HOT OUTSOURCING

Outsourcing, or its related terms (homeshoring, offshoring), often requires a hiring process much like the one an HR department would go through when hiring an on-site employee. Whether you are looking for a technical writer, a programmer or someone to do data entry, finding a skilled and reliable person for the job takes work.

But many businesses make the mistake of treating these important interviews differently than they would in-person interviews. Though the newest member of your team may not be walking in the door tomorrow, hiring a freelancer to become part of your business is often like hiring another on-site employee.

To help you streamline your interviews, here are a few points to guide you through this important process.

1. Ask detailed questions to verify skills

– You likely already have a freelancer’s resume at hand, so dig deeper by asking detailed questions to verify if the provider has the skills and experience you are looking for. For example, if you are looking for someone to design an ecommerce website, ask about which gateways they’ve worked with in the past.

– As you discuss the provider’s work history and your own assignment, evaluate whether the answers sound reasonable to you. Is this person familiar with the technical terms you are using?

2. Inquire about Samples of Previous Work

– Carefully review these samples and ask specific questions about how the provider went about performing the job. For instance, if the provider designed a website for another client, ask how he or she divided up the tasks. How long did each phase take?

3. Asking for an Estimate

– Once you are ready to ask for an estimate, ask the provider if he or she thinks the assignment requirements are complete and clear.

– Determine whether the provider has the right tools for the job (including hardware and software).

– Discuss how many hours the provider will likely spend on the project each day. Take into account the number of hours that will be needed for testing, and most importantly, make sure the estimate sounds realistic.

– Think about how you will communicate with the provider. Will you check in every day with an email? Will this work for both of you? Agree to a clear and consistent communications strategy.

– Before embarking on a large project, ask the provider to do a small test project first.

Many businesses have successfully nurtured long-term outsourcing solutions with freelancers from all over the world. By carefully selecting and interviewing the right provider for the job, you’ll be able to take care of all of your outsourcing needs.

oDesk allows businesses to search for and hire providers in an extensive online marketplace. The multiple tools offered on the site, including an enhanced provider search, skill tests (which providers take to verify their skills) and feedback rating system can help you find quality candidates, but the interviews you have with freelancers on the site will ultimately allow you to make your final decision.

For more tips on how to interview providers for your outsourcing needs, visit the oDesk blog