Choosing the right freelancer is a very important task for a client because, in absence of a capable, disciplined, and responsible freelancer, work output will be inadequate or not up-to-the-mark. However, the very task of selecting freelancers is not an easy one. There are so many factors to be taken into account to make the right selection.
When we talk about factors, there is a long list of what one should take into account. While you might know a few or a lot of them, your knowledge will not make any difference unless you put it to practical use.
If you are still with us, you must have already guessed what we are going to talk about. But, if you haven’t, let us make this simple and clear for you. Here, through this article, we intend to highlight a set of things which can help clients out there make the right selection.
When one takes into account whatever that will be mentioned in this article, there is a greater likelihood that the selection process will be more objective, methodical, and comprehensive. So, without further ado, let us take a look at 10 of such things a client should consider when selecting a freelancer.
1. Know What You Are Looking For
Before you venture out looking for a freelancer for your project, seek clarity as to what kind of project you have and what kind of freelancer you are looking for.
For example, if your project is not too technical or requires simple skills for execution, then you can consider hiring a fresh freelancer. However, in the case of a high-valued or highly technical project, then you should prefer hiring an experienced freelancer unless you come across a fresh freelancer with an incredibly talented background.
2. Seek Applications With Necessary Details
Do not simply ask for proposals without any specific detail. Now that you know what you have on your mind and who you are looking for, state the same in your job post. State it very clear that you are looking forward to receiving applications from persons with specific skills, experience, geographical location, language preferences and whatnot.
By adding such requirements, you should only receive applications which match them. This will make the vetting process less laborious and more meaningful.
3. Get On Authentic Freelance Websites
In order to choose the right freelancer, you must have access to an ample number of freelancers to choose from. For that to happen, you will have to sign up on various freelance websites with requisite features and substantial user base.
These websites we mentioned offer many useful features such as hour tracking, secured payment portal, publicly accessible profiles, customized search options, and whatnot. Hence, the task of finding good freelancers is made relatively easy through these websites.
4. Read The Profile Thoroughly
Do not make a final selection without going through the profiles of applicants. Proposals may not be as detailed as their profiles, which are sources of abundant information on applicants and can help verify their claims made in proposals.
A typical freelancer profile on any of the mainstream freelance website will include a description, previous work experiences, bidding amount, profile picture, client feedback (if any) and portfolio. You are expected to glance through each of these sections for fully appreciating the freelancer’s profile. It is advised that you pay special attention to feedback and the portfolio of Freelancer skills.
5. Ask For Referrals
If you are looking forward to working with an experienced freelancer, you should consider asking for referrals.
The point is that an experienced freelancer can arrange for referrals from his previous clients to substantiate his claims. In fact, client referrals give authenticity to the profile of the freelancer and assure the client that the freelancer will not runaway mid-way.
6. Give Them Tests
Let us suppose that you have shortlisted four applicants and want to decide from amongst them who is best suited for your job. You have gone through their profiles and credentials, and they seem to be equally good. So, what now?
To identify the best one, you can conduct a test to determine their ability and suitability for the project. For example, if you want someone to ghost-write your horror story, then ask the candidates to write up a piece on anything concerning a sub-theme from your story. Assess the submissions you receive and decide for yourself.
7. Interview Them
The advantage of an interview is that one is able to assess a person through his verbal expressions such as tone and language. Once you have shortlisted candidates, arrange for a telephonic or video interview, preferably the latter one.
During the interview, discuss the details of the project such as its timeline, budget, guidelines, rights, and others. To know whether the freelancer is interested in the project, ask him to give his suggestions on the same.
8. Avoid Those That Are Too Inflexible
You should avoid working with a freelancer who is rigid with the way he operates. In the freelance community, clients, as well as freelancers, have to make compromises to get things done. One cannot be too inflexible in the mode of working because it can cost them a reputation and money.
If you come across a freelancer who complains often or wants the timeline and the work to be tailored as per his needs all the time, then it is better to not work with him at all. Such a freelancer will only give you headaches—something which you, as a client, has enough of them.
9. Get A Contract Signed
Use a contract as a shield against unwarranted claims which freelancers often make to avoid work or extract money out of your pockets. Thus, a contract can be of great utility to you.
Once you have negotiated the terms with the freelancer, reduce them into writing and incorporate them in a contract. Have him go through the contract and get it signed. If there is unwillingness from the other side, it is a red flag.
10. Responsiveness
Once you have shortlisted candidates, connect with them via email or phone. Assess their responsiveness and accordingly decide.
The reason why a candidate’s responsiveness is material is that communication is an integral aspect of freelancing because of the usual lack of physical oversight. If a candidate is professional and serious about work, his responsiveness will be reasonable. He will attend your emails or phone calls, give due time to you, and respond within a reasonable time.
A bad choice of a freelancer can end up causing huge losses for a client. It is, therefore, extremely necessary that the selection process is undertaken intelligently and methodically. For that, our aforementioned list will guide you through fundamental considerations that help in making an informed decision.
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