate Communication Skills

Effective communication is vital for any freelance project. Since freelancers typically work remotely, clear and timely communication ensures that the project progresses smoothly.

Pay attention to:

• Responsiveness: How quickly do they reply to your messages?
• Clarity: Are their communications clear and concise?
• Proactiveness: Do they ask questions to understand the project better?

A freelancer who communicates well can save you a lot of time and prevent potential issues that arise from misunderstandings.

4. Assess Technical Skills

Depending on your project, technical skills may be essential. For example, if you’re hiring a web developer, their proficiency in programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or frameworks like React or Angular is crucial.

Consider conducting a small test or asking for specific examples of their work to evaluate their skills.

As a rule of thumb, I always encourage employers to pay a certain percentage as an honorarium for the test, which would set the tone for a great relationship and won’t make the freelancer feel used.

5. Check Availability

As freelancers, we often juggle multiple projects. Ensure the freelancer you choose can commit the necessary time to your project. Discuss their current workload and availability upfront to avoid any delays. Setting clear deadlines and expectations from the start helps in managing timelines effectively.

6. Understand Their Work Process

Different freelancers have different work processes. Some might prefer weekly check-ins, while others might opt for milestone-based updates. (I enjoy milestone-based updates because they allow me the necessary attention I need in my work.)

Understand their work process and see if it aligns with your expectations.

Discuss:

• Project milestones: Key deliverables and timelines.
• Reporting: Frequency and format of progress reports.
• Feedback mechanism: How and when feedback will be provided and incorporated.

7. Consider Cultural Fit

While technical skills and experience are crucial, the freelancer’s cultural fit with your team can also impact the project’s success. A good cultural fit ensures smoother collaboration and better overall results.

During the interview, assess their:

• Work style: Do they prefer working independently or in a collaborative environment?
• Values: Do their professional values align with your company’s values?
• Attitude: Are they adaptable and open to feedback?

8. Discuss Budget and Payment Terms

Be upfront about your budget and discuss payment terms before starting the project.

Clarify:

• Payment schedule: Will you pay per hour, per project, or upon reaching certain milestones?
• Additional costs: Are there any potential extra costs (e.g., software licenses, travel expenses)?
• Invoicing: How and when will invoices be submitted and paid?

A clear understanding of the financial terms helps prevent disputes later on.

9. Sign a Contract

A written contract is essential when hiring freelancers. It protects both parties and sets clear expectations.

The contract should include:

• Scope of work: Detailed description of tasks and deliverables.
• Timeline: Deadlines and milestones.
• Payment terms: Agreed-upon rates and payment schedule.
• Confidentiality: Clauses to protect sensitive information.
• Termination: Conditions under which the contract can be terminated.

A well-drafted contract minimizes risks and ensures that both parties are on the same page.

You can use tools like Adobe Acrobat, invoicing tools, Microsoft Word, and others to create timely contracts and sign the dotted lines using DocuSign.

10. Start with a Small Project

If you’re unsure about a freelancer’s capabilities, start with a small project or a trial period. This allows you to assess their skills, reliability, and fit with your team without committing to a long-term contract.

Successful completion of the trial project can lead to a more extended engagement.

So that’s it. A guide to help you when next you want to hire a freelance talent.

What do you look for when hiring a freelancer?
Do you need a freelancer for your job?

Send a dm here for a FREE consultation.

Happy hiring!