10 Things You Must Ask Before Hiring a Freelancer
Many problems during the project development stage can be avoided, if you only asked the right questions before hiring that freelancer. Why? Hiring the right people is the core of your business success. You have to ask it right – in details. It is important for you to check their job skills, strengths and weaknesses for you to get the best talent and value for your money.
Ten Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Freelancer
The last thing you want is to have a mess of a job and disputing for work done by the person you hired. Can you avoid this worst-case scenario? Yes. You can ask freelancers:
1. Who will be working on the project?
This is a no-brainer question that many forget to ask. Many freelancers subcontract work to third parties so they can handle their work loads and earn more.
2. Who will be leading the project?
If you are going to assign a task to a team of experts, make sure you know who the team lead is.
3. How long will it take to do the project?
After giving an overview of the project, you need to know just how much time will it take for the work to be done. Keep in mind that these are estimates, as changes can happen in between. Whether you are charged fixed rate or by the hour, it is important to know when you will get results.
4. Have you done similar jobs to this project?
The work delivered will always reflect a freelancer’s experience. Ask to see samples, portfolio, or any testimonials. Although you may shortlist seasoned freelancers, don’t close your doors yet to talented newbies who can be the next freelancing rockstar.
5. What is your availability?
You don’t own a freelancer’s full attention as there are plenty of freelance projects to work on. Some freelancers love sending weekly email updates and some want to talk it over an instant messenger. Whatever the preference is, make sure you get constant communication – daily or weekly.
6. Do you work with contracts?
Trust is easier said than done. When working with someone you haven’t even met in person, it is only smart to have a safety net when you are sharing sensitive data. A professional contract can strengthen your work relationship in the long run.
7. How will you work on the project?
Getting a glimpse of how a freelancer plans to handle your project will help you gage their enthusiasm for the work to be done. Each project requires collaboration and make sure the freelancer knows just what exactly they are agreeing to. Provide an overview of the project’s milestones and check if the contractor can really commit to the task.
8. What are the payment terms?
After asking questions 1 to 7, you now have a clearer idea just what you will be paying for. No matter how experienced the freelancer or not, you have to spell out the payment terms and make sure both parties agree on it. You can put this in fine print.
9. How many revisions do you allow?
A good freelancer will meet your expectations and goals right at the first try. However, nobody’s perfect. In case there will be issues, you need to ask if the freelancer is open for revisions and how many will be allowed. As quality is always an issue with outsourcing work, allowing room for revisions will help you decide whether to continue or cut your losses early.
10. What do you need from me to start this project?
After asking all of the nine questions above, now is time for you to allow your freelancers to ask you questions. Know what they will need from you for them to start working on the task, like photos, files, etc.
When it comes to hiring freelancers, you need to stay smart in making that deal. Just keep in mind that you know what you want. Communicate this well with your prospects. Freelance disasters can be avoided by sharing a solution, not just a problem. At the end of an interview, a simple Thank You for taking the time being interviewed can be a start of something… wonderful.
Do you have any question to add on the list? Share Your Thoughts.
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