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Whether you need to build a new website, or need help with marketing or administrative work, hiring a freelancer can be a great option. But since there are so many different choices, how do you choose the right ones? In this article, we provide some tips on how to identify the right freelancer for the type of job you need to have done.

1. Determine the Details of the Job and the Skills Required
The first step is to determine the details of the job. For example, if you need to build a new website, make a list of all the things that you want to have included in the site, such as the number of pages you want and what you want to have on each page. Establishing exactly what you want and your budget will help you to know the skills and time that will be required for the job. If it is a large project, establish milestones and due dates for each milestone.

2. Write an Effective Work Description
Writing an effective work description will help you to find the right person for the job and eliminate those who are not qualified. It is best to create a detailed description with a relevant title. Include the following in your description:

● The amount of experience necessary.
● Skills needed for the job.
● Software that the candidate needs to know.
● How and when payment will be made.
● Request samples of previous work.
● Turnaround time expected.
● Ask about the availability of the freelancer.
● Ask if the freelancer has any questions.

To help streamline the job application process, you can create a job form for candidates to fill out and submit to you. On the form, ask them questions that are relevant to the job.

3. Identify the Top Candidates
Identify several top candidates for the job based on the criteria you had established. To help with this, you can create a spreadsheet that lays out all of your criteria and rates the candidates on each one.

4. Interview the Top Candidates
Once you know who your top candidates are, schedule times to interview them. Prepare a list of interview questions to ask them. If you had created a tracking spreadsheet or application form previously, you will already have answers to many of your questions. You will be able to expand on them during the interview. You can have a phone interview or video interview using software such as Skype or Zoom. The length of the interview can depend on the complexity of the job, but interviews usually take 30 minutes to an hour.

5. Hiring the Freelancer
When hiring a freelancer, make sure to use a written agreement. This helps to protect both you and the freelancer and ensures that you are both on the same page about the work details and payment.

A coach can give you additional guidance about hiring the right freelancers or employees for your organization. Get in touch today!