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Last Updated on September 6, 2023 by Work In My Pajamas
The dream of working from home is now one that can easily come true for almost any type of professional. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are becoming increasingly reliant on freelance and contract employees to perform some of their most essential tasks. Whether you are looking for an editor to improve the content on your website or a software developer to write code for a mobile application, hiring remotely can be affordable, effective, and time-efficient. However, there are a few things you should know about screening potential remote hires before committing vital resources to a project.
In This Post:
Check References and Reviews
It’s always a good idea to examine reviews, testimonials, and references for a candidate before hiring them. If possible, ask them to provide contact information for several professional clients who you can speak with. Many contract employees seek work on established internet destinations, which may also provide a source for feedback and unbiased reviews on their performance. If a candidate is new or does not have references available, you can also consider starting with a smaller contract commitment with the possibility of expanding their role if they are a good fit.
Conduct a Background Check
A background check can’t tell you everything you need to know about a prospective employee, but it can provide you with valuable insight that may play an important part of the hiring decision. Online background check services are available to help companies vet applicants quickly and affordably. Businesses that frequently rely on outsourcing can also go through an established hiring service that connects verified and credible contractors with employers. While they may add an extra step or two to the hiring process, background checks can provide essential information that may influence hiring decisions.
Ensure Commitment and Communication
When interviewing candidates for remote positions, be sure to discuss your needs and expectations regarding communications, scheduling, and team interactions. Many employers have preferred software or apps they use to communicate, so make sure the prospective contractor is able and willing to be compatible. You should also establish clear scheduling and deadline expectations beforehand, as well as conditions that may result in termination of the contract.
It’s normal for business leaders to hesitate at the idea of entrusting key projects to outsourced workers, but it doesn’t have to be a risky or frustrating process. As long as you take your time to interview candidates and do some basic research, you can gather more than enough information to make an educated decision. Working with contractors can is a great source of value for many businesses once they start collaborating with reliable and competent professionals.
