Things to Consider When Hiring a Contractor for Your Business
Hiring an independent contractor can be a great way of bridging skills gaps, gaining specialist knowledge and expanding your business – but which such a wide range of contractors out there, it can be tricky finding the right fit for you and your company. If you’re considering hiring a contractor for your business, what factors do you need to take into account before signing on the dotted line?
What defines a contractor?
A contractor is generally defined as someone who works for your company on a short-term or per-project basis. As independent contractors, these workers are not classed as permanent employees and are usually hired to help out with specialist tasks that you and your base workforce may be underqualified to do. Aside from more access to specialist skills, the other benefits of hiring contractors include lower overheads, organisational flexibility and reduced legal liability.
Things to Consider When Hiring a Contractor for Your Business
One of the most important factors to consider when hiring a contractor is their specialist skill set – because contractors are usually brought in as outside help to assist with specialised tasks, you’ll need to double-check that your candidate has the skills and experience for the job at hand. Just like with any other new hire, you should be able to gauge a contractor’s skills and experience via interviewing, checking their CV and checking up on their references and previous clients. Aside from their proven track record, another key factor to take on board is double-checking that the contractor has the qualifications, licenses or certifications necessary to conduct their professional role – this is especially true if you’re hiring in the construction sector, particularly for contractors who’ll be dealing with electricity and gas supplies – failing to hire certified professionals could lead to damaging extra costs, accident and injury and even legal fees later down the line. While it’s important to cover yourself and your business with builders’ insurance, you’ll be less vulnerable to accident and injury claims if you hire a contractor who you know is qualified and fit for purpose.
To avoid picking up potentially unscrupulous or underqualified contractors, try to go through a high-quality agency that thoroughly vets its candidates before sending them over to your business. Finally, another crucial factor to take into account when hiring a contractor is their rate – independent contractors tend to be much more expensive than long-term employees, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank by hiring outside help. Shop around and always hire within your means, even if that means extending your monthly budget or going with a less preferable (but more cost-effective) option.
There is a wide range of factors to consider when hiring an outside contractor, but you should now have a better grasp of the basics. Always make new hires carefully and remember to do your research – double-check prospective contractors before making any agreements to avoid potential accident and injury claims or hiring an unsuitable candidate. Good luck!