It’s a known fact as a contractor that sometimes you need someone more specialized or skilled than who you have on your team to assist on a project you are contracted for. Finding niche talent can be tough, but with the help of the right tools, and tips to follow, you can tap into a plethora of potential candidates to help accomplish your job. Here’s a few tips we recommend considering when hiring subcontractors…
1. Assess The Project & Build a Plan
Understanding the scope of work you need subcontracted out is the number one step and most important when looking to hire someone to help you. If you don’t understand the work that is supposed to be completed, how are they supposed to know what they are getting involved with?
Make sure that you consider the skill sets needed for accomplishing the project. This will not only make it easier to search for talent, but it will also help you realize the depth of the project, the timeline, and quality of craftsmanship to finish it.
2. Know Where to Search For Talent
The availability of resources at your fingertips to search for talent in our era is virtually unlimited. There are options to choose from such as online platforms (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook, Indeed.com, etc.), community outreach, network outreach, outsourced recruitment assistance, and more. By having access to social media and the array of online recruiting platforms to reach out to potential subcontractors, you have an endless opportunity to find the right fit for the job. Utilize the forms of outreach that feel right for what you defined you need in tip #1.
3. Create a Detailed Scope of Work Contract
Once you’ve found candidates to be potential subcontractors, create a detailed scope of work outlining the expectations, compensation, completion goal, and any other relevant details that are crucial in accomplishing the job. Include a contract agreement to sign by both parties to ensure there is a documented agreement of work to be done.
4. Provide Open Lines of Communication & Leadership
As soon as work is set to begin with the subcontractor of your choice, provide them with the understanding that you are there to work together to get the job done. It can be tough for someone who is subcontracted to get their job done when they aren’t viewed as a “part of the team.” Fundamentally, this can be worked through with good communication and management skills.
