Questions To Ask A Freelancer Before You Hire Them

The gig economy around the world is booming, and for good reason: businesses and freelancers both benefit from the flexibility this unique solution offers. When hiring outsourced service providers, companies face an immense choice. Numerous platforms offer services, and a multitude of staff compete for the same roles. Consequently, this competition makes it challenging for businesses to select the right person. Therefore, a hirer should know what questions to ask a freelancer before hiring them.  Also, you should know the difference between contracting and freelancing to hire the right person for your needs.

Selecting the perfect freelancer for your job can be a challenge, so here are 5 questions that you must ask before you hire anyone, no matter what role you need them for.

What Experience Do You Have In This Area Of Work?

You must review the portfolio of every freelancer you consider before you hire one so that you know what standard of work they can produce. This will give you an idea of the style and quality of the work they provide, meaning that you can make an accurate assessment before you commit to working with a freelancer.

Are You Certified And Licensed?

Some roles, such as contractors, require licenses and certifications, so you must check that your chosen freelancer has the right qualifications before you hire them. Find certified and licensed local businesses in Australia by using a dedicated platform like LinkU to find experienced tradies who can do the job you need to do to the highest possible standard.

Do You Have Any Other Skills?

Many freelancers are versatile and have several skills, so check to see if the person you’re planning on working with has any additional talents. These might not benefit your company initially, but if you decide to work with them regularly then you could use these abilities on future projects.

How Much Do You Charge?

It might sound embarrassing to ask about cost, and whilst this shouldn’t be your main concern it is something you need to discuss before you hire a freelancer. You need to make sure that you understand how much they charge, and what their pricing structure is. For example, if they charge by the hour then you need to consider what will happen if your project goes into overtime, whereas if they have a set price per project then this won’t be a concern. By being open about costs from the start, you can ensure that you’re not left with any surprises that will affect your budget. It will also benefit the freelancers, as many of them struggle to get paid promptly for jobs, so they should be open to talking about the cost before the project begins.

What Are You Looking For From This Collaboration?

Some freelancers might be keen to eventually earn themselves a full-time role, whilst others might be keen to add a partnership with your firm to their portfolio. Discuss what the freelancer is looking for from your collaboration before you work with them so that you can all get exactly what you expect.

How Do You Handle Creative Blocks?

Asking a freelancer about their strategies for overcoming creative blocks can provide insights into their problem-solving skills and perseverance. This question reveals their ability to stay productive under pressure and maintain creativity over long projects. A good freelancer will describe specific techniques, such as taking structured breaks, seeking inspiration from other projects, or collaborating with others for fresh ideas.

Can You Describe a Project Where You Had to Learn a New Skill?

This question helps you understand the freelancer’s willingness to adapt and grow. It highlights their commitment to self-improvement and their ability to handle unexpected challenges. An effective response would detail the circumstances that necessitated the learning, the process they undertook to acquire the new skill, and how it benefitted the project’s outcome.

What’s the Most Unusual Task You’ve Ever Tackled in Your Field?

This inquiry sheds light on the freelancer’s experience with unique challenges and their problem-solving creativity. A freelancer’s response can demonstrate their versatility and readiness to step outside their comfort zone. Listen for examples that show innovative thinking and a willingness to take on projects that differ from their usual work.

How Do You Balance Multiple Projects with Tight Deadlines?

Understanding how a freelancer manages time, particularly with tight deadlines, is crucial. This question assesses their organizational skills and their ability to prioritize tasks effectively. A proficient freelancer will explain their use of tools or methods, such as project management software or prioritization techniques, which help them meet deadlines without sacrificing quality.

What Role Does Feedback Play in Your Work Process?

This question explores the freelancer’s receptiveness to feedback and their dedication to delivering quality work that meets client expectations. It is important to know how they incorporate feedback to improve their work. Ideal answers will illustrate an openness to constructive criticism, examples of how they have implemented feedback in past projects, and the impact it had on the final results.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but by asking these five questions you should be able to find the right outsourced service provider for your business.