In every industry, a freelance revolution is waiting to unfold. The experts are forecasting that freelancers will become a major part of our working force by the year 2020. Many modern businesses recognize the value that freelancers add with lower costs of hiring and retention. But, many others are still averse to the idea because they find a full-time working force to be more dependable. They understand and know how to deal with their in-office staff to pull out the best performances. However, in creative fields, you may feel the need to hire freelancers for a short-term project having cost and time constraints.
Specific tasks like graphic designing, web development, content writing, etc. need specialized skills. It is even more relevant when your staff lacks the skills required for completion of such tasks. However, finding and managing amazing freelancers is easier said than done. Talented and skilled freelancers are like precious jewels in the job market. New freelancers are easy to hire, but it is really challenging to evaluate their skills. They must be tested on the parameters of performance and competence.
An experienced and amazing freelancer can make your project look simple and easy. You must find these freelancers whenever your business needs an additional push. They can play a vital role in the success of your company and become an imperative part of your ongoing business development.
There are agencies that search, nurture, and specialize in managing freelancers. It is a good call to get associated with such recruitment agencies. They handle the hectic job of assimilating a pool of talented candidates whenever you are in trouble to meet the deadlines for clients.
Take into account the following tips to find and manage freelancers:
Identify Your Requirements of the Freelancer:
It is never easy to find the best freelancers if you wait until the last moment. You must figure out the schedule of work for next few months. This will help in identify the time when you need a freelancer. You should contact or initiate the process of hiring freelancers well in advance.
Preparing Your List of Freelancers:
Anticipate your work and start the process of talent acquisition well before getting the green light from your client. Identifying and preparing a list of freelancers with whom you have worked with in the past is a great place to start. Remember, every freelancer may not be available during the time of your need.
Hire the Right Freelancers:
Not every freelancer is suitable for every job. Ideally, you should hire a freelancer whose skills matches with your project. You shouldn’t recruit a freelance graphic designer if you need a web developer. Also, hire a freelancer based on the level of work. It is not feasible to hire a more senior, 10-year experienced freelancer for a junior level job. Hence, be specific to your requirement and hire them according to the nature and skill level of job.
Convey Your Requirements Clearly:
Freelancers can’t submit work within deadlines if they don’t get a clear idea of project requirements. It is important to provide them every essential detail regarding the project. Also, reveal key information to make the freelancer understand your expectations precisely. Once the idea regarding the project is understood, you can expect more accurate results.
Be Organized:
While working with freelancers, you should be well-organized with documentation. You should set up an efficient method of assigning the project and receiving the completed tasks. You need to organize your work chart, schedule of commitments, invoices from freelancers, assignments given by clients, and tasks forwarded to the freelancers.
Keep Freelancers Happy:
It is a time-tested fact that a happy team of freelancers can provide more productive results within the strictest deadlines. Freelancers are hardworking and dedicated to their job. Hence, you should reciprocate by motivating them. It will add a personal touch to your communications. Provide them more business when they submit every assignment on time. Also, you can try different initiatives to keep your associated freelancers happy and contented.
Meet Their Budget Expectations:
Price is the most important factor while hiring a freelancer. The budget of employee and employer should match on a particular project to finish the job as expected. Be clear on setting the budget and convey it to the freelancer while sharing the project details.
Finding the best freelancers and managing them effectively is not quite rocket science. However, it can become intimidating if you fail to incorporate some of the above-mentioned tips.
